A bike has been returned to a Burnaby senior about a week and a half after it was stolen from his garage.
The 85-year-old was devastated after the bike was stolen, but after the story was featured on the news on Tuesday someone called police when they recognized the stolen bike in a back alley near their home.
Nilis Dykstra has had this bike for more than 30 years, and it holds a special place in his heart.
In 1981, when he was 53 years old, he attempted to ride across Canada on the 24-speed Apollo bicycle. Sadly he fell ill in Regina and had to abandon his attempt.
However, in 1985, at the age of 55, he tried again and set off with his bike and two red saddle bags filled with his belongings. 30 days later he arrived in Chesterfield, Ontario, to surprise his daughter. He had ridden 4,700 kilometres.
“In 30 days, it was a miracle I had only three days of rain,” said Dykstra.
He used to take lots of bike trips, and was an avid runner until he was 75. “Now I’m 85, not so good anymore,” he joked.
Since that journey across Canada, he has kept his bike proudly mounted on his wall, and in pristine condition. He said he thought it was safe enough in his garage.
However, on June 8, a thief broke into the detached garage in the area of Canada Way and Goodlad Street and stole his prized bike.
It was when he came back from church that he noticed the bike was missing.
He said the thief also took a helmet.
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