A surreal sort of feeling
Distance: 206.6 kms
Riding Time: 9:17 hrs
Average Speed: 22.1 km/h
Max. Speed: 60.4 km/h
Date completed: 9/10/11
Wow! is all I can say. It still hasn't completely sunk in yet what I've just done. It's unreal and I think this feeling of completion is going to take some getting used to. I almost don't want to get used to it; so I won't. Where I'm at right now and what I'm doing I'll say is only an extended rest. I know the adventure isn't over and will continue if only every other weekend or whether it's on canoe, kayak, foot, parachute, snowboard, what have you. I'll keep on doing the not-so-normal and pushing the limits of what I might think is possible.
So back to today. I knew that the light-wind forecast was untrue as soon as I left after breakfast. It slowed me considerably and today's ride was the longest of the trip for the time I spent riding I think. The wind managed to stay in my face all day even as the road led me Northwest, North and then West. It somehow anticipated my turns and changed course to match every time. Fortunately, at around 5 pm, when I reached Strathmore, the wind nearly died, so I made a relatively short ride of the ~50 kms into Calgary.
When I was nearing Calgary I began to see the skyline about 30 kms out. My heart leapt. Then, I saw a campground called Mountain View Campground and my eyes strained west passed the city's skyline; there were the mountains. I almost cried it was so beautiful to see.
A really cool thing happened on my way into the city. I have been honked at before, most being friendly, but a good number surely meant to startle. Today I was honked at two times where I was certain it was hostile, and I happily flipped the bird to these arseholes as they sped away in the trucks. When I was honked at a third time, which was unusual, it came from a small sedan that tooted seemingly friendly and then pulled off the highway up ahead a few hundred meters. I was a little timid because you never know who wants to murder you for just riding a bike, but as I pulled alongside the car, the driver kindly beckoned me over. It was a fellow cyclist by the name of Kev, who offered me a $20 bill! He said that he had done a cross country trip in 2003 and that he promised that if he'd ever saw another long-distance bicycle tourist he would pay for their supper. I felt so grateful to him, and I promised that I would one day pay it forward.
On my way into the city I was again lucky and found a virtually perfect pair of Spy sunglasses just lying on the very busy street being driven around, but not on. So I grabbed them and they weren't even really scratched. Finally after 206 kms and 9:15 hrs of rounding I met up with my brother and his dog, Bruno.
I'm going to eat the supper Shawn cooked and drink some beer while I relax to the max. I want to end this with a couple quotes:
“Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” - Mark Jenkins
“To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” -Freya Stark
Total kilometers ridden: 5328.1 km
Total riding time: 227.26 hrs
Total number of days: 60
Number of reasons I had to not do this trip: 500 +
Regrets for ignoring these reasons and doing it anyway: 0
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A crazy idea became a spontaneous adventure when I decided to pedal a bicycle to Calgary, Alb. from Halifax, NS in the summer of 2011. Inside you will find stories, pictures, routes and the equipment I used for this journey.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Day 59: Maple Creek, Sask. to Brooks, Alb.
Only sign that I am sweating profusely: salt caked on skin
Distance: 206.9 kms
Riding Time: 7:56 hrs
Average Speed: 26.0 km/h
Max. Speed: 57.7 km/h
Today was a grind and a half. I decided last night that rather than stopping at Medicine Hat today as I had originally planned, I would push on for Brooks, which would add another 100 kms onto my day. I knew it would be hot and dry today, but I felt ready. Got going at a decent time - about 9:15 am - and my pace was fast. At around 11 am I started to feel the heat of the sun and knew that I would be dealing with some high temperatures as there is currently a heat wave passing through western Canada.
There isn't much to see in the Badlands of Canada in the way of scenery. It's rolling, parched earth, spotted with cattle farms and stagnant pools of water with a surprising number of waterfowl. After crossing the border I reached Medicine Hat, the self proclaimed "Gas City", and didn't stick around because my time was short. The rest of the ride consisted of me gritting my teeth and drinking as much water as I possibly could, although the local water is not suitable for drinking so I had to be aware of my supply. I rode straight through until the sun set and then a little more, and I eventually made it to Brooks, Alb. I found a campground at the entrance to the town near a restaurant, so I set up there.
Tomorrow I'll head another 200 kms into Calgary. It is going to be a strange feeling to not be planning to leave in 1 or 2 days. I was getting used to the idea that I was only a transient presence in the towns and cities I passed through, but now I'm stopping and have no further destination...yet. I'm going to enjoy exploring the city and meeting people, making contacts and looking for meaningful work. This is what I've come all this way to do and tomorrow I'll start that journey - right after a solid night or two of celebrations.
See you tomorrow, cowboy.
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Distance: 206.9 kms
Riding Time: 7:56 hrs
Average Speed: 26.0 km/h
Max. Speed: 57.7 km/h
Today was a grind and a half. I decided last night that rather than stopping at Medicine Hat today as I had originally planned, I would push on for Brooks, which would add another 100 kms onto my day. I knew it would be hot and dry today, but I felt ready. Got going at a decent time - about 9:15 am - and my pace was fast. At around 11 am I started to feel the heat of the sun and knew that I would be dealing with some high temperatures as there is currently a heat wave passing through western Canada.
There isn't much to see in the Badlands of Canada in the way of scenery. It's rolling, parched earth, spotted with cattle farms and stagnant pools of water with a surprising number of waterfowl. After crossing the border I reached Medicine Hat, the self proclaimed "Gas City", and didn't stick around because my time was short. The rest of the ride consisted of me gritting my teeth and drinking as much water as I possibly could, although the local water is not suitable for drinking so I had to be aware of my supply. I rode straight through until the sun set and then a little more, and I eventually made it to Brooks, Alb. I found a campground at the entrance to the town near a restaurant, so I set up there.
Tomorrow I'll head another 200 kms into Calgary. It is going to be a strange feeling to not be planning to leave in 1 or 2 days. I was getting used to the idea that I was only a transient presence in the towns and cities I passed through, but now I'm stopping and have no further destination...yet. I'm going to enjoy exploring the city and meeting people, making contacts and looking for meaningful work. This is what I've come all this way to do and tomorrow I'll start that journey - right after a solid night or two of celebrations.
See you tomorrow, cowboy.
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Day 58: Swift Current, Sask. to Maple Creek, Sask.
Feeling like a raisin in this heat
Distance: 134.7 kms
Riding Time: 5:09 hrs
Average Speed: 26.1 km/h
Max. Speed: 42.2 km/h
Shawn and I got up and to the bus station to catch the bus at 11 am. First we had to find a box to put his bike in, and we found one at a local bike shop nearby to the bus station. The bus turned up finally at about 12:15 pm and after saying goodbye to Shawn I took off in the stinking heat.
I was only planning a really short day because it was so late in the day and the heat was really oppressive, but when I got to my destination, Gull Lake, I felt like still going. Despite the 31 degree Celsius temperature and super dry air that left my skin caked in salt from sweat that evaporated instantly, I made it to Maple Creek, Sask. I'm staying in a really old, dingy motel called Prairie Pride Motel, which is quite ironic because there is nothing to be proud of. But it's better than nothing and at least there's a bed, although it's probably full of bugs and most likely was once a crime scene.
Tomorrow I'm heading in to Alberta and will try to reach Brooks; about 200 kms away.
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Distance: 134.7 kms
Riding Time: 5:09 hrs
Average Speed: 26.1 km/h
Max. Speed: 42.2 km/h
Shawn and I got up and to the bus station to catch the bus at 11 am. First we had to find a box to put his bike in, and we found one at a local bike shop nearby to the bus station. The bus turned up finally at about 12:15 pm and after saying goodbye to Shawn I took off in the stinking heat.
I was only planning a really short day because it was so late in the day and the heat was really oppressive, but when I got to my destination, Gull Lake, I felt like still going. Despite the 31 degree Celsius temperature and super dry air that left my skin caked in salt from sweat that evaporated instantly, I made it to Maple Creek, Sask. I'm staying in a really old, dingy motel called Prairie Pride Motel, which is quite ironic because there is nothing to be proud of. But it's better than nothing and at least there's a bed, although it's probably full of bugs and most likely was once a crime scene.
Tomorrow I'm heading in to Alberta and will try to reach Brooks; about 200 kms away.
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Day 57: Chaplin, Sask. to Swift Current, Sask.
Best Restaurant Slogan: Come in to Eat, or We'll Both Starve!
Distance: 91.4 kms
Riding Time: 4:55 hrs
Average Speed: 18.5 km/h
Max. Speed: 48.5 km/h
We got on the move early today because we knew it was suppose to be another hot, dry day. I rigged up my bike with Shawn's BOB trailer so that he could rest his knee a little, so I was carrying about 120 lbs or so of gear. I noticed after a couple hours that my knee was starting to ache a little, which I thought maybe were some sort of sympathy pain, but were more likely due to the extra weight.
In the mid-afternoon, the wind picked up, but we prevailed and eventually made it to a campground in Swift Current. Unfortunately Shawn's knee is no better so in order to prevent further injury he's going to call it quits and take a bus home in the morning. I'm sad because I really wanted him to finish, but now he can rest his knee and I can pick up the pace and get to Calgary this weekend.
Tomorrow, after we get Shawn on the Greyhound, I'll get as far as I can. Hopefully it doesn't get too hot.
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Distance: 91.4 kms
Riding Time: 4:55 hrs
Average Speed: 18.5 km/h
Max. Speed: 48.5 km/h
We got on the move early today because we knew it was suppose to be another hot, dry day. I rigged up my bike with Shawn's BOB trailer so that he could rest his knee a little, so I was carrying about 120 lbs or so of gear. I noticed after a couple hours that my knee was starting to ache a little, which I thought maybe were some sort of sympathy pain, but were more likely due to the extra weight.
In the mid-afternoon, the wind picked up, but we prevailed and eventually made it to a campground in Swift Current. Unfortunately Shawn's knee is no better so in order to prevent further injury he's going to call it quits and take a bus home in the morning. I'm sad because I really wanted him to finish, but now he can rest his knee and I can pick up the pace and get to Calgary this weekend.
Tomorrow, after we get Shawn on the Greyhound, I'll get as far as I can. Hopefully it doesn't get too hot.
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Day 56: Rest in Chaplin, Sask.
Shawn sings the MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) blues
Just took it easy today and rested up Shawn's knee. I took the opportunity to deal with some of the financial wreck I've left at home in the hands of the National Student Loan Center. I was on the phone for and hour and a half and had to explain my situation to three different people, but finally managed to get things straightened out. After being on the phone so long, I facepalmed myself when I realized that I'd used daytime cell phone minutes that were not there to be used. Oh well, at least I got that crap over with.
Shawn's knee is still swollen and painful, but he's going to try to push on tomorrow and we'll try to get to Swift Current. We've made some adjustments to his riding position and I suggested that he improve his technique on the bike to reduce the pressure on his knee, so hopefully it's not too late to save the trip. If you or someone you love are having pain issues while your riding, please consult the following link which I find very helpful for such things as well as anything to do with biking: http://sheldonbrown.com/pain.html
Just took it easy today and rested up Shawn's knee. I took the opportunity to deal with some of the financial wreck I've left at home in the hands of the National Student Loan Center. I was on the phone for and hour and a half and had to explain my situation to three different people, but finally managed to get things straightened out. After being on the phone so long, I facepalmed myself when I realized that I'd used daytime cell phone minutes that were not there to be used. Oh well, at least I got that crap over with.
