|
July 21st to July 24th:
Thunder Bay to White Lake
Hi Everyone, I think I left you on July 21st in Thunder Bay. I now am on a rest day at
Laval University in Quebec City.
On July 22nd, we rode from Thunder Bay to Nipigon. The weather was gorgeous. We stopped at the
Terry Fox
Memorial. It brought back memories of an emotional time when this courageous
boy, having cancer, ran a marathon every day on ONE LEG. The statues are life like and are situated at a spot with a spectacular view of Lake Superior.
Mel, our driver, made us lunch to celebrate our arriving at the half way point across the country. She diverted us from our usual lunch of peanut butter and jam --- to cheese, salad watermelon,
blueberries, cookies and ice-cream --- yum.
On July 23rd,we rode to Terrace Bay with beautiful sunshine. There were difficult hills to climb --- like the Rockies --- even steeper --- but not as long. I had dinner duty and served wieners and beans with salad to keep it simple. Watermelon was for dessert.
On July 24th, we rode 140k to White
Lake. There were very difficult hills for the first half of the ride
--- but the terrain flattened out later. I arrived at 8:05 p.m. --- late --- for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was on breakfast duty which makes for a later
start. Secondly, I spent quite a lot of time going in circles until I found our Camp Site. I don't get how they position and number the sites in our provincial parks. Sometimes I think they try to deliberately confuse us --- or maybe I just become brain dead at the end of a long hard ride. Who knows?
Judy Jonas judithjonas@hotmail.com
- submitted to the Daily Express by Mike Turner |
|
|
|
July 25th - July 30th: Wawa to
Manitowaning
On July 25th, on our 135k ride to Wawa, the hills were easier, but there was a strong head wind. The wind did not bother me nearly as much as the one going into Regina. I think the curvy roads and the hills give some relief. Also, there was a lovely long downhill to our camping spot which seemed to have made up for the head wind.
July 26th was our rest day in Wawa. A group of us took a cab into Wawa to do laundry. Even the thought of cycling up that lovely downhill was too much for a REST DAY.
On July 27th, our 167k ride to Pancake Bay, I experienced the most incredible hills and
spectacular views since the Rockies. Some of the downhills looked and felt as though I was going straight into the lake --- but amazingly the road curved before I flew into it. WOW
July 28th brought us through the "Soo" to Thessalon. We were warned about MILE HIGH HILL before entering
Sault Saint
Marie. After climbing a steep hill, I noticed a sigh that said, SAULT SAINT MARIE 20k. I assumed that that hill was just a
warm-up for what was to come --- but I was wrong --- that was it. The terrain flattened out pretty well after that.
On July 29th we rode 130k to Massey on a very busy section of road. I bailed many times---that
means ---- If I saw an oncoming truck and I saw one coming up behind me, I would ride me bike into the gravel shoulder. I
don't expect these drivers to be that perfect every time --- I don't expect myself to be that perfect every time. Asked if I had a good ride, I responded by saying, "Yes, I didn't get hit by a truck" To which someone added, "The days I get hit by a truck usually aren't very good days." Later that day we made a camp fire and roasted marshmallows.
On July 30th, we rode from Massey to Manitowaning. I asked a lady for directions
--- which she gave me easily. She then mentioned doing a trip like ours riding on the back of a tandem bicycle because she was blind. IMAGINE THAT--- a blind person giving a sighted person directions. I had no idea she was blind until she told me --- then I noticed here guide dog.
We passed Espanola, which has a warm spot in my heart. As a 14 year old, I participated in a swim meet there. My family happened to be camping there at the time. I won all 7 races I participated in and had my picture on the front page of their paper.
Judy Jonas judithjonas@hotmail.com
- submitted to the Daily Express by Mike Turner |
|
|
Carolyn Beach,
Thessalon
|
|
July 31st -
August 3: From Tobermony to a cozy bed at Home in Toronto
July 31st was our short ride day of 42k because were going on the ferry to
Tobermory. I only realized how tired I was on the ferry. I could hardly keep my eyes open. I was really happy to get to our camp site and rest. There was a group of riders that spent the afternoon kayaking. I think they were tired the next day.
On August 1st, we rode from Tobermory to Owen
Sound. The parents of one of our riders have a home in Owen Sound and had us all over for a BBQ. It was a lovely evening of
civilization ---- real plates --- real cutlery ---- delicious food. They even picked us all up and drove us all back in their car On August 2nd we had a beautiful 166k ride through quiet side roads to
Alliston. There were a lot of short steep hills as we passed through the Beaver Valley and
Collingwood areas.
