Bill Parker, vagabond bicyclist, is still riding around Ontario, as I learned Tuesday night when a caller from the Port Carling area contacted me at the office to ask if this guy is for real.
Now, I am not Bill Parker's agent. I don't know him except what I learned from talking to him. I can't suggest that you let him stay at your place. You can listen to his story, read some of the other posts and make up your own mind. I do think it's remarkable that a lone man can spend four years on the road, riding around Ontario, getting chicken wings and a place to sleep, due to the (albeit cautious) kindness of strangers.
In case you missed the response to the last post, here it is:
"So Bill Parker was knocking on doors on my road last night in our rural community. Something that simply doesnt happen out here!
"As I was bringing in groceries from the truck I hear this guy across the street introducing himself as an athelete and explaining his story. He has no money, his bike is broken and he is making his way up the Northbay to see a guy about some business.
"He asked my neighbour if he could spend the night on the property. So naturally, my first reaction, go inside and lock the door! Mike comes home and heads over to the neighbours to see what the story is. In the mean time I google Bill Parker and found this, I called the number and spoke with a lovely gentlemen who is following Bill Parker's road trip.
"Bill has been living on the road and biking since 2008! As night falls he either hitches a ride or starts knocking. This Man lives his life relying on the kindness of others. After reading some of the comments from thoes who have hosted Bill inthe past, I was a little less reluctant to help the man.
"Lone behold, he spent the night inthe house up the hill (not currently occupied) I provided a warm meal, gave him the comforter off the bed and offered a pillow. He managed to snag Mikes last beer ( which is an incredible feat all on its own!) and he even managed to talk his way into taking the entire front wheel off of Mikes new Bike so he could continue on in the morning.
"So, if Bill comes knocking, don`t be affraid, yes he is a little socially awkward, a strange but very kind man. Dont be put off by his way of simply coming out and asking for anything he may need. Remember that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time. and just because someone doesnt live their life like you do, it doesnt mean their are not an honast harmless being.Good Luck Bill, safe and happy travel`s"
:) Laura and Mike Jennings port carling Ontario
Well, we had Bill Parker ring our doorbell this afternoon! Of course, my first thought was to tell him to take a hike, but my husband offered him a place to sleep in our garage tonight. We did have him in for dinner - interesting stories - he knows a little about a lot of things, and we wish him well on his travels. Kind and gentle man.
Posted by: Heslop | February 25, 2013 at 07:56 PM
Billy stayed in my studio March 21, 2013 in Utica Ontario. I thought he was either crazy or a 'Holy Fool' when he knocked on my door. I still am not sure but I had a blast. I was laughing so much at his stories I was crying most of the time. I invited the neighbours over too (since I am alone) and we had a very entertaining evening. I think he disarmed us a little and brought in a breath of fresh air into an overly self-protective world.
Posted by: Lynne Mcilvride Evans | March 25, 2013 at 06:40 PM
he's currently at our house in Hampton, Ontario - lovely man if not a little awkward. :)
Posted by: christine smith | March 25, 2013 at 06:52 PM