No Rain...But No Flat Riding Either....

Kinmount to Bancroft

After a really good breakfast at our B+B and being reassured by the owner, Patrick, that our ride to Bancroft would be a flat one and that after Bancroft it would be more difficult, we hit the road a little later than usual, at 9:00. The consensus is that tomorrow might be 'very difficult' since today's ride was anything but flat, in fact, it was downright 'hilly'. With lots of rest stops, lots of liquids, and the wish by Sue and I, that we had the 'young legs' like our other 3 crew members, we managed to arrive at our destination in Bancroft. A visit to the local grocery store followed by a 4 km ride (in the wrong direction for tomorrow's ride) and we arrived at our campsite.

We are staying at the Bancroft Tent and Trailer Camp, a small campground with lots of permanent trailers, but only 5 dollars for a wheelbarrow load of firewood and free showers!

Getting dinner ready tonight was a bit of an adventure! I managed to burn water (with a little help from the powdered milk) and while 'chiselling' out the pot in the washroom, Eric arrived dripping blood from a self inflicted cut to his finger tip. (That is what happens when you play with Swiss Army Knives, right Eric?). 'Dr. Kevin' (who is more experienced than me with cuts?) managed to stop the bleeding and put a bandage on it. Do not worry Cindy he will survive!!!

Daily Distance = 87.82 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 50 minutes. Average Speed = 18.12 km. Maximum Speed = 62.25 km. Wildlife Sightings = Great Blue Heron, Pileated Woodpecker, Osprey, Campground Cat.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1, Taryn = 0, Patrik = 0.

The Last of The Flat Riding...For A While....

On the road to a beautiful blue sky by 8:00. No wind, new pavement, some shoulder, reasonable traffic and a flat road meant for a nice ride that was fairly easy and quick. A muffin and tart stop at a small place on the highway where they advertised 'stuffed olives'. Go figure!!!

As we rode along today we came upon some trees, not just ordinary trees, but 'shoe trees'! Hundreds of pairs of shoes dangling from the trees! You have to wonder about the human race. Somebody decides, probably as a joke, to hang shoes in a tree and then other people do it to. I guess the question would be why? On the other hand some people would say why not?

We are staying at the Kinmount House Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful old brick house with a wrap around verandah, located on top of a hill overlooking the downtown and the river.

Daily Distance = 79.58 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 47 minutes. Average Speed = 21.03 km. Maximum Speed = 53.42 km. Wildlife Sightings = Osprey on the nest with young, Canada Geese, Stuffed Grey Fox, Rooster, Chicken, St. Bernard.

P.S. Eric achieved a milestone today, he passed 1000 km for his trip!

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1, Taryn = 0, Patrik = 0.

Blame Everything on Patrik...

Saturday, July 17

Wasaga Beach to Orillia

Almost away at 7:30 this morning until we discovered a 'slack' tire on Taryn's bike. Kevin to the rescue...or not! All I managed to do was let all the remaining air out of the tire. About the time that I was getting concerned we figured out how my pump converted from 'schrader' to 'presta'. Success! On the road by 8:00 (I am sure that it was Patrik's fault). A quick ride along HWY 26 despite the volume of traffic and the rough surface. Thank you west breeze! After turning onto Horseshoe Valley Road, riding became more difficult due to some climbing and some minor bicycle repairs. Taryn's bike rack was falling off and it seems that after hearing some discussion it might have been Patrik's fault! Our ride along County Road 93 and then County Road 11 was a series of climbs but certainly rideable. And of course, a really hot and sunny day had to produce some rain, but only over where we were! A huge cloud (would not have been more than a km wide) went over and absolutely 'soaked us'! Welcome to Kevin and Sue's Cross Canada Bicycle Ride!

Our intended destination was Mara Provincial Park but due to it being a Saturday night in the middle of July, it was full so we are staying in the King's Inn in Orillia. It is a nice little motel that never left the 60's. When they found out what we were doing, they greatly reduced their usual rate and gave us a can of aerosol. I guess people feel sorry for us, or just think we are 'crazy'!

Daily Distance = 80.74km. Time on the bike s= 4 hours 5 minutes. Average Speed= 19.73km. Maximum Speed = 57.73km. Wildlife Sightings = Blue Jay, Blue Bird.

Kevin=3, Sue=0, Eric=1, Taryn=0, Patrik=0.

P.S. Another milestone was hit today. Sue and I have ridden 5000 km since leaving Vancouver.

The Saga Continues.....