On August 3rd we rode a pleasant 105k from Alliston to Pickering ---- avoiding Toronto. I thought I might just stay there for the rest day ---- thinking it might be more relaxing than going home. Since the truck had not yet arrived when I got there and since it was raining, I decided to take the GO TRAIN and go home. It actually was great to see you ---
Debbie, AB and Naomi ---- and sleep in my cozy bed.
Judy Jonas judithjonas@hotmail.com
- submitted to the Daily Express by Mike Turner |
|
|
Tobermory Coastline
|
August 4 - August 9: Pickering Ontario to Hudson
Quebec
The last time I e-mailed you was from Quebec City where my Hotmail account would not allow me to continue sending you my story. It said I had reached my quota of messages to be sent within a 24 hour time frame. I now am in
Campbellton New Brunswick at the public library on another rest day.
I hope you all coped well with the black out. Everything was fine out here. I actually didn't believe it at first because someone in our group who teases a lot told us about it first.
I left you last on my rest day in Pickering on August 4th. On August 5th we rode to
Campbellford. We went along the scenic waterfront trail. George, a dentist, who is on my cooking crew zipped by me and said," I am late for my reception." I had no idea what he was talking about until a minute later hundreds of people cheered for George. Many of his friends, patients and family were there to cheer him --- and the rest of us on. They treated us to pastries drinks and fruit. We stopped and socialized a while. Since I still had more than 150k to ride on this 176k day, I got going. I felt at home once I got to Highway 9 because my cottage is in Campbellford. I thought I was nearly there but I wasn't that near
--- ON A BICYCLE. This was the first time I had not taken my car to Campbellford. It sure takes a lot longer cycling. I thought of going to my cottage but it would have added another 6k to this already very long ride. I just pitched my tent at
Ferris Provincial Park and slept like a log.
ON August 6th we rode from Campbellford to Canoe Lake. It rained most of the day and I had dinner duty. I got showered while preparing dinner, while clearing up after dinner as well as all day on the
bike ----- not one of my favourite days. On August 7th, I had breakfast duty so I got up at 5:a.m. to look after that. George and Chris, my cooking team mates, got up a bit later, so they looked after clean up and loading up the truck. That seems to be our deal in the mornings. I really don't mind cooking breakfast and getting up early. They are happy to sleep in a bit more and do the rest of the chores.
I then rode to Ottawa. It was a beautiful ride along lakes and rivers. It was quite hot so I stopped twice for ice-cream. We stayed INDOORS at Carleton University. August 8th was a REST DAY which can also be called CHORE DAY. I brought my to the bike shop for maintenance. I got new tires, new shifter cables, new brake pads
etc.
On August 9th we rode out of Ottawa to Hudson. We passed the parliament buildings and Sussex Drive. This long 180k ride included a short ferry ride. I arrived at the camp site
late --- there was a party in progress --- loud music with songs I love. I thought I would just listen to them from my tent --resting. I think I heard about 2minutes' worth of songs. I conked out that fast.
Judy Jonas judithjonas@hotmail.com
- submitted to the Daily Express by Mike Turner |
|
|
|
Toonie
Park, Cambellford |
August
10 - August 13: Hudson to Quebec City along the St. Lawrence
On August 10th we rode from Hudson to Mont St. Hilaire. It was a beautiful ride along the canals in Montreal. I met some of the riders at a spot which we all arrived at from different directions. I stayed with them to follow them through the maze of Montreal bike paths. They said, "Let's all get lost together."
On August 11th, we rode from Mont St. Hilaire to Pointe du Lac. I followed the "good at directions" guy and when he stopped I had no idea where we were. He said he needed to buy a map and directed me to the ferry. I met Melissa, our truck driver, there. I then knew I was in the right place. I arrived first at camp that day. We had an indoor stay that night at a wonderful spot on the St. Lawrence River. Apparently this place is run by nuns and they like cyclists.
On August 12th we rode from Pointe du Lac to Quebec City. It was a beautiful ride along the St. Lawrence. Huge ships sailed by. There were many short steep hills entering
Quebec.
August 13th was a rest day which I really needed. I didn't do anything.