Shawn's knee is still swollen and painful, but he's going to try to push on tomorrow and we'll try to get to Swift Current. We've made some adjustments to his riding position and I suggested that he improve his technique on the bike to reduce the pressure on his knee, so hopefully it's not too late to save the trip. If you or someone you love are having pain issues while your riding, please consult the following link which I find very helpful for such things as well as anything to do with biking: http://sheldonbrown.com/pain.html
Day 55: Moose Jaw, Sask. to Chaplin, Sask.
That's not a hill
Distance: 87.4 kms
Riding Time: 4:46 hrs
Average Speed: 18.2 km/h
Max. Speed: 40.6 km/h
This morning Shawn and I were offered some breakfast by our campsite neighbors, which we greatfully accepted. Afterwards we got tore down camp and got on the dusty trail by about 11 am.
The ride was long and tedious with lots of stops. Shawn's knee is starting to swell up and he's having a really hard time. So we are planning to take a day off and see if it gets any better. He's a little worried because he's had problems with his MCL in this knee before.
Saskatchewan for the most part is pretty flat with very gentle rolling hills. I realize I run the risk of sounding cocky by saying this, but the hills in this area are really nothing compared to the ones around the North Shore of Lake Superior. I remain patient though, when all I want to do is hit the afterburners. I'm realizing that I can be a pretty impatient guy sometimes and maybe try to push a little too much, but at least if I realize it then I can change it, right?
I'm anxious to get to Calgary because I am motivated to get things started there. I've been looking at jobs and stuff online and there's lots of opportunities there. I plan on getting involved with a community bike center so I can learn more and meet some people when I get there too.
We got to a small town with an even smaller campground, but it's got all we need for $10/night and is completely deserted. Oh, it is has everything...besides bathrooms and showers. Oh well. Tomorrow we'll rest and choose a game plan for the remainder of the trip.
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Distance: 87.4 kms
Riding Time: 4:46 hrs
Average Speed: 18.2 km/h
Max. Speed: 40.6 km/h
This morning Shawn and I were offered some breakfast by our campsite neighbors, which we greatfully accepted. Afterwards we got tore down camp and got on the dusty trail by about 11 am.
The ride was long and tedious with lots of stops. Shawn's knee is starting to swell up and he's having a really hard time. So we are planning to take a day off and see if it gets any better. He's a little worried because he's had problems with his MCL in this knee before.
Saskatchewan for the most part is pretty flat with very gentle rolling hills. I realize I run the risk of sounding cocky by saying this, but the hills in this area are really nothing compared to the ones around the North Shore of Lake Superior. I remain patient though, when all I want to do is hit the afterburners. I'm realizing that I can be a pretty impatient guy sometimes and maybe try to push a little too much, but at least if I realize it then I can change it, right?
I'm anxious to get to Calgary because I am motivated to get things started there. I've been looking at jobs and stuff online and there's lots of opportunities there. I plan on getting involved with a community bike center so I can learn more and meet some people when I get there too.
We got to a small town with an even smaller campground, but it's got all we need for $10/night and is completely deserted. Oh, it is has everything...besides bathrooms and showers. Oh well. Tomorrow we'll rest and choose a game plan for the remainder of the trip.
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Day 54: Pense, Sask. to Moose Jaw, Sask.
Slow & Steady
Distance: 42.1 kms
Riding Time: 2:14 hrs
Average Speed: 18.7 km/h
Max. Speed: 30.6 km/h
Well I have to say it: this morning we flew the coop!
This morning we left the comforts of our chicken coop/palace dubbed Le Maison de Hearn. Last night was interesting to say the least. There was a busy family of gophers or prairie dogs under the floorboards of our coop and at one point in the night a lone coyote was calling directly beside our shelter, which was pretty spooky at the time.
Our ride today was really short for a couple of reasons: Shawn's Achilles tendon has been hurting him a lot, so we wanted to rest that up (I had a similar problem when I first started too, but it went away after a couple days). We also wanted to get into a larger town to pick up supplies and get some proper accommodations - not that I have anything against chicken coops, they just don't have any plumbing.
Now that Shawn is with me and I have a permanent riding partner, things have definitely changed about this trip. Experiencing travelling both solo and with others I can say that they each have their upsides as well as their downs.
Travelling solo is now my norm. I set my own schedule, goals, pace, rest breaks, I decide what/when to eat, etc. I didn't have anyone with me before, but I never really felt lonely so that was okay. Well, I can't say never and I can't say I didn't have anyone with me either. I did get lonely here and there and I did miss home and my friends, but I was always meeting people.
If I can go on a bit of tangent - I have met a bunch of people and I really think it is these people who have made my trip really special. It's even people that I haven't really met, but who's story I've become acquainted with; in particular, Terry Fox. His story is a staple of Canadian Culture, but I think it takes a long, hard look at him, as a person to begin to understand his motivation and the pain, sacrifice and love he must have had to attempt such an extraordinary journey. And travelling along the same roads he once did puts things into perspective a little bit too, although he was running, and on one leg! I think once you get passed the legend and the simple blurbs and statistics you're shown in school, you can really feel his experience on a personal level. And for me it is something awesome.
Anyway, back to solo riding vs. riding with a partner. Riding with someone is like living with someone in a stressful situation. You really get to know a person and there's no better way to form a bond, although sometimes personalities do clash a bit. Of course, this gives you the chance to work on your communication and learn to resolve things before they get out of hand. Another benefit is that you share expenses, like motel rooms, campgrounds etc. But at the same time, you are always tethered to that person, so it becomes less of a personal journey, so depending on what your intentions or preferences are, travelling with someone or solo is a choice to be made.
Enough deep thinking for now. Tomorrow we'll go about 80-100kms to a small town before some other small town.
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Distance: 42.1 kms
Riding Time: 2:14 hrs
Average Speed: 18.7 km/h
Max. Speed: 30.6 km/h
Well I have to say it: this morning we flew the coop!
This morning we left the comforts of our chicken coop/palace dubbed Le Maison de Hearn. Last night was interesting to say the least. There was a busy family of gophers or prairie dogs under the floorboards of our coop and at one point in the night a lone coyote was calling directly beside our shelter, which was pretty spooky at the time.
Our ride today was really short for a couple of reasons: Shawn's Achilles tendon has been hurting him a lot, so we wanted to rest that up (I had a similar problem when I first started too, but it went away after a couple days). We also wanted to get into a larger town to pick up supplies and get some proper accommodations - not that I have anything against chicken coops, they just don't have any plumbing.
Now that Shawn is with me and I have a permanent riding partner, things have definitely changed about this trip. Experiencing travelling both solo and with others I can say that they each have their upsides as well as their downs.
Travelling solo is now my norm. I set my own schedule, goals, pace, rest breaks, I decide what/when to eat, etc. I didn't have anyone with me before, but I never really felt lonely so that was okay. Well, I can't say never and I can't say I didn't have anyone with me either. I did get lonely here and there and I did miss home and my friends, but I was always meeting people.
If I can go on a bit of tangent - I have met a bunch of people and I really think it is these people who have made my trip really special. It's even people that I haven't really met, but who's story I've become acquainted with; in particular, Terry Fox. His story is a staple of Canadian Culture, but I think it takes a long, hard look at him, as a person to begin to understand his motivation and the pain, sacrifice and love he must have had to attempt such an extraordinary journey. And travelling along the same roads he once did puts things into perspective a little bit too, although he was running, and on one leg! I think once you get passed the legend and the simple blurbs and statistics you're shown in school, you can really feel his experience on a personal level. And for me it is something awesome.
Anyway, back to solo riding vs. riding with a partner. Riding with someone is like living with someone in a stressful situation. You really get to know a person and there's no better way to form a bond, although sometimes personalities do clash a bit. Of course, this gives you the chance to work on your communication and learn to resolve things before they get out of hand. Another benefit is that you share expenses, like motel rooms, campgrounds etc. But at the same time, you are always tethered to that person, so it becomes less of a personal journey, so depending on what your intentions or preferences are, travelling with someone or solo is a choice to be made.
Enough deep thinking for now. Tomorrow we'll go about 80-100kms to a small town before some other small town.
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Day 53: Indian Head, Sask. to Pense, Sask.
We flew the coop!
Stats were erased today :(
Shawn and I met up last night stayed in a cheap motel room complete with holes in the walls and original Monet artwork. We got up at about seven and after breakfast hit the road. There was a pretty steady headwind most of the way so I let Shawn set the pace as I stayed in front to break the wind.
We travelled for 70 kms and got to Regina, but decided to keep going after a little rest. After another couple hours and about 30 kms we managed to find a small town with a bar and a motel so we stopped as it was getting dark. We got some food, but the motel owner was charging $100 a night! We didn't even have to see the room to know it would be a dive so we passed on that. So we left the bar and decided to improvise some shelter for the night. We saw some grain silos just down the road and decided to tent behind them, but when we were looking around we found two abandoned chicken coops that were perfect to sleep in despite being coated with a solid layer of chicken poop on the floor.
I must say, I'm proud of Shawn for going 100 kms on his first day. Tomorrow we're not sure where we'll end up, but we'll head towards Moose Jaw.
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Stats were erased today :(
Shawn and I met up last night stayed in a cheap motel room complete with holes in the walls and original Monet artwork. We got up at about seven and after breakfast hit the road. There was a pretty steady headwind most of the way so I let Shawn set the pace as I stayed in front to break the wind.
We travelled for 70 kms and got to Regina, but decided to keep going after a little rest. After another couple hours and about 30 kms we managed to find a small town with a bar and a motel so we stopped as it was getting dark. We got some food, but the motel owner was charging $100 a night! We didn't even have to see the room to know it would be a dive so we passed on that. So we left the bar and decided to improvise some shelter for the night. We saw some grain silos just down the road and decided to tent behind them, but when we were looking around we found two abandoned chicken coops that were perfect to sleep in despite being coated with a solid layer of chicken poop on the floor.
I must say, I'm proud of Shawn for going 100 kms on his first day. Tomorrow we're not sure where we'll end up, but we'll head towards Moose Jaw.
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Day 52: Kirkella, Man. to Indian Head, Sask.
Might as well just walk at this speed!
Distance: 184.7 kms
Riding Time: 7:17 hrs
Average Speed: 25.3 km/h
Max. Speed: 36.8 km/h
*Look at the average compared to max. speed - no hills here!
It's getting cold. As soon as September hit, its like summer dissipated. I tore down camp and left right away this morning hoping to find a breakfast joint across the border. Found a place to eat and got on my way. It was really pretty chilly and i tried my best to find the balance between sweating and freezing under all the layers I was wearing. It eventually got warm enough out, and I was able to take off my toque and gloves, but I kept on my super sexy arm and leg warmers, mostly for fashion purposes.
Lately the roads have been great! Highway 1 has been pretty solid for shoulders, save for a few sections east of Winnipeg. Now that I'm in Saskatchewan the shoulder is quite a welcome presence as well since the speed limit has increased to 110 km/h. Oh, and the time changed again, so that is the final change now - 3 hours behind home.
Today was my last day for riding solo because my brother is meeting me and biking back to Calgary with me. We were suppose to meet in Regina, but since I left Winnipeg about two days behind schedule, I was really behind on time. I made it far today and could have gone a bit further if the weather conditions had stayed the same and the wind had remained out of the South, but as I approached Indian Head, the winds became really intense (~35-40 km/h) and directly in my face. I was going about 10-12 km/h for a good 1/2 hour until I reached the town, which I had been staring at for a good 30-40 minutes. The high winds probably came from the thunder storms that I could see for miles around me, but which remained only a threat until I managed to reach town. I got a good panorama shot of the sky though.
