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!

Lazy River...The Mississagi...

Thursday, July 8

Thessalon to Blind River.

Another wet night left everything soaked for the pack up. 2 baseball diamonds with 'dugouts' provided a dry spot for our breakfast and bicycle loading. On the road by 8:45 to a foggy, drizzly start. A light sprinkle accompanied us for the first 30 km until we stopped for our '2nd breakfast'.

From Iron Bridge to Blind River we were accompanied by the Mississagi River, a wide, slow moving river that at times reminded us of the Saugeen. Our afternoon ride was both short and flat. As a result we were to Blind River by 1:00. Our average speed was one of the highest of the whole trip.

We decided to stay in Blind River tonight as we were in need of 'dry' accommodation as well as badly needing our laundry done. We are staying at the Lakeview Inn. It is a really clean little place but quite a 'trimming of the trees' across the road would be required in order to see Lake Huron! We were unsure of Spragge's services (Spragge was our original destination) so we cut our day shorter. Just means tomorrow's ride is a little bit longer!

Daily Distance = 59.37 km. Time on the bikes = 2 hours 55 minutes. Average Speed = 20.23 km. Maximum Speed = 48.74 km. Wildlife Sightings = Sandhill Cranes, Marsh Hawks, Canada Geese, Porcupine.

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

First day of month # 3....

Wednesday, July 7

Off to a late start this morning due to foggy conditions and technical problems with 2 bikes. (And for a change it was not mine!!!). Today's ride could only be described as a nice ride along the Trans Canada. 45 kilometres of expressway made for a quick first half of the ride. A bit of a surprise today as we came upon an agricultural area outside of Sault Ste. Marie and a community of Old Order Amish or Mennonite.

A touring cyclist from Montreal (going the wrong way) stopped us for a chat. He is a student cycling to Vancouver from Montreal solo. He took our picture for his journal. After talking to him for 30 minutes we rode on to Bruce Mines and stopped in an 'air conditioned' restaurant for an ice cream cone. Nice treat on a day where the humidity was high and the temperatures were around 28. (Not complaining because the sun was shining... Yes that is correct we rode in sunshine today once the fog cleared). Another 20 km ride and we arrived in Thessalon, our intended destination.

We are camping in Lakeside Park and campground, a municipal campground, in Thessalon. The campground looks out onto Lake Huron, our 2nd Great Lake of the trip. Camping next to us is a touring cyclist from north of Quebec City. He is beginning a 5 year adventure and heading down to Dallas, then to California, then either to Australia for the winter or maybe to South America. He is pulling a fairly large trailer with his dog in it.

Daily Distance=95.57km. Time on the bikes=5 hours 6 minutes. Average Speed=18.68 km. Maximum Speed=42.14 km. Wildlife Sightings=Ospreys, Sandhill Cranes, Frog

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

Thanks Neil For Bringing Sunshine...Not....

Tuesday, July 6

Pancake Bay to Sault Ste. Marie

On the road by 8:20 this morning after a 'wet' night in the campground. Today was a good ride with 'some' hill climbing before lunch but we left the 'best' for the afternoon. We rode through rain for most of the day so we stopped at Goulais River General Store and borrowed their veranda for lunch. The owner told us about 'mile long hill' out of Goulais River that turned into a 2.8 km climb which was a real challenge. (You know the education system really needs to teach the metric system to people in Northwestern Ontario)!!! After climbing 'mile long hill' we were resting when Neil asked if we were going to take 'the scenic' route. We all looked at him and he said "well does that sign not say something about a scenic route"? It was in fact a sign to the local dump! Sure made us feel good about following him all day!!! Then the fun really began. The steady rain turned into an absolute downpour for the last 10 km into Sault Ste. Marie. It was as heavy as anything we have ridden in on this trip. We pulled into Velorution Cycle for some badly needed repairs to my back wheel. They did not have a new back wheel but phoned around for us and sent us to Algoma Cycle in the downtown area. 30 minutes later my bike was like 'new' again. I am sure I will be able to fix that shortly!

We are staying at the Water Tower Inn as the rains have continued and we were 'thoroughly soaked'. (Again)! Neil left us later this afternoon to return home. Thanks Neil for your 'bicycle repair tips' and more importantly for being a part of 'our adventure'. It was fun having you along.

Daily Distance = 77.76 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 31 minutes. Average Speed = 17.19 km. Maximum Speed = 49.17 km. Wildlife Sightings = very hard to see anything when the weather was so nice!!!

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

A day of visits.....

Monday, July 5

Agawa Bay Campground to Pancake Bay Provincial Park

After a 'soggy' evening and a 'wet' night we packed up and were on the road by 8:10. A 'foggy' ride for the first 20 km forced us into using our 'flashing tail lights' and riding close together. Today's ride was challenging at times with longer and steeper hills than the last couple of days. Our 'new crew' members took all the hills in stride and even seemed to enjoy the challenges. I guess they have not climbed enough of them yet!

