Riding around the clock for Wounded Warriors Canada

WO Dan Bodden of the base’s Transition Centre rides his stationary bicycle during a fundraiser for Wounded Warriors Canada on Feb. 24. WO Bodden and Sgt. Mike Kotuk of CFB Trenton peddled their bikes for 24 consecutive hours, logging 1,409 kilometres and raising close to $5,000 for mental health treatment and support programs for veterans and currently-serving members. Credit: Wounded Warriors Canada

WO Dan Bodden of the base’s Transition Centre rides his stationary bicycle during a fundraiser for Wounded Warriors Canada on Feb. 24. WO Bodden and Sgt. Mike Kotuk of CFB Trenton peddled their bikes for 24 consecutive hours, logging 1,409 kilometres and raising close to $5,000 for mental health treatment and support programs for veterans and currently-serving members. Credit: Wounded Warriors Canada

Peter Mallett
Staff Writer
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Sgt Mike Kotuk of CFB Trenton, ON, and WO Dan Bodden, CFB Esquimalt, cycled for 24 consecutive hours on Feb. 24 without getting anywhere, sort of.

The cycling duo spun their wheels on a stationary bike to raise funds and awareness for The Wounded Warrior Run BC, since the yearly relay-style run was cancelled due to COVID-19. It has been tentatively rescheduled for April 11 to 18.

WO Bodden and Sgt Kotuk’s alternate fundraiser, entitled 24 on the 24th for Wounded Warriors Canada, had them cycling 1,409 kilometres, raising $5,800.

“I felt a sense of deep satisfaction when the clock finally hit 7 a.m. the next morning. We were both utterly delighted with the results,” says WO Bodden. “I couldn’t believe the generosity and support of people from everywhere.”

WO Bodden is the co-founder of Wounded Warrior Run BC. The Search and Rescue Technician works as a Platoon Warrant Officer at the Transition Centre on base.

During their ride, both men kept track of their distance, speed, and time on the popular cycling game platform Zwift. They were permitted to take occasional meal, bathroom, and rest breaks. While cycling they also made regular updates to their followers on Facebook. 

As time wore on, WO Bodden says the pain and fatigue in his body mounted. 

“Even with a plan of execution for fluid and nutrition, in an activity like this your hands, feet, knees, and your rear end are going to get sore anyway, and as time wore on they certainly were,” he said.

Wounded Warrior Run BC Director, Capt Jacqueline Zweng was thoroughly impressed by the efforts of WO Bodden and Sgt Kotuk.

“They gave us a much-needed boost following the postponement of our run and we are so proud of this absolutely incredible and inspiring effort of Dan and Mike,” said Capt Zweng, a Training Program Director at the Regional Cadet Support Unit at Work Point.

To find out more about Wounded Warriors Canada and how to donate to their programs visit their website https://woundedwarriors.ca/donate

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