Day 58 (final day) Aug 23 2009

Dunville to St. John's Nfld.

Depart: 7:30 am
Arrive: 2:14 pm

Daily distance: 126. 31 km
Time: 5:56:28
Odo: 6853.4 km (Total trip distance)
Max. 56.7 km/hr
Avg. Speed: 21.5 km/hr

Weather: Light fog/ 22 deg
Road: Easy grades
Shoulder: good condition narrow in some sewctions (B-)

I got up early to catch the weather network, it looked like clear sailing as the Hurricane isn't due until tonight. Frank and. Barb had breakfast going and I packed the bike. I hade a great homemade breakfast, prune yogurt, bacon, eggs, and home made jams on homemade toasted bread. I filled my water bottle and was given 3 muffins for the road, I like this B&B set up.
The ride today went smooth with the tailwind and I msnaged to beat Bill to SJ.
I found the Terry Fox monument where Barb had suggested I dip my front wheel but the waterfront access had been fenced off since 911. I spoke with a security guard who took my picture at the monument and led me to a low dock at Harbourside Park. At 2:14 Newfie time, with my front tire dipped into SJ harbour, and having beat Bill  I officially completed my trip.
After getting settled in a B&B in the downtown I went for a walk and ran into the two couples I had met on the ferry, they were on a patio at one of the many pubs, I joined them and they bought me a couple of beers, it was a nice way to wrap up the trip.
I want to extend a very big thank you to everyone that helped me along the way by sending Emails, feeding me, giving me places to stay, providing directions and advise,  servicing the bike, I did not do this trip alone. I would also like to give my biggest thanks to Lorraine who encouraged me to do this trip, supported me and provided many hours looking up information, booking rooms, ferrys, planes, looking after the house and kept my prize lawn green and manicured, even through BC's  heat wave.
Im taking a day or two to look around SJ and to rearrange my airline ticKet, when I get home I will be doing a final update to the blog.

Day 57 Aug 22 2009

North Sydney NS to Dunville NFLD.
(Ferry to Argentia)

Depart: 1:30 am
Arrive: 4:30pm

Daily Distace: (bike) 10.84km
Time: 00:38:36
Odo: 6727.0km
Max. 39.5 km/hr
Avg speed: 16.9 km/hr

Today was the big ferry ride to NFLD, 14 hrs and I was glad to have gotten on, I swtched the date from the 24th, that sailing has now been cancelled due to Hurricane Bill.
The ferry ride although long was a welcome break, the chairs reclined, it was quiet and I slept not bad. I met 2 couples from Vancouver that have been doing bike vacations together for a while, it seems like a good idea, they travelled light and B&B'd and Hoteled it, good plan.
When I got off the ferry I headed to the B and B Lorraine had arranged for me. When I arrived at the B&B, the host Frank and Barb had a rib dinner ready for me as they knew there was nowhere else to eat in town. I had a good visit with Frank, Barb and Franks brother Brian and headed off to bed so I could race Bill in the morning. This was my first B&B and it was great.

Day 56 Aug 21 2009

Port Hastings NS to North Sydney NS (ferry terminal to NFLD)

Depart: 7:30 am
Arrive: 4:30 pm

Daily Distance: 144.99 km
Time: 8:01:18
Odo: 6716.2 km
Max: 49.7 km/hr
Avg. 18.1 km/hr

Weather: Sunny , 26 deg
Wind: E 10-20 km/hr

Roads: Ups and downs all day. 1 climb, Kellys Mountain, 7 km
Shoulders: Good (B)

Big day today, I had the last ride of this trip on the mainland, tonight I catch the ferry and head to NFLD.
I'm in a bit of a hurry to beat Hurricane Bill to St. John's so I am leaving the mainland tonight. The ferry ride is approx. 14 hrs and is due to arrive in Argentia Nfld  on Saturday the 22nd at 3:30. I still need to do 130km before arriving in St. John's. I will stay in a B and B that Lorraine had arranged for located just N of Argentia before heading out Sunday, hopefully . Currently the winds on Sunday morning are forcast to be 30km/hr picking up to 60 km/hr in the early evening, if I get an early start, I should be able to make great time getting to SJ, but risk being stuck in the middle of nowhere should the winds become unmanagable, I'll play it by ear.

Day 55 Aug. 20 2009

Pictou NS to Port Hastings Cape Breton NS

Depart: 8:30am
Arrive: 5:00 .

