Friday, 27 July 2018

XCAN Day 57 Finally leaving Ontario to Terrebonne Quebec!!!

Distance:           108.6
Time:                 4:41
Elevation:         369
Bathrooms:       7
Weather:          Overcast in the morning then sun  18-38C
Flats:                0

Up early and ready to leave.  I spent an hour yesterday copying the route to Garmin Connect...so shared that with Nancy and Dave.   I must say...it was nice to have our garmin tell us where to go as there were tons of turns.

Weather was overcast and then as the day progress the sun did come out.  We started out with a 10 k on the Ontario side of the river and then we crossed over the bridge into Quebec.
 Greg was able to get off the road so we have a picture with him at the Quebec sign...that Nancy almost missed.  We had to call her back.

After the picture...Dave had to do a Gas Station stop so I headed out and the bike route was great.  Started off on a back road...and there was about 5 km of dirt and then great roads with designated bike path or a total bike path.  I think 60 % of todays ride was on a great bike path...that had tons of bikers on it.

So our route took us down the river to Oka...and then east.  It was such a nice ride today I was 35 km in before I realized it and I try to stop every 20 km just for a drink.  I found a little town to stop at about 40 km.  As you can see the water is very brown from all the rain that there has been in the past couple of days.
Nancy and Dave stopped for lunch in Oka and then again a coffee break in another little town.  I motored on and stopped for a drink along the way and spoke in my best french/spanish.  I was doing so well until the end...when the spanish came out.  I have been having conversations with myself trying to remember my 4.5 years of French from high school.  We will see how I do in the upcoming weeks.  Reading roadsigns along the way really helps.  (sure)

Past Oka we were on a designated bike path which was great.  I don't think I had a truck go by me at all today.  What a treat!!  A very relaxing day on the bike for sure.

Arrived at camp and it is very full as there is a two week holiday for construction in Quebec so I think everyone is out camping.  Greg and I had a nice afternoon relaxing.

Nancy and Dave were on dinner duty and it was good and a little wine makes everything great!

I drew up the route on Garmin for the next two days.  It sure makes it nice not to have to keep looking at a map or list of turns.  We did have all the routes done last winter, but we have changed  up our plans which means the old routes don't work.  

Anyway another amazing day on the road.  Loving Life!

Heidi

Thursday, 26 July 2018

XCan Day 54: Rest Day at OWL Rafting

This rest day was a little different than all others so far. Dirk and Claudia, some friends that Dave and Nancy met on another biking trip invited us to stay at their white water rafting company - OWL Rafting for a couple of nights and enjoy a day of rafting on the Ottawa river. What a great day we had. It was the first white water rafting experience for Greg and Heidi, and they both managed to stay in the raft. Nancy on the other hand made it through the first rapid but made a not so graceful entry into the water on the second rapid. The other highlight of the trip down the rapids was to sit in the nose of the raft while the guide tried to put the nose under water. Heidi was the first to give it a try and did get soaked. Dave gave it a shot and the nose of the raft seemed to be under water more times than before....Dave was heard screening...when is this going to end!

The day of rafting included a bit of cliff jumping which Heidi and Nancy did, a lunch on the barge on our way back to the camp and finally a steak dinner.

Thanks Dirk and Claudia for your hospitality. Sorry we didn't get to see you Claudia...maybe next time.

Cheers,
Dave

XCan Day 52 - Deux Rivieries to Petawawa

Distance: 110 km
Time: 4:54
Speed: 22.5
Ascent: 839 m
Weather: overcast to start, rain started at 65 km
Bathroom Rating: 10
The route today took us through Deep River, Chalk River, and Petawawa.  It was a bit questionable yesterday if we would be able to ride today due to forest fires in the area.  No problem with the fires but we could smell and taste the smoke about 20km from the start for a short time and we could see the smoke coming from the bush about 500m from the highway.  While we are finding more populated areas more frequently now, we are still riding through evergreen and deciduous forests.  And lots of small lakes.  We decided to explore and have lunch in Deep River but the only coffee shop was only open Monday to Friday.  We ended up at a motel restaurant on the highway.  While we were having lunch it started to rain with 39km and we ran into some pretty heavy rain for about 25 km. When we finished we were covered in a fine grit - pretty uncomfortable.  But the showers were fantastic with lots of hot water - almost like having a shower at home!
Cheers,

