Toni did a fundraiser with the event, raising funds online to help cover his own costs and to donate to the Outdoor School program in Saskatoon, which provides outdoor education to Grade 11 students.
He explained he grew up in a low-income family that never owned a vehicle, so they got around by bike or by walking. He first got the bug for long-distance cycling at the age of 12, when he rode his Walmart bike with his dad and brother from Saskatoon to Vancouver, a trip that took about three weeks to complete.
“I fell in love with travelling on a bicycle. I loved the freedom, the things you see at that speed. You just take in so much more of your surroundings,” said Toni. “It’s an interesting way to travel.”