Solar energy powers 7,000 km bike ride across Canada

A man from Northern Ontario is living the green dream, by riding across Canada on a solar-powered bike. Now, after 114days on the road, he's finallyclosing in on his final destination of St. John's.

Thunder Bay residentRick Small is riding a three-wheeled bike from British Columbia to Newfoundland, but unlike some bikers, he's not just relying on his own strength to get him there.

• Solar bike turning heads in Thunder Bay

Small is carrying a trailer behind him, fittedwith solar panels which help to power him down the highway.

"It has a 500-watt motor," Small told CBC, whileshowing off the design of hisbike.

"It's a 48-volt system and I have 600 watts of solar ... and that's what I'm romping across the country with.

For his 7,000-kilometre journey, Small's average speed wasabout 27 kilometresper hour.

He hopes that his ride can show the potential of solar energy to replace carbon-based fuels. However, he does admit there are some limitations.

"It's been a blast. It's been really easy," he said.

"The hard days are cloudy days, when it starts to rain and stuff, so I'll have to pull over and set up and camp for the day."