Nancy

XCAN Day 56 - Kanata thru Ottawa to L'Orignal

Distance: 122 km
Time: 5:20
Speed: 22.94
Ascent: 477 m
Weather: Hot, humid, and sunny
Flats: 0
Bathroom Rating: 6
What a fun day! We started from the campground and rode bike trails right into the centre of Ottawa and out again.  Ottawa must have more bike paths than any city in Canada! They are everywhere!  And they are in good shape.  We arrived in downtown Ottawa just in time for the changing of the guard on Parliament hill.
Next stop was Bridgehead Coffee in Byward Market (a recommendation from Dirk at OWL Rafting) and it did not disappoint- Nancys first cappuccino since Winnipeg.
Christian who was sitting on the patio of Bridgehead Coffee gave us great recommendations on how to get to Hawksbury by bike paths.  From there we continued following the bike path along the Ottawa River and arrived in Rideau Hall just in time to see the changing of the guard there. We then continued along the bike path till it ran out - 51km from our start.  A friendly biker then gave us a recommendation for a bakery in Cumberland- The Black Walnut Bakery - check it out if you are ever in Cumberland, it's great!
Our route from there to  the campground was on secondary roads, some being gravel, some quite steep hills.  Heidi took a different route along an old rail bed that found her bogged down in mud.
After an early dinner and some bike maintenance, we hit our beds - ready for another adventure tomorrow. A great day!
Cheers,
Nancy and Dave

Wednesday, 25 July 2018

XCAN Day 55. Owl Rafting to Kanata

Distance:          109.41
Time:                   4:28
Elevation:            247m
Weather:             16-22 c. Wet wet wet
Bathrooms:         3.5
Flats:                    1 (Heidi). Total

Well after our perfect Rafting day we had a storm blow in over night and it poured!  It rained all morning as we prepared to leave.  We were able to see Derk for breakfast as he returned from MKC   We thanked him for his wonderful hospitality as it a was very much appreciated break from our usual rest day routine.

Anyway...back to the rain.  We left in the rain and rode all day on the rain and it stopped just before we arrived at the trailer.  We were wet but it wasn’t cold except when we stopped for lunch in the Air conditioned restaurant.

The ride was a great route picked out by Mr Google.  Through smaller roads and away from traffic.  It would have been amazing view and sights if it was a clear day.  We rode through some very old towns and communities along the Ottawa river and stopped half way for a lunch at Arnprior. We were looking for a coffee shop but settled for a restaurant. It was okay and we were called dearies.   Anyway when we left 4 doors down on the other side of the street was a coffee shop. I am looking forward  to a latte tomorrow as Therehasn’t been an opportunity for one since Winnipeg

With all the rain, which I must say is badly needed here in Ontario, fields were flooded and creeks were swollen to almost overflowing. We crossed on bridge on a trail close to camp where the water was right up to the deck and we had another area on the trail that we pedaled through a foot of water at least....just to make sure that our shoes were nice and wet for the end of  the day.  Also a nice big snapping turtle was crossing the trail through one of the areas where water was flowing across.

Sorry.  No pictures today.  Camera stayed inside and dry.

Yesterday I noticed that my back tire was flat again so I checked it out. On my brand new tires that I put on in Sault Ste Marie I had some big cuts in my back tire and it was in this one area that it kept on puncturing. I took a tire off my other bike and  put it on my back wheel.  Greg went into Ottawa today to do some veggie shopping and bought me two brand new gator skins which I put on this afternoon.  They should last me for the rest of the trip, hopefully!

Nancy and Dave were on dinner duty.  Dave got us booked into camping sites through to Quebec City so we aregood for this week.  I tried to figure out some routes for tomorrow through Ottawa and onto our camp for tomorrow night  but it is kind of difficult as for am not sure which hwys we are allowed on etc. There is a information kiosk 20 km down the road that we will hit in the morning.

