2001 bicycle trip

7/24/2019 2001 Bicycle trip

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Halifax, NS 2001Calgary or Bust!!

Thursday, July 19 !Halifax12:00pm

I flew out from Regina to Halifax and shipped my bike with me.

There was an Assembly of First Nations event happening at the same time. I stayed with my

nephew Guy and Hector at the Delta Hotel in downtown Halifax. There was a locally FN owned

restaurant in downtown Halifax, they were o"ering #10 lobster specials. We went down and ate a

whole lot of lobsters. I asked if I could tour their kitchen. I went into the kitchen and witnessed

them cooking lobster, let just say when they hit the boiling water and scream, well you know. jks It

actually sounds like their screaming, but its the air pressure letting loose. It was our last night in

Halifax and I came back to the hotel early. Hector showed up not long after and we ordered pizza,

of course he zonked out before the pizza arrived, I had to wake him up to pay for it. Guy showed up

shortly after and he throughly enjoyed the pizza. He said mmmm this the BEST pizza, we justlooked at him and laughed.

The next morning, Guy and Hector packed and left for the airport. I didnt check out until 12 noon,

it was so hot out I wanted to feel the AC for a bit longer.


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2

HalifaxFirst day of my ride $80 km

Friday, July 20 !Hot Hot!!12:00 pm

I got on the road, confident in my new touring bike, even

with the bike loaded I could stand up and

peddle without it feeling like it was going to

fall apart. It was very hot out, I was

sweating alot. I came through this small

town, Enfield and as I was riding though

town I noticed a Barber Shop, I kept riding.

I kept thinking about a hair cut and how

much cooler it might be. I turned around after a

couple of blocks and went for a haircut, yes it was cooler but

the heat was still a challenge.

You see a lot garbage along the highways, mostly McDonalds

and Tim Hortons cups. I found a little hitch hiker along the

way and hes been riding with me since.

I passed a town called Stewiacke and it was getting dark, so Ihad to find someplace to camp. I decide on a spot in the

ditch, just before an o"ramp. I could hear the tra%c but

they couldnt see me. I could see the tra%c on the o"ramp

and the only way they could see me, is if they looked back,

highly unlikely.

7:12 pm

I set up camp and started to get my dinner ready. I was

cooking noodles that evening on my portable camp stove.

The only water I could find was a standing pool of water.

How bad could it be, after all I was boiling it. I added the

noodles and waiting for it to cook. My first camp meal, I was

hungry!! I let it cool o"a bit before I tasted it, blahh I just

about threw up, it was horrible. I was so hungry though, I

drained the noodles and ate some of them. I couldnt eat

noodles for years, they bought back memories of that horrible

water.


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3

Oxford, NS88

Saturday, Jul8:00 am

I packed up and took care of an injury I received from a camp

trip in June. Its still an open wound and healing, it kept me fr

training for this trip.

Another hot day, I passed a few places and noticed some FN

communities along the way. I pulledinto Oxford in the early evening and

looked for a campground, I found a

local Kinsmen park. I camped way

in the back, away from the main

park. I went to the local gas station

for some supplies. In the evening I

could hear a bunch of kids partying on the other

side of the park.

Moncton, NBSunday, Jul

8:00 am

Packed up and headed out early, stopped at the gas station for

some co"ee and water. I spend approximately #15$18 on water

day.

Crossing into New Brunswick I had a huge head wind, I stopp

a small town and did laundry. At the border the NS and NB flwere straight out, blowing into the Bay of Fundy. Ive been try

to find a campground near the end of my riding days and have

had any luck, its been 2 days of sweating and no shower.


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4

Moncton, NB7:30 pm

I rolled into Moncton as the sun was going down. As I was ridin

in, I was looking for a place to camp. The only possible spot I

noticed was a pair of baseball fields. I rode passed the ball

diamonds, looking for someplace to eat. I found a Submarine shand enjoying a big meal. It was dark by the time I made it back t

the ball diamonds. I set up my tent just over the fence in right

field. It rained on me over night, so in the morning I hung my te

and other wet stu"over the fence and waited for them to dry,

didnt take long.

101 km

Monday, July 2Magnetic Hill

Its Monday in Moncton and I really need to find a campground

and shower. I study my map and notice a campground near

Magnetic Hill on the North West side on Moncton. I ride throu

downtown Moncton, its pretty quiet. I get to the campground a

check$in. Im very aware that Ive been cycling for 3 days and I

stand back when Im paying for the site.

Rest and Shower

I set up my tent and immediately go for a shower. As a matter of

fact I take 3 showers that day. It was a nice day of rest.

15 km


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Tuesday, July 24 !Mi!Cove, NB8:00 am

Feeling refreshed and ready for another day of

traveling in an area Ive never been before. It started

raining as I was coming into Mill

Cove. I found a camping site and

pulled in for the night. I still had

plenty of light out, but it was pouring

out. I parked in this shelter to wait

the rain out. The rain didnt let up at

all, it was getting dark, so I had to go

set up my tent in the rain. By the time

I was set up and in the tent everything

was drenched. I was so tired, I fell asleep, cold and

wet. Unfortunately, the spot where I set up my tent,there happened to be stream of water running under

it all night. I was soaked the next morning.

