Saint-Jerome to Lanoraie
We were on the road by 8:40 after a full breakfast in the Hotel. We rode Saint-Jerome's bike path down to Hwy 158 and then turned east to continue our route around Montreal. Hwy 158 led us through really productive farmland. The sandy soil is obviously conducive to growing vegetables and I do not mean for market gardening. Carrots, beets, potatoes, asparagus, corn, cabbage, tomatoes, strawberries, and raspberries. (A greenhouse operation growing strawberries obviously has done OK! A 'massive' house has been built beside it with a 'private helicopter' in residence!) Dairy farms, sod farms, pork barns, and chicken barns dotted the landscape as well. The area grows 'abnormally' tall corn. While stopped for a washroom break we realized that the corn was at least 4 feet taller than Eric...6'1" + 4' = 10 feet. Must be all the fertilizer they spread!!!
Eric's comment part way through the day best sums up our ride today. "This is my favourite ride since I joined you guys". That says it all. A 'cross-tail wind', limited traffic, nice countryside, a town every 20 km, and sunshine made up our day. It really did make us forget about all the 'crappy' days on this adventure.
Today we managed to get to the St. Lawrence River. It is odd but this for me is 'right up there' with getting through the mountains of British Columbia. We are camping at the Chez Denise Campground outside of Lanoraie. It is a small campground right on the banks of the St. Lawrence.
Daily Distance = 96.34 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 10 minutes. Average Speed = 18.62 km. Maximum Speed = 51.93 km. Wildlife Sightings = Great Blue Herons, Cormorants.
P.S. We have decided to take a day off tomorrow to regenerate ourselves! (I have been told 'I' need it.)
Kevin=3, Sue=0, Eric=1