Friday, July 16

Home to Wasaga Beach

A second day off and we were raring to go. It felt kind of odd to be leaving home for a second time, knowing we will be on the road for two more months. Part of the needed energy to keep going is due to our 'new crew members' Patrik and Taryn. They are neighbours who are joining us for a week and hopefully we will be close to Ottawa within that time. So now we are five!

On the road by 8:00 to a beautiful bright blue sky. A 2 km coast down Bayview Hill had us wishing that it was downhill all the way to Newfoundland. At Meaford we decided to ride the Georgian Trail (the old rail line) all the way to Collingwood. The trail is 'fine hard packed' gravel and a real pleasure to ride. Sure was better than riding highway 26 which is under construction from Meaford to Thornbury.

We are camping at the Cedar Grove Campground in the edge of Wasaga Beach. It is a 'crappy' little campground full of permanent trailers and they charge 'extra' for showers!!!

Daily Distance = 64.97 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 29 minutes. Average speed = 18.63 km. Maximum speed = 58.26 km. Wildlife sightings = Cardinal, Blue Jay.

Kevin=3, Sue=0, Eric=1, Taryn=0, Patrik is lucky to still = 0.

Day Off...But No Spare Time....

Wednesday, July 14

Home

We had a busy day off today, restocking our supplies, having our bicycles serviced, visiting with friends and buying Eric a tent that 'repels water and does not collect it'!

We have managed to spread our gear all over the place and looks like most of our 2nd day off will be spent putting our 'stuff' back together. We are looking forward to restarting our adventure!!!

We Are Home...Temporarily....

Tuesday, July 13

Colpoy's Bay to Our House

After being treated to another great breakfast we were on the road by 9:05. Thanks Dorothy for making our overnight stay a special one!

Our ride down from Wiarton to Owen Sound was a nice easy ride on County Roads in much better condition than our Provincial Highway #6! It was made easier when we got to Cobble Beach and dumped our gear into Bruce's truck (Sue's cousin) for him to carry home for us. Thanks Bruce, it really is so much easier without all that weight! The hills between Owen Sound and our house have sure become 'easier' after almost 5000 km of cycling. We 'cruised' up hills that we used to train on and struggle to climb. I guess we really are stronger now than we were 2 1/2 months ago!

We were treated to Sue's family arriving at our home with dinner tonight. Nice treat since we really do not have any food in the house! Thanks guys and it was nice to see everybody.

We are planning on taking two days off to get ourselves organized and ready for the 2nd part of our adventure. It is hard to believe that we have traveled from Vancouver all the way to South western Ontario by bicycle! We have been warned that stopping at home is a mistake as you will not want to start back up again feeling you have already accomplished something. I am positive that is not going to be the case. We are looking forward to the rest of our journey.

Daily Distance = 63.47 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 39 minutes. Average Speed = 17.38 km. Maximum Speed = 53.94 km. Wildlife Sightings = Bobolink, Wild Turkeys.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

Hospitality Continued....

Monday, July 12

Tobermory to Colpoy's Bay

A leisurely start to today as we were treated to a great breakfast by Brian and Pat. Thanks again for your wonderful hospitality! After a miscue on our return to Highway 6 (don’t worry Brian it was not your directions that were the trouble it was that Eric and I deferred to Sue's sense of direction) we were off and heading south on new, first coat, pavement. And anybody on the Peninsula who thinks that the shoulder might be paved I suspect will be gravely disappointed. Not a sign of that happening. Also, our first 60 km to Ferndale were once again 'really wet' due to a steady rainfall. Anyone who needs a rainfall should just wait until we ride through and we can guarantee some 'damp' weather!!!

The afternoon ride to Colpoy's Bay was much nicer as the sun came partly out and 'sort of' dried us. We were overtaken by two cyclists today who stopped to chat with us. They were biking from Sault Ste. Marie to Ottawa and were setting a quite a pace. They had ridden from Little Current across the island and caught the 9:00 ferry (61 km). They had then ridden almost 75 km when they passed us by 2:30 and were heading for Owen Sound for the night another 60 to 70 km. I guess we are really traveling slowly as we are doing the same distance over parts of 3 days. But you know we are enjoying ourselves. I hope they are at their pace!!!

We are staying tonight at our friends' place, Dorothy, who has treated us to a great dinner and conversation. I could really get used to this kind of touring. Thanks Dorothy for your hospitality.

Daily Distance = 83.79 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 40 minutes. Average Speed = 17.94 km. Maximum Speed = 36.41 km. Wildlife Sightings = Another one of those days where it was tough to see anything but the rain on the pavement!