Judy Jonas judithjonas@hotmail.com
- submitted to the Daily Express by Mike Turner |
|
|
|
Mont St. Hilaire |
| August
14 - August 17: Quebec City to Campbellton New Brunswick
On August 14th, we rode from
Quebec City to
Riviere
Ouelle. It was a beautiful down hill ride to the ferry. We got a picturesque view of the city from the ferry. I had dinner duty --so I didn't stop much.
ON August 15th, we rode from Riviere Ouelle to
Trois
Pistoles. It was a scenic route along the river. The camp site was on a sunset view on the St. Lawrence. The water is too cold for swimming comfortably.
On August 16th we rode from Trois Pistoles to Amqui. This was my very least favourite day so far. It was
raining --- it was drizzling --- it was foggy ---- there was a HEAD WIND
---- and it was LONG 170k. I arrived at camp just before dark.
On August 17th we rode from Amqui to Campbellton NEW BRUNSWICK. This was an amazingly beautiful day with great scenery, sunshine, a tailwind and nearly constant gentle downhills. The Appalachian Mountains are gorgeous. I stopped for
poutine (French fries with cheese). I stopped twice for ice-cream. I really think we get an awful day once in a while so we can really appreciate a day like this
-- which brings me here on August 18th on my rest day.
I hope you are all well. Please let me know how you are. Keep in touch
I'll see you very soon.
Judy Jonas judithjonas@hotmail.com
- submitted to the Daily Express by Mike Turner |
|
|
|
Brackley Beach in
P.E.I |
| August
20 - August 29: From St Louis de Kent to the Ferry Docks
for Newfoundland
On August 20th we rode to St. Louis de Kent. It was a long 150k ride and I took my time in the town of
Miramichi. I walked over a long bridge over the Miriamichi River to get better views ---but mainly to keep out of the way of busy traffic( I am a bit of a chicken) I arrived at camp just before dark.
On August 21st we rode 136k to Murray Beach. It was a lovely coastal ride. Since I had dinner duty I pushed a bit harder and arrived at camp at 3:40. I had enough time to shower, pitch my tent and then get dinner going.
This camp site had a beautiful ocean view.
On August 22nd I was tired from having cycled faster than my usual the previous
day, from having cooked dinner the previous evening and from having cooked breakfast this morning. THIS WAS ,
however, OUR CREW'S LAST GALLEY DUTY. This was our day to go to Prince Edward Island. We rode over to Confederation Bridge. This bridge is 13
kilometres long and is spectacular. Bicycles are not allowed on this bridge so we had to be shuttled over in vans. It's true----the mud is red ---or at least
orangey in P.E.I. It was quite hot and really quite hilly. I enjoyed going down some of these hills---reaching speeds of over 70k per hour. (These roads were straight and had very little traffic) The next day would be a rest day, so everybody (except me) went out to catch a movie or go to the bar. I was exhausted and fell asleep in a minute .
On August 22nd we had our rest day at Brackley Beach in P.E.I. I got up at my usual time of 6.a.m. to pouring rain. I decided to go back to my tent and wait it out. The next thing I knew was that it was 9.a.m. I sure had a sleeping marathon. The afternoon was sunny so I went swimming in the ocean . The water was a bit nippy but pleasant.
This was our day to go to Prince Edward Island. We rode over to Confederation
Bridge. This bridge is 13
kilometres long and is spectacular. Bicycles are not allowed on this bridge so we had to be shuttled over in vans. It's true----the mud is red ---or at least
orangey in P.E.I. It was quite hot and really quite hilly. I enjoyed going down some of these hills---reaching speeds of over 70k per hour. (These roads were straight and had very little traffic) The next day would be a rest day, so everybody (except me) went out to catch a movie or go to the bar. I was exhausted and fell asleep in a minute .
On August 22nd we had our rest day at Brackley Beach in P.E.I. I got up at my usual time of 6.a.m. to pouring rain. I decided to go back to my tent and wait it out. The next thing I knew was that it was 9.a.m. I sure had a sleeping marathon. The afternoon was sunny so I went swimming in the ocean . The water was a bit nippy but pleasant.
On August 24th, we went for a 140k bike ride from Brackley Beach in P.E.I. to
Lower Barney's River
in NOVA SCOTIA. Part of that trip was by ferry. It was a 90k ride to the ferry docks. A ferry had just left when I arrived at 11:45, so I had to wait
2 hours for the next one. It got really windy and the ferry ride was quite tipsy. I felt kind of drunk ---couldn't walk without bumping into things. I still had another 50k to ride when I got off ---and Nova Scotia is hilly. I arrived a bit late and quite tired ---but dinner was ready and I had a hot shower-----That seems to make everything better. It really was quite cold that night ----but I wore my wool sweater, down jacket, balaclava and warm sleeping bag, so I was was toasty warm.
