My name is Martin Bauman. I am a writer, podcaster, and the author of Hell of a Ride (Pottersfield Press), winner of the Pottersfield Prize and Margaret & John Savage First Book Award and shortlisted for the Evelyn Richardson Non-Fiction Award and Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction. As a journalist, my work has been featured on-air and in print across Canada and overseas in Cardiff, Wales, including in the Globe and Mail, Calgary Herald, The Coast, Capital Daily, and DARBY Magazine, among other places.
I am also passionate about mental health. In the summer of 2016, I cycled across Canada to raise funds for mental health initiatives across the country and in my home of Waterloo Region, and I continue to speak publicly about the importance of community mental health resources.
Press:
- 570 News: “Waterloo man biking across Canada for mental health awareness”
- 570 News: “Former 570 News reporter completes bike ride across Canada for mental health”
- BayToday: “Mental health inspires man to trek across the country”
- Canadian Mennonite: “Raising awareness, raising funds”
- Canadian Mennonite: “Mixed emotions at the end of the journey”
- CHAT TV: “Ontario man cycling across Canada to raise awareness for mental health”
- Chronicle Herald: “Cyclist finds time on the road [and] brings hope, awareness to mental health cause”
- CKDM: “Ontario man bikes across Canada for mental health”
- CKDR: “Cross-country bike ride reaches Northwestern Ontario”
- CogecoTV North Bay: “Biking across Canada for mental health”
- Community Edition: “Coast to coast on two wheels”
- Country 107.3: “Cross-Canada bike trip for mental health”
- CTV Kitchener: “Waterloo man bikes across Canada in mental health fundraiser”
- CTV Northern Ontario: “Defeat Depression”
- Fanshawe College Alumni News: “Going the distance for mental health”
- News 1130: “Mental health advocate cycling from coast to coast”
- North Bay Nugget: “Cyclist goes coast to coast to Defeat Depression”
- Radio-Canada: Pédaler 7500 km pour mettre fin à la stigmatisation de la maladie mentale”
- SaultOnline: “Cyclist hits the Sault on his journey across Canada”
- Sault Star: “Now’s time for mental health ride”
- The Come Up Show: “Martin Bauman talks mental health, hip-hop, and biking 7,000km across Canada”
- The Observer: “Cycling through the township for mental health awareness”
- The Record: “Waterloo man cycling across Canada for mental health”
- Western Gazette: “Western alumnus set to cycle across Canada for mental health”
Speaking Engagements:
- Live recording, The Grand Parade podcast (June 27, 2023)
- Courtland Avenue Public School (June 21, 2018)
- Elmira District Secondary School, Mental Health Week (May 7, 2018)
- CMHA Waterloo Wellington: All-Staff Meeting (March 7, 2018)
- WAYVE Conference (February 15, 2018)
- Movember KW: Open Mo Night (November 30, 2017)
- Spotlight on Invisible Disabilities: Youth Panel (November 16, 2017)
- Fairview Seniors Community (November 6, 2017)
- Hawkesville Mennonite Church (July 30, 2017)
- Community Supper, Conrad Grebel College (June 14, 2017)
- Mental Health Week, Kitchener Public Library (May 1, 2017)
- Waffles in the Warehouse, Food Bank of Waterloo Region (September 13, 2016)
Martin Bauman 
Hi Martin,
Congrats on taking this on – it’s really wonderful. I work for Minister Bardish Chagger and as we make our summer travel plans for her as was wondering if it might not be possible for you two to meet up on the road so she can cheer you on and lend her support. I see your route, but wondering if you have a rough itinerary? Obviously things will change – but wanted to see if we can’t coordinate something.
All the best and thanks a lot.
James Fitz-Morris
Hi James! I’ve sent you an email with my daily itinerary – let me know if you’d like me to resend.
Hi Martin,
I work at Kitchener Public Library and was wondering if you would be interested in coming here to do a presentation on your efforts and message, perhaps in May for Mental Health Week? I’ll fill out my contact information below.
