BICYCLING ON A DARE

It is possible there have been people who have cycled across Canada on a dare.

Then there is Stan Wawzonek, a 60-year-old Brantford, Ont., grandfather,
who pedalled his bike across the country for DARE.

'I think it's one of the strongest programs there is for kids,' says
Wawzonek. 'My oldest grandson went through the program and he said it was
great.'

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program is taught to Grade 6 and 7
students to divert them from drug and alcohol abuse.

Wawzonek started from St. John's, Nfld., in April, travelled 8,800
kilometres and stopped at more than 90 Canadian towns and cities promoting
DARE.

He passed through Nanaimo Monday on his way to Victoria, his final destination.

On the way along his cross-country trek he replaced two rear sprockets on
his bike, two broken chains and three worn out tires to make the journey

He also endured eight flat tires, two of which he quips happened in motel
rooms because he would bring the bike into the rooms with him at night and
discover the tires deflated in the morning.

The toughest part of the journey was through northern Ontario where there
were long, tiring grades over hills.

He had help from his support team George and Mildred Markle, two friends
who paced his progress in a motor home.

'In the morning I'd start off my day, 7 - 7:30 a.m.' he says. 'Two hours
later they catch up with me and give me breakfast.'

Wawzonek did not collect money on the way, but suggested all donations be
given to local DARE programs.

'The main thing I try to get across is: Support the DARE program in your
city,' he says. 'It's our kids, our future and invest in them.'