A Greater Sudbury native who is cycling across Canada this spring and summer to raise awareness about Katimavik, a Canadian youth volunteer-service program, is making a week-long pit stop in her hometown before heading east.
"It's been so much more than I thought it would be," said Fiija Derro, 19. "It's been exhilarating, amazing, fantastic.
"To be out on the road every day talking to people, this is amazing. There is nothing like spending the entire day sunrise to sunset outdoors."
Derro toured Canada as a Katimavik member from March to August 2010, after graduating from high school. A participant in Katimavik's Eco-Citizenship and Active Living group or team, she decided that since the program had helped her develop so much self-confidence, she wanted to give something back.
Derro's six-month, 10,000- kilometre ride began March 21 in Tofino, B.C., and is scheduled to end Aug. 18 in St. John's, Nfld. She is cycling 80 to 100 kilometres a day.
To prepare for her cross-country trek, Derro spent six months training in Ottawa, putting in 10- 15 hours a week of running and cycling.
When she started her ride, Derro wanted to visit as many communities as possible and meet with students and youth to promote a healthy lifestyle. She also wanted to speak to politicians to push for support for youth volunteer programs. That hasn't exactly gone as planned, said Derro.
"Unfortunately, not as many formal talks due to a lack of time," she said. "I have talked to 90 elementary students in Ottawa and several high school students in Marathon. It's more informal, passersby. They are on my route."
A fully supported cyclist, Derro is traveling alone and has pitched her tent at many campgrounds along her ride route.
Derro's long-term plan is to attend Acadia University in Nova Scotia and study recreation management with a specialty in environment and sustainability.
"It's been so much more than I thought it would be," said Fiija Derro, 19. "It's been exhilarating, amazing, fantastic.
"To be out on the road every day talking to people, this is amazing. There is nothing like spending the entire day sunrise to sunset outdoors."
Derro toured Canada as a Katimavik member from March to August 2010, after graduating from high school. A participant in Katimavik's Eco-Citizenship and Active Living group or team, she decided that since the program had helped her develop so much self-confidence, she wanted to give something back.
Derro's six-month, 10,000- kilometre ride began March 21 in Tofino, B.C., and is scheduled to end Aug. 18 in St. John's, Nfld. She is cycling 80 to 100 kilometres a day.
When she started her ride, Derro wanted to visit as many communities as possible and meet with students and youth to promote a healthy lifestyle. She also wanted to speak to politicians to push for support for youth volunteer programs. That hasn't exactly gone as planned, said Derro.
"Unfortunately, not as many formal talks due to a lack of time," she said. "I have talked to 90 elementary students in Ottawa and several high school students in Marathon. It's more informal, passersby. They are on my route."
A fully supported cyclist, Derro is traveling alone and has pitched her tent at many campgrounds along her ride route.
Derro's long-term plan is to attend Acadia University in Nova Scotia and study recreation management with a specialty in environment and sustainability.
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