Name: PL & Kristen Meindertsma
Residence: Canada
Year of birth: 1972 / 1967
Bike: Salsa Cutthroat
Riding period: July 25 – October 16, 2024
Most favourite part:
PL: Sandy beaches and skinny dipping in Finland and Sweden. Fresh bread and pastries in France and Spain. History of the Vikings in the North and ancient castles in the South. The finish… we ended with no rain, sunny skies, and seeing the ocean scenery was amazing. The videos and messages we received from the 5 charities we support, friends and family encouraging and motivating us for the entire trip.
Kristen: Finishing each day knowing you made it. The people…oh the people…so amazing. The endless lakes in Finland. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Long, beautiful descents. The endless beautiful skies. Endless Olive Orchards in Spain. Water…lakes, rivers or the ocean always made me feel better. Espresso & pastries everyday in the small villages. Messages from home and people to keep us going. Our charity visit in Lithuania. The amazing finish into Cape Ste. Vincente. Doing this together.
Random Thoughts:
PL: Should have brought hiking boots. Wet in warm weather isn’t that bad. People are nice everywhere… if you are nice to them. I can talk to anyone with Google Translate. No more tostada’s and jamón please. Starting to dislike the downhill, knowing there is another steep uphill coming. Why do they have to make the roads in these towns so steep and narrow?
Kristen: Even when you think you will not have to, there will almost always be a hike-a-bike section that you will hate. “I know it says there is a trail and we are on it, but there is NO trail here!!!” Hunting season changes everything. Riding to the top of yet another hill into a 13th century church for the night is totally worth it! Enough with the tostada’s!!! Chips and Fanta make everything better. I wish I knew what mushrooms were safe to eat. Uno Cerveza por favor!
*We were thrilled to ride the EDT as part of our Cycle 5 to Survive initiative! This accomplishment marked the completion of our year 2 goals as we embark on a personal journey to discover deeper purpose. Over the next 5 years, we aim to complete 5 rides across 5 continents, raising $2.5 million for our 5 chosen charities. Doing this together as husband and wife makes it even more special!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cycle5tosurvive/