With anticipation and excitement, over 40 people waited on Wellington Crescent yesterday for the long-awaited arrival of 78-year-old John Wichers. At 2:35 pm, John road up to the Rehabilitation Centre for Children, full of energy and a huge smile on his face. It was a very sweet homecoming for this hometown hero.

Guests were treated to cake and punch from the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation staff, and had a chance to personally congratulate John. The Foundation presented John with a thank-you gift of an original painting done by one of the children who attends Art Therapy at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children.

This concludes John’s Excellent Bike Adventure. Over 28 days, John biked more than 2,200 km from Vancouver to Winnipeg. He endured smokey skies, hot and sunny days and the occasional bear and elk herd along the road.

Donations can be made in support of John’s Excellent Bike Adventure until August 7th. Donations can be made online at crf.mb.ca or by calling Tracy Price at 204-453-9838. To date, John has raised $23,000 – his goal is $30,000. Funds raised will go toward the purchase of 10 specialized Freedom Concepts bikes for 10 Manitoba children living with disabilities and special needs.

View all the photos from John’s Homecoming Party here. (photo credit: Evan Patterson, Freedom Concepts)