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Distance: 184.7 kms
Riding Time: 7:17 hrs
Average Speed: 25.3 km/h
Max. Speed: 36.8 km/h
*Look at the average compared to max. speed - no hills here!
It's getting cold. As soon as September hit, its like summer dissipated. I tore down camp and left right away this morning hoping to find a breakfast joint across the border. Found a place to eat and got on my way. It was really pretty chilly and i tried my best to find the balance between sweating and freezing under all the layers I was wearing. It eventually got warm enough out, and I was able to take off my toque and gloves, but I kept on my super sexy arm and leg warmers, mostly for fashion purposes.
Lately the roads have been great! Highway 1 has been pretty solid for shoulders, save for a few sections east of Winnipeg. Now that I'm in Saskatchewan the shoulder is quite a welcome presence as well since the speed limit has increased to 110 km/h. Oh, and the time changed again, so that is the final change now - 3 hours behind home.
Today was my last day for riding solo because my brother is meeting me and biking back to Calgary with me. We were suppose to meet in Regina, but since I left Winnipeg about two days behind schedule, I was really behind on time. I made it far today and could have gone a bit further if the weather conditions had stayed the same and the wind had remained out of the South, but as I approached Indian Head, the winds became really intense (~35-40 km/h) and directly in my face. I was going about 10-12 km/h for a good 1/2 hour until I reached the town, which I had been staring at for a good 30-40 minutes. The high winds probably came from the thunder storms that I could see for miles around me, but which remained only a threat until I managed to reach town. I got a good panorama shot of the sky though.
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Day 51: Carberry, Man. To Kirkella, Man.
Just another bordertown
Distance: 166.8 kms
Riding Time: 8:03 hrs
Average Speed: 20.6 km/h
Max. Speed: 46.6 km/h
Last night went okay, except for the super intense thunder and lightning storm accompanied by torrents of rain at about 12:30. The pound of the rain and thunder made sleep difficult until about 2:30 am or so. Even though the rain is not good for me, Manitoba has had a very dry summer, so this rain is much overdue. Strange to think that they've gone from near monsoon conditions in the spring and early summer to almost drought. It's so dry that I see the charred remnants of brush and grass fires along the highway, most likely due to careless cigarette butt discarders.
I got up at about 6 am and set off on a cold and overcast day. The wind was blowing from the NW and it was slowing me down quite a bit. After a pit stop for breakfast in Brandon, I got in about 130 kms by 4:30 pm. The headwinds were definitely slowing me down, but I decided that after I had a bite to eat and a rest I would continue heading to the Man./Sask. border as it was only 45 kms away. The winds had calmed by the early evening so I managed to make it to a visitor center on the border where I set up camp for the night. Before bed I had a little more to eat and planned to get a solid sleep because I am planning on a 200 + km day tomorrow in order to meet my brother outside of Regina.
Wish me luck!
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Distance: 166.8 kms
Riding Time: 8:03 hrs
Average Speed: 20.6 km/h
Max. Speed: 46.6 km/h
Last night went okay, except for the super intense thunder and lightning storm accompanied by torrents of rain at about 12:30. The pound of the rain and thunder made sleep difficult until about 2:30 am or so. Even though the rain is not good for me, Manitoba has had a very dry summer, so this rain is much overdue. Strange to think that they've gone from near monsoon conditions in the spring and early summer to almost drought. It's so dry that I see the charred remnants of brush and grass fires along the highway, most likely due to careless cigarette butt discarders.
I got up at about 6 am and set off on a cold and overcast day. The wind was blowing from the NW and it was slowing me down quite a bit. After a pit stop for breakfast in Brandon, I got in about 130 kms by 4:30 pm. The headwinds were definitely slowing me down, but I decided that after I had a bite to eat and a rest I would continue heading to the Man./Sask. border as it was only 45 kms away. The winds had calmed by the early evening so I managed to make it to a visitor center on the border where I set up camp for the night. Before bed I had a little more to eat and planned to get a solid sleep because I am planning on a 200 + km day tomorrow in order to meet my brother outside of Regina.
Wish me luck!
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Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Day 50: Winnipeg, Man. to Carberry, Man.
"I'll take a Fat Tony special, please"
Distance: 174.3 kms
Riding Time: 6:26 hrs
Average Speed: 27.0 km/h
Max. Speed: 45.0 km/h
Dylan, Katie and I were all set to put in a long day today and we had our sights set on Brandon, Man., 215 kms away. However, we all were super sluggish in the morning (Likely due to late nights and lavish lifestyles) and after packing, breakfast and saying goodbye to Bev, we were on the road by 11 am - not the time you want to start a 200 km day at. Oh well, we would get as far as we could.
Heading out of the city, I felt energized after so much rest and we were expecting a tailwind today, so that was a major bonus. I noticed early on that Katie was lagging back quite a bit, so Dylan and I waited for her to catch up. You could see the pain on her face when she caught up. She said that she had a lot of pain and stiffness in her thighs and it wasn't looking good. Well, I felt really bad about leaving them behind, but I had to get a move on so that I could meet Shawn in Regina in time.So, after saying goodbye I took off alone again, which felt like a crappy thing to do at the time with Katie in pain; kind of felt like I was deserting them, but I really had no choice - I had to get going. I just hope it is only muscle cramps and nothing too serious.
Well the tailwind that was promised was indeed delivered and I was cooking with gas. I went my first 125 kms in about 4 hours, but I had only been taking breaks every hour and was beginning to feel some fatique coming on. I slowed down and took breaks more frequently, but when the sun started to fall in front of me I found myself near a small town called Carberry, still about 40 kms away from Brandon. I stopped there and grabbed a delicious pizza at a restaurant and now I am camped out in the woods by a farmers house. Hopefully he doesn't find me and turn me into pig feed, but I can hear that his dog is all to unhappy with my presence. Gonna keep on tomorrow, but I hear there's rain forecast as well as headwinds >: (
View Larger Map
Distance: 174.3 kms
Riding Time: 6:26 hrs
Average Speed: 27.0 km/h
Max. Speed: 45.0 km/h
Dylan, Katie and I were all set to put in a long day today and we had our sights set on Brandon, Man., 215 kms away. However, we all were super sluggish in the morning (Likely due to late nights and lavish lifestyles) and after packing, breakfast and saying goodbye to Bev, we were on the road by 11 am - not the time you want to start a 200 km day at. Oh well, we would get as far as we could.
Heading out of the city, I felt energized after so much rest and we were expecting a tailwind today, so that was a major bonus. I noticed early on that Katie was lagging back quite a bit, so Dylan and I waited for her to catch up. You could see the pain on her face when she caught up. She said that she had a lot of pain and stiffness in her thighs and it wasn't looking good. Well, I felt really bad about leaving them behind, but I had to get a move on so that I could meet Shawn in Regina in time.So, after saying goodbye I took off alone again, which felt like a crappy thing to do at the time with Katie in pain; kind of felt like I was deserting them, but I really had no choice - I had to get going. I just hope it is only muscle cramps and nothing too serious.
Well the tailwind that was promised was indeed delivered and I was cooking with gas. I went my first 125 kms in about 4 hours, but I had only been taking breaks every hour and was beginning to feel some fatique coming on. I slowed down and took breaks more frequently, but when the sun started to fall in front of me I found myself near a small town called Carberry, still about 40 kms away from Brandon. I stopped there and grabbed a delicious pizza at a restaurant and now I am camped out in the woods by a farmers house. Hopefully he doesn't find me and turn me into pig feed, but I can hear that his dog is all to unhappy with my presence. Gonna keep on tomorrow, but I hear there's rain forecast as well as headwinds >: (
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Day 45-49: Rest in Winnipeg, Man.
Da Peg (AKA Swaggerville)
Bev (Katie's friend's Mom) has been so kind to Dylan, Katie and Myself during our extended stay. She opened up her home in a beautiful area of Winnipeg and made us all feel like we were her children. I didn't mention, though, that this was the first time any of us had met her, but some people are like family right from the moment you meet them; she is one of those people.
During our stay in here in Winnipeg we did lots of walking, biking, driving around, watching TV, relaxing. We took a ton of photos between us all and stayed up way too late every night. Walking around downtown was a highlight of the stay here. We visited a place called Osbourne Village, which was like a mecca for young, alternative people. There was a community garden, a clothing swap place where I picked up a snazzy button-up shirt, and a wicked pizza shop. The city is full of great architecture and there is a lot of culture - probably around 10 theaters, several museums, a CFL football team and now the long awaited return of the Winnipeg Jets! I guess the season tickets for the Jets were all sold within 5 minutes of going on sale. Now there are only about 2000 seats that are available for walk up patrons, but I imagine the wait to see the games will be brutal.
On Saturday we all watched the funeral for Jack Layton on TV. It was beautiful and the eulogies made me tear up, laugh, and think long and hard about what it was that this man represented.
I spent some time biking through Assiniboine Park and throughout the city - seeing what there is to see and enjoying the quickness of my bike when it is unloaded. On our last night Bev took us out for icecream at this 55 year old icecream stand by the Red River. We ended up staying a lot longer than anticipated because Dylan's rear wheel was a write off and needed to be replaced and the "bike shop" (I won't name names, MEC) was taking their sweet time fixing it. Anyway, Tuesday is here and we are all set to get back on the road tomorrow. I'm supposed to meet my brother, Shawn, in Regina Friday night or Saturday, so I've got some serious ground to cover.
Wish me luck!
Bev (Katie's friend's Mom) has been so kind to Dylan, Katie and Myself during our extended stay. She opened up her home in a beautiful area of Winnipeg and made us all feel like we were her children. I didn't mention, though, that this was the first time any of us had met her, but some people are like family right from the moment you meet them; she is one of those people.
During our stay in here in Winnipeg we did lots of walking, biking, driving around, watching TV, relaxing. We took a ton of photos between us all and stayed up way too late every night. Walking around downtown was a highlight of the stay here. We visited a place called Osbourne Village, which was like a mecca for young, alternative people. There was a community garden, a clothing swap place where I picked up a snazzy button-up shirt, and a wicked pizza shop. The city is full of great architecture and there is a lot of culture - probably around 10 theaters, several museums, a CFL football team and now the long awaited return of the Winnipeg Jets! I guess the season tickets for the Jets were all sold within 5 minutes of going on sale. Now there are only about 2000 seats that are available for walk up patrons, but I imagine the wait to see the games will be brutal.
On Saturday we all watched the funeral for Jack Layton on TV. It was beautiful and the eulogies made me tear up, laugh, and think long and hard about what it was that this man represented.
I spent some time biking through Assiniboine Park and throughout the city - seeing what there is to see and enjoying the quickness of my bike when it is unloaded. On our last night Bev took us out for icecream at this 55 year old icecream stand by the Red River. We ended up staying a lot longer than anticipated because Dylan's rear wheel was a write off and needed to be replaced and the "bike shop" (I won't name names, MEC) was taking their sweet time fixing it. Anyway, Tuesday is here and we are all set to get back on the road tomorrow. I'm supposed to meet my brother, Shawn, in Regina Friday night or Saturday, so I've got some serious ground to cover.
Wish me luck!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Day 44: Prawda, Man. to Winnipeg, Man.
