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The Nobo Hiking family 👍👍😎

The Nobo Hiking family 👍👍😎

$170 in groceries, 🤯

$170 in groceries, 🤯

Am I loosing it?

Am I loosing it?

Arrowtown to Wānaka

Arrowtown to Wānaka

Why, now that’s a question

I am off on a through hike, the Te Araroa. Only doing half though, the South Island. It’s about 1250k. Aren’t you already doing something Roy 🤔, well yes, yes I am in fact. I still am set on finishing my bike pack across Canada. Think of this as I am working my way back to Ottawa. The interesting way.

I am sitting here at Hobart airport contemplating my choices. I am a bit nervous. Not sure where that’s coming from.

I am leaving this very comfortable lifestyle hanging out at this awesome beach house. Thanks Rhys. Maybe that’s it? You would have to be crazy to give that up 🤪.

Then there’s the unknown. Never done a through hike before. My longest was 5 days. This is more like 70. Pretty much the same as bike packing I told myself. Do I deep down know what’s coming? Maybe?

Lana had wanted to join me on this one, but remember, she is the smart one. It’s not even a year since her hip surgeries and she wants to be sure her strength is back before attempting a big hike. Makes perfect sense. 🤞 Hopefully she will join us along the way. Toughest part for me on this trip is not having my meuse along. Is this the source of my apprehension? Maybe?

I could go on, but the bottom line. I was always the kid that jumped first and found out about the landing later. You can try as you will, to take make a man out of the kid but you can never take kid out of the man. And so, off we go.

Why, now that’s a question

I am off on a through hike, the Te Araroa. Only doing half though, the South Island. It’s about 1250k. Aren’t you already doing something Roy 🤔, well yes, yes I am in fact. I still am set on finishing my bike pack across Canada. Think of this as I am working my way back to Ottawa. The interesting way.

I am sitting here at Hobart airport contemplating my choices. I am a bit nervous. Not sure where that’s coming from.

I am leaving this very comfortable lifestyle hanging out at this awesome beach house. Thanks Rhys. Maybe that’s it? You would have to be crazy to give that up 🤪.

Then there’s the unknown. Never done a through hike before. My longest was 5 days. This is more like 70. Pretty much the same as bike packing I told myself. Do I deep down know what’s coming? Maybe?

Lana had wanted to join me on this one, but remember, she is the smart one. It’s not even a year since her hip surgeries and she wants to be sure her strength is back before attempting a big hike. Makes perfect sense. 🤞 Hopefully she will join us along the way. Toughest part for me on this trip is not having my meuse along. Is this the source of my apprehension? Maybe?

I could go on, but the bottom line. I was always the kid that jumped first and found out about the landing later. You can try as you will, to take make a man out of the kid but you can never take kid out of the man. And so, off we go.

Ready for my walk home. 👍😎

Ready for my walk home. 👍😎

Pretty lucky to have such amazing family and friends in our lives. Merry Christmas everyone! Cheers. 🎄😎🥂

Pretty lucky to have such amazing family and friends in our lives. Merry Christmas everyone! Cheers. 🎄😎🥂

Surreal Tassie Sunset. 👍😎

Surreal Tassie Sunset. 👍😎

Time to head south ☃️👍🥶

Time to head south ☃️👍🥶

Feelin my happy place 👍♥️

Feelin my happy place 👍♥️

Thanks Helen. On my way back home. 👍🚵🏻‍♂️

Thanks Helen. On my way back home. 👍🚵🏻‍♂️

Mmmm I got nothing

It’s the end of the first stage of the trip. 🥲 I have to admit it is with mixed emotions I have arrived here in Ottawa. Crazy, not sure I believe I’m really here. Just shows you how putting one foot in front of the other or one peddle stroke at a time can get you places you never imagined possible. I am sure in the next few days it will start to get real. For now I must celebrate! Don’t have to of course, but it does seem fitting.

I will post some more details about the trip in the coming days but here’s a few rough stats. Who does not love stats.
Over 100 days of riding
Over 100 days in my tent
Over 8000km travelled
Biggest day 135km
Smallest day 6km
Over 500 hours in the saddle. God bless you Brooks.
Amazing places seen
So many kind humans met
A truly blessed life.

I want to thank everyone once again for helping out with Indspire. Next year we will continue the adventure 👍🚵🏻‍♂️.

I also want to thank everyone who followed my travels and commented along the way. It was like my friends and family were with me for the whole trip. Love you guys. ♥️♥️♥️

Mmmm I got nothing

It’s the end of the first stage of the trip. 🥲 I have to admit it is with mixed emotions I have arrived here in Ottawa. Crazy, not sure I believe I’m really here. Just shows you how putting one foot in front of the other or one peddle stroke at a time can get you places you never imagined possible. I am sure in the next few days it will start to get real. For now I must celebrate! Don’t have to of course, but it does seem fitting.

