Messages for Ilan
Ilan will be on the road for the Cycle 4 SchoolBOX between June 7 and August 26th. He will be away from his family and friends for 81 days while on his journey.
Please send Ilan your messages of support below. Your kind words will provide motivation for him as he cycles from the West Coast to the East Coast of Canada. Ilan will try to answer as many of your messages as possible. This will be determined based on his time schedule. Note that Ilan will read all of the messages posted below.
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Funds go directly towards 'Making Education Possible' for impoverished children in Nicaragua
Where is Ilan?
SchoolBOX.ca
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Bloggers
beth
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ilan
- Images from St. John’s
- We took the short way ‘home’: the windy and ultimately wet dash from Whitbourne to Signal Hill, St. John’s, to … DONE! And to … after the Ride.
- From the Argentia ferry to Whitbourne, Newfoundland
- Before and After lunch: two separate realities – Baddeck to North Sydney Ferry, and ferry ride to Newfoundland
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jon
Cycle 4 SchoolBOX 
Congratulations Ilan. What a feat! Strengh, stamina and I’m sure a lot of gut wrenching perseverence. Yay to you. Take good care of yourself during your recovery.
Congratulations,, Ilan!! You embody the heart and the spirit of the Wild Boars. This is a HUGE accomplishment.
Joy – Blessings – Love – Peace!
Rod
Maaaaaaazuuuukkkkkaaa!
Amazing – taking action for the sake of education for African peoples.
Congrats Ilan.
xo Robin
Congratulations Ilan! Got me inspired that’s for sure!
(Read to the tune of chanters at a south american soccer match –OLE!)
ILAN, ILAN, ILAN, ILAN!
ILAN, ILAN!
Congratulations!
Some people talk about tikkun olam.. . . while YOU, my friend, actually live and lead repairing the world.
It is an honor to know you.
enjoy
melinda
Congratulations! Dear Ilan, you did it! 81 days may past without any remark for lots of us. I am sure you will have a lot of great stories to share. Cannot wait to hear them. Looking forward to meeting you soon. Love Jing
Congratulations Ilan! Most proud!!!
Ta Da! Congratulations Ilan – you have completed a rare and worthwhile feat. Enjoy.
Carol
Well done. And mazaltov!
CONGRATULATIONS ILAN! Enjoy the rest, celebrations, accolades and luxuries. And be gentle on yourself! Well done on a great achievement.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! What an amazing feat Ilan. I enjoyed reading your posts along the way. May your transition back to “real life” be sweet.
Ilan:
Yay! You’re done. Sell your bike. Buy golf clubs.
Squire Scott
mazal tov of your accomplished mission – now rest
The day has come to celebrate, to appreciate, to bask, to learn, to rest!
Congratulations, Ilan, on a Quest well-done (and not yet over!)
Imagine all the children….living life in peace.
Love,
Linda
At last…Congrats my friend and colleague.
Love Leslie
Waiting in anticipation to hear you have arrived safely! 81 days. Who knew it was possible? YOU.
Ilan:
One more sleep, one more day in the saddle. Good work. Looks like you will be eligible for a third instalment. As well as a true cycling “hard man” designation.
You’re an inspiration. But not an inspiration I will ever emulate on my bike!
Safe journey tomorrow, enjoy your time in Newfoundland, and safe journey home.
I look forward to hearing your stories soon.
Squire Scott
I’m filled with admiration, anticipation for you at the end of this journey. Referencing Jack Layton — I think the reason there is such outpouring upon his death is that he lived his life as we all wish to live. To live with the courage of our convictions, to work for what matters to us, to love deeply both those who are dear to us and others who we see need our help. And you my friend, are doing the same. Thank you for all of your inspiration.
With heart,
Cheryl
Beautifully written Daryl. Wow, Ilan, last day ahead, your mind must be racing with anticipation, joy, eagerness, relief, overwhelm, fatigue, reflection and even some sadness? And that’s just before breakfast Enjoy and savour it all my friend, its a terrifiic accomplishment your about to conquer. Enjoy!
Dear Ilan,
As I wake up to a rainy morning I think about you and the many mornings you have woke up these past few months. I think about the weather you faced, the road conditions, the support and sometimes lack of. I think of the hilarious adventures, the heartwarming stories, the surprises. I think of new friendships made, the kindness of strangers, the opportunity you have given others to be of service. I think of the commitment, the determination, the unstoppable drive to do what you said you would do.
And now it all comes down to a ferry ride and one more province. You are leading way beyond what most of us can imagine. I am humbled to call you friend.
