Ontario Badlands

Hello,
I know this isn't part of my biking trip, but it is pretty interesting.

I was looking at a photoblog when I saw a picture of interest. http://wvs.topleftpixel.com/archives/photos_landscape/050725_1243.shtml

Amanda and I decided to go on a road trip to visit this place. It isn't very far from Guelph as you can see if you follow the links to show it's location.
We stopped for dinner in Acton on the way. Our pictures aren't as crisp or colourful, but it was definitely an adventure and I would recommend going there if you are in the area.

aug 7, 8, 9 and 12 updated

aug 6 and 10 updated

St. John's

Laurene, Christa and I picked up a bike box at Christa's favourite bike store. (I got it for free. I guess it pays to know the right people.) We went and got a magnet for Laurene's collection. Near City Hall is 'Mile 0'. We took some pictures.




We went for a hike along Marine Dr. which is up the east coast from the city. It was really beautiful on the drive and the hike. Along the hike there were tons of blueberries, which definitely caused me to miss some of the excellent scenary. We saw a whale off in the distance. The midpoint in the hike was out to a point. The very end was a small cliff which would have required some clever footwork. As I approached the edge I looked up to see a naked guy having a cigarette. I quickly turned around and decided that the trip to the very end of the point wasn't really necessary. I'm sorry I don't have a picture for you :)





Laurene and I had dinner at the Spout, the local vegetarian restaurant. It was excellent. Christa and her boyfriend, Rick, enjoyed a dinner on their own.
My evening was spent with Laurene and Christa between two Irish-type pubs, O'Reillys and Bridie Molloys. Both were a pretty good time.

ST. JOHN'S!!!!!!

I made it!!!
The journey into town was uneventful except for the hills coming south on the hwy and the fog for the first half of the day. The fog was definitely some of the most mentally challenging riding that I've had to do on the whole trip. I was biking in hills and a headwind at the time, and you can't see where you are headed or where you have been or if you are going up or down a hill.

I felt so lost. The time passed so slowly.
I finally made it out of the fog and started east for St. John's. The hills where more tame along this route and the wind was on my back/side.
I called Laurene and we agreed to meet a Cape Spear, the most easterly point in Canada. The trip into St. John's was very nice and there were some excellent views of the city. I will take pictures of them another day.
There were some difficult hills leading to Cape Spear. Especially after such a long day. Halfway up there was a sign for me that Laurene and Christa had made encouraging me on.
When I got to the top, they had a painted banner for me.............and some juice and treats.
Such a nice reception!!!!


I will be staying with Christa and her boyfriend Rick. It will be nice staying in a real house. I have spent the 10 days on the road since my last day off.


I will write more about this day..but I don't have the time right now. I want to make a few notes about some of the things I have not included...yet....in my blog.

- Visting Alison in Winnipeg (who I hadn't seen in 4 or 5 years) was awesome. We relaxed and hung out and did some touristy stuff in the town and went to the beach...and to the horse races....and I got to meet her family.
- When I visit Guelph I got to have ice cream with Doug and Erin...went to dinner with Amanda and Sara and had a BBQ with my housemates. I also got sick one day and was on the couch in front of the TV the whole time.
- I got an amazing welcome into Kingston. I told Meg which route I would be taking into town and she wrote me a nice welcoming message on the shoulder of the road. (I will post pictures shortly.) It was much nicer than the cream soda incident.
- The ferry to Newfoundland was good. I slept most of the way and am glad that I was able to fall asleep after I woke up to the heaving of the ship.
- Newfoundland was awesome. The people are so nice and the scenary is spectacular. There are so many things that I missed along with way that I will return to see.

I have no deep thoughts to end my trip. Well, I guess this isn't really the end of my trip. I may be done biking, but there are still lots of new things happening in the next little while that the adventures will continue.
I'm excited for school come September and I may have to move in the near future.

Thank you everyone for your support along the way. Knowing that people read my blog made all the difference and all the comments made me feels so close to all of you.
I will continue to post entries and pictures until it's complete and I've returned to Guelph (probably even after I'm in Guelph), so please check back for the full version.
Tak'er easy,
Ry

Notre Dame - Clarenville

Ave 19.5km/hr. Distance 192.04km. Ride Time 9hr50min.
The wind was they same direction as yesterday, so I had a tailwind for the first bit, buy then crazy headwind the rest of the day. The scenary wasn't special today. I love Newfoundland, but dinfinitely nothing picture worthy that would turn out nicely. After Gander it was very hilly.