I will post some more details about the trip in the coming days but here’s a few rough stats. Who does not love stats.
Over 100 days of riding
Over 100 days in my tent
Over 8000km travelled
Biggest day 135km
Smallest day 6km
Over 500 hours in the saddle. God bless you Brooks.
Amazing places seen
So many kind humans met
A truly blessed life.

I want to thank everyone once again for helping out with Indspire. Next year we will continue the adventure 👍🚵🏻‍♂️.

I also want to thank everyone who followed my travels and commented along the way. It was like my friends and family were with me for the whole trip. Love you guys. ♥️♥️♥️

The end of the beginning of the end 🤔

The end of the beginning of the end 🤔

Luxury Life

I made my own breakfast before heading off. Decided to use up my supplies so it’s Tea, granola, cheese and my last bagel. Not too shabby. My thoughts were to head out on the trail and stop at White lake. There were several lodges and campgrounds up there. I am sure I will find something, right?

I had been told by some cyclists that the route was real nice. I was not disappointed. Lots of quiet gravel roads and tracks. By the time I had put in 70k I had reached White lake. That’s where the problems started. First option Cedar Cove Resort. It was closed and after asking around I found a person working who told me only seasonal sites. Ouch, another camping option bites the dust. I then phoned another campsite. Was told the same thing, only seasonal. It was time to think of other options.

I had a warm shower option down the road. It was only another 15k, I can make it. I sent a message. By the time I reached the area where the warm showers host was, I had still not heard anything. Oh well, it was still only 4:00pm I’ll push on. By 6:00 I was riding downtown Almonte. No camping here that’s for sure. I was pretty hungry too. I found out later my warm showers host had run into phone problems. Murphys Law. Mmmm. How do I make lemonade. Treat myself to a hotel. Found this great hotel for a great price, just one room left.

The Monte. What a great spot. When you live in a tent a 3 star hotel is the lap of luxury. Add to that Peggy who runs the place. It was awesome. Great room, great continental breakfast and really good service. Thanks Peggy. It was time to celebrate. A shower, off to the pub for supper and a wonderful bed to fall asleep in. Enough of a reason to celebrate right there.

Route Notes Sharbot Lake to Almonte

Luxury Life

I made my own breakfast before heading off. Decided to use up my supplies so it’s Tea, granola, cheese and my last bagel. Not too shabby. My thoughts were to head out on the trail and stop at White lake. There were several lodges and campgrounds up there. I am sure I will find something, right?

I had been told by some cyclists that the route was real nice. I was not disappointed. Lots of quiet gravel roads and tracks. By the time I had put in 70k I had reached White lake. That’s where the problems started. First option Cedar Cove Resort. It was closed and after asking around I found a person working who told me only seasonal sites. Ouch, another camping option bites the dust. I then phoned another campsite. Was told the same thing, only seasonal. It was time to think of other options.

I had a warm shower option down the road. It was only another 15k, I can make it. I sent a message. By the time I reached the area where the warm showers host was, I had still not heard anything. Oh well, it was still only 4:00pm I’ll push on. By 6:00 I was riding downtown Almonte. No camping here that’s for sure. I was pretty hungry too. I found out later my warm showers host had run into phone problems. Murphys Law. Mmmm. How do I make lemonade. Treat myself to a hotel. Found this great hotel for a great price, just one room left.

The Monte. What a great spot. When you live in a tent a 3 star hotel is the lap of luxury. Add to that Peggy who runs the place. It was awesome. Great room, great continental breakfast and really good service. Thanks Peggy. It was time to celebrate. A shower, off to the pub for supper and a wonderful bed to fall asleep in. Enough of a reason to celebrate right there.

Route Notes Sharbot Lake to Almonte

Celebration?

A bit of a crazy day. Just as I was about to break out my breakfast; tea and granola a gentleman walked by and invited me to breakfast at there trailer. Off course I said yes. Brenda and Jim are great people, we had a wonderful visit and the breakfast, was, way better than anything I could put together. Thanks so much for the hospitality. It has me thinking, is the Sherwood Park Campground, the friendliest campground in Canada 🤔.

It was 10:30 before I left, definitely the latest departure of my trip. About 20k down the road I stopped for lunch. There were a couple of cyclists there who I chatted with. They strongly recommended stopping in at the Brew Pub in Sharbot lake to try their IPA. One cannot not take that advice and since it was at my destination a definite win win.

