Patrick rode out of Casablanca yesterday on his specially outfitted Honda XR650L. He will spend the next 59 days riding 25,000 solo kilometers across 26 African countries.

He has two goals:

• Raise $25,000 for the Children’s Wish Foundation and
• Break the world record for circumnavigating Africa.

My bet’s on him achieving both of them.

Patrick has been realizing dreams his whole life, often surmounting formidable odds to do so. One need only look at his lifelong string of adventures leading to success in the grueling Dakar Rally. In January 2010 he became only the 4th Canadian to complete what is notably the world’s most difficult rally. It was his third attempt to finish.

He’s back in his element and at the top of his form with this latest challenge.

I asked him why he was doing it.

“For 10 years, I have raised money for my own dream and passion; now it is time that I raise money for others' dreams! By realizing my dream, I will make other dreams come true!”

Why did you chose this particular charity?

“It took me nearly 30 years to realize my dream of Dakar. Some kids don't have that time to realize theirs, so they need some help to do it!”

And why by motorcycle?

“Motorcycling is my way of living, and it is my best chance of completing my dream. Africa is amazing and I want to discover all of it!”

No doubt he will.

Last summer, in the middle of the Ganaraska Forest, I experienced his energy, enthusiasm and ability to inspire.

He’s an Event Coordinator with Honda Canada and we met through his and Honda’s involvement with MCC’s International Women Rider’s Congress & Festival (IWCF). As Project Manager, the previous weeks had been hectic for me and although the 4-day event was dynamic and energizing, the days had been very long. By the end of Day 3, my energy level was pretty low.

Nonetheless, I really wanted to participate in Meg’s Ride – an women’s only off-road charity ride - and the last event of the IWCF. To say I’m a novice is almost stretching my skill level. However, I had been told that there were trails suitable for any skill level and given a loaner bike and gear. I was game. What could go wrong?

Off-road riding is physically strenuous and I was fatigued before I even started. Being on someone else’s bike made me timid. And although two years had passed since my last trail ride when I’d gone over the handlebars and broken my shoulder, it was fresh in my mind. I set off with great trepidation, against my better judgment.

After a couple of hours, twelve kilometers and my second fall, I hit the metaphorical wall. I quit. Right there in the middle of the forest. Parked my bike off the trail and sat under a tree. Exhausted.

Shortly thereafter, Patrick and Honda’s Jeff Madden came along. After making sure I was OK, they encouraged me to continue. I resolutely remained on the ground under the tree. That’s when he uttered the words that still ring in my ears.

“It’s OK. This is your Dakar.”

He was referring to the 30 years and 3 attempts he’d made before he was successful. We all have dreams and sometimes the challenges to get there are what makes arriving there so special.

He’s now somewhere in Africa chasing another dream and making a difference in many lives. You can follow him through his blog and catch his fire. Posts are in both English and French.  You can also donate to Children’s Wish directly through his website.

And just in case you need any other reason to catch the dream, watch this documentary excerpt.   

Thank you Patrick!