Love Daryl
I was going to write and say how funny Ric is and how clever to find room for a fox in his water bottle!. Then I found out Owen is leaving your group early and I wanted to commiserate. I know he’s been good company along the way and I loved meeting him in TO and experiencing his good humour. Then saw the last message that Jack Layton has died. He was a devoted public servant and his hat trick in the last election was astounding. So… now I want to say endings make me sad. The ending of this remarkable summer, the ending of checking your blog every morning, the ending of your journey, the ending of Jack Layton’s life of service. And mixed in with the sadness is anticipation. Anticipation of seeing you in St. John’s, of seeing what remarkable thing you do next, and of visiting Nicaragua to help build the schoolrooms and see the kids who will now go to school because of you. Well done you. See you Friday!!
Actually it is Landen who left the ride and is headed home to Halifax. Owen is snoring right beside me :-) in a motel room we are sharing in Beddeck, NS. The two most recent blogs explain why we are here and not camping in Englishtown tonight.
Bye Landen. Good luck with your triple century ride home.
Hello Owen. I’ll see you in St.John’s LATER THIS WEEK!!!!
Nice meeting you Ilan over the last few days….It is so windy out there today…hope the ride wasn’t too tough and all is well….Please say hi to Owen for me…wishing you all a safe journey to St Johns and then home!! Take care Sylvia PS would you tell Owen that Jack Layton died early this am….we had just been talking about him TTFN Sylvia
Dear Ilan,
Hope you caught the Wood Island Ferry (as noted in your last post) — we took it the opposite way 5 years ago with the kids and my parents. Enjoy the non-pedaling forward momentum toward your destination :)
Still really enjoying your travelogue of Canada – from the landmarks to every bump on the road!
You remain an inspiration – in your journey and your accomplishment. Looking forward to seeing you back in TO.
Wow!! Hard to believe you are almost finished. Seems like you were just here in Calgary, a few days ago!
All the best
Jo
Hi Ilan,
Can’t b elieve that you are nearly finished. Harvey and I are cheering you on and can’t wait to see you at the end of September. You are truly awesome and have really changed our lives as well as your own.
Hi Ilan:
Amazing. You are almost at the end of your trip. Kol hakavod.
Still following your journey online and enjoying reading your thoughts and experiences.
Safe cycling as you head towards Signal Hill.
Keren
Ilan:
All the best to you as you pedal your way to the end of a life-changing experience! There have been so many of us watching and cheering from the sidelines, in awe of what you are doing. Thank you for supporting education in such a huge way. -Linda
Good Maritime Morning Ilan! The single digits of days left are here. While I know its one day at a time it must feel very satisfying that completion is near. You’ve made it through the rolling hills of Northern NB and today more farmland. You are heading to the land I grew up in. Hope you are feeling well and loved. We all hold you in such high respect and are moved to action our own leadership.
With love, Leslie
Ilan, less than 1000 kms and 10 days only to go! You’re obviously looking forward in great eagerness to that finishline and your huge accomplishment. And……. I expect that you mght just experience some sadness too?, All quite normal if you do, particularly the last 3-4 days. Savour this period, there’s something special about the simplicity of life with one goal each day and perfoming physically the best you can do. Bliss!.
Delighted with your feedback and thankful for your support. Looking forward to reconnecting in early September.
Hi Ilan, Spectacular journey, inside and out! I have been checking in on your progress, sending good wishes and high thoughts. Here’s to a beautiful vision and a triumphant completion while touching many, many lives. You are inspiring! Claire
Ilan, I’ve been watching your journey and reading the many comments from admiring and supportive friends. What you’re doing is so special and will change the lives of so many little ones. AND I know you’re doing it with passion, commitment and a loving heart. With each turn of your pedals you’re making this world a better place. I’m grateful to know you!
Linda
You are amazing. Keep up the great progress.
Take care
Hi Ilan,
Wow, what a journey you are having – clearly this is a momentous life experience for you (and Gay!). We send or love and are cheering you on as you head east through Quebec to the east coast and we look forward to seeing you when you get home
Love Ingie,Michael, David, Katie and Sunshine.
Hi Ilan – just wanted to send you a short note to congratulate you on your progress to date and to encourage you to keep it up. This is such an amazing cause. You will be changing the lives of so many people with your journey. Keep up the good work!!! Safe travels!!
Hi Ilan! We’ve been enjoying all your blogs and following you on your journey! It’s a great thing that you are doing and keeping our fingers crossed that you meet your goals!!
Go Ilan go!!!