112 kms

Drying Time

In the morning, I set up a clothes line and hung up all

my wet stu", sleeping bag, tent, clothes. The saving

grace, was it was a sunny and I just relaxed in the sun

waiting for my stu"to dry. I checked out around

noon.

Wednesday, July 25 !Fredericton, NB

12:00 pm

Today, while riding along the highway I came across

another cycler, sort of. He was on my side of the road

and pushing his full size 3 wheeler. He looked like an

old sailer and was happy as heck. I stopped and we

chatted for awhile, he pulled out a flask and o"eredme a drink, too early in the day haha As I was leaving,

I noticed his bike had no pedals.


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I rode through this one town and I ran into a convoy

of horse drawn buggies. I wasnt sure if it was a

parade or locals.

Hostel TimeIm really enjoying my ride today. I pull into

Fredericton, and checked into a Hostel. Saved me

from setting up my tent. After I shower up, I

immediately head downtown to look for a restaurant.

I found a pub and ordered some fish n chips. As I sat

there, watching some sporting event, a group of young

people came in and sat a couple tables down. I later

found out, this is a College town.

College Town

As I was minding my own business this young guy

from the table that just sat down comes over to talk

to me. They were obviously having a good time. He

asked me how I was doing and what I was doing. I

told I was cycling across Canada and my name. He

turns around and yells to his table Hey, this is my

friend Bernie and hes partying with us!!! whoo hoo!!!

His friends come over and greeted me, the girls head

back to their table and now the 2 young lads are

talking to me.Original young guy hey, you look like Tom Selleck

and my friend is Tom Selleck fan!! and he turns to

his friend. second guy yes I am!! you gotta come

partying with us!! I smile and say sure, meanwhile I

began plotting my escape, there is no way Im gonna

go partying with a Tom Selleck freak, lol

70 kms


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Thursday, July 26 !Fredericton , NB7:00 am

A beautiful day to start my cycling, I get approximately 50 kms west of Fredericton

and disaster. My back brakes start to rub, I get o"and check to see what is the

issue. I broke a spoke and this after the cycle shop in Regina guaranteed that I

wont break any on this amazing touring bike, I was so disappointed. I consideredmy options and decided to go back to Fredericton. I called a taxi and he came out to

get me, it cost me #50. I got my wheel fixed and started out again, there was no way I

was gonna pay another #50 taxi ride, deja vu today.

Many breaks

After I got back on the road again, I stopped at a church for some rest. As I was about to leave,

some tourists from Maine pulled up and we started talking about my trip. They o"ered me #10, I

tried explaining to them that I was ok, but they insisted I take the money, just another example of

the people I meet on the road.

Very hot on the HighwayIt was so hot today and long roads with no where to stop for shade. I finally stopped on the highway

where a highways building was located. It was still hot in the shade, better than no shade, I

suppose.

I finally found a campsite near Dumfries for the night.

100 kms


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Friday, July 27 !Perth"Andover, NB7:00 am

Today was so hot traveling on the main highway, I

finally took a secondary road and rode into Hartland,

home of the famous Hartland Bridge, the world's

longest covered bridge, at 1,282 feet &391 m' long. It

was quite exciting riding through it.

135 kms

Saturday, July 28 !Edmundston, NB

7:30 pm

After a long hot day of cycling, I was having a rest anddrinking water in front of 7$11 and this man notices

my bike and comes over to talk to me. I told him my

story and he o"ered me a ride to a campsite that he

recommended. It turns out he was a Canadian Border

Services guard.

Campground

He loaded my bike in the back of his pickup and

drove me to the campground. He even o"ered to buy

me a burger. This is an example of the many people Imet so far. They are always willing to go out of their

way to help traveling strangers.

Leaving Edmundston

It was a great day of riding, my cut on my leg has

finally healed up. It gets so hot in the afternoon that

I realize that I should start riding early and try get a

100 kms in before noon. As I ride past Edmundston I

came across a path dedicated to cycling. I jump on

this path and come to the Quebec border, a sign at

the entrance reads that you have to have purchase a

bicycle license to ride a bike in Quebec. I havent had

to buy a bicycle license since I was 12, cool!!!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covered_bridgehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covered_bridge


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Sunday, July 29 !Cabano, QC5:48 pm

Im amazing at the amount of people on this trail, I probably met close to a 100 cyclist today. I

stopped for the night at a campground along side a lake. Its my first time in an environment that the

o%cial language isnt english. I went to a restaurant that evening and wasnt having much luck

ordering dinner, my french is not that good. Another man helps me with my order, speaking french

to the waitress. He tells me about a famous cycler that lives in the campground that Im at. His

name is Philip and he cycled across Canada and then ran back across all in one year.

