Solo bike tour helps Ukrainian newcomers

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/07/2023 (1035 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Fred Enns was in disbelief watching the news of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last February. Now the 80-year-old is raising funds for Ukrainian newcomers by riding 3,000 kilometres across Manitoba in a month.

Enns set out on his journey starting July 18 with plans to pedal roughly 100 kilometres each day. He hopes to raise awareness and collect donations to support Ukrainian refugees coming into the province.

Enns, one of nine children born to immigrant parents, felt compelled to help in some way, but at his age was limited in what he could do.

“If I was 30 and healthy, I might go to Ukraine… but at 80 years old, I don’t think so,” Enns said, while stopped for the night at his nephew’s house in Steinbach. “But I can ride a bike.”

Enns started cycling after an ankle injury in his 40s that stopped him from continuing with other sports. Over the years he’s participated in multiple tours across Canada and the United States, some as relaxation during summer months off as a teacher and others to raise money for various causes.

Enns worked with every grade level during his 35 years as a teacher, teaching various subjects including physical education. He said the tour is also a way for him to recognize and appreciate what his parents went through while fleeing Russia after Stalin came into power.

Growing up on a farm in Domain, Enns said the chores he did have helped him persevere through difficult conditions while cycling. Days with good weather can take as little as five hours to reach his daily goal, and others with adverse conditions or strong winds can take up to 10 hours to complete.

“No matter what the conditions, no matter what’s happening with the weather, I focus on finishing,” he said. “I’ve got to do this.”

Enns said he has to be conscious of how much he’s eating and drinking to stay healthy. Safety while cycling along highways is another concern of his.

Enns said the whole purpose of the tour is to raise awareness about what’s happening in Ukraine and that refugees fleeing conflict need help finding employment, housing, mental health resources, help learning English and adjusting to life in a new country.

“I have no idea how effective this will be and I’m not really worried about that. If I finish this ride and in 30 days there’s a minimum amount of support coming in, I can’t control that,” Enns said. “I’ve done what I can do and I will feel better about it, that whatever happens in Ukraine, I’ve done something about it.”

The ride is self-supported by Enns meaning all funds raised will go to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in Manitoba. He plans to pass through 120 towns in southern and eastern Manitoba, officially ending back in Winnipeg on Aug. 18 at Folklorama’s Ukrainian Kyiv Pavilion.

To support the ride, you can mail a cheque payable to UCC-MPC to Box 3567 Redwood Postal Outlet, Winnipeg, Man., R2W 3R4. E-transfer is available as well at fundraising@uccmanitoba.ca.