Thursday, September 16, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Day 41, Tom Foolery Accomplished
My Dad and many of his generation would have described our ride as Tom Foolery, harmless fun with no meaning. Especialy this type of undertaking as it requires a lot of effort and commitment not to mention time. On the other hand it was a lot of fun. 41 days of travel and rain on 35 days including today. Our trip could be described as how to go from sea to sea and never get dry.
The last 5 days have been controlled by our ferry ride so we have been able to reduce cycling to 100 km daily and have enjoyed the leisurely schedule. Today was another easy day with about 90km to do and all day to do it. Roads were amazingly good and a strong wind was often helping us and rarely fully challenging us. Despite our best efforts Jenny and Valerie became seperated from Tom and I. Several phone calls later "it was all good" and we reached Signal Hill about 1030 and enjoyed the view of St. Johns and the ocean. The wind on the hill was amasing, 100 kph with gusts greated that that. Gusts well over 200 kph are common here, hard to hold the camera steady.
Yesterday the ferry arrived 1.5 hours late due to fog. We jumped on our bikes about 1730 hours and started down highway 100. First 2 km were up hill and eating the wind, Next 40 km were wonderful. Great pavement, quiet roads, following wind and lots of energy. We thought we were ready for the Tour and realized the Tour riders are faster uphill than we are on the level with a tail wind, and not just a little faster but 30% faster. Tour riders are the age of Tom'c children and slightly older than my grandchildren. Do you hear excuses, I do.
All of this to say the task is done, we have pedalled our asses from coast to coast. Jenny has driven coast to coast. A woman who takes 3 rights to avoid a left in Perth. Thank you Valerie and Jenny for your support that allowed us to attempt this ride. Thanks to all those at home who pitched in to meet our responsibilities while we were gone.
Low points and highlights will change over time as memories fade and the reference points change. The big challenge for this type of trip is the daily physical demands and the constant need for safety. Good luck and good training allowed success. The hard part was in the west when the rains and winds and cold temperatures made it very difficult to complete 200 km daily. We were falling well off the pace until one day after 125 km in the rain we stopped and rested and then at 1700 hours started again and did another 55 kn that evening. The following day we did our first 200 km day, I think about 220 km and then for the next days we stayed above 200 km daily. These 200-260 km days allowed us to regain confidence and with that confidence the rest was easy. This was our turning point, the key to our success. The wind was a challenge, a real challenge, the rain and cold were unpleasant, the climbs and descents got the pulse racing but the key was that second run in Sask.
Tom and I have skied together for years. This means that we each ski at our own pace and keep an eye on the other. Some days I was faster, some days Tom. Now Trent leads the way and I follow behind Tom, often away behind. Biking has gone exactly like that. Each travelling at his own pace and helping each other as required. We did a little drafting and yes we know that is the smart way to go. However for us that isn't comfortable and most of the 7000 km we each did our thing. It was good fun to ride with such a strong and positive companion. He has become Tbow to us and his strength will become legendary in our family. Physical strength yes but also strength of character and emotional strength. Thanks for the ride Tbow.
This is the last time I will do this blogging thing. It has been good fun to try this " Tom Foolery", Canada is worth seeing, having fun is worth doing, a little exercise is great and a challenge makes every day better. I had not expected to share the experience in this way. It seems weird to me that others would be interested but apparently some are. Keeping track of the distances travelled, the speeds sustained, the changes in altitude, and the maximum speeds are not my interest and occasionally I have been wrong, Always closs but often underestimating the days run. Tbow's computer has all of that. The people we meet and the country we saw are my focus.Cycling is about living in the present, and safety is about concentration, unwavering concentration. This was my reward. When all is going well and you can "giv'er", I mean really "giv'er" thats a special high. To have the luxury to do that day after day all the way across our country has been magical. Weeks from now it will seem unreal. We will return to our real lives a little better prepared for the challenges and opportunities that present.
