May 29, 2010
201 km
Today was the best day for events, both good and bad. Just like Thunder Bay i was excited for a day off so my goal became a double day to achieve it. I am in Winnipeg two days early. As I was getting close to the end of Ontario I finally saw a wolf. The only animal I wanted to see in Ontario that I did not was a black bear. The day felt like any other until I crossed the boundary into Manitoba. I got so excited that I was sure Winnipeg was possible. When you get into Manitoba it is like someone flipped a switch and turned off the mountains. I had a slight tail wind and I was flying for the next 100 km. Around the 150 km mark another switch was flipped and the trees were gone and its true what they say you really can see the curvature of the earth in the prairies. This is about when the cross wind came in bursting my bubble and slowing me down to 15 km/hr. I stopped to take a picture of the longitudinal centre of Canada even though I was running low on time. When I turned onto highway 206 to get to Lockport, where i will be staying, I turned right into the wind and the rain started. It came down so fast and heavy that it hurt, plus i got even more wet then yesterday and I was starting to think I would see my first tornado, it was insane. When I got to Oakbank at 201 km I became stranded by a flood so bad cars were getting stuck. I only had 20 km left to go so I had no choice but to hitch hike. After being dropped off, ironically right across the street from where Jay and Joce live, I realized I had left my helmet in the truck that took me to town. Now I am waiting for Jay to get off work. I took a sweet bath and I am enjoying my favourite TV shows for the first time since home.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Day 12 - Dryden, ON to Kenora, ON
May 28, 2010
145 km
I have never been so wet in my entire life, it poured all day. Once the rain slowed down the head wind started. I got chased by dogs again but these ones were like cheetahs out for the kill so I got out of there quick. The best part of the ride was the awesome road side surprise. Kim a friend from the Soo just happened to be driving by and stopped to talk to me and feed me a banana. That night I stayed with my first "Couch Surfer", Gail, and it has been a great experience. We went for dinner at Casey's, took some pictures with Husky the Muskie (which apparently is a fish that eats ducklings) and even hit up a Wal-Mart for my favourite nut mix. We sat and talked at her place during a power outage and watched the most intense lightning storm ever. I am looking forward to crossing into Manitoba tomorrow but I may need to wear my waterproof socks for my lake filled shoes. Please no rain. Oh... Kenora is home to Mike Richards and a Stanley Cup Championship.
145 km
I have never been so wet in my entire life, it poured all day. Once the rain slowed down the head wind started. I got chased by dogs again but these ones were like cheetahs out for the kill so I got out of there quick. The best part of the ride was the awesome road side surprise. Kim a friend from the Soo just happened to be driving by and stopped to talk to me and feed me a banana. That night I stayed with my first "Couch Surfer", Gail, and it has been a great experience. We went for dinner at Casey's, took some pictures with Husky the Muskie (which apparently is a fish that eats ducklings) and even hit up a Wal-Mart for my favourite nut mix. We sat and talked at her place during a power outage and watched the most intense lightning storm ever. I am looking forward to crossing into Manitoba tomorrow but I may need to wear my waterproof socks for my lake filled shoes. Please no rain. Oh... Kenora is home to Mike Richards and a Stanley Cup Championship.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Day 11 - Ignace, ON to Dryden, ON
May 27, 2010
120 km
My stove was acting up this morning, I think it might just need to be cleaned but until then I will just eat food that doesn't need to be cooked. The bike ride was another depressing, boring, head wind kind of day but I listened to my iPod the whole time so it helped keep my mind off the odometer. At one point I had to stop as a moose on each side of the road was starring me down. Near the end of the ride I took a break in a small town called Wabigoon (I think thats what it was called) and they had a neat little cafe they do acoustic shows in. When I finally hit the sign for Dryden I was excited but it was another 10 km before I saw the first business. Once in town I called Todd McDonald, a friend of Jean-Paul's and got hooked up with a place to stay. Everyone in Dryden is really nice, the people at the library were very eager to help me in any way they could including letting me call home and Todd and his fiancee seem like great people and offered me the couch so I don't have to sleep with the cutest most excited husky puppy in the yard. I spent the night talking with a young man named Braden about the Dryden music scene and his music project Sunset City. Tomorrow is a long day to Kenora and if there is a head wind I am going to snap. A head wind is like a never ending hill with the person you hate most taunting and slapping you in the face. Oh yeah and Dryden is the proud home of Chris Pronger .... Go Flyers?
