Ontario teacher returns home after cycling around the world

Two years and nearly 35,000 kilometres later, Mark Quattrocchi has finally returned home to Rideau Ferry, Ont. after cycling around the world.

“Arriving home was an emotional culmination of two years on the road filled with gratitude, joy and memories,” Quattrocchi said.

Despite having crisscrossed his way through more than 40 countries and five continents, the 28-year-old Smith’s Falls, Ont. native said the last few kilometres were among the most challenging.

“Coming down that hill was pretty tough,” said Quattrocchi, describing the feeling of riding the final few meters before he crossed the finish line.

“Sometimes, I really didn’t think I was going to make it,” he added. “But I had these people behind me, keeping me going.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Sometimes, I really didn't think I was going to make it," he added. "But I had these people behind me, keeping me going."

Quattrocchi, a teacher, began his journey in Sanya, China on July 7, 2014. Originally just a way to get out and explore the world, the adventure soon evolved into a mission to raise funds and awareness for increasing access to education for poor and disadvantaged children around the globe.

Quattrocchi ended up raising more than $45,000 for Free the Children, a Toronto-based organization that helps communities build schools and educate children. The funds Quattrocchi raised during the course of his campaign are enough to construct five schools and educate thousands of children.

”People have been following him along this journey,” said Shellbie Wilson, director of donor relations at Free the Children. “He’s really been inspiring people to learn more and get involved in the difference education can make.”

He’s also made a difference here at home. Eliza Jiang, Quattrocchi’s fiancée, said he’s her hero and that his journey was inspiring. Quattrocchi’s parents, who visited him several times during the past two years, said they experienced many sleepless nights, but that they are remarkably proud of his accomplishments.

“You only hear the bad things in the news,” said Vince Quattrocchi, Mark’s father. “But he had only acts of kindness.”

Quattrocchi has plans to share his experiences with school children across Canada. He would also like to write a book describing his journey. For now, however, he’ll concentrate on reconnecting with friends and family. He and Jiang plan to get married in September.

“I want people to know that the world is not a scary place,” said Quattrocchi. “It’s full of kind and wonderful people that took me into their homes whenever I asked or for whatever I needed.”