Trina Preugschas: a story of perseverance

It was 17 years ago, after a car accident that left her with a broken neck, when Trina Preugschas from Bloomsbury was told she would never walk again.

Since then, the 33-year-old Cycleforward founder has proven to be an inspiration to all that know her story.

About 175 people gathered at the Barrhead Agrena Saturday evening, not only to celebrate the finale of Cycleforward's second year, but the young woman's desire to give back to her community.

“I have experience that a lot can be done when we really move together with others,” said Preugschas at the dinner. “I just want to thank everyone for continually helping me experience that truly anything is possible.”

The event raised around $7,000 profit for Barrhead's new swimming pool from ticket sales, a live auction, and donations.

Neerlandia Co-op and Pembina West Co-op each donated $500 worth of food for the supper.

Donations given directly to Preugschas totaled about $1,300. This money will go towards a second battery for her three wheel power-assisted bike, allowing Preugschas to charge one battery while she rides using the other.

“Her battery got her about 2-4 hours, depending on how fast she was going,” said Cycleforward volunteer Kelly Kalmbach, who rode both last year in Vancouver and this year locally. “We found last year we had to stop many times to charge her battery.”

This year cyclists joined from several local areas including Barrhead, Westlock, Slave Lake and Lacombe. However spokesperson for Cycleforward Courtney von Rennenkampff, who rode all six days with the group, said there were a few riders who came from places much farther, like Switzerland, California, Holland and Germany.

“We had a lot of cyclists from around the world with us,” said von Rennenkampff.

“They are all connected through Trina and felt inspired to come join us.”

Cyclists gathered in Assineau on June 28, and began their almost-300 km journey June 29. The first stretch of 47 km brought the group to North of Slave Lake, where they camped at a bison ranch.

Day two the group rode 70 km to camp at Hondo Community Hall, where they celebrated Canada Day on day three July 1.

The fourth day of the trip the cyclists biked 65 km to Fawcett,. And the fifth took the riders 51 km to Westlock, where they had a chance to tour the town's Pioneer Museum.

There were at least 20 riders every day, some staying for the long haul and others coming and going, but the number continued to grow as time went on. By day six, the final stretch of the ride from Westlock to Barrhead, the group had grown to almost 40 cyclists.

Barrhead resident and Cycleforward volunteer Margaret Osborne, who rode with the group for the final three days, said the group encountered nothing but encouragement and hospitality on the trip.

Osborne noted the group's visit to the Pibroch Hutterite colony near Westlock. What was meant to be a short water break turned into a two and a half hour exploration of the colony's lifestyle.

“It's a very vibrant, industrious colony, and yet they all took time to show us around and talk with us. They were very proud of showing us what they could do and what they had,” said Osborne. “They wanted very much to show us, and sing to us, and answer our questions.”

Another hospitable highlight was the visit to a saskatoon farm near Linaria, a hidden gem tucked behind the trees, said Osborne.

“That's where we had our lunch, which was donated by the Barrhead Subway. But [the owner] made us dessert,” she said. “Everybody was so wiling and warranting to share.”

At the wrap up in Barrhead, Barrhead Reeve Bill Lee commented not only on the importance of community spirit, but the strong presence of it in the area. Preugschas, he said, is a shining example of that.

“We all get hung up on our own little issues and own little problems, and what you've overcome, we've got to hear what you did. It humbles the rest of us, and we start looking at life the way we should be,” said Lee. “We love you Trina. We're proud you come from Barrhead, and thank you for being here tonight and bringing us all together for a common goal.

Barrhead Mayor Gerry St. Pierre said the determination Preugschas has shown over the years to address her challenges and achieve her goals has been an inspiration to all that have heard her story.

“As you know our community, your community, is faced with our own challenge right now, and that is replacing the aquatic centre,” St. Pierre told Preugschas. “If our community can even show half the determination and perseverance you show, Trina, then certainly with logical and level heads we will persevere and we will achieve our goal.”