Montreal professor biking around the world: Now halfway into his 20,000 km journey

He’s now halfway through his 400-day journey, Montreal McGill University professor, Larry Lessard, is pedaling around the world to raise awareness about the health of our planet.

“Hello Montreal!” yelled Lessard, updating us via Zoom from North Bangkok.

CityNews first spoke with the mechanical engineering professor in July, at the start of his mission in France.

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Montrealer, Larry Lessard’s, Bike62 initiative. (Credit: Larry Lessard)

“Halfway mark, 11,000 kilometers,” said Lessard, admitting that it’s been a smooth ride to date. “I’ve done 15 presentations so far.”

Losing his camera, one of the only bumps in the road he’s faced.

“My bicycle still works,” he added. “I really have nothing to complain about.”

A Montreal Univeristy professor is biking around the globe, presenting his research universities and wind turbine sites. (Credit: Larry Lessard)

Friends have ridden alongside him, and many catch up Zoom calls take place.

“Despite the fact that it’s a solo journey, I’m never lonely,” he said. “I miss my family, of course.”

His son now joining him in Thailand – taking rest days from biking.

But come Jan. 6 – the pedaling resumes.

“My mission is to create awareness about recycling sustainability,” explained Lessard. “But I think I’m adding a lot of world peace along the way.”

The Bike62 initiative has gained traction: he’s been invited to speak at more places than planned.

Presenting his work during talks at universities, and wind turbine sites.

Discussing recycling and reusing composite materials like fibreglass and carbon fibre.

Larry Lessard biking around the would in 400 days to raise awareness about the health of the planet. (Credit: Larry Lessard)

Along the ride, he’s also surrounded by culture, sparking friendships, and having adventures within his adventure – like eating a scorpion.

Larry Lessard eating a scorpion during CityNews’ update interview with him via Zoom in Dec. 2022. (Credit: CityNews)

His low CO₂ emissions journey, fueling other research too: He’s being monitored by a doctor researching the effects of extreme exercise on a person in their sixties.

“It’s been a wonderful journey so far,” said Lessard.

The 20,000 kilometer ride, being documented by the professor – hoping to keep inspiring once he’s rolled back into Montreal by the summer.

“Everyone seems to be very nice,” he said. “It’s very hopeful for the world when everyone is so nice everywhere.”