Suzanne’s Bio

My name is Suzanne Bartel and I can’t believe that I became a bike tourist.  This is the last lifestyle that I would’ve even envisioned myself having.

My journey to becoming a cyclist started off tragically.  On July 6, 2006, my good friend Ben Farrant and avid cyclist was killed in one of his training bike rides for the Seattle to Portland (200mile trip) Ride.  It was soon after that his closest friends decided to train for the 2007 Seattle to Portland ride in memorial to Ben and as a fundraiser for the Wellspring Foundation in Rwanda of which he had dedicated much of his life to supporting.  The cause grew and became contagious.  Soon there were close to 30 of us, borrowing bikes, buying spandex with pads, dusting off our helmets and signing up to ride 200miles.  Riding the Ben Farrant Memorial Cyclathon two years in a row was my introduction to road biking.  SInce then I’ve grown to absolutely enjoy the adventure of travelling on a bike.  I purchased my first touring bike in the Summer of 2009 and took on a three week trip from Oakland, CA to San Diego.

Super Dog

When I’m not doing crazy long bike rides, I spend my time taking my dog, Drift, to Dog agility classes, hanging out with my close friends and family, and gardening in my backyard.  I am a Grade 5/6 teacher in Chilliwack and love the opportunity I have to plan extended trips in the summer time.

I love the journey and adventure of the ride.  Travelling on a bike is a method of travelling that forces you to slow down and witness the beauty of the world with all five senses.  I’ll never forget the fragrant smells of California and the sea animals you just happened to see as you biked up a 2 mile long hill at 7km/hr.  I could never forget the remote areas of Northern BC, and travelling through the Yukon, BC, and Alaska all in one day.  As crazy as it sounds, I know that each trip, no matter where we go, will be a trip of a lifetime!