160 kms


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Monday, July 30 !Rest and Relax day8:00 am

The following morning I start to ask around about where Philip lives. Turns out he lives in a trailer not

far from me with his wife Lucy. He invites me in and shows me his Guinness World Book of records. He

cycled and ran across Canada when he was 79 years old, he was 81 when I met him. As we were having

tea, another rider knocks on his door and its a Military friend of his that rode from Quebec City. He

explains to Philip that he wanted to ride with him, they make plans to ride east the following day. Im

more that happy that Philip spoke english, this Quebec is going to be a long lonely ride. Ive been told

that many people refuse to speak english, even though they understand and speak english.

Tuesday, July 31 !Saint"Jean"Port"Joli, QC

7:00 am

I get an early start and theres hardly anyone on the bike trail yet. I pass a couple motels and stores that

are dedicated to Cyclers, this is a great trail. It didnt take me long to get to Riviere$du$Loup, and the St

Lawrence Seaway

Bicycles are not allowed on the main highway so I follow a road along the St Lawrence Seaway. I pass a

sign, and its advertising the menu outside. I can only make out bu"et, sounds like my kind of place. I

immediately start looking for a campground and I come across these cabins that are situated along the

Seaway. The rooms were painted all di"erent kinds of bright colors, and the rooms were cheap, #30

night. I check$in, showered and walk over to the restaurant. A bu"et, I was thinking, Im gonna go crazy

in there hehe I walk in and Im seated, I ask about bu"et and yes its on. A Vegetarian Bu"et!! Not only

that, but you pay by the weight of your food. #15 dollars later, I was still hungry.

152 kms


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Wednesday, August 1 !Saint"Grgoire, &Nicolet, QC

6:00 am

I got up early, mainly because I was looking forward to finding

someplace for breakfast. I chatted with a couple neighborsfrom Sask that were also on a long distance road trip, only on

Harleys. I was on the road by 6:30 am and loving having the

road to myself and very little wind. I stopped at a farm that

was advertising breakfast, there is a lot of family owned

businesses along this route. I made it to Quebec City shortly

after noon. I crossed on a Ferry to Quebec City and walked

around. I went to Old Town and it was mostly cobble stone

roads. I had some co"ee and pastry at a quint cafe. I didnt

stay long, I went back across the Ferry and continued my

journey.

Long Day

I rode into Saint Antoine$de$Tilly close to dark and asked the

employees at the C$store about camping. They didnt

understand, I say Hotels, motels &I put my head on my heads

like it a pillow'Ohh they say, Oui Oui and they point me

downtown and say the name in french. I cycle downtown and

couldnt find no hotel or motel, finally I recognize the name

they gave me, it was a Bed and Breakfast. I went in and the

rooms were#

130, a little steep, but I was tired and needed ashower. The bed was so soft, had the greatest sleep and the

next morning I had a great breakfast. After my goodbyes I

was on the road before 9 am.

135 kms


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Thursday, August 2 !NICOLET, QC6:00 pm

It was a great day for cycling, theres a lot of farms along this

route. I stopped at a few of them. As I was peddling in the

middle of nowhere, my phone rang. It was a friend of mine

calling, he said he just heard I was cycling across Canada. So,

Im trying to explain where I am, but Im a little lost at the

moment. I come to a fork in the road and if I take the north

road and cross the river, I would end up in Trois $Rivieres,QC.

Ive always heard about this place in the racing news. It was

getting late in the afternoon and I decide to go south towards

Saint$Gregorie. Its sunset when I get into SG and its a small

town. I cycle looking for a camp ground or motel. No luck,

its dark now and ponder what to do. I did find one motel, bu

the sign said No Vacancy. I ask about other motels, they telme there is another motel in a town up the road. Its dark out

now and I decide to call a cab, and get a ride to Nicolet about

15 kms down the road. I dont want to take a chance at riding

at night, the roads are too narrow.

Riding in a Cab again

I get to Nicolet and the No Vacancy sign was turned on. I

go in, what do I have to lose? The owner tells me his rooms

are all filled, but if I want I can camp in the backyard and in

the morning, shower up in one of the rooms. I have a good

sleep and shower up in the morning. The owner decides to

take me for breakfast and pays for it too. Once you get past

the language barrier, this is typical of the people Ive met.


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Friday, August 3 !Montreal, QC7:00 am

Today my goal is to reach Montreal. I have no choice but to take secondary roads, as bicycles are

not permitted on the main highways. Sometimes I end up taking a little longer route, no matter as I

usually end up in the right direction. Today was one of those days.

Call me a cab!!

I arrive in Montreal as the sun is setting. I have the street lights to guide me now. I have a roombooked at the Delta Hotel, thanks to one of my corporate sponsors. I end up in the industrial area,

my map is not that good when it comes to urban areas. I cycle around for a couple hours, it doesnt

seem like Im getting any closer to downtown. I finally give up and call a cab. I check$in and Im

looking forward to spending 3 days exploring Montreal. Ive been here before, but never as a tourist.

