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84-year-old Quebec man bikes his way to Olympics

by Yuliya Talmazan | July 30, 2008 at 09:01 am

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84-year-old Albert Leblanc from Maria, Quebec, biked 800 km from his native town to Montreal to catch a plane to Beijing, from where he will bike again to the Olympic Bird Nest Stadium.

It won't be the first time that the upbeat octogenarian has set on such an ambitious trip. The Beijing Olympics will be his 12th Summer Olympics to attend this way.

"I'm 84; I surprise myself that I had the health, the courage, and the [pride to ride] all the way from Maria to here [Montreal]. I'm really surprised; I'm really in good shape."

His tradition started 44 years ago at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Leblanc has also cycled around Mexico, Munich, Montreal, Moscow, Los Angeles, Seoul, Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney and Athens.

The chatty traveller from the village of Maria has never paid for an Olympic ticket, but has nevertheless schmoozed his way into almost all of the opening and closing ceremonies since 1964.

"I could have taken drugs or stayed home and done nothing, watched television, hung out in taverns or whatever, but no, I love adventure."

"I don't dream of my life. I've realized my dream. You know, I'm travelling, seeing the whole world, and I've seen some beautiful things all over the world," he said.

There is no trace of Leblanc blogging about his amazing experiences anywhere online. I guess he is not into sharing and discussing his emotions. He just lives and savours every one of them.

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i.live.4.photos

at 11:22 on July 30th, 2008

Thats really cool of him. The picture of the bikes that I took was in Italy and I was delighted to see all of the people biking there as their main transportation. I wish the US was more bike friendly because it looks so fun and relaxing and healthy to bike everywhere. I guess Albert thinks the same!

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markcos1o

at 12:28 on July 30th, 2008

I can only wish i live to 84 and still be on my pedals cycling. I really commend him for his dedication. Thats amazing!

These pictures are pictures of some fixed gear bikes and road bikes that i have had or currently ride. For more pics please check out the following link. Thank you.

http://sjfixed.blogspot.com/

http://www.sjfixed.org

markcos1o has contributed a photo to this story.