After tens of thousands of kilometres of riding around the world on a mission to remove stigma from mental illness, Michael Schratter can be forgiven for a little mental fatigue.

It was that fatigue by the cyclist and his support driver that led to a $4,000 carbon fibre bicycle being left on the side of the Trans-Canada Highway west of Kamloops Wednesday. Ten minutes later it was gone.

Schratter has done most of his global ride on a workhorse loaded with 30 kilograms of gear. But in Canada, at the end of his journey, he’s used a racing bike loaned by his cousin in Toronto in order to speed his journey.

The pair had stopped in Savona at the side of the Trans-Canada, intending to go into town for a coffee before returning to Ride Don’t Hide. But they accidentally left the bike on the road for 10 minutes before returning.

Schratter has bipolar disorder and is trying to raise $100,000 for mental health programs.

He’s hoping to get the bike back, no questions asked. It is a black and white Focus racing bike with a white saddle.

The only other time he’s experienced crime is in Vietnam, where his camera was stolen.

“I’ve been riding coming up to 15 months. The world is a kind place,” he said.

Schratter is hoping to get to Vancouver, via Prince George with a detour in Vancouver, by Nov. 12 on the racing bike.