Prawda, oooohhhhh that sounds fancy
Distance: 125.5 km
Riding Time: 5:09 hrs
Average Speed: 24.3 km/h
Max. Speed: 42.5 km/h
Got on the road today eager to get to Winnipeg - my first big city since leaving Ottawa. I was kind of excited to see it because I've never been and I'm wondering what the "heart of Canada" looks like. So far it is a great city, but like all cities, for me anyway, it's kind of hard to navigate at first -especially considering that there is a an intersection of 5 or so other streets called Confusion Corner. I guess in contrast to just strictly staying on the main highway, making a few turns here and there just gets me totally disoriented now haha.
The ride today from Prawda wasn't that long at all and I made 100 kms in under 4 hours with the help of a very rare, but much appreciated tailwind. At some point after entering Manitoba, the hills and turns all ceased to exist and now it is endless straight highway in front of me and behind. I'm finding it kind of hard to keep track of time while on the road because of the lack of scenery change, and, if I forget time, I can go an hour or more without stopping and not even realize it.
After making it to Winnipeg, I met up with Katie and Dylan at a bike shop. Dylan had to put his bike in for a tune-up so he could be bikeless until Monday or so (It's Thursday today). So we are staying at a friend of Katie's childhood home. Tonight we decided to celebrate our exodus from Ontario with some screw drivers and a rest day or two coming up.
Probably Saturday I'll head out on my own towards Regina to meet my brother and then cycle to Calgary.
View Larger Map
Distance: 125.5 km
Riding Time: 5:09 hrs
Average Speed: 24.3 km/h
Max. Speed: 42.5 km/h
Got on the road today eager to get to Winnipeg - my first big city since leaving Ottawa. I was kind of excited to see it because I've never been and I'm wondering what the "heart of Canada" looks like. So far it is a great city, but like all cities, for me anyway, it's kind of hard to navigate at first -especially considering that there is a an intersection of 5 or so other streets called Confusion Corner. I guess in contrast to just strictly staying on the main highway, making a few turns here and there just gets me totally disoriented now haha.
The ride today from Prawda wasn't that long at all and I made 100 kms in under 4 hours with the help of a very rare, but much appreciated tailwind. At some point after entering Manitoba, the hills and turns all ceased to exist and now it is endless straight highway in front of me and behind. I'm finding it kind of hard to keep track of time while on the road because of the lack of scenery change, and, if I forget time, I can go an hour or more without stopping and not even realize it.
After making it to Winnipeg, I met up with Katie and Dylan at a bike shop. Dylan had to put his bike in for a tune-up so he could be bikeless until Monday or so (It's Thursday today). So we are staying at a friend of Katie's childhood home. Tonight we decided to celebrate our exodus from Ontario with some screw drivers and a rest day or two coming up.
Probably Saturday I'll head out on my own towards Regina to meet my brother and then cycle to Calgary.
View Larger Map
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Day 43: Kenora, Ont. to Prawda, Man.
Ontario, it's not you, it's me. Sorry I have to leave...
Distance: 109.2 kms
Riding Time: 4:58 hrs
Average Speed: 21.9 km/h
Max. Speed: 50.5 km/h
YAAAAYYY!!! Out of Ontario finally!! I arrived in the very small town of Prada, Manitoba today, which is about 100 kms east of Winnipeg.
The wind was very gusty today and from the Northwest, but it seemed to slow as the day went along. And it was much cooler than yesterday; I actually wore my sweater for part of the day.
I took a break at the border to get some info and met an older woman who was camped nearby. She offered to show me a nearby lake that she happened to admire, so I went. It was really very nice - only a few houses around it and no motor boats were allowed on it. It had apparently been formed from the crater of a meteorite strike eons ago! Pretty cool. The rock in this area is suppose to be some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth at several billions of years old. Above us in the sky there was a Bald Eagle soaring at about 500 meters. It was my first confirmed sighting of a Bald Eagle in the wild (I think I saw a couple in Cape Breton, but was driving by and didn't get a good view). I am very partial to any form of wildlife and seeing this amazing creature made my day, or week maybe.
When I left the lake, I was debating about whether I should take the Trans-Canada highway like I'd been doing, or go north on a sub-highway. I chose the sub-highway, but when I started riding on it the surface was in awful shape. When I saw a turnoff for the highway 1 (the Trans-Canada) I jumped on it and it was just fine. I was worried about the lack of a shoulder and the speed limit increase to 100 km/h, but after being on the 17 for what seemed like millenia, there seemed to be plenty of room for everyone to be happy. It's a 4-lane split highway, which sounds unfun, but the traffic is really not bad because everyone can go all the way over into the other lane to pass me with no need to worry about oncoming traffic.
When I was close to Prawda, my destination for the evening, a camper/bus pulled off the road just ahead of me. As I was driving by I hear a yell and guess who it was? Katie and Dylan, the people I'd met earlier in Nipigon who were also heading west to Victoria, BC. They had been offered a ride in Dryden earlier that day because apparently it was pouring and two kind retirees took pity on them. They let me come into the camper and it was like a house on wheels, with all the amenites. They offered me a beer and you know I can't refuse. Katie and Dylan were headed to the Peg that night and we are suppose to meet tomorrow when I get there. Hopefully I'll get some time to write my blog as I am quite far behind.
Now that I have finally left Ontario, I have a few short questions I would like to ask her:
1) Why don't you care about cyclists (Northern Ontario)? (sad face)
2) Why so many lakes?
3) Why are you so long?
4) Thank you for all the blueberries, raspberries and blackberries (not a question)
5) Will I see you again sometime?
Please take your time while answering these questions and email me your answers.
Thank you,
Ryan Hearn
View Larger Map
Distance: 109.2 kms
Riding Time: 4:58 hrs
Average Speed: 21.9 km/h
Max. Speed: 50.5 km/h
YAAAAYYY!!! Out of Ontario finally!! I arrived in the very small town of Prada, Manitoba today, which is about 100 kms east of Winnipeg.
The wind was very gusty today and from the Northwest, but it seemed to slow as the day went along. And it was much cooler than yesterday; I actually wore my sweater for part of the day.
I took a break at the border to get some info and met an older woman who was camped nearby. She offered to show me a nearby lake that she happened to admire, so I went. It was really very nice - only a few houses around it and no motor boats were allowed on it. It had apparently been formed from the crater of a meteorite strike eons ago! Pretty cool. The rock in this area is suppose to be some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth at several billions of years old. Above us in the sky there was a Bald Eagle soaring at about 500 meters. It was my first confirmed sighting of a Bald Eagle in the wild (I think I saw a couple in Cape Breton, but was driving by and didn't get a good view). I am very partial to any form of wildlife and seeing this amazing creature made my day, or week maybe.
When I left the lake, I was debating about whether I should take the Trans-Canada highway like I'd been doing, or go north on a sub-highway. I chose the sub-highway, but when I started riding on it the surface was in awful shape. When I saw a turnoff for the highway 1 (the Trans-Canada) I jumped on it and it was just fine. I was worried about the lack of a shoulder and the speed limit increase to 100 km/h, but after being on the 17 for what seemed like millenia, there seemed to be plenty of room for everyone to be happy. It's a 4-lane split highway, which sounds unfun, but the traffic is really not bad because everyone can go all the way over into the other lane to pass me with no need to worry about oncoming traffic.
When I was close to Prawda, my destination for the evening, a camper/bus pulled off the road just ahead of me. As I was driving by I hear a yell and guess who it was? Katie and Dylan, the people I'd met earlier in Nipigon who were also heading west to Victoria, BC. They had been offered a ride in Dryden earlier that day because apparently it was pouring and two kind retirees took pity on them. They let me come into the camper and it was like a house on wheels, with all the amenites. They offered me a beer and you know I can't refuse. Katie and Dylan were headed to the Peg that night and we are suppose to meet tomorrow when I get there. Hopefully I'll get some time to write my blog as I am quite far behind.
Now that I have finally left Ontario, I have a few short questions I would like to ask her:
1) Why don't you care about cyclists (Northern Ontario)? (sad face)
2) Why so many lakes?
3) Why are you so long?
4) Thank you for all the blueberries, raspberries and blackberries (not a question)
5) Will I see you again sometime?
Please take your time while answering these questions and email me your answers.
Thank you,
Ryan Hearn
View Larger Map
Day 42: Dryden, Ont. to Kenora, Ont.
If you can't take the heat, go to Northern Ontario and jump in a lake
Distance: 143.9 kms
Riding Time: 6:04 hrs
Average Speed: 23.6 km/h
Max. Speed: 54.7 km/h
Today was suppose to be a hot one, and the weatherman did not lie. There were record setting temperatures in Winnipeg and much of Manitoba. Winnipeg reached a temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius! I'm not sure how hot it was where I was, but il fait chaud! So chaud in fact that at one point, while driving past one of the 1000's of lakes in this area, I jumped in one (Bee Lake I think it was called). It was so refreshing! But it seemed like I was only wet for about 2 minutes before the sun was making bacon of my poor hide once again.
After many breaks, including one that saw me devour a delicious square of Reese's Pieces fudge, I ended up in Kenora. It was quite late, about 7:30 pm, when I arrived, so after touching base with my hosts for the evening I got a bite to eat and headed to their place (My thanks go to Matthew Jeffers for asking his aunt and uncle if I could spend the night at their place). By the time I got going it was getting very dark, but the street lights were allowing me to see just fine. Wouldn't you know it though, the street I was headed for had no lights and was very long. No worries though, I threw on my trusty headlight and got there. But not before spotting two deer very close to the road. The way they ran made them look like spirits that were flying through the night.
Tomorrow I'll bid adieu to Ontario, and not soon enough.
View Larger Map
Distance: 143.9 kms
Riding Time: 6:04 hrs
Average Speed: 23.6 km/h
Max. Speed: 54.7 km/h
Today was suppose to be a hot one, and the weatherman did not lie. There were record setting temperatures in Winnipeg and much of Manitoba. Winnipeg reached a temperature of 36.8 degrees Celsius! I'm not sure how hot it was where I was, but il fait chaud! So chaud in fact that at one point, while driving past one of the 1000's of lakes in this area, I jumped in one (Bee Lake I think it was called). It was so refreshing! But it seemed like I was only wet for about 2 minutes before the sun was making bacon of my poor hide once again.
After many breaks, including one that saw me devour a delicious square of Reese's Pieces fudge, I ended up in Kenora. It was quite late, about 7:30 pm, when I arrived, so after touching base with my hosts for the evening I got a bite to eat and headed to their place (My thanks go to Matthew Jeffers for asking his aunt and uncle if I could spend the night at their place). By the time I got going it was getting very dark, but the street lights were allowing me to see just fine. Wouldn't you know it though, the street I was headed for had no lights and was very long. No worries though, I threw on my trusty headlight and got there. But not before spotting two deer very close to the road. The way they ran made them look like spirits that were flying through the night.
Tomorrow I'll bid adieu to Ontario, and not soon enough.
View Larger Map
Day 41: Ignace, Ont. to Dryden, Ont.
Another day, another mother trucker
Distance: 109.9 kms
Riding Time: 4:36 hrs
Average Speed: 23.8 km/h
Max. Speed: 47.4 km/h
Last night I sprang for a motel room in Ignace, so I slept in today and only got on the road by 10:30 am. The winds were going - you guessed it - from the west, so it was another day of duck and pedal riding. You just wait until I get a tailwind though; I'll go 300 kms! I promise.
