They took an early retirement and volunteered countless hours to lead the road crew for Ramesh Ferris' cross-Canada Cycle to Walk campaign, and on Jan. 1, Bertha and Douglas Ayers will be recognized for their community spirit.

"We're very humbled and honoured to receive this award," Bertha said today of the Commissioner's Volunteer Public Service Award she and husband will receive on New Year's Day.

"(Assisting with Cycle to Walk) was something we undertook not even thinking any recognition would come," she told the Star.

"We did it because it was of interest to us. It was a wonderful time, a wonderful trip and something we'll remember forever."

By now, Yukoners and much of Canada are aware of Ferris' 7,110-km hand cycle journey across the country to raise awareness and money to fight polio.

However, few know of Bertha's and Doug's effort behind the scenes.

While Bertha kept Ferris fuelled with delicious calories and equal parts encouragement during the 172-day trek. Doug planned the route, wrangled media and planned public appearances, and assembled the Cycle to Walk board of directors in the lead-up to the trip.

As a Rotarian, Doug became involved after Ferris solicited help from the charitable organization for the campaign.

"The Rotary Club has been involved in program called PolioPlus since the '80s, so it seemed like natural thing to do," said Doug.

"It's wonderful to receive this recognition but it certainly wasn't expected at all, and we appreciate being acknowledged."

Ferris made a ceremonial start to his trip last April in Whitehorse, then made the actual start a short time later in Victoria.

When the Star contacted Ferris this morning, he was unaware the Ayers had been named recipients of the award.

"I'm thrilled and ecstatic to hear about this," he said.

"They are two wonderful people who've given so much of themselves.

"Yukoners should be very proud to have them in their community, and I can't thank them enough for taking an early retirement so I could live out my dream."

According to Ferris, Bertha took early retirement from the territorial Department of Education and Doug closed up his court reporting business to channel their energy full-time to the cause.

"When I think of Doug and Bertha, it's people like them who are the champions of Cycle to Walk and why the campaign was so successful," Ferris added.

To date, Cycle to Walk has raised more than $310,000 and helped to educate nearly as many people that the fight against polio has not been won, despite the discovery of a vaccine more than 50 years ago.

Pleasantly surprised at the warmth and hospitality the Cycle to Walk team received during their journey, Doug was equally impressed with Ferris' unwavering fortitude.

"Ramesh was great, and his enthusiasm and his energy never really flagged," recalled Doug.

"He'd spend a hard day on his cycle, end up somewhere new at the dinner hour to meet people and the press, but he was always upbeat and never needed any extra encouragement. Then in the mornings, always ready to get off the mark and go."

And according to Bertha, a hearty helping of porridge and scrambled eggs was Ferris' favourite.

When asked about his morning meals, Ferris laughed and said Bertha was always at the ready with roadside mini-pizzas and other snacks to keep him powered with the minimum daily intake of 5,000 calories.

"Not only did Bertha and Doug volunteer their time as my on-road mom and dad, but they gave a tremendous amount of hours in Whitehorse in preparation," he said, adding the couple celebrated their own landmark on the adventure.

"An ongoing joke that we had on the road was if Doug and Bertha made it successfully through the TransCanada for 172 days, they would be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary on the highway" Ferris said.

"They spent their 40th year being married going at five kilometres an hour. Now that's a true testament to how committed they are."