After a great time at the Kick and Push Brewing company and yes, their IPA was delicious it was a short ride to my camping spot at the provincial park. I was given this amazingly secluded spot overlooking the lake, nice! As I was putting up my tent I heard a voice through the trees, my neighbour was inviting me for a beer. I had two at the brewery, brought one home with me and was invited for a fourth. This was turning into a big evening for Roy. I am only about 200k from Ottawa, maybe the cycling gods want me to celebrate. Yes, this must be the case. Who am I to argue with the gods.

From Cloyne to Sharbot Lake

Celebration?

A bit of a crazy day. Just as I was about to break out my breakfast; tea and granola a gentleman walked by and invited me to breakfast at there trailer. Off course I said yes. Brenda and Jim are great people, we had a wonderful visit and the breakfast, was, way better than anything I could put together. Thanks so much for the hospitality. It has me thinking, is the Sherwood Park Campground, the friendliest campground in Canada 🤔.

It was 10:30 before I left, definitely the latest departure of my trip. About 20k down the road I stopped for lunch. There were a couple of cyclists there who I chatted with. They strongly recommended stopping in at the Brew Pub in Sharbot lake to try their IPA. One cannot not take that advice and since it was at my destination a definite win win.

After a great time at the Kick and Push Brewing company and yes, their IPA was delicious it was a short ride to my camping spot at the provincial park. I was given this amazingly secluded spot overlooking the lake, nice! As I was putting up my tent I heard a voice through the trees, my neighbour was inviting me for a beer. I had two at the brewery, brought one home with me and was invited for a fourth. This was turning into a big evening for Roy. I am only about 200k from Ottawa, maybe the cycling gods want me to celebrate. Yes, this must be the case. Who am I to argue with the gods.

From Cloyne to Sharbot Lake

Rest Day!

Rest Day!

One Step Closer

Well that night went well. No anxiety at all. I guess when you have slept in your tent for over 100 nights you get comfortable with it. Fell asleep to the sound of the local Owl. 🦉
Woke up to the dew dripping on my tent from the trees above. Fall is here.

I had about 40k of gravel road to get to the next town. I was up and off by about 8:00am. A beautiful morning riding amongst the trees and lakes. The leaves are definitely starting to change colours which makes it great to ride through.

It has happened again. I stopped at Sherwood Park Campground for the night. Dan and Katherine own the place and as soon as they knew I was helping Indspire they would not let me pay for my campsite. We agreed for me make a donation. This is becoming a habit, and I am liking it! A little later I got invited to the pot luck supper. On the way I had a beer with one of the campers and then enjoyed an amazing meal. The vibe at this campsite is amazing. Such great people. Thanks for the kindness everyone. It was such fun meeting you all.

Route Notes Hughes Landing Road to Cloyne

One Step Closer

Well that night went well. No anxiety at all. I guess when you have slept in your tent for over 100 nights you get comfortable with it. Fell asleep to the sound of the local Owl. 🦉
Woke up to the dew dripping on my tent from the trees above. Fall is here.

I had about 40k of gravel road to get to the next town. I was up and off by about 8:00am. A beautiful morning riding amongst the trees and lakes. The leaves are definitely starting to change colours which makes it great to ride through.

It has happened again. I stopped at Sherwood Park Campground for the night. Dan and Katherine own the place and as soon as they knew I was helping Indspire they would not let me pay for my campsite. We agreed for me make a donation. This is becoming a habit, and I am liking it! A little later I got invited to the pot luck supper. On the way I had a beer with one of the campers and then enjoyed an amazing meal. The vibe at this campsite is amazing. Such great people. Thanks for the kindness everyone. It was such fun meeting you all.

Route Notes Hughes Landing Road to Cloyne

Night in the Bush

Life’s funny. I am now going through a stretch where everyone is being so nice. Well, I must say most of the time people are nice but the last few days have been amazing. The lady at the front desk of the campsite gave me a deal. She told me Stephane had stayed there a few days before me. I am coming for ya buddy! Then I stop for a coffee at St Ola’s Station. Food, coffee, I get internet, power for my devices, they offer a place for me to stay, water fill for my bottles and even give me an extra cookie, how nice is that. Then I head down to The Rustic Roadhouse restaurant and bakery. Maggie and her team were awesome. If you ever get a chance check out her place. It’s awesome. What does she do, gives me Butter Tarts for the road. Check out her coffee mug. Thanks Maggie.

A little side note. One off my tent poles broke. Tried setting up my tent without fixing it. A no go! Woke up to water dripping on me in the morning. Well, McGiver time. Came up with a solution. Flipped the broken end and used the metal sleeve to splint the break. Works great! It’s the little things that make you happy on the road.