Steak Time!!

The next day, I phone around for a cycle shop that can, yes repair my back rim again. After I drop

my bike o", I wonder around downtown, its much easier to communicate here, most of the people

speak both French and English. I head back to my hotel and rest. I ask the concierge about a good

place to have some steak. He tells me about a couple places and this one in particular. This is

where the Mafia hang out he said. Ok then I think, this is where Im going to go. I arrive at the

steak house that evening, with the exception of one table its mostly empty. I sit down and order

some wine and steak. This other table, men in suits, is wearily keeping an eye on me. The meal was

excellent!! As Im leaving I consider saying to the table of suits in my best Al Pacino accent Say

hello to my little friend Nay, why ruin a good meal by having to run down a flight of stairs and

around city blocks.


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Sunday,August 5!MontrealThe Concierge also mentioned another restaurant that

was owned by Mike Bossy, famous NHL player. I plan

my next evening dinner there. I make a reservation there

and tell them to let Mike know that Ill be there tonight.

Gra!ti town

I go downtown to find a nice shirt to wear for that

evening. The thing about cycling is you cant buy too

much stu", for every item I buy I have to throw

something away. I spend the day shopping for a shirt and

walking around looking at all the gra%ti. There was a lot

of it, very talented artists. As I was walking down this

alley admiring the gra%ti, I come across this kid with a

backpack and a spray can. He doesnt notice me as Im

watching him, finally I ask to do one for me. I startledhim and hes looking scared, and at my #20 that Im

o"ering him. your not a cop? he asked. dont be silly

I tell him. He spray paints Halifax to Calgary 5000 kms

2001 for me. I ask him for the spray can and he takes a

picture of me.

Strip bar

On my way back to the hotel, its hot out and I decide to

look for a place to have a cold beer. I decide on a bar

thats approximately a block away from the hotel. I walkdown the dimly lit corridor and I can see the bar and hear

loud music. As Im surveying the bar, the waiter is

rushing over to me welcome welcome!! come in In the

corner of my eye I spot a stage and theres a man dancing

on it, dam it!! Im in a male strip bar. I wheel around

before the waiter can grab my arm and rush out to the

street. Pretty sure I could hear laughter at my expense lol

4:00 pm

I get back to my hotel and settle for a beer in the hotellounge.

Note to self

Its our Anniversary today, Happy Anniversary!!

Happy Anniversary!! Happppppppy

Anniversaryyyyyyyyyyy!!!!


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Mike Bossys Restaurant !Montreal7:00 pm

I get to the restaurant and my table is ready. No sign of Mike

Bossy though, bugger stood me up hehe oh well, I had a good

meal and enjoyed my surroundings. How about that jazzy

shirt I bought?

Monday

I go down to the bike shop and

pickup my bike and get it packed

up. I spent the last night planning

my route to Toronto. I decide to

cross the Mercier Bridge and head

south towards the New York border

crossing. It looks like the fastest route

to Toronto besides the main highway, Ihave to ride secondary roads.

The last few days in Montreal have been great. My legs are

rested and bike is once again fixed. Im looking forward to

visiting my friend, Billy Two Rivers on the Kahnawake

Mohawk Territory. I met Billy back in 1985, when the then

Regional Director General of Sask INAC, Dan Goodleaf,

arranged for us to tour his community of Kahnawake. They

have 5 golf course there, and 1 private one, which we werent

allowed to get o"the bus when we got there, strictly for

members. During the Oka crisis, I seen a group of Mohawk

warriors playing a round on it, touch

Mercier Bridge

The Mercier Bridge is famous for having been blocked o"by

the Mohawks from Kahnawake during the Oka crisis. I

decide to call a cab and have the him drop me o"on the first

exit across the bridge.


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Monday, August 6 !Kahnawake Mohawk Territorynoonish

I got dropped o"at a lil strip mall on Kahnawake, as I was loading my bike and strapping everything

down a couple gentlemen came up and talked to me. I told them my story and they gave me their

logod water bottle and as much bottled water as I could carry. I go through so much water, Im very

grateful.

Kahnawake Band O!ce

I ask around about the location of the band o%ce and I ride down there. I ask at the o%ce for BillyTwo Rivers, he comes out from a meeting and we chat, catch up on current events before he has to

go back in to his meeting.

Smoke shops

As Im making my way south through the Kahnawake Territory I notice a lot of Smoke Shops set up.

They sure have a thriving business here.

I navigate the roads and highways, finally making it out of the city. Its not like the prairies here

though, every square mile is occupied. In Saskatchewan you can travel for miles without seeing

lights at night. I pitch my tent at a campground approximately 20 kms from the USA border.

Note to self

Its Heathers Birthday today, Happy Birthday!!!

