Fox makes Lincolnton a stop on his trip around the world

Steve Fox, an 18-year-old Canadian who is bicycling around the world, was in Lincolnton last week for a brief visit. He and his Trek 520 are pictured here in front of the Cullars Inn. For more information about Fox' world tour, visit his website at

Steve Fox, a native of British Columbia, Canada, pedaled through Lincolnton last week on his bicycle trip around the world.

In addition to seeing the world, Fox is also using his journey to promote a simple style of living that is environmentally friendly.

The 18 year old left Vancouver Island last May, biking across Canada during the summer and heading down the east coast of the United States as winter set in. From Lincolnton, he will travel to Mexico, South America, and up the west coast of the United States to Vancouver where he will rest a while before crossing the Bering Strait into Russia. He estimates that it will take him five years to complete his journey.

Averaging 50 miles a day, Fox has already completed 10,000 miles of his 50,000-mile world tour. So far, he has gone through one front tire and nine back tires.

"I didn't know what to expect of the trip," said Fox. "It's much better than I thought. I've met so many amazing people, almost on a daily basis; seen so may places that I wouldn't have seen otherwise; and had so many great experiences. It's been much better than I ever imagined."

He was especially impressed with the people of Newfoundland. "They are the friendliest people in the world. They would do anything to help you."

As for the down side of biking around the world, Fox said it was loneliness. "I don't get struck with it that often, but when it hits, it's pretty tough. I also find it hard to leave sometimes - I meet wonderful people and get attached."

He went on to add that although he has met some "nasty people," "usually right after that, I meet some nice people - they seem to come my way all the time. I'm an optimistic person."

Concerning the accommodations on the road, the young adventurer said he has enjoying sleeping outside since he was a small child. "While on the rode, I've slept in baseball dugouts, barns, lots of churches, garages, and woodsheds. I've also slept on picnic benches and under awnings at rest areas."

Along with his Trek 520 bike, Fox' creature comforts include a tent, a sleeping bag, bug netting, a face warmer, a helmet, sunglasses, a windbreaker, long johns, a rain jacket and pants, three pairs of wool socks, sandals, two pairs of gloves, a water filter, a camp stove, a small fuel bottle, a first aid kit, sunscreen, biodegradable soap, a camera, solar panels, a folding chair, an MP3 Player, a pipe chanter, a flashlight, maps, water bottles, a watch and a sewing kit.

He is likewise growing garlic in a glass jar attached to his bicycle.

After spending two nights in Lincolnton, one at the Cullars Inn, Fox said, "Lincolnton is a nice, small, southern town. The people are very friendly and the Mexican food is great. Also, the hotel room was the nicest I've stayed in."

To monitor Fox' progress around the world, visit his website at . .