Tonight I am camping in the bush. As I sit her I realize it’s the first time I will be alone in the wilderness camping in the bush. Wow, how did I manage that. Between riding buddies and other people being around or camping in designated campgrounds I guess I just managed to avoid it. Well not tonight. The two big fears I had when I left on the trip were bears and travelling alone. Let’s put these fears to bed, should we.

Route Notes Coe Hill to Hughes Landing Road

Night in the Bush

Life’s funny. I am now going through a stretch where everyone is being so nice. Well, I must say most of the time people are nice but the last few days have been amazing. The lady at the front desk of the campsite gave me a deal. She told me Stephane had stayed there a few days before me. I am coming for ya buddy! Then I stop for a coffee at St Ola’s Station. Food, coffee, I get internet, power for my devices, they offer a place for me to stay, water fill for my bottles and even give me an extra cookie, how nice is that. Then I head down to The Rustic Roadhouse restaurant and bakery. Maggie and her team were awesome. If you ever get a chance check out her place. It’s awesome. What does she do, gives me Butter Tarts for the road. Check out her coffee mug. Thanks Maggie.

A little side note. One off my tent poles broke. Tried setting up my tent without fixing it. A no go! Woke up to water dripping on me in the morning. Well, McGiver time. Came up with a solution. Flipped the broken end and used the metal sleeve to splint the break. Works great! It’s the little things that make you happy on the road.

Tonight I am camping in the bush. As I sit her I realize it’s the first time I will be alone in the wilderness camping in the bush. Wow, how did I manage that. Between riding buddies and other people being around or camping in designated campgrounds I guess I just managed to avoid it. Well not tonight. The two big fears I had when I left on the trip were bears and travelling alone. Let’s put these fears to bed, should we.

Route Notes Coe Hill to Hughes Landing Road

Kindness

After a great sleep. You guessed it! Got up, packed up and headed out. Only went about 1/2 a k and stopped at “The Catch” for breakfast. Met Mark the owner operator. He made me a great breakfast. As often happened we started chatting about my trip. Well when I went to pay Mark was having none of it. Not only that, he gave me a freshly baked cookie and an apple to take with me. I don’t know why he was being so kind. I told him I would make a donation to Indspire in his name. So here’s to you Mark. Thanks so much for your donation, it’s greatly appreciated. After a start like that I knew the day was going to be a good one.

The riding was much like yesterday with rolling ups and downs. Really in the Canadian Shield, lots of rock, lakes, trees and swamps. Very Canadian.

Route Notes to Catchacoma to Coe Hill

Kindness

After a great sleep. You guessed it! Got up, packed up and headed out. Only went about 1/2 a k and stopped at “The Catch” for breakfast. Met Mark the owner operator. He made me a great breakfast. As often happened we started chatting about my trip. Well when I went to pay Mark was having none of it. Not only that, he gave me a freshly baked cookie and an apple to take with me. I don’t know why he was being so kind. I told him I would make a donation to Indspire in his name. So here’s to you Mark. Thanks so much for your donation, it’s greatly appreciated. After a start like that I knew the day was going to be a good one.

The riding was much like yesterday with rolling ups and downs. Really in the Canadian Shield, lots of rock, lakes, trees and swamps. Very Canadian.

Route Notes to Catchacoma to Coe Hill

Return to the Wild

Woke up to a beautiful morning. Breakfast, pack up and off I went. After about an hour of riding I noticed something different with my mood. It was lighter and I think I know why. The weather was sunny and warm and the roads and communities I passed through far quieter. Back to what I have loved throughout my trip. Rural Canada.

I never planned a big day of riding, I guess it just happened. By 5:00 I pulling into the little hamlet of Catchacoma. What an awesome spot. Camping at the recreation grounds. Picnic tables, toilet, power, water and wifi. Better than most campsites I have been to. Even met some locals who offered to open the library so I could have a shower. Thanks so much John. Anyway, I feel like I am back where I belong.

Route Notes Trout Water Family Campground to Catchacoma

Return to the Wild

Woke up to a beautiful morning. Breakfast, pack up and off I went. After about an hour of riding I noticed something different with my mood. It was lighter and I think I know why. The weather was sunny and warm and the roads and communities I passed through far quieter. Back to what I have loved throughout my trip. Rural Canada.

I never planned a big day of riding, I guess it just happened. By 5:00 I pulling into the little hamlet of Catchacoma. What an awesome spot. Camping at the recreation grounds. Picnic tables, toilet, power, water and wifi. Better than most campsites I have been to. Even met some locals who offered to open the library so I could have a shower. Thanks so much John. Anyway, I feel like I am back where I belong.