Lately it seems that there is at least one close call with a big rig per day and today was no exception. Like a said before though, 99 % of truckers are considerate and share the road (I am thankful to every person that passes me safely), but every so often you get a psychopathic operator behind the wheel of this enormous and very fast cyclist-bulldozing machine. (This episode of Near Death on a Bike is brought to you by Depends. Depends, because sometimes you get the SH!T scared out of you.) Today I was leisurely biking along the very generous 1-2 foot shoulder when I am startled by the sound of a 18-wheeler's air horn approaching fast from behind. The horn continued for at least 10 seconds as the truck approached quickly and all sorts of things went through my mind. I couldn't turn around to see the issue because of the narrowness of the shoulders, but I could see there was no oncoming traffic so this trucker should not have any problems passing me safely. Well, for reasons unknown to me this person decided that I would be a good person to nearly kill. And I'm not being overly dramatic - this guy NEARLY killed me. He was so close and going so fast that if I had moved a few inches to the left I would have been clipped and severely injured, no doubt. And to add to the terror he kept his horn on the whole time! I'm not sure if many people who are reading this have ever cycled on a highway, but most have likely stood on the shoulder of a highway while cars drive by. You can really feel the air being pushed around by these machines, so imagine the scariness of a truck weighing several tons flying beside you at mere inches while the horn is blowing and there is only a loose gravel shoulder to turn to that will surely cause you to do cartwheels should you try to ride on it. Anyway, I was absolutely livid at this driver, wondering why someone would intentionally be so hateful as to do such a thing, and I was plotting my revenge should I see him again when I pulled into a rest stop to gather my nerves. A gentleman by the name of Jerry approached me and asked if I needed food or water (he was a cyclist himself), so I gratefully accepted. I told him about this trucker and, sure enough, he was being obnoxious and dangerous to everyone on the road, not just me. Jerry told me how he was behind the same guy and he wouldn't let any other drivers pass him (quite annoying on a two lane highway). Anyway, it was good to know he doesn't just have a hate-on for cyclists, I guess. (Dear Mom and Dad, I know right now you are probably worried for my life, but I'm okay, so no need to worry!)
I got to Dryden and got a bite to eat, went on the comp for a bit and tried to find a place to camp. A local guy I talked to mentioned that there were some woods in behind Walmart so I was headed there when I spotted somebody sitting on the side walk beside a bike and a trailer. I went to see if everything was okay and we started talking. His name is Bob Gent and he was heading from Banff to Montréal with his dog Harold, when he blew out is calf trying to race a bicycle courier. Silly. He was trying to hitchhike to Thunder Bay, but had been there all day and was having no luck. So I stayed and chatted for a bit, shared a beer and some stories. He had been on the move, without a fixed address for about 8 years. He carried a saxophone and made money playing that. He also told me a great story about how he beat the boredom of riding through Manitoba; he biked naked! For about 5 kms, he said he stripped down to his birthday suit and biked down the highway. I might just have to try this! haha.
Tomorrow I'll head to Kenora, then finally, out of Ontario.
View Larger Map
Distance: 109.9 kms
Riding Time: 4:36 hrs
Average Speed: 23.8 km/h
Max. Speed: 47.4 km/h
Last night I sprang for a motel room in Ignace, so I slept in today and only got on the road by 10:30 am. The winds were going - you guessed it - from the west, so it was another day of duck and pedal riding. You just wait until I get a tailwind though; I'll go 300 kms! I promise.
Lately it seems that there is at least one close call with a big rig per day and today was no exception. Like a said before though, 99 % of truckers are considerate and share the road (I am thankful to every person that passes me safely), but every so often you get a psychopathic operator behind the wheel of this enormous and very fast cyclist-bulldozing machine. (This episode of Near Death on a Bike is brought to you by Depends. Depends, because sometimes you get the SH!T scared out of you.) Today I was leisurely biking along the very generous 1-2 foot shoulder when I am startled by the sound of a 18-wheeler's air horn approaching fast from behind. The horn continued for at least 10 seconds as the truck approached quickly and all sorts of things went through my mind. I couldn't turn around to see the issue because of the narrowness of the shoulders, but I could see there was no oncoming traffic so this trucker should not have any problems passing me safely. Well, for reasons unknown to me this person decided that I would be a good person to nearly kill. And I'm not being overly dramatic - this guy NEARLY killed me. He was so close and going so fast that if I had moved a few inches to the left I would have been clipped and severely injured, no doubt. And to add to the terror he kept his horn on the whole time! I'm not sure if many people who are reading this have ever cycled on a highway, but most have likely stood on the shoulder of a highway while cars drive by. You can really feel the air being pushed around by these machines, so imagine the scariness of a truck weighing several tons flying beside you at mere inches while the horn is blowing and there is only a loose gravel shoulder to turn to that will surely cause you to do cartwheels should you try to ride on it. Anyway, I was absolutely livid at this driver, wondering why someone would intentionally be so hateful as to do such a thing, and I was plotting my revenge should I see him again when I pulled into a rest stop to gather my nerves. A gentleman by the name of Jerry approached me and asked if I needed food or water (he was a cyclist himself), so I gratefully accepted. I told him about this trucker and, sure enough, he was being obnoxious and dangerous to everyone on the road, not just me. Jerry told me how he was behind the same guy and he wouldn't let any other drivers pass him (quite annoying on a two lane highway). Anyway, it was good to know he doesn't just have a hate-on for cyclists, I guess. (Dear Mom and Dad, I know right now you are probably worried for my life, but I'm okay, so no need to worry!)
I got to Dryden and got a bite to eat, went on the comp for a bit and tried to find a place to camp. A local guy I talked to mentioned that there were some woods in behind Walmart so I was headed there when I spotted somebody sitting on the side walk beside a bike and a trailer. I went to see if everything was okay and we started talking. His name is Bob Gent and he was heading from Banff to Montréal with his dog Harold, when he blew out is calf trying to race a bicycle courier. Silly. He was trying to hitchhike to Thunder Bay, but had been there all day and was having no luck. So I stayed and chatted for a bit, shared a beer and some stories. He had been on the move, without a fixed address for about 8 years. He carried a saxophone and made money playing that. He also told me a great story about how he beat the boredom of riding through Manitoba; he biked naked! For about 5 kms, he said he stripped down to his birthday suit and biked down the highway. I might just have to try this! haha.
Tomorrow I'll head to Kenora, then finally, out of Ontario.
View Larger Map
Day 40: Upsala, Ont. to Ignace, Ont.
What is the price to buy the wind?
Distance: 112.2 kms
Riding Time: 4:56 hrs
Average Speed: 22.7 km/h
Max. Speed: 48.3 km/h
Not sure what is up with all the strange place names, but I'm here in Ignace, Ont. (If anyone can enlighten me as to the origins of these names, please do).
I'm really beginning to believe that common opinion is actually fact when it comes to westerly winds across Canada. I have not excluded writing about when I have had a tailwind, and without counting I think there's been about 5 days, maybe. Today, the wind was equally uncooperative - blowing in my face at all times, sometimes very strong. It also felt quite chilly...perhaps fall is in the air. This might be true, but I hear there is a heat wave on the way from the west.
Anyway, I only almost got hit by an 18-wheeler once today, so that's not so bad. I'm really getting tired of highway 17 and Ontario in general. There is absolutely no consideration given to cyclists by those who designed these roads. If I were to do this trip again, I would skip Northern Ontario (sacrificing beautiful scenery for safety) and probably try to find a route through the states. I must say, though, that the majority of drivers are quite considerate, so I can't complain - it's just that it's those near misses that really last in your memory.
I'm only about 300 kms from the Manitoba border, so I'll probably get there in 2-3 days. Not exactly sure where I'm going tomorrow, but it will be about 100-150 kms west of here.
View Larger Map
Distance: 112.2 kms
Riding Time: 4:56 hrs
Average Speed: 22.7 km/h
Max. Speed: 48.3 km/h
Not sure what is up with all the strange place names, but I'm here in Ignace, Ont. (If anyone can enlighten me as to the origins of these names, please do).
I'm really beginning to believe that common opinion is actually fact when it comes to westerly winds across Canada. I have not excluded writing about when I have had a tailwind, and without counting I think there's been about 5 days, maybe. Today, the wind was equally uncooperative - blowing in my face at all times, sometimes very strong. It also felt quite chilly...perhaps fall is in the air. This might be true, but I hear there is a heat wave on the way from the west.
Anyway, I only almost got hit by an 18-wheeler once today, so that's not so bad. I'm really getting tired of highway 17 and Ontario in general. There is absolutely no consideration given to cyclists by those who designed these roads. If I were to do this trip again, I would skip Northern Ontario (sacrificing beautiful scenery for safety) and probably try to find a route through the states. I must say, though, that the majority of drivers are quite considerate, so I can't complain - it's just that it's those near misses that really last in your memory.
I'm only about 300 kms from the Manitoba border, so I'll probably get there in 2-3 days. Not exactly sure where I'm going tomorrow, but it will be about 100-150 kms west of here.
View Larger Map
Friday, August 26, 2011
Day 39: Thunder Bay, Ont. to Upsala, Ont.
Just grin and bear it
Distance: 140.2 kms
Riding Time: 6:10 hrs
Average Speed: 22.6 km/h
Max. Speed: 53.3 km/h
# of bears seen on side of road: 2
Frank offered to take us to Mount Mackay today before we got on the road, so we all got in Marcy's SUV and drove to the huge cliffs overlooking the city (really two cities), Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant. On the way, Frank proudly showed us some arrows he'd spray painted on the road for a 5 day bike tour he'd organized and led recently. Again, this man amazes me. We made a stop before Mt. Mackay at a very old fair that had a hand-made merry-go-round that is 97 years old. We got to go on too!
We bid farewell to Lake Superior by braving her frigid waters, but only up to our knees and then we went to Mt. Mackay. The views were incredible up there, at about 600 ft above the city and it's possible to go to the very top of the cliff too if you wanted.
We got back to the house pretty late, at about 1:30 pm, but I was determined to make Upsala. Everybody was moving kind of slow so I was going to just leave on my own, but at the last minute Katie decided that she'd come with me for a bit. We got to Kakabeka falls and it was tourist mayhem. I felt no desire to be part of the masses of revellers, so we waited for the others to catch up to us before I left. Although I definitely enjoyed the company on the road, I kind of felt like riding alone because since I've been riding alone for about a month I had really gotten accustomed to keeping my own pace.
The roads were okay except for a 5-6 km stretch of ground up pavement and a few jackass truckers. one trucker decided that I was not worthy to be on the road and while he was passing another 18-wheeler, both headed in my direction, forced me off the road. What a guy! Anyway, I made it to Upsala and am camped out in a campground that works on the honour system.
Tomorrow I'm not entirely sure where I'm headed.
View Larger Map
Distance: 140.2 kms
Riding Time: 6:10 hrs
Average Speed: 22.6 km/h
Max. Speed: 53.3 km/h
# of bears seen on side of road: 2
Frank offered to take us to Mount Mackay today before we got on the road, so we all got in Marcy's SUV and drove to the huge cliffs overlooking the city (really two cities), Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant. On the way, Frank proudly showed us some arrows he'd spray painted on the road for a 5 day bike tour he'd organized and led recently. Again, this man amazes me. We made a stop before Mt. Mackay at a very old fair that had a hand-made merry-go-round that is 97 years old. We got to go on too!
