Bill Parker is Ontario's unofficial bicycle vagabond

Bill Parker continues to make an impression around Ontario. I continue to receive blog comments, phone calls and emails asking me or telling me about him, and a burst of them have shown up recently.

I first posted on him on a beautifl May day in 2008 (post here) and then in 2010, and in 2012 and again in 2013. He continues to look for a warm and dry place to sleep for the night, enjoy a breakfast or supper with his surprised hosts and then rides off on his next adventure.

I appreciate all the people who have called to report his sightings. I supposed it's time to Google map him.

Please know that I am not the booking agent for Bill Parker. Only met the guy once. Like everyone else who has met him, had a good impression. I'd not arguing for you to house him, feed him or adopt him into your family. But if he drops by, email me at bbean@therecord.com or call at 519-895-5614 and let me know.

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Bill Parker continues to live the cycling dream

Comments

[Margaret]

Had the pleasure of meeting Billy Parker this afternoon. He stopped at our shop, Pyett Spring & Alignment in Caistor Centre, Ontario. A very interesting fellow, he said he was on his way to Edmonton. He asked if I had an extra room or couch he could use for the night. I'm a women who lives alone but still felt so bad when I had to reply I didn't. I gave him some money to get a hot meal. I hope he finds a place to stay tonight.
Margaret

[Christine]

If you are still looking for Billy Parker, he is heading east along the Lakeshore Road toward Dunnville from port Dover. We met him yesterday, Sunday. He said he'd be stopping in Dunnville for coffee and I imagine he'd be looking for a place to sleep for the night. Interesting fellow.

[Jeff]

I met him today I gave him a ride from London to st Thomas a really nice guy that I will now try to follow on the net

[Mike Lubinskyj]

He is at our house right now on the shores of Lake Erie We are happy to help out with a meal and a bed to sleep in... safe travels!!!

[Joel Johnson]

Sat. Aug. 20th Billy left Wallaceburg ON, walking his bike, heading to a bicycle trail in Pt. Lambton. Destination Sarnia ON.

[Kent]

Billy stayed in my camper last night.
Very friendly guy with lots of interesting stories.
We had a little dinner and some beer and then walked to the Tin Man's for more beer, a campfire, and to make requests of the Tin Man's extensive vinyl collection. Billy likes Molly Hatchet ;)
He was up early and on his way this morning headed for Corunna (Go Derek Drouin)and then onto Sarnia and past with the long term goal of Thunder Bay. WTG Billy, Stompin' Tom is smiling down on ya :)

[Keith]

We saw Billy Parker pushing his bike on the Putnam road near Ingersoll, then we next saw him on King Street West travelling through Ingersoll. When I Went out to pick up the blue bins at the end of our driveway, he was there and introduced himself to me. He was hot and sweating (wearing black) and had a bottle of water to drink in his hand. He briefly told me of his journeys and that I could look him up on the internet. He then asked where he could camp around here. Like anyone else, I wasn't sure how to take him but now I see he is "for real" and admire that he is living his dream. I wished him well, as he was heading away as he told me his future destination was going "North" to Barrie via Wasaga Beach.

[Luca]

I met Billy at the McDonald in Ingersoll Tuesday Sept 6, he reminds of the crazy and wacky dreams of my youth. had the pleasure of buying him breakfast. Go Billy, Go. Ride for my dreams too!

[jay]

Billy stayed at my Motel in Niagara falls for the 3rd time in the last 5 years i have known him .
Very friendly guy with lots of interesting stories.
He was up early and on his way this morning headed for the Falls (Living the dream wishing him best of luck ,and safe travel .

[Roger Hall]

Met Billy cycling across Ontario a week ago my wife and I were cycling cross country the other way. I wasn’t impressed he is a grifter not a drifter and seems to me like he wants everyone else to help fund his cycling Odessy taking advantage of people’s kindness where ever he can. Final straw of our conversation was when he asked us for money to buy a cup of coffee at the next town.

[Eric Cornelis]

Billy Parker has been on the road for over ten years and I think it’s high time he has a Facebook page as well. Billy showed up at our house ( Eric and Wendy Cornelis) on Saturday October 13th at around 4pm. He was looking for a place to stay for the night and was wondering about the camper. We were expecting a contractor any minute and asked if he could come back, he left and sure enough an hour later Billy was back. We got him set up in the trailer and after a cold beer on the front porch and some adventurous conversation we decided about dinner. So after a very quick shower and a change of clothes, it was off to the Delaware Legion for more beers and chicken wings. Just happened to be trivia night so the place was packed. We didn’t win at the trivia night and we didn’t get skunked, so in general it was a good night. Back home and we said our good nights. My wife was up and gone to work on Sunday before 6am and by the time I dragged my ass out of bed at 8am Billy was gone too. Sorry I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye, but I’m sure our paths will cross again.
So till next time, “Stay safe Billy and may the wind always be at your back”
"Billy Parker Takes The Lane"
Eric and Wendy Cornelis