Cres and Rube report that they are not going out in the rain again, not ever. They have given Tbow and I a grudging passing grade but want you all to know that given a Tour rider they could be climbing the Alps and winning races. Cres with 2 red tires remains as vain as reported earlier. Rube on the other hand continues to feel great since his Port Credit rehab. Cres has offered a Westport block for all you bikes, but the stronger ones may wish to do the Calabogie, Renfrew, Arnprior loop. This latter is about 20o km and a good weather offer only. Keep your chain clean and test those brakes and see you on the road. RRM
The last 5 days have been controlled by our ferry ride so we have been able to reduce cycling to 100 km daily and have enjoyed the leisurely schedule. Today was another easy day with about 90km to do and all day to do it. Roads were amazingly good and a strong wind was often helping us and rarely fully challenging us. Despite our best efforts Jenny and Valerie became seperated from Tom and I. Several phone calls later "it was all good" and we reached Signal Hill about 1030 and enjoyed the view of St. Johns and the ocean. The wind on the hill was amasing, 100 kph with gusts greated that that. Gusts well over 200 kph are common here, hard to hold the camera steady.
Yesterday the ferry arrived 1.5 hours late due to fog. We jumped on our bikes about 1730 hours and started down highway 100. First 2 km were up hill and eating the wind, Next 40 km were wonderful. Great pavement, quiet roads, following wind and lots of energy. We thought we were ready for the Tour and realized the Tour riders are faster uphill than we are on the level with a tail wind, and not just a little faster but 30% faster. Tour riders are the age of Tom'c children and slightly older than my grandchildren. Do you hear excuses, I do.
All of this to say the task is done, we have pedalled our asses from coast to coast. Jenny has driven coast to coast. A woman who takes 3 rights to avoid a left in Perth. Thank you Valerie and Jenny for your support that allowed us to attempt this ride. Thanks to all those at home who pitched in to meet our responsibilities while we were gone.
Low points and highlights will change over time as memories fade and the reference points change. The big challenge for this type of trip is the daily physical demands and the constant need for safety. Good luck and good training allowed success. The hard part was in the west when the rains and winds and cold temperatures made it very difficult to complete 200 km daily. We were falling well off the pace until one day after 125 km in the rain we stopped and rested and then at 1700 hours started again and did another 55 kn that evening. The following day we did our first 200 km day, I think about 220 km and then for the next days we stayed above 200 km daily. These 200-260 km days allowed us to regain confidence and with that confidence the rest was easy. This was our turning point, the key to our success. The wind was a challenge, a real challenge, the rain and cold were unpleasant, the climbs and descents got the pulse racing but the key was that second run in Sask.
Tom and I have skied together for years. This means that we each ski at our own pace and keep an eye on the other. Some days I was faster, some days Tom. Now Trent leads the way and I follow behind Tom, often away behind. Biking has gone exactly like that. Each travelling at his own pace and helping each other as required. We did a little drafting and yes we know that is the smart way to go. However for us that isn't comfortable and most of the 7000 km we each did our thing. It was good fun to ride with such a strong and positive companion. He has become Tbow to us and his strength will become legendary in our family. Physical strength yes but also strength of character and emotional strength. Thanks for the ride Tbow.
This is the last time I will do this blogging thing. It has been good fun to try this " Tom Foolery", Canada is worth seeing, having fun is worth doing, a little exercise is great and a challenge makes every day better. I had not expected to share the experience in this way. It seems weird to me that others would be interested but apparently some are. Keeping track of the distances travelled, the speeds sustained, the changes in altitude, and the maximum speeds are not my interest and occasionally I have been wrong, Always closs but often underestimating the days run. Tbow's computer has all of that. The people we meet and the country we saw are my focus.Cycling is about living in the present, and safety is about concentration, unwavering concentration. This was my reward. When all is going well and you can "giv'er", I mean really "giv'er" thats a special high. To have the luxury to do that day after day all the way across our country has been magical. Weeks from now it will seem unreal. We will return to our real lives a little better prepared for the challenges and opportunities that present.
