Mid-sixties cyclists stop in Shaunavon while on trek

Posted on June 29, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Shaunavon Standard

Cyclists brave rainy spring during cross-country trek A holiday and weekend hobby has transformed into an ambitious cross-country expedition for a pair of Ontario cyclists who are pedaling their way across Canada after years of preparation.

The newly retired couple, Jeff and Jody Klinkman, officially commenced their trans-Canadian trek from Victoria on May 19, fulfilling a dream that originally began taking shape in 2019.

In their mid-60s, the Klinkmans reside in Ontario’s famous Muskoka cottage country, and cycling across the country sat right at the top of their retirement bucket list.

The couple is no stranger to life on two wheels, having spent years embarking on short-term excursions, week-long vacations, and regional tours.

“We’ve done a lot of touring around Ontario and Quebec,” Jeff said.

“We’ve biked around Georgian Bay, completed Ontario’s Waterfront Trail, and biked in Quebec numerous times because it has such great bike trails.”

While their earliest adventures relied on moving from hotel to hotel, the rising cost of accommodations eventually forced a shift in strategy..

“For our first couple of trips we went from hotel to hotel, but it got expensive,” Jody smiled, noting that the couple ultimately transitioned to self-supported bicycle touring and camping.

The inspiration for a longer trek came directly from their children. Two daughters previously completed a massive West Coast tour, cycling from Victoria, British Columbia, all the way down to Tijuana, Mexico.

During that trip, their daughters relied on state parks and a specialized international hospitality network known as “Warm Showers” – a community where local hosts open their homes and offer amenities to touring cyclists.

“Because our kids used Warm Shower networks, we became hosts ourselves,”

Jody explained. “It turned out to be a great experience, and we’ve met really interesting people travelling through over the years.”

While passing through the Southwest, the Klinkmans identified a local Warm Showers host in Shaunavon but had to bypass the opportunity due to timing constraints.