After 6 days and 583 miles of cycling through Canada and the United States to raise money for the ARCF, Craig Smallwood (right) and his father Dave finally make it to Boston, where Craig is greeted by his family, including daughter Sadie.
An avid cyclist, Craig Smallwood, BS, RRT, had always wanted to do a multi-day ride. And if he was going to go the distance, why not do it to support a good cause?
For this RT researcher at Boston Children’s Hospital, there could be no better cause to support than the American Respiratory Care Foundation, and thanks to Craig and his dad Dave, who took off on a week-long, 583-mile journey through southern Canada and the eastern U.S. on Memorial Day weekend, the scholarship and research supported by the ARCF is getting a big boost in funds.
Over their six-day trek, the two raised a whopping $3232 for the Foundation!
They’re off!
The journey began in Toronto at the base of the CN Tower, once the tallest free-standing structure in the world. Craig and his dad planned on covering 84 miles on day one but actually hit 105 before stopping for the night at a B&B in Brighton, Ontario.
Day two spanned 91 miles and took the two down the Loyalist Parkway for awesome views of Lake Ontario. Three ferry rides later they were on their way to Cape Vincent, NY, and the USA.
The third day of the trip wound through the hills and farmland of Upstate New York. With cross winds of 10-20 miles per hour it was tough going at times, but the skies were sunny and the last 19 miles to their stop for the night, Barneveld, NY, were a breeze. Craig says they covered the distance in just 56 minutes.
Final stretch
When it came to hills, day four made day three look like a ride across flat terrain. As Dave put it at one point, it was “relentless.” But they forged ahead, passing by the Erie Canal on several occasions before rolling into the state capital for the night.
Day five’s destination was Agawam, MA, and offered more climbing — a nearly 6000 foot vertical gain, in fact — as they made their way through the Berkshires. But the views were wonderful and they enjoyed a great night — and huge Italian meal — at the home of Craig’s in-laws.
The final day of the journey took Craig and Dave through Springfield and Worchester before they reached their final destination — Boston! He and his dad were greeted in Copley Square by a group of cheering fans that included Craig’s wife Erika and baby daughter, Sadie.
Dad and son alike agreed it had been a great adventure. But like most travelers, they were glad to be home.
You can read much more about Craig Smallwood’s historic bike ride on behalf of the ARCF on his lungride blog.
Read an interview Craig did with the AARC before the ride to find out more about this amazing young RT.