Anyway.  Must get  my wet gear inside and get ready for bed.  That is all for now

Heidi   

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

XCAN Day 53 Petawawa to Owl Rafting at Forester Falls

Distance:           59.32
Time:                   2:31
Elevation:            298M
Weather:            Overcast and humid  18 - 30C
Bathrooms:        10
Flats:                  0

We got up an hour later this morning as it was a short ride today.  We were meeting Derk  VanWijk  at the East end Tim Hortons in Pembroke. Nancy and Dave met Derk and Claudia on their last Boating/Cycling trip in Croatia last year.   Since their business, Owl Rafting, was on the way we thought we would spend our day off visiting and rafting.  Nancy did the arrangements with Derk.  

So Nancy and Dave left and Greg and I finished hooking up the trailer and headed out.

Heading through the farmlands that bank the Ottawa River we headed towards Pembroke.  A cute picture at a Llama farm and then on to meet Derk.
Greg stopped along the way to refill our large water bottles at Culligan in Pembroke because the grocery stores around Northern Ontario do not have refilling stations.  I met him at the Walmart parking lot and then went with him as he walked over to the Tim Hortons.  We met Derk and then waited for Dave and Nancy to arrive.  Derk was going to ride us in the last 40 K to Owl Rafting.  Was a nice ride along farmlands and up and down hills.

We arrived at Owl Rafting and were very surprised at the amazing operation.  Greg was there and had the trailer set up and we had a great lunch.

We then check in, a tour of the grounds and time for conversation, laundry, cleaning bikes and relaxation before dinner.   Greg and I had done the basics shopping yesterday after arriving in Petawawa so we didn't need to go into town and shop.

An restful afternoon.  Then a nice steak dinner with baked potatoes salad and crumble for dessert.



A bit more conversation and then off to bed.  Dave and Nancy had decided to take a cabin for the night.  

A bit of trivia I learned along the way.   I was seeing some stars on the outside of houses and thought at first that people just had their Christmas Decorations up still, or early.  Then a few more stars...I thought maybe they were a fad.   After quite a few more I had to ask the Mr. Google on the World Wide Web and found out it is the Acadian Star which symbol of the French colonists who settled in Acadia (Canada).  Something learned every day in this amazing country.

Excited about our rafting trip tomorrow.  Sadly we will not meet Claudia as she is at their other operation, the Madawaska Kanu Centre.



A big thank you to Derk and Claudia for their amazing hospitality!

Thats all for now.  Heidi 

Sunday, 22 July 2018

XCAN Day 51 North Bay to Deux Rivières


Distance:                 105.22
Time:                       4:52
Elevation:               865 M
Washrooms:            1
Flats:                       1   Total for trip  

We got up a little earlier to get on the road to try to beat the heat. Dave and Nancy left and I helped Greg get out of the RV park.  A little tight fit.  Dave found a route on Google that went out the back roads for 40 K rather than on the hwy.   It was great!  I had my google maps talking to me in my back pocket as there were lots of twists and turns. I had it written down too...but it was much easier with her talking to me!  I passed Dave and Nancy who were using the written instructions and they got lost a bit.  Great ride through back roads and small towns.
 A lot of ups and downs.  I think Trunk road is called that because it goes up and down and up and down like an elephant trunk.  That is my theory and I am sticking to it.

A short stop at 40 K where Trunk road meets Hwy 17.  Filled up with water and electrolites, a short snack and hit the hwy.   Well...as soon as we were on the highway the headwinds hit us.  I guess on the back roads we were in amongst the trees where we were a little sheltered.  It was a long slog for the last 60 K, but beautiful and diverse.  It was quite warm yesterday as well but not as bad as the day before.  At Matawa we were able to see the Ottawa River for the first time.
It is huge and wide.  

About 25 km from camp you could start smelling smoke.  The hwy was closed the day before and opened up this morning because of heavy smoke covering the highway.  With the winds they were working hard on the fires which were 18 km down the road in Bissett Creek.
Still in Ontario!!

Also the last 20 km or so a rumble strip was added to the side of the road.  This rumble strip gave us 6 inches or less to ride on...thus we were on the white line for the rest of the day which is stressful.  Traffic was a little lighter for big trucks being Saturday.  But lots of cars and trailers. 

With two days of working against the headwinds, legs were tired when we arrived at camp.  I took my shoes off and hopped in the Ontario River for a cool down.  Felt amazing.  Then a quick shower and laundry.  