Cres and Rube report that they are not going out in the rain again, not ever. They have given Tbow and I a grudging passing grade but want you all to know that given a Tour rider they could be climbing the Alps and winning races. Cres with 2 red tires remains as vain as reported earlier. Rube on the other hand continues to feel great since his Port Credit rehab. Cres has offered a Westport block for all you bikes, but the stronger ones may wish to do the Calabogie, Renfrew, Arnprior loop. This latter is about 20o km and a good weather offer only. Keep your chain clean and test those brakes and see you on the road. RRM
Saturday, July 10, 2010
sat day 40
Great night on Ferry drove onto ferry at 1am in cabin by 130 walked around then all in bed. Jen and I took the top bunks boys asleep right away we took a little longer very dark in room didnt get up till 9. Very foggy, watched movies and great entertainerment by 2 local singers. The ride end up being 15 hours a bit longer due to the fog all day, landed in Argentia at 5:00pm off ferry 530 boys on there bikes, pictures taken at the Nfld welcome sign. They biked 45.6 km in temp of 20 and great winds at there bikes average 30 per hour one of there best rides.
We are in a hotel in Whitbourne,just went our for supper and we are all tired.
Tomorrow is day 41 which is thier last day, we are heading to St.Johns about 90km.ride. We have a rest day monday,touring around St. Johns and area then we catch the Ferry back. Ross will do the blog tomorrow I know he is much more descriptive. good night everyone see you next week. val b
We are in a hotel in Whitbourne,just went our for supper and we are all tired.
Tomorrow is day 41 which is thier last day, we are heading to St.Johns about 90km.ride. We have a rest day monday,touring around St. Johns and area then we catch the Ferry back. Ross will do the blog tomorrow I know he is much more descriptive. good night everyone see you next week. val b
Friday, July 9, 2010
FRIDAY DAY 39
HOT NIGHT LAST NIGHT NOT ALOT OF SLEEP HAPPINING, WE LEFT AROUND 5 WENT TO SPOT WERE WE LEFT OFF AND AWAY THEY WENT CROSSED A SMALL VERY I WAS HERE 3 YEARS AGO WITH MY SISTERS, ONTO HIGHWAY 105 TO NORTH SYDNEY.HEADING UP KELLY MOUNTAIN 240 EVALATIONS ,LOVELY BRIDGE CROSSING AT BRAS D'OR,AT ABOUT 40KM WE PULLED OVER WITH BLUE SKIES AND ABOUT 21 DEGREES,TOM AND ROSS WERE DOING GREAT WE MADE IT TO THE FERRY AT 8AM BIKED 58 TODAY AND IT IS DONE TILL WE CATCH THE FERRY TO NFLD AT 130AM EARLY SAT MORNING. WE GOT A HOTEL NEAR BY FOR THE DAY UNLOADED VAN ,ROSS CLEANED WE WENT THROUGH OUR LUGGAGE, WE RELAXED FOR AWHILE WATCHING TOUR D FRANCE JEN WAS IN HER GLORY ABOOUT 1 WE HEADED TO SYDNEY WERE WE HAD LUNCH, WALKED THE BOARDWALK AND DID A LITTLE SHOPPING ON THERE MAIN STREET THEY HAVE ABOUT 27000 IN SYDNEY SOME LOVELY HOMES. THREE OF US HUNG OUT AROUND THE POOL FOR AWHILE ,TOM AND I WENT FOR A DRIVE CAME BACK WE ALL HAD A NAP FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS UP AT 830 HAD A SNACK AT THE MOTEL THEN WE ALL WENT FOR A WALK STILL ABOUT 25 OUT THERE , BACK IN ROOM WAITING TILL 11:30 WHEN WE HEAD OUT TO THE FERRY WHICH LEAVE AT 1:30.
