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Jackie Soular’s Inspiring Journey from Couch to Cycling Adventures

At the age of 38, Jackie Soular embarked on a transformative journey that would redefine her relationship with cycling and life itself. After seeing a photograph in Outside magazine featuring couples biking in the mountains, Jackie expressed a desire to join them. Her husband, Ted Soular, encouraged her, stating, “We’d have to really work at it.” This simple conversation set the stage for a remarkable adventure spanning years.

Initially, Jackie identified herself as a “couch potato.” However, she resolved to change that perception. The next day, she dusted off her old three-speed Huffy bike to accompany Ted on his running route. Despite struggling to complete a mile and a half, her determination was unwavering. Ted’s encouragement became a constant motivator: “You do it again tomorrow and you do it again the next day, and you’ll be amazed at how much you’ll improve.”

Jackie’s commitment paid off. By the following summer, she successfully rode around Lake Bemidji, and when she proposed biking to Itasca, Ted recognized her growing dedication. During this ride, Jackie donned flip-flops and eschewed a helmet, marking her longest ride to date. Impressed by her progress, Ted suggested they invest in better bikes. Jackie’s new 10-speed Schwinn felt like a significant upgrade, akin to “moving up to a Cadillac.”

As their son Bob settled in California, the couple decided to take a road trip, bringing their bikes along. A stop at Rocky Mountain National Park resulted in a memorable ride along the Trail Ridge Road. Jackie described this experience as fulfilling a long-held dream. “We had no business being on that road with no shoulder, a steep drop off, and buses and RVs, but once we did it, we looked at each other and said, ‘Well, if we can do that, we can do anything.’”

That ride sparked a series of cycling adventures for Jackie and Ted, including breathtaking journeys across North America. In the summer of 2001, they took their bikes on an Amtrak train from Grand Forks to Seattle, embarking on a cross-country adventure from Everett, Washington, to Bar Harbor, Maine. They allotted three months for the trip, camping along the way and averaging 80 miles per day, all while adhering to a strict “No cooking!” rule. Relying on Adventure Cycling maps, they navigated through scenic backroads while discovering local eateries and accommodations.

Upon reaching Bar Harbor in early August—nearly a month ahead of schedule—they shipped their bikes home and returned to Minnesota. Their journey received coverage in the local media, highlighting their remarkable achievement. Over the years, Jackie and Ted participated in organized rides across Minnesota and various states, continually seeking new biking experiences.

Tragically, Ted passed away in November 2013, leaving Jackie uncertain about her biking future. Although she initially abandoned her idea of a cross-Canada trip, she chose to participate in the annual Klobuchar ride (Tour of Minnesota) the following summer as a farewell to the cycling community that had become like family. “I realized I could keep going,” Jackie reflected on the support she received.

In 2017, the opportunity to join the Tour du Canada coincided with Canada’s 150th celebration and Jackie’s 70th birthday. Although the initial part of the tour clashed with a hiking adventure, she opted for a “hop on/hop off” option, riding from Winnipeg to the East Coast. The experience was fully supported with a chef, mechanic, and vehicles to transport their belongings, making it a comfortable journey.

Despite being the oldest and slowest rider, Jackie felt a strong sense of community. After her first day, she experienced intense pain but was reassured by fellow riders who encouraged her to seek help. A chiropractor diagnosed her with sacroiliac joint pain and provided effective treatment. “I had to have faith in myself and faith in God that I was meant to be on this trip,” she explained, emphasizing the emotional healing she found throughout the journey.

As Jackie continued from Winnipeg to Thunder Bay, familiar landmarks reminded her of Ted, allowing her to feel his presence and joy again. The ride became more than a cycling journey; it evolved into a profound exploration of life and healing. She discovered that her fellow riders were also navigating personal challenges, reinforcing the notion that the trip was a collective life journey.

Today, Jackie remains an avid cyclist, participating in organized rides and biking for enjoyment and exercise. At 75, she embraced an electric bike, continuing her passion for cycling. Each ride serves as a vital part of her life journey, intertwining memories, challenges, and a sense of community that began with a simple desire to join a photograph in a magazine.

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