Today was a day to visit friends and family. About 5 km before our destination a van slowed down and looked at Eric and Neil (who of course were ahead of Sue and I) and then stuck their heads out at Sue and I and yelled at us. Marilyn and Bill (Marilyn works at the hospital with Sue) are at the beginning of a 5 week holiday to the Calgary Stampede and then onto Vancouver Island. Have a great trip guys! Five minutes later a SUV with a trailer carrying a kayak and a canoe slowed and pulled a u-turn and came up behind us. Rob (my 1st cousin) and his wife Jan jumped out. They had been told we were in the area so they were looking for us. One minute later and we would have missed them. Have fun canoeing and kayaking for the next 2 weeks guys.

We are camping at Pancake Bay Provincial Park. Our campsite is on the water, a beautiful, smooth bay with a sandy beach as far as you can see in both directions.

Daily Distance = 62.44 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 55 minutes. Average Speed = 15.86 km. Maximum Speed = 53.42 km. Wildlife Sightings = Cedar Waxwings, Red Squirrel, Chipmunk.

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

45 Up...45 Down....

Sunday, July 4

Wawa to Lake Superior Provincial Park, Agawa Bay Campground

On the road by 8:00, supported, so without gear. Today's ride was hard at times with lots of long gradual climbs followed by similar downhills. 45 km up 45 km down. The views were again spectacular, as good as any scenery we have seen in Northern Ontario. Lots of opportunities for pictures and 'rests'! 30 km into the ride I realized that I 'once again' had a 'back wheel' issue. A spoke had let go from the rim. After some consulting with the 'crew' we decided that I should ride Sue's bike and put her onto my 'wonky' bike. Success for the rest of the day! We have now switched our back wheels so I can 'screw up' another wheel. Sault Ste. Marie can't get to us soon enough!

Today was also another day of firsts, at least for Eric! He rode further than he ever has before and he had his first 'fall' a rather 'ungraceful tumble' in a parking lot. Only minor abrasions. Day 2 and fall # 1, liking my odds of being overtaken.

We were entertained today by a lady from Wisconsin who Neil and Eric referred to as a 'stalker'. We saw her at least 4 or 5 times taking photographs and talking up a storm. She even took an action shot of us as we rode past her on the road.

We are camping in Agawa Bay Campground and it is lightly raining. We are sitting in our 'kitchen shelter' and enjoying the wine. Sure could get used to this 'support thing'!!!

Daily distance=88.44 km. Time on the bikes=5 hours 1 minute. Average speed=17.55 km. Maximum speed=45.79 km. Wildlife sightings=Black bear

Kevin=3, Sue=0, Neil=0, Eric=1 and an injury to his 'pride'!

A Support Vehicle...What a Dream....

Saturday, July 3

Obatanga Provincial Park to Wawa

A little disorganized to depart this morning with the 'new crew' members so not on the road until 8:40. The 'disorganization' had nothing to do with the 'new crew' but trying to decide if we were carrying gear or not carrying gear. Good decision! Ride without our weight! I know people will be wondering why this would be such a 'hard' decision and you know it really should have been a 'no brainer'. What a dream! Bikes are actually easy to ride without the gear. So much so that the combination of 'no gear', a relatively flat ride, and the 'new crew' full of 'piss and vinegar', made for a nice quick ride! Good thing because by 2:30 it began to rain (we were in a Motel by then) and rained hard for 3 hours. With Neil and Eric along for the ride and Cindy in the Van bringing our lunch, it was a great day.

We are staying in the Parkway Motel on the east side of Wawa, a really nice little motel where our bikes are stored in their garage, we have use of their private hotub and use of a barbecue so 'Eric' can cook us our supper.

Daily Distance = 63.39 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 15 minutes. Average Speed = 19.45 km. Maximum Speed = 43.69 km. Wildlife Sightings = Red Squirrel.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0 Neil = 0 Eric = 0. (It's nice to be # 1).

Northwestern Ontario Provincial Parks....

Friday, July 2

Obatanga Provincial Park

We had the day off today waiting for the 'new crew members' to arrive...and maybe to rest a little too!

Northwestern Ontario has some of the nicest Provincial Parks we have ever visited. Sioux Narrows and Caliper Lake on Hwy 71 are both remote parks with lots of fishing (if you are into that) and hiking opportunities. Quetico, with its huge wilderness area, is ideal for the launching of outback canoe trips. Neys and Rainbow Falls make it easy to connect to the 56 km hiking trail, The Casque Isles Trail, along the shores of Lake Superior from Terrace Bay to Rossport. White Lake is perfect for canoeing and Obatanga, with its 32 lakes, is the ideal setting to do wilderness canoe trips. All of these parks have amazing campgrounds that are 'anything but busy'. And we have had the pleasure to camp in each one with the exception of Quetico! Another area that is a 'must visit' for us at a future date! The one negative has been the boil water order at Sioux Narrows, White Lake and again at Obatanga. This is something that the Provincial Government needs to address quickly and not as the Notices say "sometime in the future filters will be installed to rectify the problem". Knowing the speed with which things are done by the government this could be indefinately!!!