We bid farewell to Lake Superior by braving her frigid waters, but only up to our knees and then we went to Mt. Mackay. The views were incredible up there, at about 600 ft above the city and it's possible to go to the very top of the cliff too if you wanted.
We got back to the house pretty late, at about 1:30 pm, but I was determined to make Upsala. Everybody was moving kind of slow so I was going to just leave on my own, but at the last minute Katie decided that she'd come with me for a bit. We got to Kakabeka falls and it was tourist mayhem. I felt no desire to be part of the masses of revellers, so we waited for the others to catch up to us before I left. Although I definitely enjoyed the company on the road, I kind of felt like riding alone because since I've been riding alone for about a month I had really gotten accustomed to keeping my own pace.
The roads were okay except for a 5-6 km stretch of ground up pavement and a few jackass truckers. one trucker decided that I was not worthy to be on the road and while he was passing another 18-wheeler, both headed in my direction, forced me off the road. What a guy! Anyway, I made it to Upsala and am camped out in a campground that works on the honour system.
Tomorrow I'm not entirely sure where I'm headed.
View Larger Map
Day 38: Unexpected delay in Thunder Bay
Severe storm is a no show
We woke up today ready to get on the road, but our hosts informed us that there were severe storm warnings in our area and the area where we were heading. So we made the choice to stay another day.
Tonight we had a feast, and how. Dylan, the guy from Victoria, is a cook and offered to prepare us all (the French couple had joined us today and we informed them of the storm, so they stayed too) a meal. He made a vegetable lasagna to die for and Marcy made such an amazing desert of BBQ'd peaches with cinnamon and brown sugar and ice cream on top. There were beers and sambuca shots, one very funny one I did after a dare from Frank (my mom will not be proud). When you light sambuca on fire, you can extinguish it by covering it with your hand, chest...bumcheek. Needless to say, I cannot turn down a dare.
Tonight was lots of fun and Frank is an amazing guy. I hope to keep in contact with him. Just a peak into why he's so amazing: he only has 3% of his vision due to a degenerative retinal disease called Retinitus Pigmentosa. Yet, he is one of THE MOST active guys I have ever met. Period. He bikes to work everyday (he can't legally drive), he runs all the time, kayaks, cross country skis. I could go on. He is a real inspiration in how he makes the most of every single day.
Tomorrow, come hell or high water, I'll be making it to Upsala.
We woke up today ready to get on the road, but our hosts informed us that there were severe storm warnings in our area and the area where we were heading. So we made the choice to stay another day.
Tonight we had a feast, and how. Dylan, the guy from Victoria, is a cook and offered to prepare us all (the French couple had joined us today and we informed them of the storm, so they stayed too) a meal. He made a vegetable lasagna to die for and Marcy made such an amazing desert of BBQ'd peaches with cinnamon and brown sugar and ice cream on top. There were beers and sambuca shots, one very funny one I did after a dare from Frank (my mom will not be proud). When you light sambuca on fire, you can extinguish it by covering it with your hand, chest...bumcheek. Needless to say, I cannot turn down a dare.
Tonight was lots of fun and Frank is an amazing guy. I hope to keep in contact with him. Just a peak into why he's so amazing: he only has 3% of his vision due to a degenerative retinal disease called Retinitus Pigmentosa. Yet, he is one of THE MOST active guys I have ever met. Period. He bikes to work everyday (he can't legally drive), he runs all the time, kayaks, cross country skis. I could go on. He is a real inspiration in how he makes the most of every single day.
Tomorrow, come hell or high water, I'll be making it to Upsala.
Day 37: Rest in Thunder Bay, Ont.
A day of fun in Thunder Bay
Well today turned out to be a great day for just relaxing. We all worked on our bikes this morning after a good breakfast and then we contacted a warmshowers member here in Thunder Bay - in fact, the only member in Thunder Bay. Frank has had over 20 guests stay with him this summer so far. He and his girlfriend, Marcy, are perfect hosts. They allowed us to come over with no notice and made all of us feel very welcome. We are set up in our own beds and will sleep well tonight.
Also, we visited the Terry Fox memorial and drove around the city a little bit. That's right, we drove. Frank lent us his car and I got to drive for the first time in what seems like years, but is really only weeks. It felt so strange; I could barely go the speed limit because it felt so fast!
Tomorrow will be a ~150 km ride to Upsala, Ont. where I think we cross into another time zone. An extra hour in the day? Alright.
Well today turned out to be a great day for just relaxing. We all worked on our bikes this morning after a good breakfast and then we contacted a warmshowers member here in Thunder Bay - in fact, the only member in Thunder Bay. Frank has had over 20 guests stay with him this summer so far. He and his girlfriend, Marcy, are perfect hosts. They allowed us to come over with no notice and made all of us feel very welcome. We are set up in our own beds and will sleep well tonight.
Also, we visited the Terry Fox memorial and drove around the city a little bit. That's right, we drove. Frank lent us his car and I got to drive for the first time in what seems like years, but is really only weeks. It felt so strange; I could barely go the speed limit because it felt so fast!
Tomorrow will be a ~150 km ride to Upsala, Ont. where I think we cross into another time zone. An extra hour in the day? Alright.
Day 36: Nipigon, Ont. to Thunder Bay, Ont.
Recumbent Romance à la France
Distance: 113.4 kms
Riding Time: 5:56 hrs
Average Speed: 19.0 km/h
Max. Speed: 48.3 km/h
Today was a really difficult day because of the wind. It was very strong and gusty and directly in our face for the most part. We left around 10 am and very quickly ran into problems. Katie's rear tire went flat and we found a staple had pierced the tire. After fixing that one we only went another 10 kms or so and Dylan lost a nut for his front rack (for carrying the bags on the bike). After fixing THAT, we were jokingly saying that I was next. And lo and behold, I managed to get my very first flat tire! I had picked up a staple too. This was my first flat after 3000 + kms, though, so my luck was strong, but we shall see how, or if, it continues.
We met up along the way with a french couple who are biking around the world for 3 years on their honeymoon. They are super cool and have the strangest bike I've ever seen. It's a tandem with a regular bike in back and then a recumbent in front. I'll include a photo when I can upload them (he says that all the time).
We're staying at one of Katie's family friend's place in Thunder Bay. She's got connections everywhere it seems. The French couple are staying at a house that a random stranger they met offered to them while he was away.
Tomorrow we might head out or we might take it easy and do repairs, etc. We shall see.
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Distance: 113.4 kms
Riding Time: 5:56 hrs
Average Speed: 19.0 km/h
Max. Speed: 48.3 km/h
Today was a really difficult day because of the wind. It was very strong and gusty and directly in our face for the most part. We left around 10 am and very quickly ran into problems. Katie's rear tire went flat and we found a staple had pierced the tire. After fixing that one we only went another 10 kms or so and Dylan lost a nut for his front rack (for carrying the bags on the bike). After fixing THAT, we were jokingly saying that I was next. And lo and behold, I managed to get my very first flat tire! I had picked up a staple too. This was my first flat after 3000 + kms, though, so my luck was strong, but we shall see how, or if, it continues.
We met up along the way with a french couple who are biking around the world for 3 years on their honeymoon. They are super cool and have the strangest bike I've ever seen. It's a tandem with a regular bike in back and then a recumbent in front. I'll include a photo when I can upload them (he says that all the time).
We're staying at one of Katie's family friend's place in Thunder Bay. She's got connections everywhere it seems. The French couple are staying at a house that a random stranger they met offered to them while he was away.
Tomorrow we might head out or we might take it easy and do repairs, etc. We shall see.
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Day 35: Pukaskwa, Ont. to Nipigon, Ont.
Over da hill
Distance: 210.7 kms
Riding: 8:44 hrs
Average Speed: 24.1 km/h
Max. Speed: 70.1 km/h
Well, this was a day on an epic scale. I started fairly early at 9 am and went down the 13 km side road to meet up with the main highway #17. It was a gorgeous day with blue skies and sun, but not too hot. After a quick stop for breakfast I arrived in Terrace Bay at about 2 pm. I had some lunch and stopped to get a "mickey" (or pint, as Nova Scotians call them) because I felt like having a drink. I decided it would be okay to try for Nipigon, about 105 kms away after already going about 100 or so.
Well! The hills were unbelievable. I don't know what mountain range is here, but they are monsters. Long (4-5 kms) hills with pretty steep slopes. The descents are amazing and are well worth the climb though. Take a look at the map link below and zoom in around Rossport. After that, there were some serious hills.
I was thoroughly exhausted when I arrived in Nipigon and was intending to stay at a motel called Town & Country motel. However, I met some other cyclists on the way there that were camped out at a rest stop. So I stopped and they're headed west too! Their names are Dylan and Katie, from Victoria. They left from Peterborough, Ont. and are headed back to beautiful Victoria.
Tomorrow we'll travel to Thunder Bay and I'll tell you more about Dylan and Katie. They are pretty interesting folks.
View Larger Map
Distance: 210.7 kms
Riding: 8:44 hrs
Average Speed: 24.1 km/h
Max. Speed: 70.1 km/h
Well, this was a day on an epic scale. I started fairly early at 9 am and went down the 13 km side road to meet up with the main highway #17. It was a gorgeous day with blue skies and sun, but not too hot. After a quick stop for breakfast I arrived in Terrace Bay at about 2 pm. I had some lunch and stopped to get a "mickey" (or pint, as Nova Scotians call them) because I felt like having a drink. I decided it would be okay to try for Nipigon, about 105 kms away after already going about 100 or so.
Well! The hills were unbelievable. I don't know what mountain range is here, but they are monsters. Long (4-5 kms) hills with pretty steep slopes. The descents are amazing and are well worth the climb though. Take a look at the map link below and zoom in around Rossport. After that, there were some serious hills.
I was thoroughly exhausted when I arrived in Nipigon and was intending to stay at a motel called Town & Country motel. However, I met some other cyclists on the way there that were camped out at a rest stop. So I stopped and they're headed west too! Their names are Dylan and Katie, from Victoria. They left from Peterborough, Ont. and are headed back to beautiful Victoria.
Tomorrow we'll travel to Thunder Bay and I'll tell you more about Dylan and Katie. They are pretty interesting folks.
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Day 34: Corner of Hwy 17 & 632 to Marathon, Ont. (Pukaskwa National Park)
It’s Pukaskwa, Puck-a-saw!
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Distance: 49.2 kms
Riding Time: 2:15 hr
Average Speed: 21.8 km/h
Max. Speed: 43.7 km/h
Today was a short for riding and basically there is nothing to say about the ride itself. Okay, well I almost got eaten by another leash-less dog, but this one was nowhere near German Shepherd size. I got to Pukaskwa National Park
After meeting up with them, we got a chance to talk to some of the Ojibwe elders there who work for the park. They were talking about how their ancestors used the land and they had a map showing the area with all the Ojibwe place names on it. I love learning about native culture because it makes you realise that before Europeans arrived and took over, there was a flourishing human presence that had been living here for millennia.
Afterward, Bob offered to take me on a paddle in the canoe. Bob had done many things in his life, including racing canoes, and he complimented me on my stroke! Must have been that course I took when I was 8 or so. After the paddle - which was so serene - I went for a hike by myself and picked a whole sandwich container of blueberries in about half hour. They are everywhere! Later, after a great simple supper that Lucie made, I went by the river to use my computer by the visitor center and I saw the MOST incredible moonrise I have ever seen. It peaked up over the horizon as orange as an orange and as it rose, the reflection looked like a shimmering road of orangeness.