THE BOYS HAVE ABOUT 6800 KM IN AND ONLY 3 SHORT DAYS LEFT OF BIKING WHAT A COMPLISHMENT .LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FERRY RIDE AND HAVING A FEW DAYS IN NFLD,
JEN SAYS THE KEYS ARE BEING AWAY SOON SHE HAS NEVER DID SO MUCH DRIVING IN HER LIFE. SHE IS DOING GREAT I THINK WE ARE A GREAT TEAM S&S ABIT OF SHOPPING AND A LOT OF SUPPORT. TO EACH OTHER AND WE ARE THERE FOR THOSE BOYS. STARTING TO PACK THE FAN AGAIN LEAVING NOVA SCOTIA THE CABOT TRAIL WAS AMAZING LOVE THE SMELL OF THE OCEAN AND THAT SALT AIR. HELLO TO ALL FAMILIES AND FRIENDS THANKS FOR THE NOTE THANKS TO KAREN AND STEVE FOR WATCHING MY COTTAGE TALK TO YOU SOON AND CATCH UP IN STORIES HOPE IT COOLS DOWN FOR ALL OF YOU. XXXXXXXOOOOOO VAL B
THE BOYS HAVE ABOUT 6800 KM IN AND ONLY 3 SHORT DAYS LEFT OF BIKING WHAT A COMPLISHMENT .LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FERRY RIDE AND HAVING A FEW DAYS IN NFLD,
JEN SAYS THE KEYS ARE BEING AWAY SOON SHE HAS NEVER DID SO MUCH DRIVING IN HER LIFE. SHE IS DOING GREAT I THINK WE ARE A GREAT TEAM S&S ABIT OF SHOPPING AND A LOT OF SUPPORT. TO EACH OTHER AND WE ARE THERE FOR THOSE BOYS. STARTING TO PACK THE FAN AGAIN LEAVING NOVA SCOTIA THE CABOT TRAIL WAS AMAZING LOVE THE SMELL OF THE OCEAN AND THAT SALT AIR. HELLO TO ALL FAMILIES AND FRIENDS THANKS FOR THE NOTE THANKS TO KAREN AND STEVE FOR WATCHING MY COTTAGE TALK TO YOU SOON AND CATCH UP IN STORIES HOPE IT COOLS DOWN FOR ALL OF YOU. XXXXXXXOOOOOO VAL B
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Cabot Trail Day 37&38
Hello from Sea Parrot Oceanview Manor on the Cabot trail near Baddeck. The Cabot Trail is not realy necessary to the cross Canada run but when we are right here we coudn't resist. Named after John Cabot who was here in 1497. this loop around Cape Breton is world renowned for the scenery and recently a meca for cyclists. The entire route is awesome for the rugged terain, the ocean, the wildlife and the friendly people.
At this point we are a day ahead of schedule, a schedule controlled by the ferry ride to Newfie. This allows days of 120-140 km, that means stopping earlier in the day and a chance to explore. Yesterday we were able to go whale watching for 3 hours. A pod of pilot whales entertained us for 2 hours. Probaby 11 whales and 2 young, that are being raised by the pod. "It takes a village to raise a child"The full grown whale is about 7 meters and 2000kg. They swim and travel as a group and we saw them logging. Logging refers to resting on the surface for a minute or so and seems to be when they sleep. Talk about your power nap.
The captain of the 22 year old fishing boat has been a commercial fisherman for 32 years and taking folk whale watching for 7 years. He is amazing skillfull with the 12 meter boat which has a Perkins diesel engine thatmakes about 12 knots. New the boat is about 150,000, and will last about 50 years. This happened from Pleasant Bay, a community of 150 people. Captain and mate are live long residents. No internet, no cell phones, no movies. A date is a trip to the beach, bonfire and what ever comes next. Good meals at the Mid Way Motel restaurant and a quiet place to sleep.
Today we are just north of Baddeck at a wonderful resort on St Ann's bay. Our great luck holds and we found this place on the recommendation of our waiter at breakfast 60 km ago. We found a vacany but the place is fully booked for next 8 weeks. Awesome grounds and spacious,clean and well appointed rooms. Another place that would be worth a second visit. One km up the road is the Clucking Hen, bake shop and restaurant. Best food anywhere. Named as one of Canada best and written up in Globe and Mail this spring. Roast beef sandwhich, soup, lemon pie and butter tarts made a great snack.
Several shops with local artisans showing their work, beautiful blown glass, stained glass, wood work etc. How do these shops survive? The owner is there and will chat you up for hours and few sales. Good fun for us though.
