by Cam Stewart
Northern News Services

NNSL (Oct 13/97) - As cyclist Chris Robertson relaxes at home in Hamilton, Ont., he knows the challenge he faces will be his toughest yet. He'll need the rest up because the last leg of his cross-Canada bicycle trek is in the NWT -- and it's going to be harsh.

"I know the final leg will not be under normal conditions," said Robertson. "I'm expecting temperatures to be up to 50 below."

Only 187 kilometres separates Robertson from completing his seven-month voyage that began in Point Pelee, Ont., the southernmost point of Canada, on March 1, 1997. Getting to Tuktoyaktuk is his goal.

Robertson's quest is temporarily on hold, not by his own doing, but rather, by the uncontrollable forces of nature.

"I'm just waiting for the mighty Mackenzie to freeze," said Robertson. "I just ordered some special tires from Finland to help grip on the ice trail...I'm thrilled I made it to Inuvik. It's been an early Christmas present for me.

Robertson is a man on a mission to unite Canada. He's travelled across Canada to make a point, not just to himself but to everyone in the 47 different communities he's visited on tour.

On route, Robertson asks the question, "What will you have done before the year 2000 to make Canada a better country then when you found it?"

Robertson's doing his bit, crossing the country from south to north on his bike risking injury, perhaps even death in the process. To Robertson the challenges outweighs the perils.

"The bigger the challenge, the better. I think everyone in Canada should make it their goal to visit every part of our beautiful country," said Robertson.

The original idea to cross the country came to Robertson during a trip to Montreal during the last referendum campaign. Robertson said Canadians who flocked to Montreal from all over Canada were the difference in the "yes" forces winning.

Robertson fears another referendum could destroy the country.

"It was a last-minute thing that helped change the momentum in the first vote. I believe if we have a second referendum we might not be so lucky."

To get money to fulfil his dream, Robertson cashed in $36,928.69 worth of RRSPs, after discovering a deal with corporate sponsors would take too long.

Robertson will be honored as one of 10 distinguished Canadians at special presentation at Toronto's Roy Thompson Hall, Oct. 24, before returning North of 60 to wrap up the quest.

Robertson is eager to return to the NWT and finish what he set out to do.

"Last year the ice road opened up on Dec. 21. This year it's been a unusually mild fall. I'm expecting to finish the expedition by the first or second week of January."