It was warm all afternoon and later in the day the winds died down and it was lovely.  

Dinner, a walk and then bedtime.  Getting up again early tomorrow to get on the road.  

Thanks for reading and all the comments.

Heidi



    

XCan Day 50 - Sudbury to North Bay

Distance: 134km
Time: 5:36
Speed: 24 k/hr
Ascent: 539 m
Flats: 1 (Heidi)
Weather: hot and sunny, winds from the SE 
Bathroom Rating: 0


The route today from Sudbury to North Bay was right along highway 17 for the lions share of the time.  The day started off warm and sunny, nice riding weather.  But that only lasted for about two hours then it got HOT!  By noon the temperature was 30, the winds picked up - from the east in our faces, the shoulders of the roads got narrower and the traffic got heavy...non of which added to the enjoyment of the day. It was relatively flat with no major hills and a 30 km stretch towards the end that was on a straight, flat road passing through farmland.  Fortunately there were enough places to stop and get cold warter and food along the way which allowed us to break-up the ride a little bit.  There was a viewpoint about 15km west of North Bay giving us a pretty good look of Lake Nipissing, which is a bigger lake than we expected. 
Then towards the end google maps began to give us "fakee news"; misinformation about the route, directions, etc.  Google told us 13 km to a turn which was actually 23km, and when we got into North Bay it sent us down a couple of dead-end streets.  Luckily we were able to find a Wendy's that sold ice-cold lemonade to cool us down at the end.  All-in-all, a long, hot day on the road.
Cheers,
Dave

Thursday, 19 July 2018

XCAN Day 49 Massey to Sudbury

Distance:                    104.98
Time:                          3:47
Elevation:                   472 M
Temperature:              Warm with wind at our back.  13 - 29C
Bathroom:                  5
Flats:                           0

We left Chute Falls Campground in Massey and took a back road for the first 27 km.  Lee Valley road was very nice, so few cars and nice scenery.  Then back on the Hwy at Espanola.  Hwy was good and had a wide shoulder, sometimes...and was a good ride to Nairn at 50 km out.  At 55 km there was 10 km of construction....5 being gravel where you couldn't ride not he side.  I played a dancing game with the cars and truckers...who again were amazing.  The rest of the construction was that scrapped rough road like we had yesterday.   Did I tell you I love my new bike and the suspension?  It is amazing.  Still bumpy but sure does even out the rough stuff.



No pictures today..so here are a few from yesterday!


Nancy and Dave did an alternate route at Nairn and had some gravel trail as well...which was part of the Trans Canada Trail System.  They also stopped for lunch just outside of Lively.

After the construction there was a wide shoulder all the way into Sudbury.  We are not going to see the big nickel....it is totally on the other side of town.  Who knew!

Was a good ride...but had to keep stopping and checking where the campsite turnoff was.  Arrived at the campground at Richard Lake totally out of water.  So had a big glass of ice water and a protein shake and then Greg and I hit the beach at the lake for some reading and a dip.  Lake felt wonderful.

Greg did a short shopping trip and pick up the few items we need.  It is very hard to find places to refill our large water bottles in these areas.  Grocery stores don't do it here.  It is like a Big Water Hunt!!!

We arrive in North Bay tomorrow so it is a bit longer of a day.   Will pack an extra water for sure.

Dinner, catch up on the blogs...sorry...internet has been bad or non existent and my data is racking up big time every month! I am trying not to use it so much!  hahaha  :0

May be another early evening....haha...they have all been early!!!

A note about the truckers again.  They are amazing.  They usually give a little hiss of air about 30 M back to let you know they are coming up on you.  I try to wave as much as I can but a lot of times this is on the skinny shoulder parts and you are holding on for dear life.  haha   Also trucker going the other way do a small honk of encourangement and people wave, yell and honk as they go by.  Always makes me smile and feel great!   Also all your words of encouragement on these blogs are great to read.  Please keep it up!

Thanks for reading.  Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Heidi and Greg



XCan Day 48 - Clear Lake to Iron Bridge

Distance: 102 km
Time: 3:49
Speed: 26.9
Ascent: 413m
Weather: mostly sunny, cloudy periods
Flats: 0
Bathroom Rating: 9.5

We are staying at Chutes Provincial Park, a beautiful, clean, well-run park probably the best we've stayed at. 