While having dinner last night 3 'touring cyclists' rode into the campground. I got talking to them. A guy and his sister left Victoria May 3, circled Vancouver Island and have ridden some 'insane' distances. A 300 km day and a couple of 200 km days all in a row in the prairies. One day they were on their bikes for over 14 hours. Must have better padding on their buts than we do!!! Nuts!!! They are on their way to St. Johns. With them (only joined up yesterday in White River) was a guy who left Victoria May 11 and is heading for Halifax. Finally people going 'the right way'

Daily Distance = 0.

P.S. Our 'crew' has arrived safe and sound and keen to get rolling tomorrow.

Canada Day...A Great Day For a Ride....

Thursday, July 1

White Lake Provincial Park to Obatanga Provincial Park

We left our campsite at 8:00 to a bright blue sky. Could almost get used to packing up and leaving the rain gear away. Today could only be described as a beautiful day for a ride. The truck traffic was a little lighter (but it is still surprising how goods still have to continue to move), the road was good, and the people starting their holidays were patient. Did I say that the 'sun shone' all day today??? The riding was challenging again at times but the hills were manageable. It amazes me how we don't 'sweat the details' when we drive our 250 horsepower cars up and down the hills. We also rode through 'The Burn'. In May of 1999 a cigarette thrown from a car caused a massive forest fire west of White River. For 15 km we could see the burn but it is amazing with the reforestation efforts how the area is recovering. In 2004 when we were through here, it was still a charred mess. Today you have to be aware to know that it ever happened.

We also had a pleasant surprise this afternoon when a pickup truck slowed and the driver stuck his head out and yelled at us. Dan and Ruth were on their way to the cottage...finally...only joking...so we had a great roadside visit. Nice to chat with someone we actually knew, the first since leaving our friends' house in Maple Ridge oh so long ago! And Dan and Ruth, thanks for the 'ice tea'. Have a great summer at the cottage.

We are camping at Obatanga Provincial Park. July 1st and no-one is here. Our site is by far the largest site we have ever had and is situated above Burnfield Lake. Downside, we have another 'boil water' order. Imagine that!!! We are being joined tomorrow by Sue's brother, Neil, who will be riding to the Sault with us and our nephew, Eric, who will accompany us for the summer. Looking forward to the addition of new rejuvenated crew members.

Daily Distance = 79.86 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 13 minutes. Average Speed = 15.27 km. Maximum Speed = 55.01 km. Wildlife Sightings = Loon, Junco, Merlin, Red Tailed Hawk.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

P.S. Did I mention that we have had '3 days in a row' of sunshine???

A Marathon....to Marathon...

Wednesday, June 30

Neys Provincial Park to White Lake Provincial Park

Since my 'built in' alarm clock failed this morning we were late getting started, leaving the campsite at 8:25. Neys Provincial Park is quite a nice campground with sites right on the beach of Lake Superior....but, but, but....not set up for cyclists as the campground is located 5 km. off the highway so a climb of 3 km. was required to get back up to Hwy 17. That was just the beginning. The 30 km. to Marathon was a marathon. We faced some of the most gruelling kilometres of the whole trip. Hill after hill had to be climbed so that by Marathon we were beginning to doubt the reality of our destination as we had another 55 to 60 km. to go. But, as per usual on this trip, when you start to 'feel defeated' the terrain flattens somewhat and the rest of the day is doable.

We are camping in White Lake Provincial Park, another beautiful park, but also bicycle 'unfriendly' as it, like Neys, is 4 kilometres off the highway again making for a tough start to tomorrow's ride. No wonder 'cross Canada cyclists' do not stay in Provincial Parks! That and the cost. To add insult to injury the park has a 'boil water' order that no one seems to want to tell people about. I guess it is a 'dirty little secret' that the provincial government is unwilling to spend the money to provide 'good water' and yet will still charge $30 for a piece of dirt!!!

Daily distance=92.59 km. Time on the bikes=6 hours 27 minutes. Average speed=14.32 km. Maximum speed=57.21 km. Wildlife sightings= chipmunk, red squirrel, red-tailed hawk, cedar waxwing, osprey, kingfisher, grouse with her babies.

Kevin=3 Sue=0.

P.S. We passed the 4000 km. mark for our trip today and it is 4000 km. I would not give back for the world!