Thanks!
Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the message! I’m humbled that you would think of me. Absolutely, I’d love to. My email is martinsrideformentalhealth@gmail.com if you’d like to send any more details.
Best,
Martin
Great to watch your video and follow your blog! Don’t know if timing will work out, but it could be fun to cycle out to to meet you as you come into Ottawa. Send email if you’re interested.
Hi Karl, I should be cycling into Ottawa on Friday (22nd). Let me know if it works for you to join!
I hope it will work.
According to your map you intend to come down the 148 on the Quebec side. If that’s still your intent, I would meet you at Quyon. There’s a ferry there, and I’ll be coming up from my office in Kanata.
Looking forward to it. Dale Weber initially mentioned your trip to us.
Karl
Sounds great!
Karl, I should mention: the map is a little misleading. Better to check canadabybicycle.com/day41 for the directions I’ll be following.
That makes it easy! Text 1-613-716-3037 when you’re at Arnprior. I’ll head up Dunrobin Rd towards Kinburn Rd, and see you wherever we meet. Any estimate of what time you’ll leave Arnprior? (I’ll work until I get your text)
Our destination today is Arnprior, so we’ll be leaving from there Friday morning. 8:30-9am is when we’d be leaving Arnprior on Friday.
Can you please contact Michael Tutton at The Canadian Press 19024221129 for a possible interview on Thursday. Or email Michael.tutton@thecanadianpress.com. I’m in the Atlantic bureau and am putting together a story about various x-country treks. Thanks.
Hi Martin. Just happened upon your journey while researching a bit on Canadian Mental Health Association. I have ALWAYS wanted to do something similar to you…..cycling across Canada in support of mental health awareness. In fact, I am tempted to start planning the reverse journey to yours….for next summer. My efforts would take a bit more focus on the misdiagnosis and mistreatment of PTSD among our Canadian Veterans….because even though I am not a veteran myself….I prefer to take my thoughts and words of support….into ACTIONS. I have a love for cycling first and foremost, and like pretty much ALL CANADIANS, have witnessed the struggles and depths of mental and cognitive hardships and the lack of EFFECTIVE SUPPORTS that currently exist. This is a struggle that effects SO MANY PEOPLE from the individuals, to the family and friends, doctors and health care agencies, etc etc. The more awareness the better. Wouldn’t it be great to have people cycling back and forth across Canada every summer every year…to continue to share the stories…and to continue to show the LOVE AND SUPPORT that you mention is what really really matters. We can all help each other….and that is the missing link. I look forward to sharing more with you on my specific interests and what I have already done to support our troops. If we can obtain proper recognition and treatment options for our brave men and women, imagine how we can take these efforts and expand it to all of our Canadians!!!! Best of luck on the rest of your journey!!!!
Thanks for the encouragement! All the best to you.
Hi Martin
Im just loving your book Hell of a Ride.I live in Elmira and ride the same routes you write about.The Hellish Hawksville Hill makes me want to give up.Im usually going about 5kph in first gear and near vomiting when I reach the top.I cant imagine Brutish Columbia.What a great book so far!
Peter Carter
Hi Peter, thanks for writing! I’m thrilled to hear you’re enjoying the book. Wishing you a good, steady tailwind for your next time up the Hawkesville hills.
hello martin,
i try to support western authors and have met a few. i would like to purchase your book on your travel across canada and have you sign it for me. Thank you (i am often in the waterloo region)
Christopher
Chrisenda91@hotmail.com
Hi Christopher,
Thanks for the message. I’m touched that you’re reaching out. I’m based in Halifax these days and don’t get back to Waterloo that often, but if you order a book online from one of Halifax’s bookstores (Bookmark and the King’s Co-op Bookstore have it), let me know and I’ll make sure it’s signed.
Best,
Martin
Hi Martin, I just bought your book on Amazon.ca, congratulations.