Long ups and downs that never stopped. Like norther Ontario, but not as steep. Terre Nova Park was nothing spectacular, but I'm sure it would be beautiful if you venture off the hwy. In the park I was climbing a hilll and at the top I saw a car waiting for me. It was Mitch and Reid whom I had met at the ferry dock in North Sydney. They are now stationed in Quebec and on a vacation. They gave me a chocolate bar and told me to hive them a call in St. John's. Some people are so friendly.
I'm camped in a beautiful spto just off the Hwy before Clarenville, atop a hill overlooking a dark green valley. I should have done more random camping like this.

So...St. John's tomorrow. I'm so excited. I called Laurene to see if she will be able to meet me. It looks like it's a go. I can't believe that the trip will be over...
I will compile my pictures and relive it when I get back to Guelph.I will have to think of something meaningful to say when I reach Cape Spear, like they do when the shuttle lands.

Forty Birchy - Notre Dame Provincial Park

Ave 24.6km/hr. Distance 188.94km. Ride Time 7hr41min.
Started at 10am. Ran into Chris and Cheryl again. They were driving back to the ferry after finishing their trip. Ahh...it's nice to see that there is an end. I don't mean that in a bad way. Newfoundland is so beautiful, but I've been picturing myself standing on the coast, and I'm so excited!!!




I had a nice chat with them and we exchanged blogs. Check it out. http://jubienbike.blogspot.com
I had a tailwind for 2/3 of the day. The headwind from Southbrook to Badger was killer. Ok scenary. I Camped at Notre Dame Provincial Park. They were full, but they decided to made a spot for me in the group camping area. I met some people from Fenelon Falls and some from St. John's (Colin and Heather).
I like the hills here. Long and not too steep. You can maintain a prett good speed.

Corner Brook - Fort Birchy Campground

Ave 26.5km/hr. Distance 131.40km/hr. Ride Time 4hr58min.



I had a fantastic breakfast at the Tucked Inn of Greek omlettes with all the fixings. I was then told not to worry about a check out time. This was great because I needed to get my bike fixed. I biked up to the store near the edge of town. And I do mean that I biked 'up' to the store. Corner Brook is build on a hill. It makes it very scenic, but also a pain to get around by bike. When I walked into the store they knew I was coming. They knew where I had come from and what I needed done. After inquiring they told me that my Mom and Dad had left a message for them advising that I was on my way there. It was pretty funny. I got my brakes fixed, my front tire changed (it was cracking cause it was so old) and picked up another small water bottle and holder.
When riding back to the Tucked Inn I could tell that my were perfect. The stopping power was incredible, just like it should be. It was raining when I had finally packed up all my stuff so I decided to hide out for a while and check my internet. Darryl wanted to take some pictures so we did that and posted them to my site.
I left at 1:30pm with a tailwind and enjoyed some nice views of lakes and hills. On my way out Darryl presented me with a bag lunch. This place was amazing. I recommend it to anyone and everyone.




I stayed at Fort Birchy RV park for $15. They were very nice there and made me a small dinner even though their tea house was closed. I got a campsite right on the lake. Very nice.

North Sydney - Ferry - Corner Brook

Ave 23.9km/hr. Max 76.4km/hr. Distance 220km. Ride Time 9hr34min.
I had checked my bags so I picked them up and started out a about 6:30am. Wow, my easliest day yet! I had met some more bikers from Quebec City that had run to the ferry last minute. They were doing a couple day ride on the Island.
The scenary has been amazing. It was hilly in some sectoins, but I had a tailwind to help me along. Starting out so early in the morning is refreshing. Dawn is much more beautiful than sunset.


On the road I also met two other German bikers doing the Island in about 2 weeks.



I think I got to Corner Brook around 7pm but I don't really remember. I inquired about camping at the info booth but there was nothing that was in biking distance. I had to stay close to town because I wanted to get my brakes fixed and biking 10km down the road didn't make sense. I decided to crash in a park on the outside of town. I wanted to hear some music downtown in the evening so I decided to get cleaned up by swimming at a local beach. After changing out of my biking shorts I noticed a huge worn spot on them. You could totally see my ass! I wonder how long it's been like that. While I was getting in the water I got lots of funny looks so I imagine that it was like that at least for today. Good times. (It's a good thing that I bought a second pair in Antigonish. They will come in handy tomorrow.)