Glad you feel re-charged Ilan after the pit stop in Toronto. Give it horns for the last session!
I loved seeing my new and improved hero in Toronto this weekend! I so enjoyed meeting all the enthusiastic supporters and volunteers for SchoolBox at the BBQ at Jennifer’s. Your fellow cyclists were wonderful fun and Barb and I were so happy to watch you all eat and eat and eat!! Glad we were able to stuff some steaks into you all. You are doing so well and clearly having fun in this life changing challenge. I love you and look forward to waving you all in at Signal Hill on the 26th!! Please give my best to the other riders!
What an adventure you are having. I am enjoying reading all about it, as you make your way across Canada. This “Making Education Possible” would be a great idea I would like teach my students this fall!! I think it would be a real eye opening experience for them! Keep up the good work and say hi to my dad(Owen!!) for me!!
Welcome home, at least to your home town, still a ways to got to the finish but you are nearly there!
Since Keren is away I thought I touch base and if you are having any quasi public appearances, I would love to come by!
Happy cycling,
andrew
Ilan, it was a pleasure to meet up with you and your ‘sidekicks’ in beautiful Meaford. I envy your spirit and determination to fulfill your quest to conquer the full expanse of this vast country. I wish I was forty again to do likewise. Glad that you found a spot to rest your weary bones in Memorial Park on Georgian Bay.
Good luck in your endeavour!
Hugh – the old one!
Ilan and Avi:
Sounds like your rest day together was a real blast – bike repairs and the hospital! You guys sure know how to have a good time. I’m relieved to learn that both the machine and the engine are functioning.
Avi, have a great trip.
Ilan, your friends look forward to meeting the new slimmer version in Toronto. Let me know if there is anything I can round up for your machine.
Squire Scott
Hi Ilan,
Wow, you have certainly covered some ground! Your communication/blog, as always, is a pleasure to read. So keep writing, it will stay with you for ever.
Have a good time and hopefully the weather will cooperate.
Sorry, but we are going away on July 28th and will not be able to attend the BBQ with you.
BTW, we are going to Ecuador. Not Nicaragua but another beautifully and needy place.
So hope to see you after the trip!
Best wishes
Yoram
Ilan:
Looking forward to riding with you, at least briefly, from Toronto to Cobourg. Jessica Chaikowsky and some others have gone down to the Shirley Case school but we were disappointed that we couldn’t break loose to go with her.
Good luck with the ride. As a cyclist, I am in awe at what you are doing.
See you on the 1st.
Bill Johnston
Dear Ilan,
We’ve been reading, thinking and talking about you. And missing you… See you soon.
Thank you for the message.
Love from all of us,
Karin
Boker tov Ilan:
I have been following you with admiration and envy. You have captured the challenges, sights, places, people (and food) so well in your blogging. What an experience!
I leave town tomorrow on vacation for a couple of weeks, and unfortunately will not be joining you when you come through Toronto.
Keep up the great work. Look forward to your next installments.
Cheers,
Keren
Almost half way, amazing! Hope the sun is shinning on you and the last half goes well.
Thinking of you
Alec & Deb
Welcome back to Ontario my friend! It’s good to have your energy back in the home province. We miss you very much, and know that your being away is for a great purpose. I was flying back from BC today, and could see Northern Ontario very clearly (at 37,000 feet), and I kept imagining you travelling those roads. So many lakes, and so beautiful. I hope that the winds were at your back pushing you forwards. With love, Leslie
Just got caught up on your blog. The adventure continues!!! Sounds like you are having lots of ups and downs (both figuratively and literally) but are enjoying Le Tour de Canada and maintaining your good spirits. Am missing you too. Never give up!!
Another province, Ontario, reached Ilan. your 4th provincial border to cross and another interim goal on the route to the grand goal. Enjoy a small celebration. Nearly half way too!
Hello Ilan
Am enjoying the photos and the updates.
Your auto-convergence theory needs further discussion – perhaps down at the Pour House when you return :)
Please be safe.
Cheers,
Mark & Margot
Ilan,
This morning as I think about you all kinds of images, words, and songs are popping up. For your entertainment–Here’s what’s popping.
song-Born to be wild
Brilliant Man Brilliant
Extraordinary LOVE
You in a hot tub
Your time is Now!
Inspiration
songs- singing in the rain, purple rain
You with an afro…LOL!
NO!! tether to technology… just you present and in the moment
YOUR wonderful huge smile. . .and me smiling back at you.
enjoy
melinda
Can’t wait to see your Jim Suit! Can we eat out on the patio now? Loads of love and light on your journey. Jennie said it all – you are my hero!
