Cross-country ride for mental health advocate hits roadblock after bike stolen in Winnipeg

A man who is in the middle of a bike ride across the country to raise awareness for mental health says the theft of his bike and camping gear outside a Winnipeg coffee shop on Thursday was “devastating” — but despite the setback, he’s determined to push through to go his ride.

“Immediately my heart sank,” after discovering the theft outside a Tim Hortons, Chris Aubichon said. “I’ve been riding that bike, sleeping in that tent for the last two months — 2,100 miles. It was devastating.”

Aubichon began his journey in May, when he left Moncton, NB, with the goal of cycling all the way to British Columbia. His goal was to advocate for mental health as well as prepare himself mentally and physically for a return to school in B.C.

Aubichon, who is an Indigenous, grew up in foster care from ages six to 18 in British Columbia, but said that after he aged out of the system, he spent the next 20 years with mental health issues and addiction.

Earlier this year, the government of British Columbia announced it would remove an age restriction on a tuition waiver for people who came through the provincial foster care system.

Aubichon said he wanted to take advantage of that funding but struggled with his mental and physical health.

“I had two options: I could jump on a plane and go west and go to school, or I could do something crazy and jump on a bike, I could pedal across the country and I could put myself in the best position. shape myself physically and mentally and give myself the best chance of success in school,” he told Radio-Canada in an interview on Thursday.

That’s what he’s been doing since May, documents his journey on social media — that’s how Winnipegger Adam LeFave discovered the bike ride.

Aubichon’s goals appealed to him, LeFave said, so he offered Aubichon a place to stay in Winnipeg before the bike was stolen.

“I’ve had my own struggles — not the same as Chris, but they’re things that hit home,” he told Radio-Canada.

“It’s easy to find out what Chris is doing, why he’s doing it, and then just want the best for him.”

But Aubichon’s journey hit a snag when he stopped at a Tim Hortons on Portage Avenue off Ferry Road. He leaned his bike against the building and went inside to grab a quick cup of coffee.

The bike and its belongings, which were attached to the bike in saddlebags, were gone 20 seconds later, he said.

Aubichon acknowledged that he had been warned about bicycle theft in Winnipeg.

And he still plans to finish his ride if he can get a new bike and equipment.

“I have to finish this for myself, but also for everyone who has come after me on this journey,” he said.

“If a miracle happens and I can get on a bike and go, then I will go and finish this journey,” he said. “If I can’t, I’ll get on a bus and take that long way home.”

Since the bicycle was stolen, his story has also reached many people via social media. Followers on Instagram, including a local shop, have offered to help him get back on track.

Aubichon said he wants to go back to school and get an education so he can advocate for at-risk youth and addiction treatment, and hopes to work in a space where he can help people, including children in foster care, as he once was.

“I will still continue my path of health and success with school. I have a passion for advocacy… [for] people who need help — people who need someone to fight for them, who can identify with them,” he said.

“So I’m still going to do that. I’d like to do that after I’m done with this.”