70 kms


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Tuesday, August 7 !20 km#om USA borde

8:00 am

Its a short ride to the Fort Covington border station. I arrive

there and Im the only in line. The border guard comes out an

starts asking me questions and looking at my documents. A ca

pulls up behind me. Border guard asks me if I know anyone

around here. I tell him No and another car pulls up. All of a

sudden Hey Bernie Shepherd!!! Border guard looks at me,

well Billy Two Rivers know you. I look sheepishly at him oh

ya Billy O"I go, I wait for Billy and we have a quick chat

before hes o"again.

Breakfast in America

Im starving and the first cafe I come across is on the AkwesasnMohawk Territory. I have a nice big breakfast and Im o". I ge

about a block away from cafe and this big black rez dog comes

running o"a porch after me. I stand up on my peddles and sta

givin er. Dang dog was too fast, I jump o"the bike and put it

between me and the dog. Hes growling and barking at me, I

reach and pretend to pick up a rock, he retreats. I was a pro at

throwing rocks when I was kid, lucky dog!!

Hot!! Hot!! Hot!!

The temperate was so hot today, they were setting heat recordin the places I was cycling through. I stopped often and napped

in the shade when I could.

I cycled into Ogdensburg, NY late in the evening. I found a

cheap motel and settled in for the night with the AC on full

blast.

120 km


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Wednesday, August 8!Ogdensburg, NY6:00 am

My goal today is to make Cape Vincent and catch the ferry

to Kingston. I get an early start, to get in as many miles as

I can before the heat slows me down. I do around 60 km

before the heat and wind takes its toll. Im forced to take

my time. I was lying on some grass in the shade and

watching some birds trying to fly against the wind. It

looked like they were flying backwards, the wind was

blowing so hard.

More dogs

Im about 30 km from Cape Vincent when I spot a pair of

dogs running across a field in an attempt to cut me o". This

time Im cycling on a downward slope and I stand on my

peddles and easily outrun the dogs.

I roll into Cape Vincent just in time to see the ferry making

its final voyage for the day. Looks like Im going to have to

stay in this resort town for the night.

104 kms

Cape Vincent, NY

Cape Vincent sounds like something out of a novel and it

could be very well what inspired a lot of writing. The place

was beautiful, I checked into a motel not far from the dock

where the Ferry arrives and departs. After I shower, I

wander around all the little shops and cafes on the

boardwalk. I check out the bar that is attached to the

Motel and order some sea food. I strike up a conversation

with the owners and tell them my story. They give me a

souvenir t$shirt for my journey.

One day I would love to come back to this place


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Thursday, August 9 !Cape Vincent, NY8:00 am

Im on the first ferry out this morning.When we land on Wolfe Island, I have

to sprint across the Island to catch the

next ferry to Kingston, Ont.

Wolfe Island

Im one of the first ones o"along with

the foot passengers. Im afraid to miss

the next ferry, so Im peddling hard. Half

way across the Island the ferry tra%c starts

to pass me. I arrive in Marysville with

plenty of time to spare.

Kingston Penitentiary

I sit across the Penitentiary and Im amazed at how high

the walls are.

I ride through Kingston and I meet a couple long distance

cyclist. A duo, that comprised of a father and son. They

are cycling around Lake Ontario. The little guy even had a

touring bike his size, how cool is that!!

I continue on my way and cycle through Bellville, Ontario,this is where Jonathan Cheechoo played his junior hockey.

I continue on my way and finally arrive at a campground in

a provincial park. From where I camped, I can see

Toronto.

150 kms

Presqu'ile Provincial Park,

I settle in and enjoyed the sunset, Im excited and restless

to be so near to Toronto. It looks like its only 80 kms from

where Im camped, should be a short day tomorrow.


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Friday, August 10 !Presqu'ileProvincial Park,

7:00 amIm up early and cook myself some oatmeal, today

should be short.

Water Front Trail

I take this trail, thinking that

sticking along the lake would

make for a shorter ride. I

abandon it for a while and end up

on Apple Road. Theres a lot of

orchards along this road, and I stop

often for fruit. I jump back on the

Trial and it doesnt seen like Im getting as close as I

thought I should be to Toronto. It turns out Toronto is

180 km not the 80 km I imagined.

Ive been cycling all day and its getting dark. Im still

about 30 km out of downtown Toronto. I decide to see

if I can ride the train with my bike the rest of the way.

To my surprise, it was very easy to load my bike, just

push it on and o".

Toronto, Ont.Union Station

I get to Union Station and its the first big train station

Ive been in. Its pretty neat that I can walk around in

the station with my bike, its seems to be a normal thing

here. I venture out onto the street and sit there

watching people and tra%c. Its a Friday night in TO

and the place is hopping. I ride down to the Delta

Hotel and check$in.

180 kms


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Monday, August 13 !Sarnia, Ont

I spend the next couple of days walking around

Toronto, my bike is holding out, no broken spokes on

this last leg of the trip.

rendezvous in Sarnia

I start to make plans to meet my wife and daughter in

Sarnia. theyre going to drive from

Saskatchewan to Sarnia, which is a

very long drive.

