“A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action”: 67-Year-Old’s Epic 7,132 Km Cross-Canada Cycling Odyssey for Friendship and Adventure

Published 11/06/2023, 1:16 PM EST

Follow Us

How far can a man go to satiate his adventure appetite? Well, 7132 km apparently! Yes, you heard that right. A man from Brentwood Bay has completed a cross-country cycling ride that was 7132 km long! As fascinating as it seems, the man is now the most celebrated individual in his locality. 

After this achievement, people from various backgrounds have congratulated him. Others have said that he was their inspiration. Well, that is all the 67-year-old wanted. For he embarked on this near-impossible journey without any reason! 

Cyclist has a candid take on his cross-country feat

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Charles Klassen has been an active participant in physical activities. He takes immense pride in the fact that at 67, his body is in tremendous condition. However, Klassen wanted to do something more in life. He wanted to be a source of inspiration for others. In his words, I thought I was doing this for inspiration, I get inspired by older people, younger people, and I’ve some good mentors, and I always wanted to do the same thing.” 

When he commenced his journey from Brentwood to Canada on May 25, Klassen was full of hope. However, his trip was not laden with rose petals. He faced his initial challenge in the first week itself. The heat of B.C. made life a tad difficult, but Klassen persisted. The 67-year-old reflected that the journey lasted for a total of eighty-eight days. During these days, there were seventeen instances where the tires gave up, and fixing them took one hour each. Klassen also said that he rested and had mechanical disruptions for twenty-one days, which means he tirelessly rode his bike for seventy-seven days straight! Classic lines by Elvis Presley, “A little less conversation, a little more action, please”, has truly been the motto for Klasen.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Although this particular adventure has the entire internet talking, this was not the only riding experience Klassen had. 

Klassen was in love with cycling since childhood 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Klassen, who formerly resided in the Cobble Hills, is no stranger to riding. According to his own recollection, the cyclist started riding when he was a kid. However, as time went by, the involvement and love for cycling just grew stronger. Klassen used to ride from his home near Duncan to Nanaimo to calm his mind. He would also take up cycling as a mode to reach work in Victoria. 

Renowned Cyclist Does a ‘Last Dance’ in the Revered White Jersey as He Wins in a Historic Race on Sunday

Klassen pointed out that by now, he has traveled almost 70000 km. This is quite a feat. He also beamed when talking about the different people who he met during his cross-country odyssey. They were all in awe and had an unmatched admiration for the 67-year-old. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Are you too, impressed by the cyclist’s grit and willpower? Comment and let us know below. 

Watch This Story: Explore Tennessee on Two Wheels: Premier Cycling Events and Essential Gear 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Disita Sikdar

753Articles

One take at a time

Disita Sikdar is a Viral Sports Moments writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed her bachelor's degree in English from Bhawanipur Education Society College affiliated under the University of Calcutta, she will soon be stepping towards pursuing her masters in English. She has experience working as a content creator and social media manager previously.
Show More>

Edited by:

Debmallya Chakraborty