After inquiring about live music I headed downtown. I visited a couple of places that people had recommended, but no luck on the music. While I was looking I passed by a small bed and breakfast called The Tucked Inn and decided to inquire about prices.
Upon knocking I was greeted by Darryl, the new owner. After thinking for a moment he said that he would find a way to get be a bed even though they were full. The rest of the guest were just finishing up their dinner and I was invited to join. Darryl had made Seafood chowder and bbq'd corn. It was amazing and I had a great time talking with all the other guest who were mostly travelling on their motorcycles.
I can't even say enough about the hospitality at this place. It was incredible. They also helped me to locate the bike store in town. I'm sure I will have a good sleep tonight.

Skir Dhu - North Sydney

Ave 22.5km/hr. Distance 64.88km. Ride Time 2hr53min.
Started at 8:30am. Not too bad for once. I had a horrible sleep. Since I have scraps all over there wasn't a single position to rest in. I got some sweet pics to post of my wounds. Mmmmmm.
My brakes still aren't working properly. I took it in for fixing in PEI, but they are still very soft. (Perhaps one reason I went off the road so quickly.) They seemed to be better when I started out of PEI though. Even without weight they are soft. The scenary wasn't anything special. The west coast is definitely more scenic on the Cabot trail. There is a huge descent on 105 coming to the bridge crossing St. Patrick's channel. For sure a record breaking hill should I ever try it again.
There was a super short ferry on St. Anns Bay. This region was the most scenic of the day for sure. It was cool to climb out of the bay and then be able to look back to where you were. When in North Sydney I decided to take the late ferry and sleep through the crossing. I got pictures put on CD, went grocery shopping and looked in Canadian Tire for bike tires as there is no bike store in North Sydney, only Syndey 20km away.
Hey Buddy....I forgot to mention that I busted one of the clips that holds the bag to the bike. No worries though, if MEC doesn't replace it, I will. I bought some zip ties to fasten the bag so it won't, or shouldn't be a problem.
I met another biker at the ferry dock taking the 4:00pm boat. Meh, I guess we will chat when we meet on the road tomorrow. I also met some guys that went to RMC and chatted for a while about Kingston.
I hope I get a good sleep on the ferry, otherwise biking tomorrow will be a chore. I got a bunk to sleep on for a little extra money.
I at at Rollie's and stayed there for the live music. It was a chick rock band. They were kickin' it. You could tell how much they loved being on stage.

Pleasant Bay - Skir Dhu

Ave 18.0km/hr. Distance 106km. Ride Time 5hr53min.
Started out late. I was going to do a hike with one of the girls at the hostel, but she didn't get back from whale watching in time. The climb out of Pleasant Bay was pretty big. So was the descent into Neil's Harbour. The views didn't get nice until well into the day, but at least today was sunny. As it turns out I had a nice headwind today too. Meh, it's bearable at least. (Not like yesterday)
I stopped frequently for breaks and pictures. It's like the mountains here becaus it's hard to make myself bike and leave the nice scenary.
I had dinner in Ingonish Beach. I had to ask which town I was in becuase they all blend together and are spare at best.

So..here's the big news of the day.
I bailed huge coming down the last big hill of the day, Smokey Mountain. Something went wrong when I was rounding one of the first corners going down the hill. I didn't make it and hit the gravel shoulder pretty fast. (I'm really amazed at how fast your feet unclip from your pedals when going over you handlebars.) Anyways, after it all I landed on my feet...well...after smacking my head, shoulder, both elbows and my left knee. Everything bled quite a bit. (Except for my head as I was wearing my ever popular brain bucket.) I got cleaned up at the next store, about 8 km down the road.
I should have some good pictures for you, but perhaps not if they are too gruesome. I will have them transferred to CD in North Sydney before I catch the ferry. I can't decide whether to take the 4pm and get a campsite in Newfoundland or to take the 11:30pm and sleep on the ferry. Meh..either way.