120 km
My stove was acting up this morning, I think it might just need to be cleaned but until then I will just eat food that doesn't need to be cooked. The bike ride was another depressing, boring, head wind kind of day but I listened to my iPod the whole time so it helped keep my mind off the odometer. At one point I had to stop as a moose on each side of the road was starring me down. Near the end of the ride I took a break in a small town called Wabigoon (I think thats what it was called) and they had a neat little cafe they do acoustic shows in. When I finally hit the sign for Dryden I was excited but it was another 10 km before I saw the first business. Once in town I called Todd McDonald, a friend of Jean-Paul's and got hooked up with a place to stay. Everyone in Dryden is really nice, the people at the library were very eager to help me in any way they could including letting me call home and Todd and his fiancee seem like great people and offered me the couch so I don't have to sleep with the cutest most excited husky puppy in the yard. I spent the night talking with a young man named Braden about the Dryden music scene and his music project Sunset City. Tomorrow is a long day to Kenora and if there is a head wind I am going to snap. A head wind is like a never ending hill with the person you hate most taunting and slapping you in the face. Oh yeah and Dryden is the proud home of Chris Pronger .... Go Flyers?
Day 10 - Upsala, ON to Ignace, ON
May 26, 2010
120 km
I had a headwind and there was nothing the whole way. I was beginning to feel homesick for the first time. Once I got to Ignace I got a sub and got a campsite. First time I had to pay for a campsite but he gave me a deal, only $15. I had a nice shower before going to bed and called home for a few minutes. I met four girls travelling to Peterborough from Vancouver, they gave me some good tips and helpd me pump my tires to 80 PSI for the first time since the Soo. Making some friends to talk to for the night was just what I needed. I am really looking forward to seeing Jay and Joce in Winnipeg.
120 km
I had a headwind and there was nothing the whole way. I was beginning to feel homesick for the first time. Once I got to Ignace I got a sub and got a campsite. First time I had to pay for a campsite but he gave me a deal, only $15. I had a nice shower before going to bed and called home for a few minutes. I met four girls travelling to Peterborough from Vancouver, they gave me some good tips and helpd me pump my tires to 80 PSI for the first time since the Soo. Making some friends to talk to for the night was just what I needed. I am really looking forward to seeing Jay and Joce in Winnipeg.
Day 9 - Thunder Bay, ON to Upsala, ON
May 25, 2010
145 km
It was hard leaving Thunder Bay, it felt like leaving home again. Today brought the worst pain I have ever felt in my legs, I guess the 3 nights of rest didn't do much. I intended to stay in Raith but when I got there it was one house on a dirt road so I did another 50 km to Upsala and stopped at a campground with an honour system. Along the way I saw the town the Staal brothers are from, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, the Arctic Watershed (where all what begins flowing north into the Arctic Ocean) and I crossed a time zone. I am currently in Central Standard Time.
145 km
It was hard leaving Thunder Bay, it felt like leaving home again. Today brought the worst pain I have ever felt in my legs, I guess the 3 nights of rest didn't do much. I intended to stay in Raith but when I got there it was one house on a dirt road so I did another 50 km to Upsala and stopped at a campground with an honour system. Along the way I saw the town the Staal brothers are from, Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, the Arctic Watershed (where all what begins flowing north into the Arctic Ocean) and I crossed a time zone. I am currently in Central Standard Time.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day 8 - Thunder Bay, ON
May 24, 2010
Woke up the biggest tastiest bowl of cereal, did some reading in the early morning and at 2:00 went out with some friends, James and Lindsay, who I met when I use to live here. We had a very fun afternoon hanging out with their dog eating some Extreme Pita and watching videos from Hands Up, Hands On. Once I returned I immediately went out with Nathan. We visited with Dean had some awesome lemonade with lavender, watched some hockey with a beer, ate some Pita Pit and then ended with some Dave time. A very fun day.
Woke up the biggest tastiest bowl of cereal, did some reading in the early morning and at 2:00 went out with some friends, James and Lindsay, who I met when I use to live here. We had a very fun afternoon hanging out with their dog eating some Extreme Pita and watching videos from Hands Up, Hands On. Once I returned I immediately went out with Nathan. We visited with Dean had some awesome lemonade with lavender, watched some hockey with a beer, ate some Pita Pit and then ended with some Dave time. A very fun day.
