Ride, James, Ride!

Wilma Kenny | Aug 30, 2017

Pedalling and singing ‘Little Red Wagon” (the pop version, not the nursery-rhyme one), nine-year old James Potvin has reached Sydenham, the mid-point of his journey from Whitby to Ottawa. His destination is the big new Giver Playground in Mooney's Bay, Ottawa, and he plans to get thereFriday evening.

“It was just a month ago when I asked James what he would like to do to celebrate the end of summer holidays” James’ father Chris explains, “and he said he wanted to bike to Ottawa, to the Giver 150 playground.” Chris told James that if he could bike from Whitby to the CN Tower in one day, they’d consider heading for Ottawa. They not only got into Toronto, but even biked through the downtown; “When I saw my nine-year-old cycling down University Avenue, I realized he was definitely up to a much longer trip.”

Their route follows, as much as possible, the Waterfront, Cataraqui and TransCanada trails, and has included a loop down through Prince Edward County. So far, the Cat Trail has been the smoothest ride. Unfortunately there is no designated cycle trail from Smiths Falls to Ottawa, so they will be following the roads along the Rideau canal.

James and his Dad decided to make their Odyssey a fundraiser for the Grandview Centre which provides services in Durham Region for 6,000 children with special needs, and their families. James, who is on the Autism spectrum, is on the Grandview waiting list, along with 3,000 others. Already, James has exceeded his original goal of $1500, and is now heading for double that. “One dollar for every child on the waiting list,’ says Chris. James has been surprised and delighted by the encouragement and support offered by people in Whitby and all along the route. They have been camping in peoples’ backyards, and people keeping track of their progress on Facebook and Twitter (#RideJamesRide) often come out to cheer them on.

James’ energy and spirits remain high, despite a broken chain in midtown Picton, and a few bandaids on his legs. His trip logo, on his shirt and his bike, is a puzzle piece. Chris explains: “We’re also trying to raise awareness of Autism; the puzzle piece signifies that people on the spectrum ‘have all the pieces, but sometimes find it hard to fit them together.’ He said he had noticed that since the trip began, James is developing more confidence in his own ability to solve problems without being overcome with frustration.
To follow James or add a donation, go to #RideJamesRide.