Cycling the Silk Road. A brief sentence, but if one stops to contemplate the implications of it and fully digests its meaning, the weight it carries is astronomical. Apart from the physical challenges it represents, it also affords the opportunity to explore a culturally diverse region. As an avid explorer with an insatiable curiosity for the unknown this is a trip that promises to combine many of my personal interests. As a passionate cyclist that has competed in various racing events and embarked on many epic rides, including a recent trip across part of western Canada then down the coast into Mexico, this trip promises to provide many miles of enjoyment. As a scholar who's interests rest in the social sciences as well as the study of history, this trip will provide a first hand opportunity to experience the intricacies of different cultures as well as the chance to witness places I've only read about. Born and raised in the countryside of central Manitoba, I am a recent graduate from the University of Manitoba with a BA in the Social Sciences. While attending university I volunteered for various nonprofit organizations such as Unicef and the Manitoba Moose Yearling Foundation and partook in events that were designed to promote cross-cultural awareness. I plan on furthering my education at the University of Calgary in the fall of 2006 and hope to pursue their Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law Program. My travels to date have taken me all over the North American continent, from the Arctic Circle to Mexico, and have also included educational forays to both Greece and Turkey. I enjoy the opportunities for personal growth that journeys such as our Cycling the Silk Road trip present and thoroughly look forwards to the spring of 2006 when our group departs on an amazing adventure. |