It has been a long journey for P.L and Kristen Meindertsma, who first embarked on their Cycle 5 to Survive multi-year biking fundraiser back in 2023.
More than 20,000 km and $1.25 million in funds later, the Abbotsford couple is prepared to hit the road once again to continue their quest to raise $2.5 million for charity.
Their travels have already taken them across North America, Europe, and South America, but this time they’ll be heading to Africa.
Armed with their bikes, some supplies, and steel determination, the two cyclists will look to continue their momentum as they recently celebrated the halfway point of Cycle 5 to Survive.
Every dollar of this massive cycling event goes to five different charities — Opportunity International, Himalayan Life, iDE Canada, Hope for Korah, and LCC International University — which have a focus on sport, education, and business development.
With the next chapter of their fundraising journey only two months away, P.L. said this isn’t two people enjoying easy scenic rides around the world.
“We’ve faced illness, injuries, extreme weather, and mechanical breakdowns,” said P.L.
“But the purpose behind what we’re doing, and the people we meet along the way, keeps us moving forward.”
This perseverance was really tested during the South America leg of their fundraising tour last year, when the 10,000-km journey had to be broken up into two separate parts after Kristen was hospitalized for several days and extensive mechanical issues forced the couple to return home before returning again in November 2025 to finish out the ride to Ushuaia, Argentina.
The next challenge will begin in June when the cyclists attempt to travel across Africa, marking the second-last leg of this five-year expedition.
To donate to this fundraiser or learn more about the Cycle 5 to Survive initiative, visit cycle5tosurvive.com.