July 23, Miramichi

Hello from province seven. Tonight in Miramichi, NB. Yesterday was 211km, today 210 km. Approx 1400 km in 1 week and 200 kn tomorrow will put us on PEI. Tom had a maximum speed on the run into Rimuski of 78.4 kph, same place that I had 78.2, what a rush. However today crosssing the bridge in Miramichi with a severe cross wind was a lot more stressful. Amazing feeling to try to deal with a wind that maves the van around and to do so on a bridge, 30 meters in the air and with about 20 cm wide lane. The traffic was heavy and didn't give us a break at all.
We are in the habit of starting at first light and that is the key. At that time you wil have 2-3 hours of empty roads, and cool weather and for us rain. Day 33 brings our 29th day of rain. Yesterday a tail wind and clear skies allowed an easy 211 km, today head winds and rain and a hard 210 km.
Today we saw a moose and deer, several volutures and the wild life were driving Harley's. Several mechanical problems, tire changes, and little spills continue to keep our life interesting. Some difficulties reading the road signage have added km to our route. Good visit to Dalhousie, David's brother Bob is there and Valerie and Tom had a visit. Dalhousie has a great hill on highway 134, climbing it is certainly and intense experience. In a 500 meter test pulses go from 60 to 180 and respiratory rate from 20 to 60 a minute. Pass this test and skip your next stress test.
Tonight there is a big 60's dance that was recommended. After 8.5 hours cycling we decided to dance up a storm. Picture it, old age pensioners thinking they are cool in 60's style clothing and hearing aids turned down for the music, and the doors open to clear the odour of A535 abd Absorbine Junior. Ancient type decorations, but at least no smoking and no teachers checking for smuggled beer. The dancing is just like Dancing with the Stars, the first 2 shows where most are poor and a few are terrible and one or two couples preform at another level completely. Picturing all of this we ate steak instead.
Yesterday Tom and I had Firecrackers thrown at us. No harm intended or done, but the bang made us think of a blown tubes. Lots of folk taking an interest in what we are doing. However people here seem to have less time to chat then in west. At breakfast Valerie chatted with a lady who does some cycling and Tom and I with a group of 3 men who thought we were certifiable. Probably right. The truckers we talk to hardly believe we have come this far in 33 days.
The homes along the Baie Des Chaleurs are very charming, some are hugh but most are delightful examples of good things in small packages. Along the St Lawerence the homes are bigger and grander. However no boates are in sight and I expect this is all about the view rather than active water front living. I never tire of going around the next corner or over the next hill . The surprises are usually good and unpredictable. A midway and fair in Campbellton for example.
Today we had to choose between two roads. 134 run along the water and is very scenic. 11 is a new road, good for going places, shorted, flatter, better pavement, and designed specifically for getting there in a hurry. Based on a long way to go I chose 11. Wrong. Better to work harder for less distance and more satisfaction minute by minute. After 50 km of 11 we returned to 134. Picking our way on bad pavement and through towns and detours was worth the stimulation of observing martime life. Later we followed signs to 8, and found ourselves 10 km down the wrong road, but turning around brought the wind to our aid and speed improved from 23 to 37 kph. Turtle to a hare.
The Tour de France begins today, guys racing 225 km daily in 5-6 hous without a break. They eat and drink on the fly, don't ask about eliminate. Now that is interesting and challenging. We will try to follow the race in the evenings but what we are doing is far more fun. Time to visit and sightsee and rest and munch. Looking forward to PEI one of y favorite places in Canada. Forecast calls for rain, so whats new? RRM