When it is all said a bike trip is about the biking. The Cabot Trail is famous for the scenery, and all though things you can do from a car. For Bikers the hills are the game. There are at least 4 major climbs and lots of steep ,short climbs that keeps the pulse up. We are travelling clockwise and the first major climb was French mountain, 450 meters of climbing and for me at least was a surprise. This was late in the ride, a good thing as we were well primed. However it was hot, 29 degrees, and a challenge because with every turn the road kept climbing. The descent with traffic all around us was exciting. Even with full braking our speed was well beyond safe. Full braking is a risk as the rims heat to the point that tires fail. Then over you go, no way you can ride the rim. The days run was about 127 km with average speed of 27kph. Maximum was 82 kph.
Today we started as early as possible with several climbs and a hot day we wanted to enjoy the empty roads as long as possible. North Mountain is about 4 km from Pleasant Bay. Not quite far enough to wake up the muscles. This is described as the grand daddy of the hills and it is a steep climb over about 6 km and up to 13 degree slope. As expected a good workout but not overwhelming. The descent is another matter altogether. Tiring going up, ok stop. In trouble going down a 13-14 % grade at 80+ kph and a trauma team will be you best friends. Tom with his usual confidence blew through this with ease, I on the other hand hAD A WONDERFUL RIDE, thrilling through the switchbacks and dazzling at the bottom. This isn't Disney World, the great riders are injured in the Tour de France, but relax you must and go with our old friend gravity. Did I go right back up and do it again? No!Seriously though for you cyclists, it is a challenge but not severe under the conditions we enjoyed, early in the day and no traffic. Pavement is good and safe to let'er run.
The south mountain is dismissed as not as hard. If North wasn't there South would be considered a worthy test. Long climb but more gradual and descent is more fun as you can really LET IT GO. At Neil's Harbour we had a break and I visited with the paramedics and Er staff. Then along down the south run of the Cabot Trail we went innocent and uniformed. Then one of the usual climbs kept on going for km after km, what was this?No one told us about Smokey mountain. Well ok, so what a long but easy climb , lasting too long in the heat but no problem we are at the top, have a drink and a 10 km run down again. Upps, what is happening? Why can't I see the road ahead? Like a ski run when the descent is steep enough you have to cross the lip to see the run. Smokey had a thrill for us!Down 300 meters in about 1 km, brakes protesting and very tight switch backs and road signs saying speed limit of 20 kpha dn we are flying. A complete surprise that was over very quickly and no harm done, just a comment from Tom, "all that climbing and I had to use my brakes all the way down"
Cycling the cabot Trail is great, probably a must for all road cyclists, a challenge, fun and delightfull for all the other reasons mentioned. The theme for this road is "just giv'er" As a bonus to our trip it was worthwhile and the previous 6500 km had us well prepared.
Tomorrow into North Sydney for the ferry and then Newfie's our home.
Today early morning I saw a deer, a fox and almost ran over a chipmunk who coudn't decide whether to cross the road or not, and turned once too often. One tail injury One major surprise is how few cyclists we are seeing. We expected to see hundreds and are seeing only 2 or 3 a day. A little disappointing as the company would be fun. Evidently we are early and August and September are the busy months. That means the risk o
f snow on the high ground and indeed there are shelters available for use. This way seems preferable to me and allowed us to find accomodation without difficulty.
At this point we are all missing out real worlds and look forward to resuming our routines. Birthdays to catch up and lots of people to thank and stories to tell. Whatever you hear divide by half and subtract a little and you will have the facts. Do you know who sang Happy Trails To You? So partner until we meet again keep on smiling. RRM
At this point we are a day ahead of schedule, a schedule controlled by the ferry ride to Newfie. This allows days of 120-140 km, that means stopping earlier in the day and a chance to explore. Yesterday we were able to go whale watching for 3 hours. A pod of pilot whales entertained us for 2 hours. Probaby 11 whales and 2 young, that are being raised by the pod. "It takes a village to raise a child"The full grown whale is about 7 meters and 2000kg. They swim and travel as a group and we saw them logging. Logging refers to resting on the surface for a minute or so and seems to be when they sleep. Talk about your power nap.
