Bill Parker is still riding around Ontario

It took another Bill Parker alert to shake me out of my lethargy.

A nasty cold/chest infection and heavy workload have reduced my cycling, and even my thinking about cycling, but a call to the office today from someone near Brechin (up near Lake Simcoe) broke through.

Yes, Bill Parker is still on the road, knocking on doors and asking if anyone has a place where he can stay for the night. Four years after I first posted on Parker, he is still wandering around the back roads of Ontario, cadging the odd meal  and a place to stay.

Parker's current plan, according to the caller, is to cycle to Thunder Bay and then take the train back home to Edmonton for the winter.

There's probably a book in here about his adventures.

Comments

[Rob (Mk.II)]

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill when he was in Waterloo a few weeks ago. He was hanging about Waterloo Town Square grabbing a bite to eat. Had a good talk about his bike and some of his adventures.

[Evan Rosamond]

I hope Mr. Parker isn't hoping to catch a train in Thunder Bay. There hasn't been one there for decades. Sudbury Junction is a better bet, unless he really wants to cycle to Armstrong or Sioux Lookout.

[Bob Payne]

Hi Bill

You'd better tell Bill Parker to think a little more about cycling to Thunder Bay and catching the train back to Edmonton. VIA Rail doesn't come through Thunder Bay - it runs on the CN tracks and the closest it comes is the small hamlet of Armstrong, about 200 kms north. Winnipeg might be a better option.

Enjoy your column!

Regards,
Bob Payne