“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller

Forty years ago, my best friend Graeme and I did something unforgettable. At 21 years old, with little more than a couple of steel-framed bikes, youthful legs, and the reckless optimism of our early twenties, we pedaled over 5,200 km from Lethbridge, Alberta all the way to Pensacola, Florida. It took us 46 days, uncountable flat tires, countless peanut butter sandwiches, and a friendship that only shared hardship and adventure can create.

Now, four decades later—with families raised, Ironman’s finished, careers built, and two sons each who’ve grown into strong men—we’re about to embark on what we’re calling The Farewell Tour. One last big ride. One more test. One more chance to chase something hard and good and maybe a little bit crazy.

On Sunday, July 13, will attempt to pedal from Calgary to Vancouver—1,100 kilometers over the course of 10 days, finishing on Wednesday, July 23. It won’t be easy. Our 61-year-old bodies aren’t what they were in 1985. But the fire’s still there. The call to discomfort, the pull of purpose, and the hunger for challenge haven’t faded.

Honestly? We’re both excited and a little afraid. That’s exactly why we’re doing it.

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Why Challenge Matters—At Any Age

At RTJ Wellness, we believe in the power of discomfort—not just physical discomfort, but the kind that stretches your mind, tests your limits, and forces you to grow.

Modern science backs it up: taking on hard things—especially those that align with our values—can significantly reduce toxic stress and build resilience. Whether it’s a long-distance ride, a new habit, or a difficult conversation, facing challenges head-on activates a brain-body response that fuels personal growth:

• Hormetic stress—mild, voluntary stressors like endurance training or cold exposure—stimulate cellular repair and make you more adaptable.
• Purpose-driven goals light up the brain’s reward centers and help regulate cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.
• Grit and perseverance build neural pathways tied to motivation, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
• And perhaps most powerful of all: meaningful social connection—like the lifelong brotherhood Graeme and I share—strengthens your heart, both literally and figuratively.

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Not Done Yet

This ride isn’t about reliving the past. It’s about proving that we’re not done living fully, intentionally, and courageously. It’s about reminding ourselves—and maybe anyone watching—that age doesn’t define ability. That fear doesn’t mean stop. And that the best relationships, like the best adventures, are built over time, weathered through storms, and celebrated with sweat and stories.

We’ve trained hard. We feel ready. But we also know enough now to leave room for the unknown. For laughter. For hard climbs and wind in our faces. For sunburns and sore legs. For the joy of pushing the edge.

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Your Turn

At RTJ Wellness, we encourage everyone—at every stage of life—to get uncomfortable on purpose. Try something new. Attempt something bold. Reconnect with someone who matters. Face the thing that scares you a little. That’s how you reduce toxic stress, grow your grit, and build a life that feels real and deeply lived.

And if you need support or tools to help along the way, that’s what we’re here for.

Let’s keep moving forward—on the road, in life, and toward what really matters.

See you on the ride.

—Rob
RTJ Wellness
www.rtjwellness.com