Daily Distance: 130.19 km
Time: 6:52:40
Odo: 6571 km/hr
Max: 48.8 km/hr
Avg. Speed 18.9 km/hr

Weather: Sunny/ 28 deg
Wind W 10
Roads: Hilly
Shoulder: (C+) narrow in several sections but in good shape.

My buddy Dale met me at 7:30 this morning, bought breakfast and rode with me for the first 15 km. He drove up from Halifax and it was good to spend time catching up and swapping notes.
The route was hilly today but it was somewhat cooler so I only had to bring out the Sham Wow once.
I'm down to my last leg on the mainland tomorrow, 140 km to the North Sydney. Ferry to NFLD which leaves at 11:00pm Friday night. Once in NFLD I may break up the last 130 km into 2 days depending on when the ferry arrives in Argentia NFLD.
I'll be up and on the road early so I get the boat tomorrow, I was scheduled to sail on the 24th but I want to be on the rock before Hurricane Bill causes Ferry disruptions.

Day 54 Aug 19 2009

Murrays Beach NB to Pictou NS (Via PEI)

Depart: 7:00 am
Arrive: 8:30 pm

Daily Distance:145.36 km
Time: 7:47:52
Odo: 6441.0 km
Max: 41.7 km/hr
Avg. Speed: 18.6 km/hr

Weather: Sunny/Hot/ Muggy/overcast in the afternoon

Wind: SW 15

Roads: gentle grades/ some small hills
Shoulders:
NB (A+)
PEI wide shoulders but in poor condition (C-)

Stepped out of the tent this morning and was greeted by a skunk, I think he was scared away by my odour. Actually, the campsite last night had laundry facilities so all my domestic chores are up to date. I have enough clean clothes to last me until I throw them all out at the end of the trip.
1 day, and I've set foot in three provinces, never done that before. My time in the Maritimes is far too short, I loved NB and plan on returning to see PEI, it looked like a beautiful spot to spend some time in, I feel I could fit in here (except in the winter)
The Northumberland straight was covered in a haze this morning so I never got a picture of the Confederation Bridge and was somewhat disappointed.
Dale, the fellow I met in Aggasiz is from these parts and knows everyone, when I got up this morning there was a note on my bike from the park staff saying goodmorning ( they must have been by later than 8:30 last night) and when I went to get the shuttle to cross the bridge the lady knew my name. I spoke with Dale on the phone grom the shuttle booth and we may hook up tomorrow for a short ride.
Bridge Shuttle and return ferry is $20.00, great deal..

Day 53 Aug 18 2009

Moncton NB to Murray Beach NB

Depart: (from bike shop) 11:00 am
Arrive: 4:00 pm

Daily distance: 92.97 km
Time: 4:24:13
Odo: 6295.7 km/hr
Max: speed: 44.5 km/hr
Avg. Speed: 21.1 km/hr.

Got to the bike shop before it opened and greeted the owner who had still not opened the lid on his Tim Hortons coffee. I explained that I wanted to move the rear tire back to the front from whence it came and to put on a new rear tire including new tubes. I was going to put 2 tires on but the one is good enough to finish the trip with. Also  it was the actual tire that was dIpped in the Pacific prior to leaving and I don't know how the ruling comittee would feel if I don't dip the same tire, I also save $30.00. I also asked the guy to adjust the front derailer as I have been having trouble shifting and its easier, like any task, to repair in a clean shop rather than a sandy shoulder., He said he would look after it and that" I could pick it up sometime today." I said "how about in 2 hours" he agreed as long as he didn't get" swamped with customers"
When I returned 2 hours later my bike was sitting out in the showroom with a flat front tire, "its all ready" he says so I asked him if air was extra, he installed another tube and I paid him and left. About 10km down the road I went to shift, and nothing, the derailier cable hadn't been tightened, so I did it myself on the sandy shoulder. Todays lesson, Don't bug a guy that hasn't yet had his coffee.
Strong wind, fast riding. Was going great when I came over a hill and there it was, it took me by suprise. All along. I've been focused on reaching St. John's especially as I near the end and am planning my trip down to the hour. But when I crested the hill and realized I was staring at the Atlantic Ocean I stopped in my tracks. I wasn't prepared for it today and suddenly realized I was looking at it for the first time and I had come from coast to coast on a bicycle. It was quite a feeling for me and I grabbed a provincial campsite just down the road, I have a great spot and I ended the day early enough to go dip my feet. The bike wheel has to wait for the completion of the trip otherwise, what would be the point of continuing, I think this has been what I wanted to see all along, just didn't realize it.