Day 7 - Thunder Bay, ON
May 23, 2010
Enjoyed a day of resting. I watched the season finale of House. JP, Shannon and I went for lunch at Taco Time in the afternoon and seen MacGruber in the evening . I ended the day with season finale finale of Grey's Anatomy. A very relaxing day.
Enjoyed a day of resting. I watched the season finale of House. JP, Shannon and I went for lunch at Taco Time in the afternoon and seen MacGruber in the evening . I ended the day with season finale finale of Grey's Anatomy. A very relaxing day.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Day 6 - Schrieber, ON to Thunder Bay, ON
May 22, 2010
194 km
I started out really late this morning (10:00) after an amazing 10 hour sleep. I tok my time, I saw a fox and chilled at some nice views. The day was an overcast, so it was cool enough that I didn't sweat all day. Half way to Nipigon the mountains disappeared, and from what I hear won't be returning until after Calgary. When I got to Nipigon I chilled in town hoping to find a backyard to camp in but again I lost my nerve, so instead i decided to go for Thunder Bay. It was already 4:30 so if i were to make it before sun down I had to kill myself. I stopped whenever I could and ate whatever I could for fuel. I was so tired by the time I got there I didn't even stop for the Terry Fox statue. And I thought I killed myself to get to Thunder Bay. I will get a picture with it on the way back. After 194 km I rolled into downtown where Jean-Paul De Roover picked me up and took me to his place. We ate a late late dinner at Montanta's, did some laundry and hung out with his "Roomies". Apparently I am Roomie-the-temp.
194 km
I started out really late this morning (10:00) after an amazing 10 hour sleep. I tok my time, I saw a fox and chilled at some nice views. The day was an overcast, so it was cool enough that I didn't sweat all day. Half way to Nipigon the mountains disappeared, and from what I hear won't be returning until after Calgary. When I got to Nipigon I chilled in town hoping to find a backyard to camp in but again I lost my nerve, so instead i decided to go for Thunder Bay. It was already 4:30 so if i were to make it before sun down I had to kill myself. I stopped whenever I could and ate whatever I could for fuel. I was so tired by the time I got there I didn't even stop for the Terry Fox statue. And I thought I killed myself to get to Thunder Bay. I will get a picture with it on the way back. After 194 km I rolled into downtown where Jean-Paul De Roover picked me up and took me to his place. We ate a late late dinner at Montanta's, did some laundry and hung out with his "Roomies". Apparently I am Roomie-the-temp.
Day 5 - Neys Provincial Park, ON to Schrieber, ON
May 21, 2010
85km
Today kinda felt like a lazy day, I woke up a little later (6:00) and slowly got ready, stretched on the beach with the warm sun and got on my way in record time. On the way out I saw a baby hawk who had been on the ground since yesterday looking lost, I felt bad for it but I suppose that is nature. I did an easy 30 km without rest, lots of hills but no wind and moderate heat. In the afternoon I saw another moose but my tires crunching on the sand sent her running. As I watched the tree line I could see the trees move out of her way as she ran. I spent my lunch at Wah's Restaurant in Terrace Bay, sat and talked to a few people and hit heh free internet at the Information Centre. Then I moved on to Schrieber where I got some more diesel for my stove and some groceries. I ended up staying with a nice couple wast of Schrieber with Brendan and Issac. They cooked us a huge meal and gave us their guest house where we watch the hockey game and got a bed each. I am so anxious to get to Thunder Bay I am considering 200 km just to get there early.
85km
Today kinda felt like a lazy day, I woke up a little later (6:00) and slowly got ready, stretched on the beach with the warm sun and got on my way in record time. On the way out I saw a baby hawk who had been on the ground since yesterday looking lost, I felt bad for it but I suppose that is nature. I did an easy 30 km without rest, lots of hills but no wind and moderate heat. In the afternoon I saw another moose but my tires crunching on the sand sent her running. As I watched the tree line I could see the trees move out of her way as she ran. I spent my lunch at Wah's Restaurant in Terrace Bay, sat and talked to a few people and hit heh free internet at the Information Centre. Then I moved on to Schrieber where I got some more diesel for my stove and some groceries. I ended up staying with a nice couple wast of Schrieber with Brendan and Issac. They cooked us a huge meal and gave us their guest house where we watch the hockey game and got a bed each. I am so anxious to get to Thunder Bay I am considering 200 km just to get there early.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day 4 - White River, ON to Neys Provincial Park, ON
May 20, 2010
151 km
I had the most fantastic sleep and eI even slept in a bit. After saying goodbye to Kyle I set out for downtown White Rivr for a Veggie Sandwich at Robins Donunts. The morning was a bit misty but warm. Aftr laving White River it was flat, no wind and I saw a deer, a moose and a cyclist who came from Calgary. My ankle hurt so bad today I was limping but I put some Myoflex on it and when I got to Marathon it was fine. In town I met two cyclists, Brendan and Issac from Toronto. We started talking and decided to ride together another 25km furthur to Neys Provinical Park. It was closed but we set up on the beach anyways. What an amazing campsite.