Route Notes Trout Water Family Campground to Catchacoma

Misty Morning

After that crazy thunder storm I am surprised how dry I stayed. By the end of the storm my tent was raining inside. Not a good situation. Luckily the rain stopped after about an hour. Totally saved me. Thank you rain gods. 🙏

The morning was cool and very damp. My sleeping bad was damp, my clothes were damp, the rest of my stuff, well, wet would be a better description. Fittingly, I broke camp on a very misty morning.

15k in I stopped at Franks restaurant. I love these little local places. Great breakfast. After a long an leisurely meal the mist had lifted and the weather too, I had a good day ahead of me. The rest of the day was a great day of riding and an early stop at a provincial camp ground. Nice, time enough to allow the suns rays to dry all my gear. After a few hours I and my stuff were dry. A big deal for me, that’s for sure. Celebrate life’s great moments, that’s what I say. So off I went. The Lakeside Roadhouse was right next to the campground. Cheers to being dry!

Route Notes Trout Water Family Campground to Fee’s Landing
Note Doube’s trestle bridge has burnt down. This bridge is closed.

Misty Morning

After that crazy thunder storm I am surprised how dry I stayed. By the end of the storm my tent was raining inside. Not a good situation. Luckily the rain stopped after about an hour. Totally saved me. Thank you rain gods. 🙏

The morning was cool and very damp. My sleeping bad was damp, my clothes were damp, the rest of my stuff, well, wet would be a better description. Fittingly, I broke camp on a very misty morning.

15k in I stopped at Franks restaurant. I love these little local places. Great breakfast. After a long an leisurely meal the mist had lifted and the weather too, I had a good day ahead of me. The rest of the day was a great day of riding and an early stop at a provincial camp ground. Nice, time enough to allow the suns rays to dry all my gear. After a few hours I and my stuff were dry. A big deal for me, that’s for sure. Celebrate life’s great moments, that’s what I say. So off I went. The Lakeside Roadhouse was right next to the campground. Cheers to being dry!

Route Notes Trout Water Family Campground to Fee’s Landing
Note Doube’s trestle bridge has burnt down. This bridge is closed.

Last day of rain, I think

My AirBnB was interesting to say the least. I don’t think the owners lived in the house and it felt more like a youth hostel than your typical AirBnB. Must of been the random dude sleeping on the couch. My room was clean and it was reasonable so all good.

Before leaving Aurora I had decided to stop for coffee at Mondo Del Cafe. When I entered I noticed a guy standing at the counter sipping an espresso. Wow, flashback, the only place I have seen that was in Italy. Sure enough the guy was Italian and loved their coffee. I did too. Farhad makes a great cup of coffee and if you’re looking for a good cafe in Aurora check it out, it’s awesome.

It’s been several days now of darting between rain showers and today was no difference. On the good side I have been eating real well. I ended the day at a small campground. Set up my tent and was about to scope out the laundry. More rain. In the tent I went. Turns out to be the biggest rain storm of my summer. I am sitting here typing as the rain pounds the tent. The odd drop is making it through. Wish me luck. 🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🙏🫣

Route Notes Aurora to Trout Water Family Camping.

Last day of rain, I think

My AirBnB was interesting to say the least. I don’t think the owners lived in the house and it felt more like a youth hostel than your typical AirBnB. Must of been the random dude sleeping on the couch. My room was clean and it was reasonable so all good.

Before leaving Aurora I had decided to stop for coffee at Mondo Del Cafe. When I entered I noticed a guy standing at the counter sipping an espresso. Wow, flashback, the only place I have seen that was in Italy. Sure enough the guy was Italian and loved their coffee. I did too. Farhad makes a great cup of coffee and if you’re looking for a good cafe in Aurora check it out, it’s awesome.

It’s been several days now of darting between rain showers and today was no difference. On the good side I have been eating real well. I ended the day at a small campground. Set up my tent and was about to scope out the laundry. More rain. In the tent I went. Turns out to be the biggest rain storm of my summer. I am sitting here typing as the rain pounds the tent. The odd drop is making it through. Wish me luck. 🌧️🌧️🌧️🌧️🙏🫣

Route Notes Aurora to Trout Water Family Camping.

Aura of the big TO

I sure felt the fall weather this morning. After several days of on/off showers my camping gear was getting a bit damp. Add to it the temperature dropping and a cold wind, needless to say it was a refreshing start. About 3 k from the campground I had revelation. Ahhh, I forgot my lock. I have done this before, just so you know. I was not leaving it, back I rode!

The day was windy but no rain so I was very happy. Gravel and paved back roads interspersed with the usual random trail sections. Some of these trails look like they had not been used in years. Gota love the GNBR. Always interesting.