Day 52 Aug 17 2009

Fredricton NB to Moncton NB

Depart: 6:30 am
Arrive: 7:00 pm

Daily distance: 182.65 km
Time: 8:53:56
Odo: 6202.7 km
Max: 49.5 km/hr
Avg speed: 20.5 km/hr

Weather: Sunny/ Hot/ muggy
Wind: W 10
Road: hwy 2: some hills
Road Condition (A+)

Left early to beat the heat and make a run for Moncton on a good tailwind, there's no great places to stop in between the two cities. I took hwy 2 as it was the shorter route and the road is excellent. As long as I was moving at a good pace the heat was managable but on slow hill climbs the inside lens of my glasses were dripping like it was a rain day.
I'm looking forward to heading to PEI, its somewhere I've wanted to see, the Canada Games are on right now so I'm just going for the day, no accomodation anywhere on the island.
The last of my big milage days are done, the next biggest one is in NFLD and its only 130km, a distance I don't mind, some of the next few days may even be below 100km

Day 51 Aug 16 2009

Woodstock NB to Fredricton NB

Depart: 8:00 am
Arrive: 8:00pm

Daily Distance: 122.43km
Time: 6:53:23
Odo: 6020.0 km
Max.: 46.3 km/hr
Avg. Speed. 17.7 km/hr

Weather: Sunny/Hot 31 deg 38 humidex
Roads: Lots of hills on Hwy 2, 105, 102.
Condition: (B+)

Got onto Hwy 2, the new TC highway to try it out. After putting in about 10km I was heading down a hill full speed and the tail end of the bike started swaying, another flat, two in 2 days, this time a shard of glass. Burt whom I met last night and his wife were passing by, saw me and stopped, I was ok so they headed on, NB is good for people wanting to help, even if they are from Ontario.
It started getting hot so I thought I'd get back to 105 which I felt would be better shaded, which it was, but it was full of short steep hills which, combined with the heat was very draining.
I was about to take the bypass route around a little town called Nackawick when an old guy who was stopped in his car called me over. "If you go that way you won't see the worlds largest axe, you can get back onto the highway at the other end of town" how could I resist, it was very impressive, quite sharp.
I got to the next town  after several rest stops and bought a couple of popsicles. Before I left the store  I thought I'd top up the rear tire with air. as I was removing the pump, I tore the valve stem right out of the tube, another flat to fix. I ended up speaking to several people, one nice lady even gave me a map of Fredricton which came in useful and provided me a better route than I had planned, figure it saved me half a hour in the heat.
5:30 start tomorrow heading towards Moncton.

Day 50 Aug 15 2009

Grant Falls NB to Woodstock NB

Depart: 7:30 am
Arrive: 5:00 pm

Daily Distance: 130.69 km
Time: 7:42:38
Odo: 5897.6 km
Max. 46.2 km/hr
Avg. Speed: 16.9 km/hr

Weather: Sunny/Hot Wind: S 10

Roads Hwy 130 Sud, hilly
Road Cond. (A)

The ride today was on an old secrion of the TC highway, virtually abandoned and in excellent condition. After riding on generally flat conditions for the past week I really was enjoying the hills, they break up the monotiny. The wind was quite fickle today and would change direction in an instant which came in handy at times.
I'm enjoying the people here, Burt whom I met at the campsite lent me his laptop for some google mapping. When I asked for directions at the gas station I had two people offer to drive me where I needed to go and one offered me to follow them.
I got to get a few things at Sobeys tonight which was very nice, when I got back I called home, got back on my bike only discover a rear flat, second one of the trip. When I went to change the tube I discoverred my new tire that I bought in Saskatoon is paper thin and worn right down to the threads. The rest of the evening was spent swapping the half worn front tire to the back and the worn tire. (Just over 4100km)  to the front, by the light of my helmet light. Looks like 2 new tires when I get to Moncton.

