The long road home

The North Toronto resident cycled the length of Yonge Street, the world's longest continuous road, to raise both funds and awareness for the Chase McEachern Tribute Fund, which seeks to put defibrillators in high-traffic public venues. His lengthy cycling trek was also a celebration of the Heart and Stroke Foundation's 20th annual Ride for Heart fundraiser, which takes place Sunday, June 3.

While Rossi was able to see some tremendous sights along his journey, he also faced his share of hardship over the span of 22 days.

"I had every climate from every season thrown at me, from snow in Cochrane to heat and smog days and rain, with a couple of flat tires thrown in along the way," he said. "In Longlac, there was freezing rain and I've never been colder in my life. That day was a very, very tough day."

Though he faced adverse weather and challenging terrain, Rossi never once regretted his decision to bike the length of Yonge Street. He had support from his friend Ted Boyle, who drove alongside his bike in a van, and plenty of support from people along the way.

"We had construction crews and flag men waving, truckers honking and we even got some drive-by donations," he said. "People would see the signs on (Boyle's) truck, drive up beside him, roll down their windows and hand him $20."

Rossi was also able to take in some fantastic scenery throughout parts of his journey. He was joined for a one-day, 100-kilometre leg by Unilever CEO David Blanchard near Nipigon, and the pair enjoyed a particularly stunning landscape.

"There was a lake on the left and on the right there was a gorgeous stretch of black basalt like a cliff face," he said. "It's got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to cycle."

Rossi also collected inspiration along the way from the people he met. He stopped in Barrie to meet the family of 11-year-old Chase McEachern, who died of cardiac failure. Before his death, McEachern revealed a wish to see defibrillators in public areas such as schools and hockey arenas. The tribute fund in his name has already saved lives, and its importance was underscored when Rossi arrived in North Bay.

"I got to meet Michel Langevin, a 50-year-old father of two who we call 'the Miracle Man,'" he said. "He collapsed on the ice while playing hockey, but there was a defibrillator and someone with CPR training on hand and that was enough to save his life. That alone justified the entire journey."

While Rossi planned for four off-days throughout his journey in case of severe weather or extreme fatigue, he soldiered on through the early going in order to surprise his son by flying down from North Bay on May 25th, the day of his son's high school graduation. He also took a couple of days off to enjoy some kayaking in the Muskokas with Boyle, who came from Saskatchewan to join Rossi on his journey.

"(Kayaking) worked the upper body, so the change was as good as a rest," Rossi said.

Rossi raised nearly $375,000 throughout his trek, stopping in various cities along the way to provide funding for defibrillators in public places in Rainy River, Thunder Bay and other locales.

"The money people donated will allow us to put 83 new defibrillators in different communities, and I like spending money as I raise it," he said.

Rossi arrived at Bloor and Church streets late Thursday morning and will hop back on his bike seat for Sunday's Ride for Heart. Sunday's run, down the Don Valley Parkway and along the Gardiner Expressway, is expected to draw thousands of cyclists. For more information on the event, visit www.rideforheart.ca.