The captain of the 22 year old fishing boat has been a commercial fisherman for 32 years and taking folk whale watching for 7 years. He is amazing skillfull with the 12 meter boat which has a Perkins diesel engine thatmakes about 12 knots. New the boat is about 150,000, and will last about 50 years. This happened from Pleasant Bay, a community of 150 people. Captain and mate are live long residents. No internet, no cell phones, no movies. A date is a trip to the beach, bonfire and what ever comes next. Good meals at the Mid Way Motel restaurant and a quiet place to sleep.
Today we are just north of Baddeck at a wonderful resort on St Ann's bay. Our great luck holds and we found this place on the recommendation of our waiter at breakfast 60 km ago. We found a vacany but the place is fully booked for next 8 weeks. Awesome grounds and spacious,clean and well appointed rooms. Another place that would be worth a second visit. One km up the road is the Clucking Hen, bake shop and restaurant. Best food anywhere. Named as one of Canada best and written up in Globe and Mail this spring. Roast beef sandwhich, soup, lemon pie and butter tarts made a great snack.
Several shops with local artisans showing their work, beautiful blown glass, stained glass, wood work etc. How do these shops survive? The owner is there and will chat you up for hours and few sales. Good fun for us though.
When it is all said a bike trip is about the biking. The Cabot Trail is famous for the scenery, and all though things you can do from a car. For Bikers the hills are the game. There are at least 4 major climbs and lots of steep ,short climbs that keeps the pulse up. We are travelling clockwise and the first major climb was French mountain, 450 meters of climbing and for me at least was a surprise. This was late in the ride, a good thing as we were well primed. However it was hot, 29 degrees, and a challenge because with every turn the road kept climbing. The descent with traffic all around us was exciting. Even with full braking our speed was well beyond safe. Full braking is a risk as the rims heat to the point that tires fail. Then over you go, no way you can ride the rim. The days run was about 127 km with average speed of 27kph. Maximum was 82 kph.
Today we started as early as possible with several climbs and a hot day we wanted to enjoy the empty roads as long as possible. North Mountain is about 4 km from Pleasant Bay. Not quite far enough to wake up the muscles. This is described as the grand daddy of the hills and it is a steep climb over about 6 km and up to 13 degree slope. As expected a good workout but not overwhelming. The descent is another matter altogether. Tiring going up, ok stop. In trouble going down a 13-14 % grade at 80+ kph and a trauma team will be you best friends. Tom with his usual confidence blew through this with ease, I on the other hand hAD A WONDERFUL RIDE, thrilling through the switchbacks and dazzling at the bottom. This isn't Disney World, the great riders are injured in the Tour de France, but relax you must and go with our old friend gravity. Did I go right back up and do it again? No!Seriously though for you cyclists, it is a challenge but not severe under the conditions we enjoyed, early in the day and no traffic. Pavement is good and safe to let'er run.
The south mountain is dismissed as not as hard. If North wasn't there South would be considered a worthy test. Long climb but more gradual and descent is more fun as you can really LET IT GO. At Neil's Harbour we had a break and I visited with the paramedics and Er staff. Then along down the south run of the Cabot Trail we went innocent and uniformed. Then one of the usual climbs kept on going for km after km, what was this?No one told us about Smokey mountain. Well ok, so what a long but easy climb , lasting too long in the heat but no problem we are at the top, have a drink and a 10 km run down again. Upps, what is happening? Why can't I see the road ahead? Like a ski run when the descent is steep enough you have to cross the lip to see the run. Smokey had a thrill for us!Down 300 meters in about 1 km, brakes protesting and very tight switch backs and road signs saying speed limit of 20 kpha dn we are flying. A complete surprise that was over very quickly and no harm done, just a comment from Tom, "all that climbing and I had to use my brakes all the way down"
Cycling the cabot Trail is great, probably a must for all road cyclists, a challenge, fun and delightfull for all the other reasons mentioned. The theme for this road is "just giv'er" As a bonus to our trip it was worthwhile and the previous 6500 km had us well prepared.
Tomorrow into North Sydney for the ferry and then Newfie's our home.
