06/19/2025
Princeton had a very special visitor yesterday.
Not someone famous for glitz or glamour — but for grit, endurance, and quiet greatness.
Late in the day, a man on a bicycle rolled up to our lodge looking for a place to rest. All the hotels in town were fully booked, including ours. I explained we had no vacancy, but something in me just couldn’t let him ride on. The next town is over an hour away by car — and he was on a bike.
I offered our guest room without hesitation. My husband wasn’t home, so I called him to make sure it was okay — but by then, our new guest was already smiling and getting settled.
Little did we know… this wasn’t just any cyclist.
This was Ferenc Szőnyi, also known as the “Machine Man” — a legendary Hungarian ultra-athlete. A man who’s completed 30 full Ironmans in 30 days, crossed the Himalayas on foot, pedaled across continents, and is now cycling solo across all of Canada, from the Pacific to the Atlantic — over 12,000 km.
And last night, he stayed here. At Deerview Lodge & Cabins. In our little Princeton. ✨
What a kind, humble, and inspiring soul. After battling cold, heat, mountains, valleys, and even a bear or two — all he wanted was a warm meal, a shower, and some time to share stories.
We are deeply honored to have met you, Ferenc.
You’ve left a mark not only on the world, but on our hearts as well.
Thank you for stopping by. Our doors will always be open to you — in Canada or in Rio de Janeiro.
With love and admiration,
Andrea & Raymond