151 km
I had the most fantastic sleep and eI even slept in a bit. After saying goodbye to Kyle I set out for downtown White Rivr for a Veggie Sandwich at Robins Donunts. The morning was a bit misty but warm. Aftr laving White River it was flat, no wind and I saw a deer, a moose and a cyclist who came from Calgary. My ankle hurt so bad today I was limping but I put some Myoflex on it and when I got to Marathon it was fine. In town I met two cyclists, Brendan and Issac from Toronto. We started talking and decided to ride together another 25km furthur to Neys Provinical Park. It was closed but we set up on the beach anyways. What an amazing campsite.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 3 - Rabbit Blanket Provincial Park, ON to White River, ON
May 19, 2010
112 km
I woke up early yet again and was on the road by 7:30, the sun was warming quick and the first 20km was all down hill. I stopped in Wawa for some subway and to do a few things. This is where the day turned on me. I called Telus and they said Pay-as-you-go does not work in Northern Ontario and I won't be able to use my cell until Manitoba. Then I try inflating my tires with a special adapter for my funky valve and failed. Finally the mechanic an Canadian Tire helped me figure it out. Everyone in Wawa was so nice and asked about my trip, so I guess that makes Wawa alright but I am not ok with the next 4 hours of head winds. I relaxed in the sun at Kyle's family's camp 20 km south of White River (I fell asleep). Tonight I get a bed and a roof and I am currently enjoying a well earned beer. Hopefully my trek to Marathon goes better tomorrow and the wind is on my side. Tomorrow is also my first day alone, I am trying not to let it bother me because of how many awesome things I have yet to see. I can see my day off in Thunder Bay in the distance and I keep pedaling towards that.
112 km
I woke up early yet again and was on the road by 7:30, the sun was warming quick and the first 20km was all down hill. I stopped in Wawa for some subway and to do a few things. This is where the day turned on me. I called Telus and they said Pay-as-you-go does not work in Northern Ontario and I won't be able to use my cell until Manitoba. Then I try inflating my tires with a special adapter for my funky valve and failed. Finally the mechanic an Canadian Tire helped me figure it out. Everyone in Wawa was so nice and asked about my trip, so I guess that makes Wawa alright but I am not ok with the next 4 hours of head winds. I relaxed in the sun at Kyle's family's camp 20 km south of White River (I fell asleep). Tonight I get a bed and a roof and I am currently enjoying a well earned beer. Hopefully my trek to Marathon goes better tomorrow and the wind is on my side. Tomorrow is also my first day alone, I am trying not to let it bother me because of how many awesome things I have yet to see. I can see my day off in Thunder Bay in the distance and I keep pedaling towards that.
Day 2 - Pancake Bay Provincial Park, ON to Rabbit Blanket Provincial Park, ON
May 18th, 2010
121 km
Today was a real test of my ability, I knew it would be quite mountainous but that is an understatement. I started off strong waking up at 5:30 freezing and leaving at 7:30 in my cold weather gear. I remembered to take a lot of pictures today and ran into Kyle a few times doing the same thing. Every time I climbed a big hill I would think this is the big one everyone was telling me about but the next would be bigger. For the record the Montreal River is the biggest, having a 4 km steep incline and the hills don't stop after. The last 30 km of the day was hard I was starting to doubt myself but I just started resting more often. The 121 km took me eight and half hours which sucked. Now I am stuck with various annoying bugs. Lastly their are air holes in my helmet and my scalp now has very selective burns.