Tomorrow I'll head to Terrace Bay and if I have the juice and the rain holds out I may hit up Nipigon.
PS: Check out Lucie's artwork, she is very gifted. It's all pencil sketchwork: www.luciegagnonartist.ca
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Day 33: Wawa, Ont. To Corner of Hwy 17 & 632
Don’t know when to leave
Distance 142.1 kms
Riding Time: 6:22 hrs
Average Speed: 24.1 km/hMax. Speed: 54.5 km/h
# of bobcats or lynx spotted crossing the road: 1
I left really late today, so my goal of reaching Marathon at 188 kms away wasn’t looking all that likely. I got to White River (famous for being the place where Winnie the Pooh, the actual bear, was bought by an army company as a mascot) and stopped for a coffee and ended up wasting a bunch of time on the internet when I found a WIFI connection. It was really getting dark when I saw a turn around area with a bathroom and picnic tables and a good woody area to hide a tent; so I set up. Hid my food in an old mining bulldozer that’s on display here, so hopefully bears aren’t familiar with that type of machinery.
Tomorrow I am going to stop by the campground in Pukaskwa National Park to see if I can find Bob and Lucie, but if not I’ll head further rest around Lake superior .
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Day 32: Rest day in Wawa, Ont.
Bloggy, blog, blog
Did basically nothing, but relax today. Watched some of a season opener for the English Premier League. It`s soccer. Still reading? I thought you just fell asleep. It was Liverpool playing…I forget, but it ended in a 1-1 draw. I know, totally exciting. I’d really like to follow the league closely this year, but I say that every year and never do, so I doubt I will. I’m usually just content with catching the occasional game.
Anyway, finally got caught up on my blog today. Except as I write this in my journal I am already putting myself behind again. HA.
Tomorrow I’m going to try to reach Marathon, Ont.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Day 31: Montreal River, Ont. to Wawa, Ont.
Wawa what'd you say?
Distance: 109.5 kms
Riding Time: 4:33 hrs
Average Speed: 24.0 km/h
Max. Speed: 66.8 km/h!!!
Well I`m about a month in and I think that I`m about halfway through this journey. Before I left, while corresponding with other cycle tourists, a common phrase was that a trip like this is "a life changing experience". Before I began and even for the first couple of weeks I never realised how true this statement could be. I think the change though, actually came even before I left Halifax. It all started to change when I followed my heart, regardless of the risks/dangers, uncertainties, inexperience, assured loneliness, physical challenges, etc. There were sooooo many reasons I was told that his idea was crazy. And coming from people I love and respect it was hard to ignore. I'm glad I did.
Today I woke early after assuredly one of the best sleeps I have gotten in a long time. Perhaps it was the easiness of the company I was with, or the two cold pills I took before bed. Nonetheless, 6:45 am found me in an excellent mood. After breakfast, I took some pictures with Les Dames de Coeur, Robin and John. The comradery was hard to part with, but I was faithful that more positivity was in store for today.
The climbs today started right from the get with a 3 km grind out of the valley leading to the Montreal River. Along the way I met a couple, Nick and Patrizia, who were driving west with no particular destination in mind, but just taking whatever comes their way. Kindred spirits. We shared some snacks while we chatted looking at a gorgeous panorama of Lake Superior with Montreal Island in view. The ride was up and down, then back up again, but I felt strong and always looked forward to the descents after the long climbs.
Eventually I came to Wawa where I planned to meet up with a relative; my Aunt Ellen's brother's family, the Macdonell's. Before I got a hold of them I stopped at a Timmy's for a snack and coffee and ran into Bob and Lucie, some friendly strangers who invited me to visit them in Pukaskwa provincial park near Marathon, Ont. Lucie is the artist in residence at the park and Bob is a cyclist himself. I look forward to getting to know them.
The Macdonell's are a lovely and busy family of six. Mom and Dad, Debbie and Raymond, sons Breton, Josh and Ryan and daughter, Amy. Even though I've never met them before, I instantly felt at home and welcome.
I'll take (another) rest day tomorrow and work on non-biking related things, then I'll hopefully be headed to the park to meet Bob and Lucie.
Be Free
View Larger Map
Distance: 109.5 kms
Riding Time: 4:33 hrs
Average Speed: 24.0 km/h
Max. Speed: 66.8 km/h!!!
Well I`m about a month in and I think that I`m about halfway through this journey. Before I left, while corresponding with other cycle tourists, a common phrase was that a trip like this is "a life changing experience". Before I began and even for the first couple of weeks I never realised how true this statement could be. I think the change though, actually came even before I left Halifax. It all started to change when I followed my heart, regardless of the risks/dangers, uncertainties, inexperience, assured loneliness, physical challenges, etc. There were sooooo many reasons I was told that his idea was crazy. And coming from people I love and respect it was hard to ignore. I'm glad I did.
Today I woke early after assuredly one of the best sleeps I have gotten in a long time. Perhaps it was the easiness of the company I was with, or the two cold pills I took before bed. Nonetheless, 6:45 am found me in an excellent mood. After breakfast, I took some pictures with Les Dames de Coeur, Robin and John. The comradery was hard to part with, but I was faithful that more positivity was in store for today.
The climbs today started right from the get with a 3 km grind out of the valley leading to the Montreal River. Along the way I met a couple, Nick and Patrizia, who were driving west with no particular destination in mind, but just taking whatever comes their way. Kindred spirits. We shared some snacks while we chatted looking at a gorgeous panorama of Lake Superior with Montreal Island in view. The ride was up and down, then back up again, but I felt strong and always looked forward to the descents after the long climbs.
Eventually I came to Wawa where I planned to meet up with a relative; my Aunt Ellen's brother's family, the Macdonell's. Before I got a hold of them I stopped at a Timmy's for a snack and coffee and ran into Bob and Lucie, some friendly strangers who invited me to visit them in Pukaskwa provincial park near Marathon, Ont. Lucie is the artist in residence at the park and Bob is a cyclist himself. I look forward to getting to know them.
The Macdonell's are a lovely and busy family of six. Mom and Dad, Debbie and Raymond, sons Breton, Josh and Ryan and daughter, Amy. Even though I've never met them before, I instantly felt at home and welcome.
I'll take (another) rest day tomorrow and work on non-biking related things, then I'll hopefully be headed to the park to meet Bob and Lucie.
Be Free
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Day 30: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. to Montréal River, Ont.
Never fear, super-cyclists to the rescue!
Distance: 130.1 kms
Riding Time: 5:39 hrs
Average Speed: 22.9 km/h
Max. Speed: 57.9 km/h
I left Sault Ste. Marie on a route outlined in a pamphlet from Vélorution, but still managed to get lost. I was consulting my trusty road map when a cyclist came along, asked if I was lost and offered some help. He was actually going the same way so we travelled together for a while. Once we got to the 17 again we parted ways, but not before he donated a delicious smoothie flavoured energy bar to the cause.
As I was biking I started to feel a little feverish and I think I may still have a lingering cold, but I managed to make it to Montréal River. I was planning to spend the night in the woods, but when I stopped to fill my waterbottles at a campground/resort, who do I run in to? Another cycling group who ended up inviting me to camp with them! Of course, they are all heading east, but still. The timing of it all seems perfect. I mean, the camping spot wasn't in my direct line of view when I entered. It just so happened that when I pulled into the campground, two of the cyclists were headed to the bathroom near the entrance. If I had been 30 seconds sooner or later I would not have met them. Makes me think. I made sure to get all their contact and blog information so I could follow their journeys. They are all lovely people to be around. There is a group of 4 women from Québec with an average age of 58 who are cycling across Canada, and two younger guys, Robin Taylor and John Turecki who had joined them earlier in their trip. If you want to check their websites, look at the blogs that I'm following.
Tomorrow I'll head to Wawa to stay with some relatives. I hear the ride will be quite a challenge, but I'm up for it.
View Larger Map
Distance: 130.1 kms
Riding Time: 5:39 hrs
Average Speed: 22.9 km/h
Max. Speed: 57.9 km/h
I left Sault Ste. Marie on a route outlined in a pamphlet from Vélorution, but still managed to get lost. I was consulting my trusty road map when a cyclist came along, asked if I was lost and offered some help. He was actually going the same way so we travelled together for a while. Once we got to the 17 again we parted ways, but not before he donated a delicious smoothie flavoured energy bar to the cause.
As I was biking I started to feel a little feverish and I think I may still have a lingering cold, but I managed to make it to Montréal River. I was planning to spend the night in the woods, but when I stopped to fill my waterbottles at a campground/resort, who do I run in to? Another cycling group who ended up inviting me to camp with them! Of course, they are all heading east, but still. The timing of it all seems perfect. I mean, the camping spot wasn't in my direct line of view when I entered. It just so happened that when I pulled into the campground, two of the cyclists were headed to the bathroom near the entrance. If I had been 30 seconds sooner or later I would not have met them. Makes me think. I made sure to get all their contact and blog information so I could follow their journeys. They are all lovely people to be around. There is a group of 4 women from Québec with an average age of 58 who are cycling across Canada, and two younger guys, Robin Taylor and John Turecki who had joined them earlier in their trip. If you want to check their websites, look at the blogs that I'm following.
Tomorrow I'll head to Wawa to stay with some relatives. I hear the ride will be quite a challenge, but I'm up for it.
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Day 29: Rest day in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
I read you loud and clear wind, I`m not going anywhere
After lastnights and yesterdays foul weather, the wind picked up to an incredible speed today going about 45 km/h from the northwest. Guess which way I was planning on heading? So I took a day to relax, write up some bloggy blogs, explore the city, etc.
This bike shop is special. Never have I heard of a similar type of place. Definitely check out their website and if you ever head through the Soo, drop by for a visit. You'll likely meet some really interesting people either in the shop or camped out in the back. Oh and make sure to stop by the Husky's and say hello to Sharon.
Tomorrow, when the wind hopefully let's up some I'll travel along the shores of Lake Superior. Not exactly sure of my destination, but somewhere will be found.
After lastnights and yesterdays foul weather, the wind picked up to an incredible speed today going about 45 km/h from the northwest. Guess which way I was planning on heading? So I took a day to relax, write up some bloggy blogs, explore the city, etc.
This bike shop is special. Never have I heard of a similar type of place. Definitely check out their website and if you ever head through the Soo, drop by for a visit. You'll likely meet some really interesting people either in the shop or camped out in the back. Oh and make sure to stop by the Husky's and say hello to Sharon.
Tomorrow, when the wind hopefully let's up some I'll travel along the shores of Lake Superior. Not exactly sure of my destination, but somewhere will be found.
Day 28: Desbarats, Ont. to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
The day the door opened and I crossed the threshold
Distance: 58.3 kms
Riding Time: 2:17 hrs
Average Speed: 25.4 km/h
Max. Speed: 46.4 km/h
I will remember this day forever. Not because I rode super far (because I didn’t), but because of who I met and how things came together how they did. I swear it was orchestrated by a higher being.
This morning wasn’t the best. I slept in, but I felt great and well rested when I woke up at 9. I made some oatmeal, some PB and J sandwiches to eat and some coffee - all very leisurely. Finally at 10:30 I was beginning to pack up my things and decided I would fix a wobble in my rear wheel. I heard a noise behind me and there was one of the young girls that lived at the house standing there holding an iphone with a clock display. She says to me, “Granddad says it’s time to go”. Well I was quite insulted, but I said thank you nonetheless and got on my way, grumpier than the Grinch on Christmas. I hadn’t figured out yet where I was going to stop, but I decided I would take a break at least in Sault Ste. Marie.