Inverness - Pleasant Bay

Ave 17.4km/hr. Ride Time 6hr00min. Distance 104km.
Killer, killer headwind. I took a video of it. The big hills started as you enter the park. They were pretty big and pretty long, but most of the climbs come with great views. Remember that every great view comes with a lookout. The weather was crappy all day. It only rained for an hour total though. I took lots of pics but who knows how they will turn out. I'm staying in the Pleasant Bay hostel. There are quite a few people here so it should be pretty fun. The hills coming into Pleasant Bay were amazing.
My kms today were horrible. I blame it all on the headwind. My average speed was the lowerst ever!!!! Damn headwind.

Antigonish - Inverness

Ave 22km/hr. Distance 141.10km. Ride Time 6hr25min.
When I got back to my bike after dinner last night it had a flat. This morning I changed it and picked up a new tube at the bike store just west of twon on Hwy 104. That meant a late start. Grrr. The ride to the Canso Causway had a few hills. There was only a couple of nice views along the main hwy. I have decided to do the Cabot Trail so I headed up Hwy 19 into a killer headwind. Just after Judique it started to rain lightly. (And no I didn't stop riding just yet.) I rode to Mabou and pulled off the road for some dinner. Just as I sat down to eat it started to pour. (Good timing).
In Judique I inquireed and was told that The Barn in Margaree Forks had good live music. I was hoping to get there tonight, but with now it seems unlikely that I will make it.
I need to book my ferry still. It's difficult when I don't know the terrain ahead or the weather.

So...I made it to Inverness and paid $28 for a campsite. Ridiculous. I think I got some pretty good pics coming into the town though. There were some cool rain clouds coming in off the ocean over the hills.
I decided to go to a local CD opening at a bar in town. I met two sisters on a road trip that happened to be staying at the same campsite. They are from the Toronto area and had decided to head for Inverness. We chatted at the opening and decided to go to a Ceilidh back in Mabou which I had passed through earlier in the day. (They had a car so it was easy getting back:) ). Lindsay, Kristen and I learned how to dance with the locals. It was a really good time. I guess they have these dances pretty much every night if you're willing to go between the small towns in the area. It is the same dance all the time so everyone can do it. There are a couple of parts that I still get wrong, but I'm sure with more practice I'll get it. Kristen goes to U of T and Lindsay will be going to Guelph in the fall. I told them I would introduce them to the famous Aggie Pub!!! Good times.

Charlottetown - Antigonish

Ave 23.3km/hr. Ride Time 5hr55min. Distance 139.88km.
I think I started around 9:30am. Not too bad. I took Hwy 1 to start, but cut off on Hwy 23 as it was much shorter. It was retty hilly and not very scenic so I'd be interested to know what Hwy 1 was like along the shoreline.
I made it to the ferry at Wood Islands early and checked out the lighthouse nearby before departing at 1:00pm.

On the ferry I met Chris and Cheryl again. (I had met them in the Wawa campsite as well.) Chris is doing a supported cross Canada ride with Cheryl's help. There was also a musician entertaining the passengers with some seafaring songs. Very nice.
Off the ferry I took Hwy 106 to exit 2 and made my way to New Glasgow where I joined up with Hwy 104 a very busy road. No scenic routes right now because I want to do the Cabot Trail and the long way around Newfoundland. Those will be my scenic parts. And, if I want to meet Laurene in St. John's I'll have to hurry. I'm camped right in Antigonish at Whidden's. They have a cyclist rate of $16. They have tons of services, but I won't be using them.
I had an amazing dinner in town at the Sunshine Cafe. I think I'd come back here just for the restaurant. :)

Rest Day in Charlottetown

I got up this morning and took my bike in for a cleaning and tune-up. I was going to get the brake pads replaced but they said they only needed to be cleaned.
The tune-up went very well. I made sure everything was working properly before I left:)
Then I got a haircut at Ray's barbershop. Good times. I chatted with the woman cutting my hair for much too long.
Mary, Tom, Julie and I toured around the city checking out the sights. (James had classes to go to).



Tom and Julie left for Nova Scotia to continue on their trip and Mary and I had a late lunch at a nice little restaurant called Bean in downtown Charlottetown.
The city is very nice to stroll around, but it is very very small. It seems proportional to the size of the province.
Mary then left on a business trip and I met James back at the house where we had dinner and watched my favourite episode of Law and Order: SVU. (He has the DVDs).
Now, it is the evening and I'm trying to catch up on all my emails and blog updates. Perhaps I will add more pictures now. Hmmm....decisions, decisions.