Day 32 - Winnipeg, MB to Falcon Lake, MB

June 14, 2026

Start Time: 6;30 am

Stop Time: 1:00 pm

KM Travelled: 147.3 km

Elevation: +256/ - 198 m

Special Stuff: Crossed the centre point of Canada

I’m enthusiastic to get on the road this morning. I’m packed and have had a nice breakfast when my brother stops by my hotel to say ‘goodbye’ before he starts heading back home. He lets me know that he might come out to Newfoundland to celebrate my arrival at Cape Spear, which I think is awesome!

Leaving Winnipeg early on a Sunday morning has a major benefit – very little traffic. Coming into the city, I had to cross a very busy highway overpass that did not have a bike lane nor sidewalk It was quite scary – I just waited for a small break in the traffic, waved my arm up, and gunned it. I do not want to have to deal with that again. This morning’s traffic is super light, and thankfully there are no overpasses like the one I crossed earlier coming into Winnipeg.

The morning ride is reflective and I’m feeling emotional. Spending time with my brother was so great. It made me realize how much I miss my family - the chatter, the jokes, and just hanging out. I’ve heard about this emotional reaction from bikers after they’ve spent time with loved ones along the way – so it does not come as a surprise. I could ignore my feelings, but I think it’s important to feel them. Missing people is an indicator of how much you love and appreciate them.

Just before 8:00 am, I cross the longitudinal centre of Canada in Tachė, MB. To manage my expectations, I remind myself that this is NOT the mid-point of my ride as the highway is not as straight going forward as it was getting here. Maybe I’m ¼ to 1/3 of the way.

A few days back, just before Winnipeg, I started to notice to wind blowing through the leaves on the trees. This is a soothing sound for me. I often sit in my backyard at home just listening to the wind blowing the leaves while the sun warms my skin. I like to think about the marvel of trees with billions of leaves exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen that helps to sustain life on our planet. I am grateful to have more trees with the wind blowing through the leaves today.

Just before Prawda, I see Coyote again. This time Coyote is a long way down one of  the connector roads between the twinned highways. Coyote is facing me, looks at me and then turns to run back into the bushes. At first, I think Coyote is intimidated by my new tires – can’t mess with Schwabe Marathons. But then I realize that Coyote has probably come to say “good-bye” as I leave the prairies.

In Coyote’s place, I get some new companions - the hugest flies I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s hot, I’m traveling 30 km/ hour, and I’ve got about 3 flies keeping pace, doing 360’s and acrobatic moves around me. I pull my sleeves down because they look hungry. I dare not stop riding whilst they are around.

The landscape is starting to change. I can see some rocks and there are more bodies of water.

I enter Whiteshell Provincial Park and notice signs that alert to wildlife – including bears (I haven’t missed bears). On today’s ride I pass two deer that have been hit by cars - I ride around them. A third deer stands at the side of the road looking to cross into the traffic – it makes a better decision for the moment and turns around.

The highway pattern changes just before Falcon Lake. We are back to a single lane both both directions. The traffic is very heavy going west, and very light going east. I’m feeling tired. Thankfully, I have reached my destination as I need time to adapt.

Falcon Lake has a nice campground – I get a campsite close to the bathroom. There’s a grocery store and some restaurants in town. After setting up camp, I go to the shower room to take my 3-minute shower. To maximize my time in the shower, I put shampoo in my hair before I shower. I put my coins in and am blasted with icy cold water – I’m pretty sure I dropped a few ‘f-bombs’ as I endured the unexpected icy torture. Towards the end of the shower, I am granted 30 seconds of warm water. I guess Coyote had to throw in one last trick for me before leaving the prairie provinces.

After a dinner in town, I hang around my campsite. Just down from me is a huge family gathering. It is so great to hear all the ruckus, but it does add to my feeling of loneliness today.

I started this journey on May 14th. Today is the beginning of the second month. I have crossed 3 provinces, and I expect to finish the 4th when I cross over into Ontario tomorrow. I continue to marvel at what we humans are capable of doing when we remove the glass ceiling and confront our limiting beliefs.