Today early morning I saw a deer, a fox and almost ran over a chipmunk who coudn't decide whether to cross the road or not, and turned once too often. One tail injury One major surprise is how few cyclists we are seeing. We expected to see hundreds and are seeing only 2 or 3 a day. A little disappointing as the company would be fun. Evidently we are early and August and September are the busy months. That means the risk o
f snow on the high ground and indeed there are shelters available for use. This way seems preferable to me and allowed us to find accomodation without difficulty.
At this point we are all missing out real worlds and look forward to resuming our routines. Birthdays to catch up and lots of people to thank and stories to tell. Whatever you hear divide by half and subtract a little and you will have the facts. Do you know who sang Happy Trails To You? So partner until we meet again keep on smiling. RRM
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
DAY 37
Day started just before 6am leaveing Whycocomagh NS on the Cabot Trail. 20 km away valerie went down to a beach at 615 and there was a bald eagle 4feet away on a branch. took alot of pictures. In Cheticamp at about 90 km in we stopped for breakfast around 9:40. Jen and I did a little shopping famous for rug hocking.
about 20 min later the boys had a wild climb up French mountain 11% grade and a 455meter . they did very well tom without stopping.Well going down was wild 12% fast and windy. we are in Pleasant bay now they biked 120 km a little farther than planed . A lovely place called Mid Trail.gorgeous view at harbour and ocean.
Tom Ross and I went Whale watching for 2hours , unbelievable we saw about 15 pilot whales for about an hour they come up every 5.5min the noise was fasinating, the young ones were great to watch .the whale were right beside the boat.
Went for a nice seafood dinner right at motel lovely but poor Tom alergic had linguini. we splurged and each had a different desert to fininsh off our day. Tom and i drove to get ice and then to a monastary ,buda, they own a lot of acreage on top of the mountain saw a few walking around and they have a beautiful mounument. I walked down to the beach while the rest were getting ready for tomorrow. We are heading to Ingonish and another big climb up north mountain. The rest are asleep so i better join them as we are up at 445. The temp went to 26 great i feel bad how hot is in ontario Katie caming with work hope surviving. Hi to all family and friends following love you all tom and val, Jenn and Ross by val b
about 20 min later the boys had a wild climb up French mountain 11% grade and a 455meter . they did very well tom without stopping.Well going down was wild 12% fast and windy. we are in Pleasant bay now they biked 120 km a little farther than planed . A lovely place called Mid Trail.gorgeous view at harbour and ocean.
Tom Ross and I went Whale watching for 2hours , unbelievable we saw about 15 pilot whales for about an hour they come up every 5.5min the noise was fasinating, the young ones were great to watch .the whale were right beside the boat.
Went for a nice seafood dinner right at motel lovely but poor Tom alergic had linguini. we splurged and each had a different desert to fininsh off our day. Tom and i drove to get ice and then to a monastary ,buda, they own a lot of acreage on top of the mountain saw a few walking around and they have a beautiful mounument. I walked down to the beach while the rest were getting ready for tomorrow. We are heading to Ingonish and another big climb up north mountain. The rest are asleep so i better join them as we are up at 445. The temp went to 26 great i feel bad how hot is in ontario Katie caming with work hope surviving. Hi to all family and friends following love you all tom and val, Jenn and Ross by val b
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Day 36, Nova Scotia
Hello from Whycocomagh. No of coarse I can't pronounce it. However I am enjoying being here, just off highway 105 in Capr Breton. We are in a delightful cottage on a bay of Bras D'Or Lake, a wonderful lake that is in central Cape Breton. At present we are having light showers, and have been all afternoon. This am was perfect, cool, overcast and windy, at lunch the sun broke free and was way too hot (like Perth) but the clouds quickly covered it up and biking is a delight.
This am we left at 0525 from New Glasgow on # 104 and as usual had a vacant highway for 2 hours. Even at its worst the biking here is great. Lots of long climbs and descents are fast and have great runouts. Surprisingly we saw only 3 other cyclists all day. Had a great breakfast at Ault Cove, and saw wonderful photos of animals including moose, deer, eagles, squirrels, bears and seals. Rolf Bauman, the photographer, has a gallery connected to the restaurant and sells 3 additions of his book, each dedicated to one of his children. Worth a look.