Day 49 Aug 14 2009

Cabano QC to Grand Falls NB

Depart: 8:00 am
Arrive: 6:00pm (Atlantic time)

Daily distance: 135.07 km
Time: 7:07:11
Odo: 5766.9 km
Max. 43.2 km/hr
Avg speed: 19.0 km/hr

Weather: Sunny/ HOT

Roads: flat/ some rolling hills
Road condition (B+)

I thought it would be quiet with not a person around me for miles, forgot about the racoons, they never shut up all night.
When I arrived in NB I was surprised to find that nothing has changed from. Quebec, I guess I have to get closer to the big cities,
I'm taking Hwy 144 which is a bike route and its great, most traffic stays on Hwy2, and its much flatter, nice route.
Looking forward to seeing the Maritimes and starting the last leg.

Day 48. Aug 13 2009

L-Islet QC to Cabano QC

Depart: 6 :30 am
Arrive: 6:30pm

Daily Distance: 173.35 km
Time: 9:18:14
Odo: 5631.8 km
Max. 52.4 km/hr
Avg.: 18.6 km/hr

Weather: Sunny 24 Wind S 10

Road:  Flat until Riviere du loup, steady 4% grade firs 50 km of trail to Cabano
Road and trail condition (A)

Had a quick ride to R du Loup,  I had done 110 km and had lunch by 1:00. I wanted to get to Cabano and because I had made good time to RDL so I opted to take the bike path. The path is part of the Route Verte and Trans Canada trail systems and although they are longer and slower, they're generally more shaded and quieter. Being there's no traffic it dawned on me that I could listen to my IPod instead of the voices in my head  that were beggining to speak French, I was hoping the music would  re-set everything.
The trail also provided " rustic" campsites which I am staying in tonight and are better than most campsites I've stayed in, however I do miss the sound of the generators in motor homes running all night.
Lorraine has booked my Ferry to NFLd for the 24th and my flight home on the 29th, I wanted earlier but she insisted I stay a little longer.

Day 47 Aug 12 2009

St. Augustin- de Demaures QC to L' Islet QC

Depart: 8:00 am
Arrive: 5:30 pm

Daily Distance: 104, 41 km
Time: 6:19:30
Odo: 5458.5 km
Max: 38.2 km/hr
Avg. Speed: 17.2 km/ hour

Weather: Sunny 24 Deg. Wind E 10

Roads: small rolling hills
Shoulder: A

I knew as soon as I said I won't stop until I do 130 km it would come back to bite me. Today was a "going through a city day" which is always slower and Quebec city is a fair size. (On a bike) Lorraine insisted I stop and look around so I headed to the old part spent an hour and a half and took it all in, I don't think I missed a thing. I was mildly ticked though when I got on the ferry to get to Levis (which isn't pronounced like the blue jeans) I realized I could see the whole old town from the passanger deck and didn't even have to ride through it.
The roads are becoming less flat and the wind contiued to be a pain, with friendly  Southerlies in the forcast for tomorrow and the next campsite 30 km away, I called it a day.
I have to say that I am really enjoying QC even though the Quebecois are a little more reserved than the Prarie folk.
QC. has been a great part of my trip. The roadways are a cyclist paradise, the shoulders are wide and well looked after. The towns are close together so anybody that can ride 30 km in a day could easily have the experience. Another big plus is how clean  the highways and ditches are.  And the biggest plus is that campsites, motels and good food are all plentiful.

Day 46 Aug 11 2009

Yamachiche QC to St. Augustine de Desmaures QC

Depart: 7: 30 am
Arrive: 6:30 pm

Daily Distance: 146.22km
Time: 7:58: 00
Odo: 5349.1 km
Max: 36.4 km/hr
Avg speed: 18.3 km/ hour

Weather: Sunny 21 degrees
Wind: NE 10

Road:: Flat, starting to get small hills at Nouville
Shoulder: B+ not a well travelled highway by trucks, or cars

An annoying head wind, actually,  head breeze was just enough to keep my speed and motivation down. I was looking for any excuse to stop and today there just happened to be more cyclist on the road than I had seen the whole trip. It seems this strech of flat scenic Highway between Montreal  Quebec City is a popular cyclist  route and gave me ample opportunity to stop and chat with all kinds people. Some were groups staying in B and B's others were individuals asking home owners along the way to borrow a patch of grass to set up a tent on.
I stopped and helped three sisters Jen, Christine and Char fix a flat tire, these three were all around the same ages as my three sisters and reminded me of them. It wasn't hard to pick up that they were Americans, Jen had the exact same accent as our friend Jan, turns out that Jen an Jan live close to each other in Maine . I ended up runnimg into them again later in the day and they shared some cheese, bluettes, baggettes,  hummus and a few laughs, they call themselves.                               "realwomen.realadventures.realsisters". 
My plan was to stay in Nueville for the night but I had only done 127km when I arrived at a campsite, so that didn't meet my 130 mark I try to do each day.  It was about 6:00 and the wind had tapered of so I thought I'd just keep going. I found a private campground and had my laundry walk over to the machines and jump in, it was long over do.
Alls well and I figure I have 9 riding days left.