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

P.S. Tomorrow we will arrive home and thus 'phase one' of our journey will be over. A couple days off and I know we will be ready to begin 'phase two' and a whole new series of experiences!!!

Hospitality....

Sunday, July 11

Lake Manitou to Tobermory

On the road after a large breakfast to a 'bright blue sky' and bicycles 'free of gear'. Verla sent us off this morning well 'fuelled' and decided to carry our gear to the ferry for us. What a pleasure to ride again with no weight! Highway 6 across the island was extremely rough with cracks (grass growing in some) that shook us and the bikes constantly. Construction signs said the start date to reconstruct the highway was to begin July 5. Wonder what year they were referring to??? After arriving in South Baymouth our gear was re-loaded and Verla provided us with a 'huge' picnic lunch that included 2 kinds of pie. Thank you so much Ike and Verla for your incredible hospitality.

After a smooth ride on the Chi-cheemaun we were met in Tobermory by our new found friends, Brian and Pat, and escorted to their cottage on Lake Huron. Brian and Pat cycled across Canada in 2008 and a common acquaintance, Judy, introduced them to our blog and its ramblings.

We have had a really fun evening swapping stories, eating a wonderful dinner, and drinking some wine. It is as if we have known each other for a long time, a bond that only touring cyclists can truly understand. Thanks guys for your hospitality. We are in your debt.

Daily Distance = 69.09 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 48 minutes. Average Speed = 18.11 km. Maximum Speed = 46 .69 km. Wildlife Sightings = Deer, Sandhill Cranes, Loon, Chipmunk.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

P.S. Not a bad day on our 29th wedding anniversary!!! Life is good!!!

The Day That Made Me Into a Liar....

Saturday, July 10

On the road by 7:30 to a beautiful blue sky. The first 30 km was a difficult ride with lots of climbing through the La Cloche Mountains. (Did not know that Ontario had mountains!) A nice ride followed to Little Current. As we approached the 'Swing Bridge' we were treated to a view of the bridge opening and closing allowing sail boats and large cabin cruisers to pass through. (And here I thought we had been in a recession)! A leisurely lunch at 'Farquer's' Ice Cream Shop fuelled us up for our afternoon challenge. Now for the part that made me into a liar...As we rode out of Little Current I told Sue and Eric that the ride to the cottage on Lake Manitou would have just a couple of small hills. Boy was I wrong! By about the 5th climb I was wondering if I was on the right road to our destination. And we were not finished yet! Finally I re-assured everyone that there were no more hills. And what should appear but another climb. My credibility was destroyed!

Today was also a day to see wildlife. A young bear, a male moose with a 'rack' and 2 deer, one with a 'rack'

We are staying at our good friends, Ike and Verla's cottage at the north end of Lake Manitou. We were greeted at the top of the laneway by a homemade sign welcoming us to the cottage. We are being treated 'royally'.

Daily Distance = 74.33 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 34 minutes. Average Speed = 16.23 km. Maximum Speed = 58.26 km. Wildlife Sightings = Bear, Moose, Deer, Cedar Waxwing, Loon, Red Tailed Hawk.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1

Everyone In A Hurry....

Friday, July 9

Blind River to Espanola

On the road this morning by 7:30 to a partly cloudy sky. Quickly the clouds cleared and it turned into a beautiful day for a ride. Flat roads through rock, bush and 'low and behold', farmland. Another pocket of agricultural land with a Mennonite or Amish presence. Do not think it would be an overly productive area!

After a quick lunch in a picnic shelter in Spanish, we were on the road again. The downside of today's ride was all the traffic. Way too much!!! Everyone in a hurry and a couple of 'moron' drivers passing with us coming towards them. For a race of people who call themselves 'intelligent' we sure can do 'stupid things'!!!

Today Eric had a couple of firsts. He saw the first moose of his life as it crossed the road ahead of us, stopping in the middle of the road, reversing direction, falling down and then crossing the road. Eric also had his first 'metric century' ride of his biking career. Well done!

We are staying in the Pinewood Motor Inn in Espanola. As we entered Espanola we saw the reason for the town's existence, pulp and paper. A huge mill dominates the entrance to the town!

Daily Distance = 105.04 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 29 minutes. Average Speed = 19.09 km. Maximum Speed = 47.15 km. Wildlife Sightings = Great Blue Heron, Cedar Waxwing, Kingfisher, Moose.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

P.S. Neil, we saw 3 scenic routes today!