On August 25th we rode 160k from Lower Barney's River to Wycogamagh. It was a long hilly ride but I paced myself well. About 120k into the ride, I saw Chris (a rider in our group) by the side of the road with his front wheel off. I stopped to ask what the problem was. He said he was tired and it would be easier to get a ride hitch-hiking if it looked like he had mechanical trouble. It sure
worked --- he was there before me without riding his bike. He told me 3 cars had stopped for
him--- the first was not going our way, the second did not have room for his bike.
On August 26th we rode from Wycogomagh to Cheticamp -- only 83. The directions weren't clear on our map --so I followed the road signs to the Cabot Trail. It ended up being a short cut---which explains why I got there first. On this "wrong" route there was a store where a performer played guitar, sang and played harmonica out on the lawn. It was so pleasant hearing this maritime music while viewing the ocean.
On August 27th we rode from Cheticamp to Ingonish. We now were in the heart of the Cabot Trail with all its beauty and hills. The up hill was difficult but the down hill was even more difficult for me. I had to walk up part of the New Mountain Hill. It was much steeper than the Rockies and nearly as long. With all the switch backs coming down, my hands got sore from holding the brakes. When I started walking down the hill, several people stopped to ask me if everything was o.k. I said that I was fine
--- just a bit of a "chicken" ----- so I ended up riding down a bit
--- then resting. I guess viewing the scenery is totally acceptable but
--- walking down a hill is ridiculous.
On August 28th we rode from Ingonish to Little Bras d'Or. The views were simply out of this world
---- amazing. I made it up all the hills without walking ---- but not down all of them. They really were steep and I really did not want to miss a turn and end up in the ocean. The camp site we stayed at was right at the
ocean --- where I pitched my tent. I hand washed my clothes, hung my clothes on a line that I tied from my tent to my picnic table. The wind dried the clothes quickly.
This was the day we joined up with the 66 day group doing the tour du
Canada. (Our group takes 75 days) We all had to pack up our things to go on the ferry to Newfoundland. Because of all this excitement
--- meeting new people --- packing up, I really did not sleep much that night.
On August 29th we rode to the ferry docks to go to Newfoundland. It was only a 6k ride
---- so it was like a rest day. As soon as we were assigned our sleeping cots on the
ferry, I went to mine ---- about 4p.m. The next thing I knew was that I was awakened to come for dinner ---about 6:30 p.m. I then returned to my cot about 7:30p.m. and slept to about 3:a.m. I am sorry that I can't tell you much about that ride to Newfoundland. All I know is that I slept better there than I did on the whole trip. Maybe the rocking motion lulled me to sleep. Most people were up partying the night
---- celebrating that the following day was the final ride ----the one to St. John's. |
| August
30th and the Final Ride: Ferry Docks at Argentia to Signal Hill
...with a Police Escort!
August 30th was a very emotional day for me. "Newfie Bob", a rider from the other group had mentioned something about lunch at his home. His home is about 90k from
Argentia (the town where the ferry docked in Newfoundland) right on the route we were taking to St. John's. I assumed that the invitation went to his group of riders. After all, we just met him the night before. As I was passing his home, a woman came up to me and said, "Come on Over". I told her that I was not in Bob's group. She said," You cycled across Canada, didn't you? Come join the party. When I got there, a band was playing, flags were out. There had been a fire truck and a police escort. She served moose soup, beans, hamburgers, hot dogs, sweets, drinks. All of Bob's family and friends were there spoiling us all and welcoming us all. They told us there was no such thing as "crashing a party "in Newfoundland. We ate danced and sang until the fire and police
exhorted Bob and friends to the final 50k of our journey.
As I approached Signal Hill in
St.
John's, people were cheering at the top. I rode up all the way without stopping
---- without walking. It was something else. We stayed up there a while to admire the spectacular view.
I then walked my bike back down the hill to the hotel which is about half way up the hill.
The rest of the day we just congratulated each other and ate pizza.
I have been resting here a couple of days and will fly back home tomorrow.
I hope you are all well and I will see you soon.
Judy Jonas judithjonas@hotmail.com
- submitted to the Daily Express by Mike Turner |
|
|
|
Signal
Hill Newfoundland |
| Also read:
|