Stopped for a coffee and a bit of breakfast at a little coffee shop in the town of Schomberg. Great little spot but I definitely felt like I had come out of the bush. I must admit to being a bit discombobulated. The TO licra crowds were in full force. Not the friendliest crews I must say. Probably just the reality of the big city. Add that to a pretty loud and opinionated patron next to me and I had this giant urge to move on. Takes a fair bit to get me out of a coffee shop. I think I am more of a small town boy than I realized or maybe where this trip has taken me. Who knows, I will have to think about it. 🤔

There are very few options to camp around here but I did find one about 20k outside Aurora. For some reason, I rarely if ever phone ahead, this time I decided to call. Good thing too, they no longer take campers. Mmmmm, time to get innovative. Found an AirBnB for $65. Not fancy but hey I have paid more to camp. We live in interesting times. 🤔

Route Notes Palgrave to Aurora
Note Cedar Beach Resort no longer does walk up camping, seasonal only.

Aura of the big TO

I sure felt the fall weather this morning. After several days of on/off showers my camping gear was getting a bit damp. Add to it the temperature dropping and a cold wind, needless to say it was a refreshing start. About 3 k from the campground I had revelation. Ahhh, I forgot my lock. I have done this before, just so you know. I was not leaving it, back I rode!

The day was windy but no rain so I was very happy. Gravel and paved back roads interspersed with the usual random trail sections. Some of these trails look like they had not been used in years. Gota love the GNBR. Always interesting.

Stopped for a coffee and a bit of breakfast at a little coffee shop in the town of Schomberg. Great little spot but I definitely felt like I had come out of the bush. I must admit to being a bit discombobulated. The TO licra crowds were in full force. Not the friendliest crews I must say. Probably just the reality of the big city. Add that to a pretty loud and opinionated patron next to me and I had this giant urge to move on. Takes a fair bit to get me out of a coffee shop. I think I am more of a small town boy than I realized or maybe where this trip has taken me. Who knows, I will have to think about it. 🤔

There are very few options to camp around here but I did find one about 20k outside Aurora. For some reason, I rarely if ever phone ahead, this time I decided to call. Good thing too, they no longer take campers. Mmmmm, time to get innovative. Found an AirBnB for $65. Not fancy but hey I have paid more to camp. We live in interesting times. 🤔

Route Notes Palgrave to Aurora
Note Cedar Beach Resort no longer does walk up camping, seasonal only.

Decisions Made

Well, it’s about time I started thinking about my future. Today was another rainy day, my fav, so I darted between cover, restaurant for breakfast, cafe for afternoon snack, pub to celebrate. What, celebrate. That’s right, I finished the first route section for Ontario today. Had to celebrate that. And get out of the rain, of course. So I had a fair bit of time to plan and well if I have time, let the plans begin.

First decision is I am going to pause my trip in Ottawa for 2024. I had always planned on splitting the trip into two summers and my goal was to at least get to Sue St Marie. I have long since passed that mark and I will finish the 2024 bike season by completing Ontario. That means I just have 700k to go to get to Ottawa. Wow, I can see the parliament building. Maybe not quite yet, but soon enough. That will leave Quebec and the Maritimes to complete the route next summer. You guys, Canada is a big country!

So tomorrow I start Ontario route section II. Hopefully the weather improves a bit. Makes the riding way more enjoyable. 🌧️🤞🚵🏻‍♂️🌧️

Route Notes Primrose Park to Palgrave

Decisions Made

Well, it’s about time I started thinking about my future. Today was another rainy day, my fav, so I darted between cover, restaurant for breakfast, cafe for afternoon snack, pub to celebrate. What, celebrate. That’s right, I finished the first route section for Ontario today. Had to celebrate that. And get out of the rain, of course. So I had a fair bit of time to plan and well if I have time, let the plans begin.

First decision is I am going to pause my trip in Ottawa for 2024. I had always planned on splitting the trip into two summers and my goal was to at least get to Sue St Marie. I have long since passed that mark and I will finish the 2024 bike season by completing Ontario. That means I just have 700k to go to get to Ottawa. Wow, I can see the parliament building. Maybe not quite yet, but soon enough. That will leave Quebec and the Maritimes to complete the route next summer. You guys, Canada is a big country!

So tomorrow I start Ontario route section II. Hopefully the weather improves a bit. Makes the riding way more enjoyable. 🌧️🤞🚵🏻‍♂️🌧️

Route Notes Primrose Park to Palgrave

It was a dreary day

Cloudy with showers today. There’s a section up ahead of me I really want to enjoy. Supposedly today it’s not that great weather wise, but gets better moving forward.