Hamilton, Ont.

Its 290 kilometers to Sarnia from

Toronto. I decide to ride as far as

Hamilton and then take the train toLondon. This will shave o"some

kilometers and allow me to meet in Sarnia on the

same day.

London, Ontario.

Its after 2:00 pm when I get to London and I still

have 100 kms to go till I get to Sarnia. I peddle

around London for a bit and then I head out to the

highway. Its not bad out as far as the weather goes

and the wind isnt blowing too hard. Its mostly flat

and straight roads, this allows me to make good time.

I feel strong in the saddle and my legs are use to

cycling for long distances now. I get to Sarnia before

it gets dark and I meet my wife and daughter there.

After we load the bike, we drive around Sarnia and

look for Ernol Grays house. He lives out on the rez,

actually looks like just a apart of Sarnia.

Ernol Grays house

We stay at Ernols house and the next day he takes me

for a tour around the huge gas plants in his area. Heput on some steaks on his massive BBQ. My wife still

remembers his steaks.


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Wednesday, August 15 !Sarnia9:00 am

We bid our farewells to Errol and his family, theyve been excellent hosts. We cross over the

Bluewater Bridge and I unload my bike on the USA side. I leave all my travel gear in the van.

Plan AThe plan is to ride straight across Wisconsin to Ludington and take the Ferry to Manitowoc. We

will then head through Green Bay and come out near Winnipeg, MB.

Saginaw, Wisconsin

Im making good time without my bike loaded down. Im averaging 33 kms an hour, which is pretty

awesome, over a long period of time. I just about make it to Saginaw before Lila picks me up. We

decide to drive on ahead to Ludington and find a camping spot there. We get there in the dark and

find a campground alongside Lake Michigan. Its a beautiful night on the beach, we build a camp fire

along with half a dozen other people. The fires along the beach look awesome. Heather made a

sculpture in the sand too, it feels like a family vacation.

Breakfast in Ludington

The next day I ride into Ludington to check out the Ferry times and prices. The price for the van

alone is #250 and that didnt include any riders yet. I figured the cost to be over #300. We discuss

this over breakfast and decide to skip ahead and drive to the Lake of Woods region. We also have to

get back in time too make arrangements for the girls classes. Nat and Shay are enrolled at the Uof R

and we have to make the moving arrangements and what not. Skipping ahead will give us time to be

home when all the moving and other arrangements goes on.

Twins in Wisconsin

We stop for gas in this small town in northern Wisconsin to fuel up and bathroom break. While Imfilling up, a couple people walk by and say hello, friendly little town. I go to pay for the fuel and the

young lady asks me if I want to put it on my bill. I say excuse me? She pulls out the charge sheet

and asks me again if I want to charge up the fuel. I call Lila over and then ask the clerk who she

thinks we are. She asks us if were so no so because I guess we look just like them. We had a good

laugh and paid for our fuel.

Duluth, MI

We arrive in Duluth late at night and book into a motel. Its been a long day, even if we were in a van.

While we were fueling up, at a gas station in norther Michigan, we came across a truck that had 2

dead bears in the back. One was just a baby bear, Why kill a baby bear?

Thursday, August 16 !Duluth, MI10:00 am

We continue our drive the next day and cross over to Canada near Fort Frances. We continue on

looking for a campground. All the campsites along the way were booked up. We ended up in

Kenora before we found a campsite.


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Friday, August 17 !Kenora, Ont.6:00 am

I woke up early this morning, I want to get a good

start to the day. Its 200 kms to Winnipeg and I want

to make it in one trip.

Good sign

Its was a bit chilly this morning, I

loaded my bike with snacks and

water. As I was about to leave, a

huge Bald Eagle flew directly over

me. Its going to be a good day I

thought to myself.

Kenora, Ont

I stopped at McDonalds for some breakfast. Iveactually been stopping in at McDonalds on a regular

basis. I usually order large fries, the salt content in

the fries is enough to replace what I lose every day

and keeps me from cramping up, who kew?

I pass a few early morning joggers and walkers along

the route out of town.

TransCanada Highway #1

Finally. I dont see any signs that say I cant ride on the

main highway.

McMunn, MB

The roads are good and theres hardly any wind. I

arrive in McMunn way before noon. Along the way I

was peddling making good time, when I see this

spandex wearing, neon colored, racer type making

his way onto to the highway from a side road. I

peddle fast and steady, vowing that if hes going to

pass me hes going to have to work for it. I peddled

about 20 kms and I dared not look back. Finally, wecome to a turno"and this is where I figure hell turn

o". I pass the entrance and look back. Hes no where

to be seen. Its a divided highway and the road going

east is quite a ways to the south and it has a fence on

both sides. I do notice that Ive broken a spoke in the

rear tire.