Day 45 Aug 10 2009

St. Eustache QC to Yamachiche QC

Depart: 7:15 am
Arrive: 5:45 pm

Daily Distance: 136.13
Time: 7:17:04
Odo: 5202.8 km
Max. 34.7 km/hr
Avg Speed: 18.7 km/hr

Weather: Overcast/ Sunny perIods/ VERY Humid

Roads: Flat, very flat
Shoulders/paths (B)

By noon I had only completed 50 km, lots of stop signs going through the many villages on the 344. After getting twisted around on the route verte this morning and not able to find a decent map, I abandoned the path and stuck to the two secondary highways, 344 and 138.  The route verte cuts on and off both these highways, I just didn't follow the diversions.
Once on the 138 I made good time for about 50 km until the wind shifted, the last 30 k was a push.
Both highways follow the river which is lined with beautiful homes, from large estates to small stone cottages, it was very interesting, I even picked up some new  building envelope details.
Travelling for 6 weeks and always being  in the middle of nowhere, reststops have never been an issue. Travelling through residential neighbourhoods for hours on end requires better rest stop planning.

Day 44 Aug 09 2009

Alfred Ont to St. Eustache QC

Depart: 8:00 am
Arrive: 4:30 pm

Daily Distance: 105.75km
Time: 5:53:46
Odo: 5066.7 km
Max.48.3 km/hr
Avg speed: 17.9 km/hr

Weather: Overcast/showers 20 degrees Wind SE 10

Roads: Flat
Shoulders Ont (C-). QC (A)

Left Ont. For the last time today just shy of the 5000km mark and was glad to see the last of the Ont. Highways.
Entering QC I got right onto the 'route verte' which a network of dedicated bike routes that consists of either a wide marked shoulder or seperated paved trails.
I managed to go the whole day without seeing a tractor/trailer and never once got forced onto a gravel shoilder.
Signage on the trail can be confusing but as always there is always a kind stranger to help me out as happened today near Carrilon. Another problem is lack of information at the Info centres, the host just don't seem to know a lot about the bike routes.
The route verte is an excellent concept that should be adopted by every province and I think in time, will be.
Tomorrow Laval and hoping to get near Trois Rivieres.

Day 43 Aug 08 2009

Fitzroy Bay Ont to Alfred Ont

Depart: 7:00am
Arrive: 5:00 pm

Daily Distance: 141.05 km
Time: 7:37.58
Odo: 4960.9 km
Max: 41.9 km/ hour
Avg speed: 18.5 km/hr

Weather: Sunny 21 deg
Roads: Flat
Shoulders : mixed (A+ - C-)

I'm hoping the racoons found my bran bars helpful today, seems there was a party in my panniers last night.
Managed to go through Ottawa along the bike paths that followed the Ottawwa River, its a mixed use path and there were plenty of people using it today. I stopped at the Parliment Buildings, got someone to take my picture and immediately became lost.
Its not easy finding people to help you with directions as most are tourist themselves, others keep walking and don't even aknowledge you, that'd never happen in Saskatchewan.
I was helped by one group of cyclist who had me fiollow them to near the end of the path where I was met by a fellow named Doug who escorted me right to the Highway I needed to be on.
Doug is retired and has become a proffesional cyclist, trouble is, no ones paying him.
I'm 22km from the  border at Hawksbury where I will be crossing tomorrow morning for my final entry into Quebec. Lorraine has sent me some great info on taking the route verte all the way into Montreal. Not sure whether I'll get right into the city tomorrow, I may have a reduced distance day and try and get out of the city monday morning to avoid Sunday afternoon traffic and dealing with finding my way around at the end of the day.