The bathroom rating reflects the lack of paper towel rather than any flaws.  The day started off sunny and warm. About 2km in there was road construction on highway 17 for 25 km.  This required us to ride on newly ground down old pavement - no fun!  The scenery was beautiful though as we rode along the winding Mississagi River, past newly-harvested hay fields,



through Blind River, Sprague, Spanish, and Massey before reaching the campground.  Dave and I had lunch at Annette's Cafe - a fun little spot where the waitress kept asking me: two poached eggs on toast - is that all you want?  This is Mennonite country and it's not unusual to pass horse drawn buggies and farmers in long beards and big black hats working in the fields.  In one of these fields we saw a blue heron searching for his next snack.
Other than a bit of a rough start it was a beautiful day for a ride through beautiful countryside.
Cheers,
Nancy

XCAN Day 47. The Soo to Clear Lake Ironbridge On

Distance:       115.3      
Time:             4:03
Elevation:       507 M
Weather:         Sunny but cooler with nice NW wind to help us
Bathroom.       5
Flats:                0

We got us to a much cooler morning and were packed up in what I think was record time!  We headed out and tried to do a bypass to not hit the busy intersection.
 However there was a road closure onton the route. But luckily there was a biker we caught up to that took us through a path system to the Velorution Bike shop we were at yesterday right on Hwy 17. We headed off and warmed up quite fast so the outer layers came off.

We left town and watched for hwy 17B which too us along the lake and it was great.  A nice wide shoulder abut a bit bumpy however not much traffic which was wonderful.

The first 40 km was flat and then we had a few hills but the ride was mostly flat and very pretty.
Small town along the way and we stopped for lunch at Bobbers in Bruce Mines.  Definitely recommend it.  Good food and the best cinnamon buns so far on the trip, hot from the oven!

Dave had a Clubhouse sandwich made with home made bread and Tons of bacon  and real pieces of turkey and hand cut fries.  He rated it second to Ricardo’s in Taber AB.

Along the way we meant Roberto who started in Whitehorse and hoping to do the whole crossing in 6 weeks.  Also a couple of other bikers heading West.

After lunch it was a quick ride to the campsite.  A bit of swirling wind but mostly at our back. Along the way we passed some very Amish type gardeners and wagons.  Wished we had room for fresh veggies on our bikes.  Also about 10 km from camp there was a fellow bailing his field and not far from him there was a fox cleaning up on the mice or other small rodents.  I wish the road had of been better at that spot and I would have taken a picture.


Arrived at a camp where there are mostly seasonal campers.  Nice campsite and I can see why people would set up for the summer here.  Nancy and Dave’s night for dinner which was very good and Greg shared half of his butter tart I bought him in Bruce mines with me. I also brought him a cinnamon bun.  Gotta keep him happy!😀

After dinner and a glass and a half of wine I was feeling a little fine!  We went down to the dock and the water was so warm a swim was necessary.  A nice dip then a shower, a drink of  hot water and blog and heading to bed.

Greg talked to Mike today and he got out of the hospital yesterday and is eating and resting up before heading North to catch the train back to BC. He will arrive in Vancouver on Saturday morning.  We are missing his humour and cooking.  That is right Marise!   Mike cooks very well.   Now I am in trouble.  ðŸ˜œ. We will also be totally lost without his knowledge of the French language and we are almost into Quebec.  The rest of up will have to brush up quickly!

Anyway. All is well and it was kind of the perfect day!

Thanks for reading
Heidi

XCan Day 46 - Rest Day in Sault Ste. Marie

The term rest day is a bit of a misnomer since it is filled with doing laundry, cleaning bikes, shopping, and a trip the nearest bike shop.  At the bike shop in The Soo, they provide free camping for cyclists and we ran into Gilles again, someone we have met several times on this trip who is also doing the cross-Canada trip but unsupported.  
We did have a special supper to celebrate the half-way point in our ride.  If you are looking for a good meal in The Soo, the Vinotecca restaurant in the Quatro hotel is very good. 
Anyway, 39 days, 3884 kms in we are half-way through our journey and cause for celebration.
Cheers,
Dave