121 km
Today was a real test of my ability, I knew it would be quite mountainous but that is an understatement. I started off strong waking up at 5:30 freezing and leaving at 7:30 in my cold weather gear. I remembered to take a lot of pictures today and ran into Kyle a few times doing the same thing. Every time I climbed a big hill I would think this is the big one everyone was telling me about but the next would be bigger. For the record the Montreal River is the biggest, having a 4 km steep incline and the hills don't stop after. The last 30 km of the day was hard I was starting to doubt myself but I just started resting more often. The 121 km took me eight and half hours which sucked. Now I am stuck with various annoying bugs. Lastly their are air holes in my helmet and my scalp now has very selective burns.
Day 1 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON to Pancake Bay Provincial Park, ON
May 17th, 2010
83 KM
It seems really weird to leave home knowing you won't be coming home for a long time. The first ride was harder than expected, the weight slowed me down and I was riding on 3 hours of sleep. My favourite part of the day was stopping at the halfway point of the Trans Canada highway and eating a PBJ. Having Kyle and Genny here the first night made things easier but I am still overwhelmed and scared. I hope by the time I get to Marathon I will be ready for my first night alone.
83 KM
It seems really weird to leave home knowing you won't be coming home for a long time. The first ride was harder than expected, the weight slowed me down and I was riding on 3 hours of sleep. My favourite part of the day was stopping at the halfway point of the Trans Canada highway and eating a PBJ. Having Kyle and Genny here the first night made things easier but I am still overwhelmed and scared. I hope by the time I get to Marathon I will be ready for my first night alone.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 0 - To Excited To Sleep
It is the morning of May 17th and I have only slept 3 good hours and about 1 and half hours of laying there. All my muscles hurt from what I can only assume is constant flexing due to stress/anxiety. All though this is technically Day 1 I am going to call it Day 0 cause my first blog is a pre trip thing. I leave in about 4 hours and it doesn't look like sleep is going to be luxury this day hopefully tonight will be better. To start things off here is a list of things I am bringing on my trip (which by the way is too fucking heavy).
Bike - Long Haul Trucker by Surly
Headlight
Rearlight
Bike Pump
Clip/Platform Pedals
Biking Shoes
Walking Shoes
3 Water Bottles
Bike Lock
Waterproof Socks
7 Pairs of Socks
2 Pairs of Biking Shorts
2 Jerseys
4 Pairs of Underwear
3 T-Shirts
Long Johns
Jeans
Shorts
Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof Gloves
Long Fingered Gloves
Short Fingered Gloves
Sweater
Touque
Headlamp
3 Books
Crank Radio
Tent
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Pillow
Bear Spray
Stove
Can of Gas
Pots/Pans
Swiss Army Knife
Vitamins/Various Natural Pills
Lighter
Rope
2 Extra Tubes
2 Extra Spokes
Patch Kit
Tool
Lube
Duck Tape
Toothbrush/Tooth Paste
Natural Bug Repellent
Natural Sun Screen
Soap
Towel
Bathing Suit
Camera
Journal
iPod
Cell Phone
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Snacks
Toilet Paper
Wallet
Extra Brake and Shifter Cables
Contacts
Glasses
Sunglasses
Helmet
First Aid Kit
Deck Of Cards
Deoderant
Rag
Lip Balm
Travel Clock
Bike - Long Haul Trucker by Surly
Headlight
Rearlight
Bike Pump
Clip/Platform Pedals
Biking Shoes
Walking Shoes
3 Water Bottles
Bike Lock
Waterproof Socks
7 Pairs of Socks
2 Pairs of Biking Shorts
2 Jerseys
4 Pairs of Underwear
3 T-Shirts
Long Johns
Jeans
Shorts
Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof Gloves
Long Fingered Gloves
Short Fingered Gloves
Sweater
Touque
Headlamp
3 Books
Crank Radio
Tent
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Pillow
Bear Spray
Stove
Can of Gas
Pots/Pans
Swiss Army Knife
Vitamins/Various Natural Pills
Lighter
Rope
2 Extra Tubes
2 Extra Spokes
Patch Kit
Tool
Lube
Duck Tape
Toothbrush/Tooth Paste
Natural Bug Repellent
Natural Sun Screen
Soap
Towel
Bathing Suit
Camera
Journal
iPod
Cell Phone
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Snacks
Toilet Paper
Wallet
Extra Brake and Shifter Cables
Contacts
Glasses
Sunglasses
Helmet
First Aid Kit
Deck Of Cards
Deoderant
Rag
Lip Balm
Travel Clock
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
