Matt was an MS  Neurologist who cared for me 15+ years ago in Oxford. He too was a keen cyclist and one day during a clinic visit we got quite carried away talking cycling and when the nurse came in she found us hunched over a hastily drawn map of North America discussing the relative merits of various routes across. 

We reacted like a couple of naughty boys when she politely observed that there were people waiting, what on earth did we think we were doing, and did we realise we were taking a while? Whoops. Sorry, Ana.

Matt made one of those remarks that sticks with the receiver (me) and I doubt was of great consequence to the person commenting. 

He said, 'I think you have done so well with your MS because you have always been so active.' 

That stuck with me as did the nagging desire to ride across Canada. 

And here we are. Sadly, Matt died in Feb 2024 after a long and brave battle with cancer. I spoke with his widow and told her that I'd like to dedicate a small part of this ride to him. He was more influential to me and many others than I think he realised. To me that is the sign of a great person. 

Thank you Matt.