Cyclist, 83, starts on cross

Cyclist, 83, starts on cross-Canada journey in White Rock

Published 3:00 pm Friday, June 12, 2026

Donna McLean, left, Fran Wolfe, and Joan Donohue flank 83-year-old cyclist Robert Fletcher on the iconic White Rock pier Friday morning (June 12) before he started on an 8,600 cross-Canada journey over the summer. He’ turns 84 in August, when he’ll be in Quebec, according to his travel route. (Tricia Leslie/Peace Arch News)

Cyclist Robert Fletcher, 83, gets prepared in White Rock Friday morning (June 12) before he started on an 8,600 cross-Canada journey over the summer. He’ turns 84 in August, when he’ll be in Quebec, according to his travel route. (Tricia Leslie/Peace Arch News)

Cyclist Robert Fletcher, 83, gets prepared with family and friends in White Rock Friday morning (June 12) before he started on an 8,600 cross-Canada journey over the summer. He’ turns 84 in August, when he’ll be in Quebec, according to his travel route. (Tricia Leslie/Peace Arch News)

An 83-year-old cyclist kicked off a summer journey across Canada in White Rock Friday morning, right by the city’s iconic waterfront pier.

Robert Fletcher, who turns 84 this August, is cycling 8,600 kilometres across Canada’s 10 provinces throughout the summer, in a journey dubbed the Octogenarian Odyssey.

With help, he’ll be documenting his cross-country trek with photos, video — including drone footage — and social media.

With the sun shining bright and blue skies overhead, Fletcher was ready to get going Friday (June 12), and was pleased with the weather.

“I’m excited. I’m glad it’s here … I can feel the stress leaving off my body already,” Fletcher said, as he prepared his bike and his route for the first leg of his journey, from White Rock to Chilliwack.

Fletcher has cycled all over the world, including North and South America, Australia and Europe.

He uses pedal-assisted electric bicycles, like the sponsored Bulls Bike he’ll use for his cross-Canada tour.

“I use the pedals. I don’t have a throttle. I’ve never had a throttle,” he noted.

Fletcher, a Canadian, who now lives in Costa Rica for much of the year, will be joined by his wife Gloria, who arranges all of their accommodations and takes care of all the travel logistics, while his step-daughter is driving his support vehicle.

Flanked by fellow cyclists Fran Wolfe, Donna McLean and Joan Donohue for at least the first leg of his journey, Fletcher has a sign attached to the back of his back about his age and his journey, encouraging people to ask him what it’s all about. “The only message that I want to put out is that life doesn’t quit at retirement,” Fletcher said. “There’s lots of things we can do. We need to live life to the fullest. Exercise — physically and mentally — and step outside your comfort zone and explore the world.”

He’s looking forward to meeting and making new friends along the way, like he always does on his cycling journeys.

“The world is is friendly and it will welcome you when you get there,” he said with a grin.

Find out more about Fletcher on his website octoodyssey.com and on Instagram at instagram.com/octoodyssey_