Last year, I set out to do something that scared me.

I took on the BC Bike Race, one of the toughest seven-day mountain bike races in the world. But I wasn’t riding for a medal.

I was riding for the young people supported by the YMCA’s Second Stage Housing Program — youth rebuilding their lives after experiencing homelessness. And thanks to the generosity of people who believed in this mission, we reached our fundraising goal.

This year, I’m raising the bar even higher. From April 26 to May 1, 2026, I’ll be taking on one of the toughest endurance races on the planet: The Škoda Titan Desert Morocco.

And you’re invited to follow along and support me on this gruelling journey.

Six days.

Nearly 500 kilometres across the Sahara Desert.

Relentless heat.

Deep sand.

Long climbs.

And riders must be largely self-reliant — carrying essential gear in a backpack as they cross one of the most unforgiving environments on earth.

The truth is, I don’t know if I’m ready.

And maybe that’s exactly the point.

Because the youth rebuilding their lives through the YMCA’s Second Stage Housing Program rarely feel fully ready for the road ahead, either.

But they take it step by step anyway.

So, I’ve been training the only way I know how.

Long rides. Strength training. Hours in the saddle.

And, admittedly, some slightly unconventional preparation…

To simulate the extreme desert heat, I’ve engineered a heated suit for training in my home office — turning up the temperature, layering up, and riding indoors to prepare my body for what’s coming.

It’s uncomfortable.

It’s exhausting.

And sometimes it feels a little crazy.

But it reminds me why this challenge matters…

Because every day, young people in our community are facing challenges that demand resilience just as real.

The Second Stage Housing Program provides youth with something many of them have never had before:

A safe place to live. Supportive mentors. Life-skills training. Time to heal and rebuild.

Most importantly, it gives them something powerful: The belief that their future can be different from their past.

I’ve seen what happens when youth are given that chance.

Confidence returns.

Goals take shape.

A future that once felt impossible starts to feel real.

And that’s why I’m riding.

Because if pushing my limits can help even one more young person find stability, support, and a place to call home, then every kilometre through the desert will be worth it.

Ride With Me.

This challenge may take me across the Sahara.

But this mission belongs to all of us.

You don’t need to ride across a desert to be part of it.

Ride your bike around your neighbourhood.

Walk your favourite trail.

Run, hike, paddle — move in whatever way inspires you.

And if you’re able, consider donating to support the YMCA’s Second Stage Housing Program for Youth.

Every kilometre and every contribution helps create stability and opportunity for young people rebuilding their lives.

And it reminds them of something powerful: an entire community is riding beside them.

Join my ride today – thank you for your support!

— Morgan