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100 kms to go !McMunn, MB

Im making good time by the time road starts to turn

NE towards Winnipeg. Ive had a side wind and now it

seems I have a bit of a tail wind. I havent had a tailwindsince I left Halifax, its all been headwinds and

uphill, it seemed.

200 kms later

I arrive on the outskirts of

Winnipeg and Lila picks me up.

The bottom of my feet

immediately began to cramp, thats a first. I get some

fries and we go to the west side of Winnipeg to find a

motel. We see a bicycle shop, Olympia Cycle and Ski, soI stop and inquire about repairs. The owner sez No,

were closed till tomorrow. I tell him how long Ive been

on the road and my story. He opens the shop back up

and starts to fix the back rim. He finished up and when

I asked him how much? He just smiled and said its on

the house. Wow!!

Saturday, August 18 !Winnipeg8:00 am

I rode out to the outskirts of Winnipeg, and found arestaurant where we had breakfast. After we finished up

and I was getting ready to go, I run into this kid. Hes

been on the road from Vancouver and heading to

Ontario someplace.

10:00 am

I get on the road and Lila goes ahead to Brandon to find

a room or camping spot. I rode hard all day and stopped

in Portage for lunch, McDonalds of course ;'

I rode approximately 180 kms before Lila came to pick

me up. I was about 20 kms from Brandon.

180 kms


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Sunday, August 19 !E of Brandon, MB7:00 am

Lila gets up early and takes me back to where she picked me

up the day before. Sunday drivers are just as bad as Class A

Motor home drivers in the mountains. Even though Sunday

drivers had a whole other lane to pass me, they dont use it.

Instead they opt to pass right beside

me, while Im riding on 1 ft of

paved shoulder.

Another cyclist

As Im coming into Brandon about

10 kms out, I notice another cyclist

across the highway going East. I cross

the ditch and greet him. I learn that

hes Japanese and hes coming fromVancouver and heading to Halifax, NS. You cant see it in the

picture, but hes only wearing sandals. I know what it was

like going through Quebec and not being able to

communicate. I cant imagine what its like going for 2$3

months. Hes an Optimist, his t$shirt sez so.

Breakfast

I stop in Brandon and have breakfast with my family before I

continue on.

9:00 am

I continue on down Highway #1 and Lila heads back to

Whitebear. Shes going to pick me up in Whitewood later

this evening.

The roads are good and theres hardly any wind. I make good

time and stop in Virden for lunch. I get to the Sk/MB border

and rest at the Welcome Centre.

I stop in Moosimin for a rest and then continue on. Im

getting pretty exhausted for the day, when I decide to stop ata gas station in Wapella. It turns out that one of my friends

works there, Ferrel Horn, hes use to play goal for Carlyle

Cougars. I wasnt that far from Whitewood, so I stayed

longer than I should have. I got into Whitewood just at

sunset, good timing.

210 kms


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Whitebear, home

Its good to be home, we make the arrangements for a place to rent in Regina and move the girls

furniture in. I take my bike into Dutch Cycle to repair the back rim and service it. Dutch Cycle

have been in Regina forever!! I spend my free time just taking short trips down the highway or

around the Whitebear Resort. I also ride north down #9 highway to a church just south of

Langbank, Sk If I dont ride my bike, my legs ache, theyre used to working hard all day.


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Tuesday, Sept 11 !Regina,Sk9:00 am

Weve all set to go, the girls are heading to the U of R for their fist day of class and Im sitting in

their living room waiting for Lila to get back, so we can have a co"ee before I head out. As I wait

Im watching TV and the news is reporting a plane hitting one of the towers in New York city. Lila

gets back and ask if I heard the news. We sit there all day watching the news in disbelief and shock.

Wednesday, Sept 12 !Regina,Sk9:00 am

I start my journey again with a heavy heart. As Im riding between Regina and Moose jaw I find a

phone along side the highway. People throw out all kinds of stu"along the highway. Between

Moose Jaw and Caronport I get a flat tire. I have all my tire repair tools and patches, the only thing

Im missing is a specialized nut that fits over the valve stem. Its still early in the afternoon and I

call Lila to let her know. I push my bike approximately 15 kms to Caronport. While Im waiting in

the restaurant, a older couple ask me where Im riding , I share my story with them. The lady

whispers to her husband, give him #20. He pulls out his wallet and extends #20 out to me. I tell

them, no its ok, I dont need the money and thank them. The gentleman starts to put his money

back and the lady jabs him in the ribs. He gives me the #20 and I thank them very much. I fix my

flat when Lila meets me in Caronport. I ride down the highway 13 kms to a campground called

Besant Campground, its a nice little place thats hidden from the highway.

106 kms


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Thurs, Sept 13 !Besant Campground, Sk9:00 am

Its starting to get chilly in the morning, so Im leaving later

that usual.

I stop in Chaplin for some snacksand water. The thing about riding

the prairies, is theres really not

much to see. I go though long

periods of time just looking at empty

prairies.

