Cyclist determined to help find cure for MS

After riding his bike 6,100-kilometres across Canada in support of multiple sclerosis research Andrew Merriam is more determined than ever to help find a cure.

“In the 49 days I was on the road, I talked to 219 people and when I told them what I was doing they said ‘I know someone with MS, or my sister has MS or a friend has MS,’ Merriam said. “But they didn’t really know much more about it beyond that.

“It’s actually heartbreaking when I think about how many people are affected and how many people don’t really know the extent of it, how prevalent it is in Canada,”

The ride across Canada and the conversations he had opened his eyes. After completing his trip a couple of weeks ago, Merriam said there is a bigger goal to reach.

“When I started the ride it was for my dad, for Troy and everyone who has MS but when I finished it, I realized there is a bigger goal – to make sure everyone knows and understands what it (MS) can do to a person ,” Merriam said.

Merriam’s dad Gord and Merriam’s friend Troy Pettit live with MS, a potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system that can affect a person’s vision, memory, balance and mobility.

For more information about the chronic autoimmune disease visit mscanada.ca.

Merriam, a Cambridge resident who grew up in Brantford, started his trip across Canada in Vancouver. BC and finished it in Lunenberg, NS at the end of July. It was a gruelling trip but not in the way he expected.

“I thought it would be 80 per cent physical and 20 per cent mental,” Merriam said. “In reality, it was 95 per cent mental and five per cent physical.

“I’m in good physical shape but I didn’t realize is how much the loneliness would affect me and it was really quite surprising.”

The loneliness was especially hard while riding through the Prairie provinces.

“It was so demoralizing, so lonely, such a mental road block,” Merriam explained. “I’d wake up in the morning, plan to ride 150 kilometers, think it’s going to be a great day with great weather and a favorable wind.

“I’d look around be thankful that I’m able to ride across Canada.”

But after riding all day, Merriam would think he hadn’t made any progress because his surroundings were so flat.

“I’m just so grateful for all of the people I met along the way in restaurants, at rest stops and the people who took me in and let me stay the night in their homes,” Merriam said. “If it wasn’t for them I don’t think I would have made it and my mom she was my rock.

“She’d listen and encourage me to push on to the next town.”

Merriam’s mom is Christine Beale of Brantford. Talking to her meant the world to Merriam.

At the end of his ride Merriam was greeted by his father and representatives of the MS Society.

“It was really cool to have that welcoming party after being away for so long,” Merriam said. “I dipped my forehead tire and my toe in the ocean.

“I just took it all and listened to the conversations and it was so wonderful to be surrounded by people I know and love.”

His initial goal was to raise $150,000 for MS research.

The ride raised $7,700 and Merriam will add that to the $30,000 he has raised for MS research through previous initiatives.

Upon returning to work at Toromont Cat, of Cambridge, Merriam discovered how many people were following his journey online through his website www.rubber4research.com daily.

“At the end of the day, I might have felt alone when I was on the bike,” Merriam said. “But in reality I wasn’t alone.

“I had a strong support system, people were following me online and hearing about it now really means a lot to me.”

Anyone who wishes to support Merriam’s quest can do so through the website.

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