Hi Ilan, I can’t believe how far you have already traveled. You are my hero. Love, Jennie.
Hi Ilan, back with you after my own little Austrian bike trip – only 189 kms and 5.5 hrs, so nothing compared to yours! LOL
Always find on big trips the first two weeks is all excitement and issues, getting systems into place, fine tuning equipment and nutrition, trouble shooting this and that. After that you get into this stable groove which seem like your now weel into. I guess the Prairies, ironically, are good for this? Keep the chin up, shoulders moving and head covered! Enjoy Regina. Adrian
Hi Ilan, back with you after my own Austrian bike trip – only 180 kms and 5.5 hrs, nothing like your doing!
Always find on big trips the first 2 weeks is all about getting the systems working to the optimum, fine tuing this and that, troubleshooting the rest and so on. Once that’s done, you get into this stable groove, which seems like your well into now. The flat prairies probably help! Use the wind to the fullest, even if it means longer days, headwinds are no fun as you know! Keep the chin up, head covered and shoulders moving!
Dear Ilan, it’s nice to witness your progress. I wish I could be there too. Thanks for keeping us informed. love Marc
So enjoying following and reading about your adventure! Re: newspaper headline — Clearly they didn’t up the mosquito budget early enough in the season!!
Enjoying the photos — I have traveled those same roads to focus groups, field tours and farm shows in a past life.
May you stay safe & comfortable. And keep on posting…
Wow, keep up the amazing pace. You are doing so well.
Thinking of you Ilan – and sending loving thoughts your way.
Ride and Shine ON Ilan! You are inspiring us all!
Wild Love,
Shasta
Dear Ilan:
I remember conversations we’ve had about the importance of education. I remember you saying something along the lines of “Someday, I’d like to do something to support education.” Your “someday” has come, Wild Boar brother! I stand in awe of your commitment, perseverance, and focus. You are an inspiration to us all. Keep pedaling, Ilan. Each push of the pedal matches the heartbeat of a child who will be raised up by your efforts.
With love,
Linda Krantz
Hi Ilan,
I have thought of you several times and wondered where you are. Then I received Glenn’s email. It is fun to keep track of you!
Who you are is inspiring!
Andy
Remember to focus on the interiim goals Ilan; a degree of longitude, a new province or whatever. And reward yourselves each time you reach one of these. Leave the end goal towards the end – its not about the destination.
Enjoying the pictures, all with you in full support.
Adrian Hayes
Dear Adrian,
Thanks for the useful reminder — this is a challenge for me.
I was thinking about you yesterday — our god-daughter Roni graduated from the Canada Sport School, along with 48 other elite athletes. The commitment and dedication she and her fellow grads show to her sports and her studies and other activities is truly inspirational.
With love,
Almost a quarter of the way to your final destination…well done. You’re over the hump now. Yeah!! You are capturing the most amazing scenery. I hope the weather starts to co-operate and that the wind is at your back. Everyone is cheering you on. Go man go! Lots of love!
Gay
spectacular!!
Once you said to me something like you weren’t sure of you could sustain the energy that I brought. . . . OH MY! You my friend are beyond a sustainer.
RIDE ON!!
enjoy
melinda
Dear M,
Thanks so much for this message. I have been missing the WBs! Just had a wonderful whirlwind weekend in Calgary — saw our lovely god-daughter Roni graduate high-school, met some wonderful people, bought a new GPS to replace the one that up and died, had Roni’s dad Lahav fix a couple of things on my bike, and…got commitments for $13K! How cool is that?
With love,
Ilan, Glad you made it through the tunnels safely. The downhills sounds pretty intense! Be safe. Keep drinking the hot chocolate. Cheers, Mark
High five. Keep up your wonderful attitude and bright smile!
With love,
I have been reading your blog with keen interest and appreciation as I have done the section to Calgary once and then the second time to Regina, as fundraisers and self-supported, so I know first hand the challenges your are facing. The good news/bad news is that after Calgary it will be all flat but the prairies have a serenity of their own, and by then you will be in better shape than you can imagine.
Above all, that you are doing this for a great cause should give you the mental and physical strength.
Mazel Tov
Boker Tov Ilan:
Your writings and pictures say it all. It looks and sounds wonderful.
I should tell you that you are being closely followed online by a number of people, including those on the 28th floor. You are impacting others beyond your inner circle.
Keep up the good work and look forward to following your next few rides,
Keren
Hi Ilan! It’s a bit rainy here in Nicaragua as the group progresses on Shirley’s school in Monte Olivo. The kid’s are more energetic than ever and I hope to pass some of that energy onto you today. We are wishing you both health and happiness for your ride this week. The photos are amazing! Thanks for your amazing passion & huge heart.