Day 42 Aug 07 2009

Pembroke Ont To Fitzroy Bay Ont (via Qubec)

Depart: 7:30
Arrive: 6:30

Daily Distance: 125.75 km
Time: 7:22:17
Odo: 4819.4km
Max: 35.5 km/hr
Avg: 17.0 km/hr

Weather: Sunny 21 deg
Wind: N 10
Roads: bike path B

I left Pembroke and decided to cross over into Quebec to ride the bike path and stay off the highway, this was not a shoter route, just a pleasant change. The 'cyclopath" is about 90 km of well compacted limestone over an old railbed so the grade never exceded 2%. The trail finished at a town called Quyon where the ferry crosses to the ontario side, near Ottawa. My plan was to Free camp at the Kwannis park and continue on the Quebec side, however, I was told by a cyclist the Ottawa side was a way better route,  he suggested I cross over.. As the ferry doesn't start running until 8:00 on Satudays, I headed over tonight in order to get an early start tomorrow.
Lorraine provided me with some good info regarding a bike path from Ottawa to Montreal and the park warden showed me how to get to the start of the path,  I should be set to go.

Day 41 Aug 06 2009

Mattawa Ont to Pembroke Ont

Depart 8:00am
Arrive: 6:00 pm

Daily distance: 146.02 km
Time: 7:51:08
Odo: 4694.1 km
Max: 52.1 km/hr
Avg. Speed. 18.6 km/hr

Weather: overcast with sunny periods.
Road: hilly first 100km then flattened out past Deep River
Shoulder: (D-)

Spent the first 100km yoyoing up and down with really poor asphalt, in several areas the asphalt was broken half way into the drive lane. The rough roads rattled me to the bone, I hit my front wheel hard twice and shook the mirror on my helmut right off. Taking a run at hills was impossible so each climb was a slow grind.
I pulled into a restraunt in Rolfton where a fella asked me to join him at his table and wanted to hear about my trip. In order not to repulse him with  my "cycling cologne" I opted to sit at the table next to him. We were joined by his cousin and both these guys gave me good play by play on the upcoming road conditions. I always enjoy chatting with the locals, I gave him my blog adress to follow my trip. When I went to pay my lunch bill it had been taken care of. Unfortunatly these guys names have slipped my mind an I'm hoping I get an Email from him so I can add him to my "thank you" list.
After a good flat ride to Pembroke I found a cheap Motel, when I asked the owner if there was a place close by to eat he said "No" but went into his Kitchen and loaded me up with supplies for dinner.
Today was yet another reminder of how good complete strangers can be and there are lots of good folk out there.

Day 40 Aug. 05 2009

Sudbury to Mattawa

Depart: 7:15 am
Arrive: 6:00 pm

Daily Distance: 177. 47 km
Time: 8:00:04
Odo: 4548.1 km
Max: 56.5 km/hr
Avg. Speed: 22.2 km/hr

Weather: 21 deg.  Overcast with Sunny periods.
Wind: W 15km/hr
Road: Flat/ med hills
Shoulder: Very Poor (D)

Gary dropped me off at the Highway near where I had turned off 2 days prior and I was happy to find the wind blowing from the west and a long flat section of road in front of me.
Taking time yesterday to have a grand tour of Sudbury was a nice break and allowed me to actually see a city that I pass through. My daily focus tends to be on achieving my distance goals and being in bed by 8:30 so  I don't actually ever get to see to many attractions.
I stopped for a bottle of orange juice at a little restraunt just outside of Rutherglen and began talking to a gentleman and the lady running the place about the road ahead as they both seemed to know the area well. They convinced me to get to Pembroke then cross over the river to the Quebec side which gets me off these crappy highways on the ontario side and allows me to bypass Ottawa. I looked at this option tonight on the map and the distances are identical, also,  there seems to be more towns on the Quebec side, I think I'll go for it.
I'm hoping for another wind at my back day so I can make tomorrow night my last stay in Ontario and scratch it off my list.

Day 39 Aug 04 2009

Sudbury Ont to Sudbury Ont

Rest Day

I spent my rest day at the home of Gary and Lessa Noble. Gary and Lessa are the parents of Kurtis who I work with at Chatwin.
Gary picked me up at the motel I had stayed at the previous night and we met Lessa at a local restraunt where they treated me to breakfast.
After breakfast Gary took me  to what I had come to Sudbury to see, the grand daddy of roadside change, the Sudbury Nickel.
Later in the day the three of us took a walk around the lake in the centre of town and then a tour of some of the differnt neighbourhoods and came back to the house for a BarBQ.