Sunday, 15 July 2018

XCAN Day 45 Agawa Bay to Sault Ste Marie

Distance:                130.81
Time:                      5:41
Elevation:               1034 M
Weather:                 Sunny and Hot...slight headwind from SE  14 - 41? Avg 27
Bathroom Rating:  10
Flats:                      0

We left the wonderful campsite at Agawa Bay.  Lake Superior was at it's finest.  Calm, clear and beautiful as it was yesterday.   Fog was way out this morning...and it was nice to start the day looking out at the expanse.
We had to dry camp....haha...we are in a trailer...but did not have internet, water, sewer or electrical hookup for a night.  Tough living eh?

We got up a bit earlier today to start before it got too hot.  But still didn't leave camp until 8:30 am.  Somehow we don't get any faster.  It was a bit earlier and being a Sunday, truck traffic was much less, so that was nice for riding.

We left camp and soon after we had our first big climb of the day.  Montreal Hill.  It was okay...not too bad as it was kind of in sections and nothing over a 8% grade that I saw.  Now going down the other side was another matter.  It was straight down for the whole thing to Montreal Bay.  I am glad we didn't have to climb up that side.

After Montreal Hill it was a lot of ups and downs until about 60 K.  Greg met us at Pancake Bay where there was a Coombs type stop.  We had a rest and ate.  I had an Ice cream....It tasted good.  Filled up our water bottles and then headed out and Greg headed to the Soo.

The road after our break was a lot less up and down as we road along the lake, but much warmer.
 We took a small side road through Harmony Beach and I stopped and did a short dip. It worked wonders at cooling my core down.   The water was beautiful.  It is nice to have hot weather now to do that.  All those beautiful little lakes in Northern Ontario and it was too cool and you didn't feel like you had to jump in!

Met up again with Nancy and Dave and we rode onward to about 25 K from Sault Ste Marie.  We stopped for a cold water/drink break at a store.  We had a discussion about our last big climb coming up and as soon as we hit the road and went around the corner...there it was, looming in the distance about 3 km out.  The climb itself was not bad at all....only a 7% or so....it was just the heat and the end of the day.  But from there it was easy sailing with a bit of headwind to the KOA campsite outside of the Soo.

Greg of course was there and had us all set up and a bag of ice ready for cold drinks.  What a guy!!  A bit of a rest and then off to the showers and out for Pizza!  Great Pizza at Fratelli's Kitchen and a beer to wash it down.

Tried to find water to refill our large water bottles....but no grocery stores in town do it. They just sell new already filled ones.  So much for being ecofriendly.   Will do some calls tomorrow to see if we can find someone around here that fills them.

I sometimes forget when we are riding that we are in frigging Northern Ontario!!!  That is so amazing.   When I remind myself...I have to smile!

I spent some time and added up our km to date and what we have forecasted for our trip, (except for PEI) and we are now 10 km past halfway!!!   Tomorrow night we celebrate!!!!!

Back to camp....a few emails and calls and blog writing...and then to bed I think.  Internet is good here so trying to download a few things as well.

Amazing trip so far...Thanks for reading.
Heidi


XCan Day 44: Wawa to Agawa Bay

Distance: 90.5
Time: 3:42
Speed: 24.5 k/hr
Ascent: 773m
Weather: started foggy and warm, turned sunny and warmer
Flats: 0
Bathroom Rating: 4, needs warm water for higher rating

Beautiful ride today, very scenic, not much climbing-just enough to make it interesting.  Some wind in our faces.  We started from Wawa in fog but that quickly dispersed and the day was sunny and warm.
 Rode past lots of little lakes, bush,with some openings to Lake Superior.  Unfortunately, the views of the lake were inhibited by the fog which stuck to the water most of the day.  Dave and Nancy did pull off to get a picture of an old woman at Old Woman Bay.
Heidi's picture of Old Woman Bay...where she lost Nancy and Dave





No wildlife spotted by the riders but Greg saw abuck form the truck (OK, a bull moose, but what rhymes with "bull"?). We finished in Agawa Bay Provincial Park right on Lake Superior-gravel beach with all granite stones - beautiful!  A nice finish for the day at Agawa Bay.
Cheers,
Nancy