Sometimes the only company I have is

cows or horses.

Riding past Herbert, Sk a group of kids

from the nearby school rush to the fence and start waving at

me.

I arrive in Swift Current and we camp at a small

campground just west of Speedy Creek. Not even sure if the

campground has a name.

142 kms

Friday, Sept 14!

Swi$Current,Sk9:00 amI head out again a lil later than usual, it was a cool night last

night, had to bundle up.

Today was much of the same as yesterday, long stretches of

openness. I pass by towns like Webb, Gull Lake, Tompkins,

Piapot, and finally I get to the Gas Station thats on the #1

highway and the turno"to Maple Creek. We check$in to a

Motel at this location.

110 kms


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Saturday, Sept 15 "Cypress Hi!s ,Sk10:00 am

Took our time checking out, we then had breakfast at

the restaurant/gas station.

Todays ride was a little bit di"erent, I had somegradual hills and valleys to go through.

Wild Life

I passed a couple of Foxes that didnt notice me

peddling by. They were playing outside their den like

little kids running around. Shortly

after that I could see a Hawk

sitting in, what I can only describe

as the only tree for miles around,

and he started to fly towards me.Not sure what he thought I was, food

or just curious. He started to fly close

and I finally had to yell and he flew o", weird hehe

I ride by 3$4 towns this whole stretch. It doesnt take

me that long to get to Medicine Hat.

We check$in to a motel. Strator Crowfoot is meeting

me here tomorrow and hes going to ride with me the

rest of the way to Calgary.

The trip from Regina to Medicine Hat has been

rather uneventful. Its been mostly straight and flat,

giving me the opportunity to travel faster. Its been

nice riding on a divided highway, most vehicles,

especially semis pull over to the other lane when

passing me. People honk and wave at me.

107 kms


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Sunday, Sept 16 !Medicine Hat10:00 am

We meet Strator at a gas station just on the west side

of Medicine Hat. Strator is a dedicated cycler, his

bike weighs next to nothing and commutes to work

on his bike.

Flat tire

We ride hard, Im surprised at

how strong of a cycler Strator is,

even though Ive been on the road

for almost a couple months, hes

leading the way and cutting into

the wind. An hour down the road

Strator has a flat tire. We fix it on the side of the

road. When we are ready to go, Strator locks hisracing shoes onto his pedals. Hes on a bit of a slant

on the turno". His shoes are locked in and he tries to

peddle. Im on my bike watching him as he yells and

falls over sideways. Hes not hurt and I tease him

about screaming.

Fast Ride

It doesnt take us long to get to Brooks Alta. We load

Strators bike up and give him a ride back to Medicine

Hat to pick up his vehicle.

We drive back to Brooks and find a campground just

east of Brooks. Theres a half dozen people camping

here, but they dont seen very friendly. I strike up a

conversation with 1 camper that has a giant red and

white Alaskan Malamute that looks just like the one I

gave a friend of mine. I took a pic, but I cant find it.

110 kms


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Monday, Sept 17 !Brooks, AB10:00 am

I meet up with Strator at Wendys in Brooks, we order

some burgers and he tells me that theres something

wrong with his bike and hell meet

me about 10 kms east of his

community of Siksika and

well ride in together from

there. He goes to the

bathroom, my burger is ready

and I leave immediately. This is

a stinky town, literally, they have

a meat packing plant just west of

Brooks. When the wind is blowing from the west,

which it usually is, you can smell it.Burger stop

I get about 15 kms west of Brooks and Strator honks

and passes me. I stop at a rest area and chow down

on my burger. I should have eaten it right away, it

doesnt taste that great after bouncing around in my

front carrier.

New York cycler

I meet another cycler along the road &before Brooks'

and hes from Upstate NY, he owns a Bed n Breakfastthere. Hes been on the road for a month and I feel

bad for him because of 9/11.

Gas Station near Cluny

I meet Strator at the gas station and we cycle in

together. We arrive at the school and theres a feast

set up for us. I suspect that there wasnt really

anything wrong with his bike, he came back to plan

this, what a guy.

We have a good meal and we talk about my journey

108 kms


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Monday, Sept 17 !Calgary4:00 pm

I still have 3$4 hours of day light left, Im sure I can make Calgary tonight. Its only another 80 kmsor so. We take o", were peddling hard and fast. Still daylight when we get to the outskirts of

Calgary. Im heading to the Carriage House Hotel on McLeod Trail.

I take the Deerfoot trail and Im all about speed right now, must be the adrenaline from the idea

that this is the last few kilometers of my trip. Im looking back and I dont see Strator. He catches

up near the Anderson Drive and we cycle the last kilometer together.

80 kms

The End

We made it, my lil traveling buddy, that I picked up on the first day I left

Halifax on the side of the highway, hes like Wilson in that movie. I hope

you all enjoyed my story and hopefully well do it again someday.

Meegwetch

2001 bicycle trip

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