Thank you Gary, Lessa and Kurtis

Day 38 Aug 03 2009

Blind Bay Ont to Sudbury Ont.

Depart: 9:00 am
Arrive: 7:00pm

Daily Distance: 172.0 km
Time: 8:32:15
Odo: 4370.6 km
Max. 48.3 km/hr
Avg. Speed: 20.1 km/hr

Weather: Rain/ overcast 19 degrees Wind: SW 10 km/hr

Roads: fairly flat, easy grades
Shoulder: (C--)

I was wondering how I escaped the usual heavy Sunday traffic yesterday, then I realized Monday was the holiday. I had a good ride in the morning even in the rain. About 1:00 pm the traffic started and it was a steady stream in both directions until about 5:00. That, combined with poor shoulders made the section from Massey to Sudbury made me feel the most uncomfortable since I left.
As I will be going grocery shopping tomorrow I wanted to finish up some old stuff I had been hauling around for the last week or so. I was making a peanut butter and prune roll up on Weight Watchers wraps (1 point each) when I spotted a small bear, it wad clawing at a tree. By the time I got my camera out it had disappeared, I guess he wasn't interested in my snack.
I arrived in Sudbury late (for me) and had a hard time finding a cheap motel, its harder in larger centres because everything is spread out further, in small towns you can see eveything no matter where you are.
Young Kurtis in our office had sent me an Email giving me his parents contact information in Sudbury, I called them and have arranged to take my rest day there and  spend the next night with them, thanks Kurtis.
Philip sent an Email, he had bike problems and got a ride to Sault, that along with my rest day may put us in contact.

Day 37 Aug 02 2009

Heydon Ont. To Blind Bay Ont.

Depart: 9:00am
Arrive: 6:15 pm

Daily distance: 161.95 km
Time: 7:14:50
Odo: 4198.6 km
Max. 45,6 km/hr
Avg speed. 22.3 km/hr

Wwather: Cloudy with sunny periods 20 degrees. Wind: SW 10-15km/hr

Roads: Mainly Flat, a few small hills.
Shoulders: "C" narrow rough shoulders

When I left Heyden this morning my plan was to just do 60 km to make up the 2nd half of my partial rest days. Shortly after I got going the sky lightened up, the road was flat and the wind was pointing the bullrushes east, I knew I had to take advantage os this weather.
It seems that a lousy day of cycling is always followed by a good one, I felt I was being rewarded for the  previous dfficult day.
I hit Blind River which is the home of Wayne and James Orten whom I had met in Kamloops. I called their home and spoke to Waynes daughter who said they were in Marathon tonight and expected home in the next 4-5 days, they must be close to Phillip.
I met a young couple staying at the same motel who were from Errington near Parksville, they had purchased a home who's history of flooding annually was never disclosed to them. To make a long story short, they  ended up filing for bankruptcy and were moving back to Ottawa to live with her parents.
$1.40 in change today and probably one of the nicest riding days so far, weather permitting I will be heading for Sudbury tomorrow.

Day 36 Aug 01 2009

Pancake Bay to Heyden

Depart: 9:00 am
Arrive: 3:00 pm

Daily Distance: 69.59 km
Time: 4:43.19
Odo: 4036.7 km
Max. 38.1 km/hr
Avg. Speed: 14.7 km/hr

Weather: Rain. Wind: S 20km/hr
Road: Flat and hills mixed, shoulders (C)

Left Pancake Bay into a stiff wind that lasted all day. I'm due for a rest day but I want over the last big hump into Sault so I decided to do 2 short days instead. During a downpour I pulled into a coffee shop at Goulais Bay. Two local guys suggested I take the Old Hwy 17 and avoid the big hill to Sault.  Lorraine and the kids have often heard me say "a shortcut is the longest distance between two points" and once again I proved that I was right. Although the route was about 5 miles (oops, I've been in Ontario too long) I mean 8 km longer, the grades weren't to bad. The downpours were extreme and the head winds reminded me of the Praries.
I arrived in Heyden and grabbed a Motel room so I could dry out.
I'll be doing another part day tomorrow and try and get some R and R.
I took a quick look at my schedule and figure I'll be making the Kweebeck
 border next Saturday.