On the way, a thunder and lightning storm started, so I wanted to find a spot to rest up and eat. I stopped at a Huskey’s outside of Sault Ste. Marie and this is where it really gets interesting. I walk into the restaurant looking like a drowned rat, people staring at me thinking WTF?, but when I’m looking for a table an older gentleman sitting alone asks me if I wanted to join him.
His name was Jean Béliveau, he is from Montréal
If I can continue, I know I don’t usually write this long, but this day was something else. The waitress at the restaurant was so kind, her name was Sharon
Anyway, my mind was blown when I left the restaurant, the sun came out, it was a spiritually rich experience. My eyes felt opened. I felt like I had crossed through a threshold and now saw the light.
I drove down the road a km and saw a stripmall with a CIBC, so I stopped to get some cash. Then I saw a grocery store and stopped to get food. As I was picking up some nectarines a lady tells me that there are other local nectarines that are much tastier, so I bought them instead. When I was packing up my stuff outside, I see this same lady and she tells me about this bike shop, Vélorution. OH!! I said. I didn’t know that was here! It’s a top-of-the-line bike shop that even has free camping in the back, wifi, and a bathroom with shower. Hard to believe it’s all free. So I go there, after another intense lightning storm I make it. I picked up a new rear tire because the one I had bought in North Bay Montréal who cycled from BC, another couple from Québec
Check out Vélorutions website: http://www.velorution.ca/ (PS Vélo is french for bike, so think vélo and revolution)
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Day 27: Nairns Center, Ont to Desbarats, Ont.
Been a long time comin', but a short story tellin'
Distance: 204.5 kms
Riding Time: 7:46 kms
Average Speed: 26.3 km/h
Max. Speed: 49.6 km/hWoke up super early to the hacking cough of my host’s lovely girlfriend out to have a smoke. I packed my gear and left ASAP.
Last night was terrible. I’ll be completely honest, I barely slept, maybe 4 hours at most, because while I was talking to my girlfriend last night she decided she wanted to break up with me. I’m not getting into details, but just know I was pretty shook up. And still am.
My ride today was like a therapy ride. I went from 7:30 am and only arrived at around 8 pm. I didn’t want to stop, make small talk with anyone – just pedal. So I did. And I’m happy I went this far. It feels like I’ve accomplished something and put maybe a little behind me. I really want to enjoy this trip to its fullest, but to be honest, I feel like I can’t get out of Ontario Lake Superior is as nice as I’ve heard, but I guarantee that the it will be just as crappy.
Anyway, enough doom and gloom. I saw the coolest herd of cows today. As I rode by them, they started galloping along with me! (That is, if cows gallop) I had to take some pictures so I went for a visit and they all came over to me. What a cool and inquisitive bunch of bovine.
I’ve landed in Desbarats, Ont. Population 600. There was someone here on warmshowers who said cyclists could camp on their yard. But when I arrived, the person on warmshowers wasn’t here but her husband generously offered to put me up in the cabin in the back. It has satellite tv, a bathroom, but sadly no internet.
Tomorrow I’ll head through the Sault and then who knows.
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Day 26: Sturgeon Falls, Ont to Nairn Center, Ont.
Go where the wind blows!
Max. Speed: 52.4 km/h
*Broke 2000 kms today!
We’ll see where I wind up tomorrow (If I see it!).
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Distance: 154.0 km
Riding Time: 5:38 hrs
Average Speed: 27.2 km/hMax. Speed: 52.4 km/h
*Broke 2000 kms today!
As usual the Ont 17 highway was terrible. What I don’t get is that they’ll have about 500 meters of paved shoulder, usually around a corner or up a hill, but then it goes back to nothing. Stupid.
I could have gone further today. Honestly. I felt about an 80 km tired at the end of the day. Thanks to a little tailwind and cool temps I had a very efficient day of riding. The only reason I stopped was because when I went to a store to get water and some grub, the store clerk mentioned that few bikers had camped in an empty lot across the street that was owned by the store owner. So I took the offer and went to get some supper nearby at a restaurant. When I came back I was scoping out a good spot when another guy, lets call him Bob because that was his name, said I could camp on his yard. I thought this was very kind and I didn’t want to refuse although I would have been happy where I was going to camp, so I said yes. At least it wasn’t right off of the highway, I figured.
So here I am, the place is a teensy bit sketchy, but whatev. I’ll probably be dog food for their ferocious little beast who almost ate me when I showed up. Listen to me – I’m so ungrateful.
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Day 25: Pisimi Bay, Ont. To Sturgeon Falls, Ont.
Knock on wood. Zero flats since Halifax!
Approx. (comp reset itself again)
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Approx. (comp reset itself again)
Distance: 83.1 kms
I only planned a short ride today because I desperately needed a new tire. My old rear tire served me well though; about 3000 kms of mostly loaded touring, and zero, count it, ZERO flats! I’m cursing myself right now as I’m typing this, but seriously. If you need quality gear in the HRM make sure to go see Jeff Mayhew at Sportwheels in Lower Sackville. www.sportwheels.ca. The tires I used are Vittoria Randonneur. Excellent!
I only planned a short ride today because I desperately needed a new tire. My old rear tire served me well though; about 3000 kms of mostly loaded touring, and zero, count it, ZERO flats! I’m cursing myself right now as I’m typing this, but seriously. If you need quality gear in the HRM make sure to go see Jeff Mayhew at Sportwheels in Lower Sackville. www.sportwheels.ca. The tires I used are Vittoria Randonneur. Excellent!
Anyway the heat was less so today due to a little cloud cover. Turns out yesterday was something like 35 degrees Celsius! Yikes. After reaching North Bay Sturgeon Falls
I caved and ended up getting a site in aSturgeon Falls campground, but I’m definitely going to do more free camping when I reach Lake Superior.
I caved and ended up getting a site in a
Tomorrow’s destination isn’t set in stone – just know that it’s west.
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Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Day 24: Mackey, Ont. to Pimisi Bay, Ont.
If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
Unfortunately in the heat my bike computer conked out and reset itself, so no stats today.
Looking at the map, it's hard to know what is a small town and what is just a sign in the middle of the highway with a place name on it; probably to name the nearby forested area I suppose. I swear, in this part of the country, they put place names on the map and signs on the road just for the hell of it.
I left my campground at around 10 am after having some oatmeal. I was intent on getting in around 30 kms before I took a break at possibly a convenience store where I could get some snacks and juice (just like recess in Elementary!). 75 kms later though I finally stumbled upon a reasonably large town - large enough to have a store. Mattawa, boasting 2500 residents, bears no resemblance to it's rhyming counterpart, Ottawa. By this time I was exhausted and after lunch I grabbed a couple of winks of sleep at a picnic table. After gaining some energy I wanted to get to North Bay, another 60 kms. Unfortunately this would not happen. The heat was intense, the roads were probably the worst, worst roads I have ever been on. Not probably - they were. And this is suppose to be the Trans-Canada Highway? On top of this, the wind was gusting right in my face.
I got about 24 kms out of Mattawa and saw a sign for a rest stop ahead. I turned in, but I ended up at a small campground so I swallowed my pride and asked about a site for the night. No sites available! It was Friday, I had forgotten. However, the owners of the campground offered me a guest room that was more like a private trailer, for $30. I'm sure they were taking pity on me as it could definitely be rented for $50 - 60. I was sure they were taking pity on me after they offered me a cold beer and water too. My thanks to their kind souls; I'll get one excellent sleep tonight.
Oh there was one cool thing that happened on the road today: I saw a red-tailed hawk hunting. Neat.
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Unfortunately in the heat my bike computer conked out and reset itself, so no stats today.
Looking at the map, it's hard to know what is a small town and what is just a sign in the middle of the highway with a place name on it; probably to name the nearby forested area I suppose. I swear, in this part of the country, they put place names on the map and signs on the road just for the hell of it.
I left my campground at around 10 am after having some oatmeal. I was intent on getting in around 30 kms before I took a break at possibly a convenience store where I could get some snacks and juice (just like recess in Elementary!). 75 kms later though I finally stumbled upon a reasonably large town - large enough to have a store. Mattawa, boasting 2500 residents, bears no resemblance to it's rhyming counterpart, Ottawa. By this time I was exhausted and after lunch I grabbed a couple of winks of sleep at a picnic table. After gaining some energy I wanted to get to North Bay, another 60 kms. Unfortunately this would not happen. The heat was intense, the roads were probably the worst, worst roads I have ever been on. Not probably - they were. And this is suppose to be the Trans-Canada Highway? On top of this, the wind was gusting right in my face.
I got about 24 kms out of Mattawa and saw a sign for a rest stop ahead. I turned in, but I ended up at a small campground so I swallowed my pride and asked about a site for the night. No sites available! It was Friday, I had forgotten. However, the owners of the campground offered me a guest room that was more like a private trailer, for $30. I'm sure they were taking pity on me as it could definitely be rented for $50 - 60. I was sure they were taking pity on me after they offered me a cold beer and water too. My thanks to their kind souls; I'll get one excellent sleep tonight.
Oh there was one cool thing that happened on the road today: I saw a red-tailed hawk hunting. Neat.
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Day 23: Pembroke, Ont. to Mackey, Ont.
It's hard to get started again, once you stop
Distance: 94.5 kms
Riding Time: 3:38 hrs
Average Speed: 25.9 km/h
Max. Speed: 52.4 km/h
I reluctantly left the comforts of my Aunt Carol's and Uncle Patrick's cottage today and set out towards North Bay. My goal was not North Bay as it is near 200 kms away and I am not that ambitious at the moment.
I stayed off the Ont 17 highway until I had to get on it, which was just outside of Petawawa. Going through a couple small towns I managed to get a sweet deal on pizza for lunch: 2 slices of pepperoni and a pop for $3.99!
The 17 isn't all that bad so far. Well, the highway is crap for shoulders, but the majority of drivers are considerate. I met a pretty old french guy on a trip from Vancouver to La Beauce, Que. He was super friendly and I snapped a photo of him. Here's some info on him if you're interested and can understand french: http://www.editionbeauce.com/nouvelles/actualites/14307/jacques-palard-arrivera-en-beauce-a-velo.php
Tomorrow I'm headed for North Bay on the shores of Lake Nipissing.
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Distance: 94.5 kms
Riding Time: 3:38 hrs
Average Speed: 25.9 km/h
Max. Speed: 52.4 km/h
I reluctantly left the comforts of my Aunt Carol's and Uncle Patrick's cottage today and set out towards North Bay. My goal was not North Bay as it is near 200 kms away and I am not that ambitious at the moment.
I stayed off the Ont 17 highway until I had to get on it, which was just outside of Petawawa. Going through a couple small towns I managed to get a sweet deal on pizza for lunch: 2 slices of pepperoni and a pop for $3.99!
The 17 isn't all that bad so far. Well, the highway is crap for shoulders, but the majority of drivers are considerate. I met a pretty old french guy on a trip from Vancouver to La Beauce, Que. He was super friendly and I snapped a photo of him. Here's some info on him if you're interested and can understand french: http://www.editionbeauce.com/nouvelles/actualites/14307/jacques-palard-arrivera-en-beauce-a-velo.php
Tomorrow I'm headed for North Bay on the shores of Lake Nipissing.
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