With that swirling in my mind I woke up in the nice dry bunkie. I could hear the rain on the roof. As predicted, that settles it. I would have an easy day and finish close to the start of the Mono Cliffs provincial park. I did the first 15k and found a place for breakfast in Dundalk. Then between showers I peddled to Shelburne for lunch. Gave me a chance to get caught up on some calls, do some planning and charge up all my devices.

By about 3:00 it was time to find a place to camp. There was a campsite ~10k out of town. I knew it would be crazy expensive, it was, but I decided to go for it anyway. I wanted a shower and a nice place to hang out if the weather got worse. It’s a nice place but man, Ontario camping is crazy 🤪

It was a dreary day

Cloudy with showers today. There’s a section up ahead of me I really want to enjoy. Supposedly today it’s not that great weather wise, but gets better moving forward.

With that swirling in my mind I woke up in the nice dry bunkie. I could hear the rain on the roof. As predicted, that settles it. I would have an easy day and finish close to the start of the Mono Cliffs provincial park. I did the first 15k and found a place for breakfast in Dundalk. Then between showers I peddled to Shelburne for lunch. Gave me a chance to get caught up on some calls, do some planning and charge up all my devices.

By about 3:00 it was time to find a place to camp. There was a campsite ~10k out of town. I knew it would be crazy expensive, it was, but I decided to go for it anyway. I wanted a shower and a nice place to hang out if the weather got worse. It’s a nice place but man, Ontario camping is crazy 🤪

Paying it Forward

After saying my goodbyes to Davey, he was heading home today, I hoped on my bike and continued. It felt a little funny ridding off by myself. I had company for a month. Thanks Davey and Stephane.

First order of business was to find a breakfast stop. Had a couple of cups of coffee and a great breakfast, great start to the day. I did run into a bit of hassle about an hour later though. I have seen numerous road closed signs on my trip. Not a single one actually had a problem my bike could not solve. Today, I met my match. When I arrived at the closure I could see it was a new bridge being put in. Also, lots of work trucks. I approached the workers to ask if there was a way I could get around. Well, they were not in the best of spirits and the there supervisor tersely told me to go back and take the detour. He was no amused. Off I went. Luckily I only had to back track about 3k and then another 3k bypass. Could have been way worse.

Later in the afternoon I stopped for a rest at a little store. While I was waiting in line at the till the lady in front of me was buying a coffee. She could not find her wallet so I offered to pay. She was very thankful, I just told her to pay it forward. I really like the concept. The little kindness’s always seem to come back at you. It did not take long. I arrived in Flesherton (funny name) not much open and pretty done for the day, I must say. On the map it showed a camping option. I gave Ben a call. Well, Ben offered me his little bunkie just outside of town. It’s awesome. So here I am enjoying this amazing spot in the woods. Kindness works. 🙏🚵🏻‍♂️

Route Notes Owen Sound to Flesherton

Paying it Forward

After saying my goodbyes to Davey, he was heading home today, I hoped on my bike and continued. It felt a little funny ridding off by myself. I had company for a month. Thanks Davey and Stephane.

First order of business was to find a breakfast stop. Had a couple of cups of coffee and a great breakfast, great start to the day. I did run into a bit of hassle about an hour later though. I have seen numerous road closed signs on my trip. Not a single one actually had a problem my bike could not solve. Today, I met my match. When I arrived at the closure I could see it was a new bridge being put in. Also, lots of work trucks. I approached the workers to ask if there was a way I could get around. Well, they were not in the best of spirits and the there supervisor tersely told me to go back and take the detour. He was no amused. Off I went. Luckily I only had to back track about 3k and then another 3k bypass. Could have been way worse.

Later in the afternoon I stopped for a rest at a little store. While I was waiting in line at the till the lady in front of me was buying a coffee. She could not find her wallet so I offered to pay. She was very thankful, I just told her to pay it forward. I really like the concept. The little kindness’s always seem to come back at you. It did not take long. I arrived in Flesherton (funny name) not much open and pretty done for the day, I must say. On the map it showed a camping option. I gave Ben a call. Well, Ben offered me his little bunkie just outside of town. It’s awesome. So here I am enjoying this amazing spot in the woods. Kindness works. 🙏🚵🏻‍♂️

Route Notes Owen Sound to Flesherton

The Great Eastern Racoon Wars of 2024

Well evidently I missed the whole thing. We had this great camping spot in Hope Bay. As usual I retired and did my blog and then promptly fell asleep. Little did I know the excitement was about to begin. Dave had left some food in a dry bag on the table. Three local raccoons had decided to have a dinner party and were busy tearing into the feast. First Stephane heard the ruckus and was trying to get them to leave. Soon Dave was up too and the both of them were battling the hungry dinner guests. Roy, well, he was sleeping through the whole thing. After much commotion the guys finally got the raccoons to retreat into the forest. Well done boys. I can’t believe I missed it.

