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Cyclists ride in memory of young adventurer, aid local nature reserves

'We have many wonderful memories of the happy times Danya and our family shared together' in Carden Alvar, says parent

Last year I heard about a new cycling event called TheBluMoose, which takes riders on a route along country roads and through the nearby Carden Alvar area, a rare ecosystem protected, in part, by The Couchiching Conservancy.

At the time, I thought the 85 km or 140 km route options (on mostly gravel roads) sounded a bit gruelling.

But as a cyclist – and nature lover – I was curious and especially wondered why the event took place in only two very distinct locations. In addition to the Orillia-based event, TheBluMoose also takes place at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden, B.C.

This year, together with a small group of local cyclists, I signed up for the ride here in Orillia and learned about the people that founded the event and their connection to the two ride locations.

TheBluMoose event was founded by Adrian Leemhuis and Lorraine Morris in memory of their son Danya Leemhuis, who died at the age of 14 in 2018 as the result of an accident.

Danya’s parents explained that both the Carden Alvar and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort area were places Danya loved. On trips to their cottage from their home in Toronto, Danya would often insist on taking a detour to explore the Carden Alvar.

“He loved watching all the birds and wildlife through his binoculars,” said his parents. “We have many wonderful memories of the happy times Danya and our family shared together there.”

TheBluMoose is named for Danya’s favourite colour, and for a memorable moose sighting while Danya and his family were canoeing near the Carden Alvar.

The family also enjoyed regular trips to Golden, B.C., where Danya loved to ski, bike and explore in the mountains.

Adrian Leemhuis and Lorraine Morris launched the rides to share their son’s love for the outdoors and to help protect and support the communities that were so special to him. Proceeds from TheBlueMoose Alvar ride support The Couchiching Conservancy, while the B.C. ride supports the Golden & District Hospital.

TheBluMoose Alvar took place this year on Saturday, Sept. 12 and involved over 60 riders, including my small local group that completed the 85 km (actually 95 by our odometers) ride.

Thankfully, we had perfect weather and the ride was absolutely beautiful and not as challenging as I had imagined (although I’m not sure I would attempt the longer 140 km ride!).

Cyclists are welcome to join this event, which takes place annually. To learn more, visit TheBluMoose.com. If you decide to participate, based on my experience this year, you will not only enjoy cycling a beautiful and unique route, but be inspired by the passion of a young nature-lover and adventurer, and be helping to protect the special natural areas in our region.


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