A man’s journey across Canada on two wheels comes to an end after his bike is stolen in Thunder Bay, then retrieved with help from the community.
Brett McLeod, 59, began biking on June 19 in British Columbia. He has a passion for cycling and wanted to challenge himself post-retirement. His journey came to a halt last week when his bike and belongings were stolen at a Walmart in Thunder Bay.
“I doubled locked by bike, but I came out after ten minutes and it was gone,” said McLeod.
He quickly posted the news on social media, which gained attention from hundreds across the city.
“The wonderful people of Thunder Bay rallied hard for me,” said McLeod. “The number of texts and emails I got was crazy.”
McLeod was left with just a cell phone and the clothes has was wearing in an unfamiliar city. He hopped on a flight to stay with family in Toronto.
One Thunder Bay citizen in particular did some digging and retrieved McLeod’s bike and equipment within an hour of being in Toronto.
“What are the chances of all of your equipment being found within an hour from three different locations,” said McLeod. “This person is amazing and it’s just an amazing story.”
McLeod plans to pick up the bike from the Thunder Bay couple holding it for him until next year. Following the interruption, he wants to pick back up where he left off in Thunder Bay in the spring and finish in Nova Scotia.
“I’m not letting a few thieves tarnish the beauty of Thunder Bay, because every city has thieves.”
