A 72-year-old cyclist from Ontario is checking a big item off his bucket list after being diagnosed with an abdominal aneurysm.

Barry Davidson found out last year about the abdominal aneurysm, which is an often fatal condition that results in the swelling of the main vessel that feeds oxygenated blood to the abdomen. If it ruptures, there's roughly a 20 per cent chance of survival.

After receiving the diagnosis, Davidson — who has been cycling for 15 years — decided not to put off his trip through Atlantic Canada any longer.

"Next year I am going to do this, next year I am going to do that. I have to say, 'This year I am going to do this, this year I am going to do that' because you just don't know," he said.

Davidson has packed an adult-sized tricycle with everything he needs over the next several weeks and has set out on his journey throughout Cape Breton and Newfoundland. (CBC)

Davidson packed an adult-sized tricycle with everything he needs over the next several weeks and has set out on his journey throughout Cape Breton and Newfoundland.

The retired carpenter and hair stylist says he has met a lot of wonderful people along the way.

"I travel very slowly, average 10 km/h. I'm kind of like a turtle with his little house on his back," he said.

"I go slow enough that people can speak to me from the side of the road, from their front porches. 'Where you going? Where you from? Do you need anything?' Having conversations on the side of the road with absolute strangers and it's just amazing."

It may be slow going, but the 72-year-old says he's living out a childhood dream.

"I think it's the little boy in every old man that says, 'I wish I could have done those adventures, just want to take off like that.' Get away from the house and everything else and all the responsibilities," said Davidson.

"Some men go fishing, I guess. I am not much of a fisherman but I go pedalling."

Davidson said his journey will take about two months to complete.