Val-Brillant to Matapédia
Two thunderstorms and two trains during the night guaranteed a lot of 'awake' time, at least for some of us. Eric never heard a thing! Oh to be 'oblivious' to your surroundings!
Our 'soaked' gear packed away and on the road by 8:25. Today's ride took us up, the key word being 'up', into the Appalachian Mountains. We thought yesterday's ride was challenging, well today was tougher. The hills were much more gradual but coupled with heavy traffic, the lack of shoulders at times, and the 32 degrees temperatures, today was difficult. The scenery reminded us of BC as we followed the Matapédia River as it meandered its way through the mountains. All the times we have travelled to the east coast we never once realized that this route was a possibility. All of those vacationers taking the Trans Canada down into New Brunswick are missing a 'real treat', the Gaspé Peninsula.
We are staying at the Motel Restigouche in Matapédia, the only accommodation in the area. And guess what runs right beside the motel??? The train!!! We are only a 'stones throw' from entering the 7th province of our adventure.
Daily Distance = 94.28 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 16 minutes. Average Speed = 17.89 km. Maximum Speed = 52.92 km. Wildlife Sightings = Not much we were too hot and miserable to pay attention to anything!
Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.