Sarah & Tom
Ilan. Thinking of you and wishing you the strength to keep going! Cheers, Mark
Ilan, thanks so much for keeping us all current on the ride. It helps to follow the steady progress. Please give my sweet Ricardo a giant hug. Good luck to all of you as you start to move into Alberta. All the very best, Gina and Frida the dog.
OOPS – maybe I need to post the website HERE
Ilan – following your progress and enjoying your pics. Received this from a former coaching client and thought of you and your riding buddies – in case you need inspiration at some point ;-)
Great interview on Virgin radio Ilan!
Electa just heard your ride mentioned on 96.3 FM. You’re now even famous in Toronto!
I’ve been following your photo blog and all your Strava data with interest. Can’t believe you’re pushing that pig of yours up those 6% and 7% gradients at that speed. You’ll definitely need to spend some time with Lloyd on your return!
I finally bit the bullet and traded in the Garneau for a kinder, gentler old man’s steed. It’s lovely. Comfortable. Fast. If only the squire was, too.
Persevere, old-timer, you’re nearly there.
achi atta hachi
Go Ilan, Go! Very proud of you! Shabbat Shalom. Mark
Hi Ilan, just wanted to leave a note of love and luck – know that we’re thinking of you, holding you safe and healthy – and trusting that your message is being seen and heard by many. You are an inspiration my friend!
Hi Ilan
As always your writing is amazing giving us the gist off the trip almost being there next to you
Photos are amazing what a beautiful land
love ya lots
your sis
dali
Ilan,
It was so great meeting you down here in Nicaragua. You’re an inspiration for me since you decided to help people you didn’t even know by doing this long trip. Though you were a short time in Nicaragua it was enough to share experiences about living in Nicaragua. I will always be thankful for all the help you’re providing to my people and the Nicaraguan children.
God bless U greatly and see U soon!!!
Lenin
Ilan,
It is great to see that beyond the personal commitment to the ride, you are putting your skills and experience in making as many people as possible get involve with the ride and with supporting the cause.
I am curious to find how many more people are riding?
Have fun! and be careful on the road.
Hi Yoram,
There will be five other riders. I don’t know them, or anything about them! I haven’t asked so far, but may do so in the next few days. I am the only one raising funds for SchoolBOX.
Thanks for your good wishes.
What an awesome adventure you are beginning. We have just returned from Nicaragua to help build on the Shirley Case School and meet some of the people involved with Schoolbox. Truly an amazing group, your efforts will be totally supported and appreciated.
Hopefully we will be able to meet with you in person in the Interior of BC.
Hi Deb,
The SchoolBOX team is truly awe inspiring. I am so happy to be supporting their fantastic work with my ride.
My stops in BC will be as follows:
Thu 16-Jun Mission BC
Fri 17-Jun Hope BC
Sat 18-Jun Manning Park BC
Sun 19-Jun Hedley BC
Mon 20-Jun Kelowna BC
Tue 21-Jun Kelowna REST DAY
Wed 22-Jun Mara BC
Thu 23-Jun Albert Canyon BC
Fri 24-Jun Golden BC
I really hope we will get the chance to meet.
What an incredible journey you will be taking and for such an amazing cause. I enjoyed meeting you during the Shirley Case School project planning and wish you all sorts of luck, strength and inspiration to keep you going during the training and on the road. Maybe you’ll feel her spirit along the way as she also did a partial cross-Canada trek – let’s hope you don’t meet the same bear she did though! :)
It was lovely meeting you again, and your mom for the first time, in Nicaragua. I was deeply moved by the intense experiences. I will carry them with me on the ride, along with the images of the Super Ninjas and your wonderful encouragement.
Ilan, What you are doing is so amazing, so inspirational. And SO helpful to SCHOOLBox which is very near and dear to my heart, also. I’ll definitely stay with you as you on this incredibly journey, cheering you all the way. I’d love to hear about what goes on inside the man as well as all the outside, tecchie stuff.
Love,
Linda
Dear Linda,
The internal happenings will show up more and more. I just got back from four intense days in Nicaragua and was deeply moved — and will be blogging on this and other feelings over the coming days.
Love,
Ilan
good luck on your long voyage. we will look to see how you get along.
Good luck Ilan. All the kids that we are working with in Nicaragua will be cheering you on. The staff in Managua is also very excited. Keep it up!
Good luck with the training Ilan!