Distance: 108.14
Time: 4:34
Elevation: 1110
Weather: 11-29. Cool in the morning but nice later
Bathroom: 10
Flats: 0
Today was one of those days that you wanted to take your time and just enjoy where you are!
I certainly did that today. The views were great, weather perfect and knowing there are only 2 days left of riding made me want to relish today!
I left camp around 8 ish and it was a beautiful morning.
The morning sunlight made the town look like a painting.
Watched the dark clouds from the lighthouse for a bit before I hit the Hwy.
I was lucky that there was only a very light mist when I was riding about 5 km in. The road was wet from a storm that passed by so my feet got a bit damp.
I actually texted Greg and asked him to bring my rain jacket which he jettisoned out the truck window at me at about 40 km along. There was nowhere for him to stop and he had 5 cars lined up behind him. It was so funny to see this bright yellow bundle land about 15 feet in front of me. But the day was perfect so I didn't need to wear it...but better safe than sorry!
Nancy and Dave were not as lucky when they left camp and managed to hit a downpour.
We rode along Bras d'Or Lake for most of today. It is a salt and freshwater lake which has open natural channels to the Ocean.
It is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. It is actually very beautiful along the lake so there was lots to look at.
The road was good for most of today. There was about 30 km with no shoulder but drivers were great again today. Some people give a little honk a bit back so you know they are there.
Greg and I were able to stop for a bite at a small diner where he could pull off. We had a second breakfast of eggs. Back on the road my stomach was a little sore. Not sure if it was the larger than usual food intake as I don's usually eat that much on the road, or the breakfast itself. Anyway as you can see further on...I thought the ice cream cone would settle it down!
Nancy and Dave stopped at Rita's Tea Room and enjoyed the Rita MacNeil afternoon tea experience. I didn't know about the tearoom...but Greg saw the sign that it was ahead and was going to stop...but the tearoom was about 200 M after the sign and the driveway was hidden so he was by it before he realized. Oh well. Another thing to come back for!
Greg headed off after our break and I settled in to the rest of the ride. The first 55 km of riding today was quite rolly and a lot of ups then down etc. There didn't seem to be much flat area. The last 50ish was much flatter thus a much easier ride. Once we hit Sydney I opted to take route 305 through the area which was a very quiet road. It was nice to get off the highway. Along the route I was out of the wind and it warmed up. There was a little rise ahead and thought and Ice Cream would be a treat...and low and behold there was an Ice Cream place.
I have been talking the whole way about stopping for an ice cream especially after Mike stopped for one a long ways back. So when I saw the cone on the roof...I knew it was fate and that I most likely would not have another chance before I have to stop eating (no riding)...so an Ice Cream was devoured.
Dave and Nancy took the highway to the campsite which was quite a bit busier.
I checked out the Google Map route for bikes once I got to North Sydney. There were 3 choices. A very rough dirt section of the Trans Canada Trail for about 5 km, the highway or through Sydney. I opted to add on a few more km and ride along the waterfront through Sydney. It was wonderful. Another quiet road with fresh pavement. Through town, past the ferry terminal and winding up the hill to the campsite to finish the day. A wonderful ride.
I don't know if I have mentioned...that every day Greg watches me on the Find my Friend App and meets me at the end of the entrance to the campground or on the road to the campground. Every day I look out when I am getting close and see this guy standing there waving me in. Always makes me smile. What a man! I know he wishes he could have had a more active part of the ride. Next time for sure!
At the campsite, we started with showers and laundry. I did up the final talley for expenses and paid a few bills. We repacked the back of the truck putting the Cervelo away as my Sworks is working beautifully.
Nancy and Dave continued packing that they started a few days ago as they are flying home.
We looked for places to eat and found the Black Spoon Bistro which was very good.
Back to camp and to bed.
Here's to the last few days! Heidi
Time: 4:34
Elevation: 1110
Weather: 11-29. Cool in the morning but nice later
Bathroom: 10
Flats: 0
Today was one of those days that you wanted to take your time and just enjoy where you are!
I certainly did that today. The views were great, weather perfect and knowing there are only 2 days left of riding made me want to relish today!
I left camp around 8 ish and it was a beautiful morning.
Nancy and Dave were not as lucky when they left camp and managed to hit a downpour.
We rode along Bras d'Or Lake for most of today. It is a salt and freshwater lake which has open natural channels to the Ocean.
The road was good for most of today. There was about 30 km with no shoulder but drivers were great again today. Some people give a little honk a bit back so you know they are there.
Greg and I were able to stop for a bite at a small diner where he could pull off. We had a second breakfast of eggs. Back on the road my stomach was a little sore. Not sure if it was the larger than usual food intake as I don's usually eat that much on the road, or the breakfast itself. Anyway as you can see further on...I thought the ice cream cone would settle it down!
Nancy and Dave stopped at Rita's Tea Room and enjoyed the Rita MacNeil afternoon tea experience. I didn't know about the tearoom...but Greg saw the sign that it was ahead and was going to stop...but the tearoom was about 200 M after the sign and the driveway was hidden so he was by it before he realized. Oh well. Another thing to come back for!
Greg headed off after our break and I settled in to the rest of the ride. The first 55 km of riding today was quite rolly and a lot of ups then down etc. There didn't seem to be much flat area. The last 50ish was much flatter thus a much easier ride. Once we hit Sydney I opted to take route 305 through the area which was a very quiet road. It was nice to get off the highway. Along the route I was out of the wind and it warmed up. There was a little rise ahead and thought and Ice Cream would be a treat...and low and behold there was an Ice Cream place.
Dave and Nancy took the highway to the campsite which was quite a bit busier.
I checked out the Google Map route for bikes once I got to North Sydney. There were 3 choices. A very rough dirt section of the Trans Canada Trail for about 5 km, the highway or through Sydney. I opted to add on a few more km and ride along the waterfront through Sydney. It was wonderful. Another quiet road with fresh pavement. Through town, past the ferry terminal and winding up the hill to the campsite to finish the day. A wonderful ride.
I don't know if I have mentioned...that every day Greg watches me on the Find my Friend App and meets me at the end of the entrance to the campground or on the road to the campground. Every day I look out when I am getting close and see this guy standing there waving me in. Always makes me smile. What a man! I know he wishes he could have had a more active part of the ride. Next time for sure!
At the campsite, we started with showers and laundry. I did up the final talley for expenses and paid a few bills. We repacked the back of the truck putting the Cervelo away as my Sworks is working beautifully.
Nancy and Dave continued packing that they started a few days ago as they are flying home.
We looked for places to eat and found the Black Spoon Bistro which was very good.
 |
| Panic Line!! haha |
Here's to the last few days! Heidi
2 comments:
I love reading your blog and picturing what part of the country you are passing! Nova Scotia, I love it. Now the ferry and the last province to conquer! Have a fun ride, will Greg join you for this last run? Just the 2 of you for the return trip? Looking forward to seeing you both.
Thanks for the great updates. It all looks magical. What a great place to ride. Three cheers to Greg. Can't imagine how it could be done without him and I have to think he has had a few moments along the way of "what the *@#! did I sign up for?". Go Greg!
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