The riding was again really good today. Lots of quiet back roads and paths with just enough technical stuff to keep it interesting. Add into that a brilliant cup of coffee at the “Lost Art Expresso”. All in all a pretty much perfect day of riding.

It’s a good thing too because as it so happens it’s the last day of “les frères verts”. Dave is heading back home after about a month on the road and Stephane continues on GMBR tomorrow. I will spend a day or two here in Owen Sound before continuing. It’s been a lot of fun having companions on the road, so many good laughs but all good things must come to an end. Salut mes amis.

Route Notes Hope Bay to Owen Sound

The Great Eastern Racoon Wars of 2024

Well evidently I missed the whole thing. We had this great camping spot in Hope Bay. As usual I retired and did my blog and then promptly fell asleep. Little did I know the excitement was about to begin. Dave had left some food in a dry bag on the table. Three local raccoons had decided to have a dinner party and were busy tearing into the feast. First Stephane heard the ruckus and was trying to get them to leave. Soon Dave was up too and the both of them were battling the hungry dinner guests. Roy, well, he was sleeping through the whole thing. After much commotion the guys finally got the raccoons to retreat into the forest. Well done boys. I can’t believe I missed it.

The riding was again really good today. Lots of quiet back roads and paths with just enough technical stuff to keep it interesting. Add into that a brilliant cup of coffee at the “Lost Art Expresso”. All in all a pretty much perfect day of riding.

It’s a good thing too because as it so happens it’s the last day of “les frères verts”. Dave is heading back home after about a month on the road and Stephane continues on GMBR tomorrow. I will spend a day or two here in Owen Sound before continuing. It’s been a lot of fun having companions on the road, so many good laughs but all good things must come to an end. Salut mes amis.

Route Notes Hope Bay to Owen Sound

The Bruce

Great day today. Definitely getting a bit colder in the morning though. Beautiful weather today, a little cooler and no bugs. Really felt like September and great for riding.

We were super lucky today riding the back roads of the Bruce peninsula. Even got the chance to ride some of the Bruce hiking trail. Very cool. By 2:00 we were already in our proposed camping location of Lion’s Head. Very nice little lakeshore town. We would have stayed too if the campground was not full. Oh well, it would mean a bit more riding. Luckily everything worked out, we ended up finding a great campground in Hope Bay. Once again calamity averted. 🤙🚵🏻‍♂️

Route notes Tobermory to Hope Bay

The Bruce

Great day today. Definitely getting a bit colder in the morning though. Beautiful weather today, a little cooler and no bugs. Really felt like September and great for riding.

We were super lucky today riding the back roads of the Bruce peninsula. Even got the chance to ride some of the Bruce hiking trail. Very cool. By 2:00 we were already in our proposed camping location of Lion’s Head. Very nice little lakeshore town. We would have stayed too if the campground was not full. Oh well, it would mean a bit more riding. Luckily everything worked out, we ended up finding a great campground in Hope Bay. Once again calamity averted. 🤙🚵🏻‍♂️

Route notes Tobermory to Hope Bay

What is really special about the GNBR 🤪

What is really special about the GNBR 🤪

Shortest day ever

With only 5k ridden today I am not sure a blog post is warranted. We were up and packed in time to catch the 8:45am ferry. Oops, the morning ferry actually left at 11:00am. No worries time for breakfast anyway. After a great ferry ride over to Tobermory it was planning time. Since the day was virtually over we decided to stay. Had a great meal, did some laundry, had coffee and ice cream, we then headed out in search of a place to stay🤞. Found a great campsite just on the edge of town. Another great day has come to a close. I am thinking things will improve tomorrow. End of the long weekend, let September begin. Oooh, I guess I am running out of time. 🤔

Route Notes South Baymouth to Tobermory

Shortest day ever

With only 5k ridden today I am not sure a blog post is warranted. We were up and packed in time to catch the 8:45am ferry. Oops, the morning ferry actually left at 11:00am. No worries time for breakfast anyway. After a great ferry ride over to Tobermory it was planning time. Since the day was virtually over we decided to stay. Had a great meal, did some laundry, had coffee and ice cream, we then headed out in search of a place to stay🤞. Found a great campsite just on the edge of town. Another great day has come to a close. I am thinking things will improve tomorrow. End of the long weekend, let September begin. Oooh, I guess I am running out of time. 🤔

Route Notes South Baymouth to Tobermory

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Hi, Im on an interesting ride. Wow, gota love life. There is no retirement for me. Keep growing, Keep Learning, Keep challenging myself. Welcome.

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