My Blog
How did this all start?
A year ago I got to thinking about how could I celebrate my 80th birthday. I wanted something on a larger scale than just having a birthday party with my friends.I started mulling over various ideas such as traveling to West Africa, traveling down the Amazon, doing...
Script for Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC)
My name is Robert (Bob) Fletcher, and I am 79 years old; and I want to tell you a bit about myself and the adventure that I have planned to celebrate my next birthday. I spent thirty years as a teacher with the Edmonton Public School Board. I enjoyed every...
Review of Thule Easy Fold xt-2
I purchased this rack five weeks ago and have been a little disappointed with it. My main disappointment is that it rattles and is noisy. I put a clamp on the hitch which stopped the noise from there but it still rattles from the mechanism that lower and raises the...
Serendipity
A beautiful bay A couple of days ago, I was riding on a quiet country road here in Costa Rica. I have ridden and driven this road on many occasions. As I was cycling, I noticed a dirt road on my right. I wondered where it led, so I stopped to think about checking it...
Electric Bike, is it Cheating?
The other day I was cycling up a steep hill very slowly in my eco setting when a young, fit couple passed me quite quickly. As the climb progressed and got more vertical, gravity slowed them, and I decided to boast my power. I soon caught them and passed. As I was...
Costa Rica Coastal Ride
Now that I am back in Costa Rica, I want to share some of my training rides. From where I live, I have to ride on the Pan American highway if I want to depart from my home. However, that is not my favorite road to ride if I am heading north as the traffic can get...
The Mallorca Finish
This solo cycling adventure has concluded and after a long day of flying, I have arrived home. Thinking back on the past two weeks I really enjoyed the trip even though it starts d with a two-hour weather delay. The island of Mallorca is a special place with beautiful...
The Tramuntana Mountains
I have spent the last three days riding in the Tramuntana Mountains. They are rugged and hug the coast. The climbs are long but doable. The road surface I was smooth and the traffic was light. My days were not long as I wanted to stay in the beautiful towns of Port de...
Mallorca Classic Ride to Cap Formentor
On September 15, I headed off to Cap Formentor, one of the top five road rides in Mallorca. This route probably sees the most bikers because the views are spectacular, it is close to a major city, and 9 km are closed to cars. A few ebikes but primarily beautiful,...
Mallorca Photo Gallery
Days Three and Four Mallorca
As I cycle counterclockwise around the island, I am amazed at how many marvelous beaches I encounter. Even if the shore is rocky, the colors of the sea are spectacular. I made the day short as the hotel I selected was right on the beach, and I wanted to go for a swim....
Let the Journey Begin.
Today I leave the hotel and begin my solo unsupported excursion of Mallorca. My panniers are plenty big enough to hold everything I want to take as I navigate around what I believe will and has been a beautiful island. The bike shop, Embat, where I rented the bike...