Today,s run was 160 km in about 5 hours at average speed of 27.9kph. This allowed us to stop early and enjoy this cottage. Tom is cooking steak, and we will feast tonight. The plan is a trip around the Cabot Trail over the next few days and a ferry ride to Newfie. Another flat tire for Tom and the replacement also going flat. Hopefully problem solved.
Interesting lady working here today. She lived in Boston and came here 18 months ago to help her sister run this facility. She plans to return to Boston, as in this commu nity of 200 people there is no Bloomingdales. This area is a reserve with about 800 living there. The reservation has all facilities supplied and this rattles this lady. Leading to a conversation that Rod understands.
There are hundredrs of eagles here and they feed early in morning from the bay. Hopefuly we can see some . No swimming in lake, boating of all varietes, but not even much water skiing. The view is wonderful and that is the draw for people. I have photos of the cottage and central lodge and we can recommend a stay here when you are passing through.
a break now for supper. That was good, now fueled and ready to roll. Bikes to clean and clothing washed and passing the sniff test. Sun tans are perfect for bikers, arms and face and mid thigh distally all brwn or red and remainder ghost white. Noses are peeling and bleeding but abrasions are healing and we will not be mobbed by photographers. Soon I expect pony tails and ear rings. Perhaps a great new look for us. Not!
The maritimes are always special, with the boats and colors of the houses. Great piles of lobster traps, ropes and floats and all equipment dockside making my camera fire away. Hopefully some whale watching and seal sightings over the next 2 days. Even the architecture is sufficently different to fascinate. Shingled buildings are common and the weathered ook predominates. The scents of the ocean are a major part of the experience. Here away from the highwy the silence is full of birds and wsater and wind. Sounds that regenerate rather than exhaust
Good night from al of us, hope your shoes fit and remember your mother's advice. Clean underwear!RRM
This am we left at 0525 from New Glasgow on # 104 and as usual had a vacant highway for 2 hours. Even at its worst the biking here is great. Lots of long climbs and descents are fast and have great runouts. Surprisingly we saw only 3 other cyclists all day. Had a great breakfast at Ault Cove, and saw wonderful photos of animals including moose, deer, eagles, squirrels, bears and seals. Rolf Bauman, the photographer, has a gallery connected to the restaurant and sells 3 additions of his book, each dedicated to one of his children. Worth a look.
Today,s run was 160 km in about 5 hours at average speed of 27.9kph. This allowed us to stop early and enjoy this cottage. Tom is cooking steak, and we will feast tonight. The plan is a trip around the Cabot Trail over the next few days and a ferry ride to Newfie. Another flat tire for Tom and the replacement also going flat. Hopefully problem solved.
Interesting lady working here today. She lived in Boston and came here 18 months ago to help her sister run this facility. She plans to return to Boston, as in this commu nity of 200 people there is no Bloomingdales. This area is a reserve with about 800 living there. The reservation has all facilities supplied and this rattles this lady. Leading to a conversation that Rod understands.
There are hundredrs of eagles here and they feed early in morning from the bay. Hopefuly we can see some . No swimming in lake, boating of all varietes, but not even much water skiing. The view is wonderful and that is the draw for people. I have photos of the cottage and central lodge and we can recommend a stay here when you are passing through.
a break now for supper. That was good, now fueled and ready to roll. Bikes to clean and clothing washed and passing the sniff test. Sun tans are perfect for bikers, arms and face and mid thigh distally all brwn or red and remainder ghost white. Noses are peeling and bleeding but abrasions are healing and we will not be mobbed by photographers. Soon I expect pony tails and ear rings. Perhaps a great new look for us. Not!
The maritimes are always special, with the boats and colors of the houses. Great piles of lobster traps, ropes and floats and all equipment dockside making my camera fire away. Hopefully some whale watching and seal sightings over the next 2 days. Even the architecture is sufficently different to fascinate. Shingled buildings are common and the weathered ook predominates. The scents of the ocean are a major part of the experience. Here away from the highwy the silence is full of birds and wsater and wind. Sounds that regenerate rather than exhaust
Good night from al of us, hope your shoes fit and remember your mother's advice. Clean underwear!RRM
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