Many of us have contemplated, or even completed, a trip across Canada by car or bus, but it's rare to find those ambitious enough to complete the trip by bike, especially at just 21 years of age.

With a cup of coffee in her hand and a smile on her face, Marcia Davidson doesn't seem any different than any other young Whitehorse resident when she first arrives, but from the moment she opens her mouth, it's clear Davidson is not only passionate about her trip, but also about making a difference the type of person this world could use a lot more of.

'You start off with an idea you think is crazy, and then to realize you have the power to do something, to really make a difference, is just amazing,' she smiled.

The idea was a 6,500-kilometre cycling journey, from Victoria, B.C., to St. John's, Newfoundland.

Davidson met a women who was planning a similar event a couple years ago and that's when the first seed was planted in her mind, but it wasn't until she met her boyfriend, Vancouver native Fabio Scaldaferri, who is also 21, that the plan really became reality.

Scaldaferri was talking about biking across the country for fun, and while Davidson was interested in the trip, she also wanted to make it more worthwhile.

'With a trip of this magnitude, you can't just do it,' she said. 'You have to have a charity to fundraise for.'

When it came time to pick a charity, it wasn't a hard decision for Davidson, who lost her brother Bryce to cancer when she was just seven. Bryce underwent treatment at the B.C. Children's Hospital for three years, and during that time, the entire Davidson family frequently stayed at the Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald House is a nonprofit organization which shelters families whose children are undergoing lifesaving treatments in the hospital, for just $12 a night, and the families can stay as long as necessary.

'It's really nice to have that base, rather than staying in a hotel,' said Davidson. 'It has a community of people going through the same thing, so it's a good support system.'

While the international McDonald's chain gives the seed money to start the house off and contributes through a foundation, the house is actually owned and operated by a Vancouver organization, the Children's Family House Society.

Davidson and Scaldaferri's goal is to raise $100,000 for the foundation through donations throughout their trip, which begins on May 15. The pair took the last semester off from college and university to plan for their expedition, canvassing businesses and training for the actual ride neither of the athletes have ever travelled more than 100 kilometres by bike.

While Scaldaferri completed a triathlon a couple of weeks ago, Davidson has been attending spinning classes at Better Bodies, which supplied her with a four-month membership in sponsorship of the trip.

The Yukoner only took up cycling last summer, but she feels she'll be ready to average 120 km a day this summer.

She's sat down with someone who has completed the trip before, mapping out routes and taking tips on what kind of gear to bring along. She's also been looking up websites from similar events.

And just in case they experience horrible conditions, she's been mentally preparing herself.

'I'm expecting a lot of pain and a lot of not very good days,' she laughed. 'I'm expecting a lot of rain and a lot of head wind. Then the nice days will seem so great.

'The first two or three weeks are going to be an adjustment I think, but after the first two weeks, things will start to come together more smoothly.'

Initially, Davidson was a little worried about spending 24 hours a day for three months with Scaldaferri, but he calmed her fears when she asked him about it.

'We know it's going to be difficult already, so I'm not worried. We're a team. We need to support each other because if we don't, we're not going to make it.'

And not finishing just isn't acceptable for either of the athletes, even if an injury hampers their adventure.

'Fabio and I always joke about how if one of us gets injured, then we'll get on a tandem bike and go the rest of the way riding together.

'We're going to finish.'

If the going really does get tough, Davidson will look to Terry Fox for inspiration. She found one particular article on the Canadian icon which really inspired her, and she actually clipped it out to take with her on the trip as a reminder.

If he can accomplish such a feat on foot, with cancer, the biking trip should seem easy in comparison, she said.

What won't be so easy for the duo is the final planning over the next month. They hope to get sponsors to supply their bikes and riding gear, as well as lodging along the way, although they do have friends and family they can stay with. Davidson estimated about $7,000 in personal expenses for both of them.

All of that is completely separate from the donations being collected for Ronald McDonald House, which will go 100 per cent to the charity. The money is just starting to come in now, as Davidson begins the letter campaign in Whitehorse and Scaldaferri tries to get businesses on board in Vancouver.

Davidson will be leaving for Vancouver this week to join her cycling partner for their last few weeks of preparation.

There are four levels of donation for businesses and corporations ñ� Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. For more information, you can visit www.cyclecanada4rmh.org, or donations can be sent to: 5 Williams Place, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 5R2. You can also call 667-6229 or e-mail cyclecan4rmh@hotmail.com.

Those wanting to support the cause can also purchase a stain glass heart, the duo's first fundraiser, at a few local outlets Northern Elegance and the Main Street Bakerei are two of the locations.

The hearts are available for a minimum $20 donation, and are handmade by Davidson, with some help from her father, Frank.

'We're in mad production,' she smiled.

Any other local businesses interested in carrying the hearts can contact Davidson at the above addresses and phone number.

'I think it's important to get the Yukon involved, because we do use the Ronald McDonald House,' said Davidson.

'We're two young people that are trying to make a difference and give back to our local communities.'