By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On June 13, longtime Caledon resident Erik Jensen will take on the Tour Divide—a 4,418 km ultra-endurance bike race from Banff, AB, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, featuring over 200,000 feet of climbing. 

Jensen is riding to raise funds and awareness for World Bicycle Relief, a global organization that provides bikes to communities in need. 

This marks his second major charity ride. 

In celebration of his 65th birthday, Jensen completed the European Divide and successfully raised $49,900 for the same charity.

With support from Caledon Cycling and Domestique Cycling Club, Jensen hopes to inspire others through his passion for cycling and commitment to giving back.

He shared that Caledon Cycle has done so much for him and the community.

Jensen was born in Copenhagen and has been biking his entire life. 

What initially drew him to Caledon was the numerous trail networks available.

As Jensen gears up for the big day, he said a lot of the training he does is not just physical but mental.

Jensen will be on the bike for 16 to 18 hours daily, sleeping approximately five hours a night.

He shared that what gets him through it is remembering why he was there in the first place.

“My tiny little struggle over the next 20 days in relation to what those people are experiencing on a day to day, month to month, year to year, this is nothing,” shared Jensen of raising money for World Bicycle Relief.

World Bicycle Relief mobilizes individuals and communities through cycling.

They aspire for individuals to have access to an appropriate transport option that is affordable, safe, and meets their needs and preferences. 

World Bicycle Relief envisions a world where bicycles improve healthcare and education outcomes and broaden economic opportunities so individuals and communities can thrive.

Jensen shared that collaborating with them felt like the right path for him.

“It's the most simple yet most powerful thing you can do for someone. The impact is immediate. I like the organization, and I like everything they do. They're an organization that needs a lot of help growing and spreading the word, and I think that's what resonates with me,” he said.

Jensen will set off for his ride to Banff on June 9 and begin his journey on June 13.

For those wishing to follow along with Erik's journey can track his movements through this link starting June 13, visit https://dotwatcher.cc/race/tour-divide-2025.

To donate, visit canada.worldbicyclerelief.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1060&px=1003501.