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Winnipeg, Man.
Ultra-marathon cyclist ends quest after six days


Ultra-marathon cyclist Arvid Loewen’s attempt to cycle 7200 km in 18 days ended abruptly after just six days on the road.

Loewen, who lives in Winnipeg, was attempting to ride from Inuvik, N.W.T., north of the Arctic Circle, to Point Pelee, Ont., Canada’s southernmost tip, to raise money for Mennonite Central Committee water projects overseas and Family Life Network, a broadcast ministry of the Manitoba Mennonite Brethren Conference.

Loewen expressed disappointment at having to stop after six days, but felt he had made the right decision. “I love to dream. Once in a while, I choose to turn a dream into a goal. But when it is all said and done, I am a realist,” he said in an e-mail from the Yukon, shortly after he stopped cycling.

By 1400 km into the benefit marathon, strong headwinds and high altitudes had caused him serious respiratory problems. Loewen and his crew, made up in part by his family, decided to end the trip rather than risk his long-term health.

Loewen, who began the marathon July 3, had already covered a gruelling section of road, the infamous Dempster Highway – a victory in itself. He rode the highway, built of crushed rocks, in just two days and five-and-a-half hours.

“As I promised Ruth (his wife) and my children before,” continued Loewen, “there can come a time when I have to take the long-term health risks into consideration. This was one of those times.”

Although Loewen failed to reach his destination, his cycle had captured the imagination of supporters. Donations to MCC and Family Life Network totalled over $13,000 by mid-July.

 – MCC Canada release

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Last modified October 10, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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