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 >: (
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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!
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