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| Day 33 - July 30 - Nipigon to Terrace Bay 115km |
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| It's cold this morning. So cold that I find it difficult to get up and go through the motions of taking the tent down and packing my bag for the day. Once I'm on the road I always feel better. With the fresh air in my lungs and the pedals under my feet, I can't help but enjoy this. Mornings are precious to a distance cyclist. There is a certain solitude that comes with hearing nothing but the wheels spinning beneath you as you conquer hill after hill in a well-rested body. No distractions, just you and the bike. This is why I cycle. |
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| Before I know it, we've covered 50km and it's break time. Dave, Al and I indulge in warm blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream. I like it so much I order it again. As we're eating I pick up a newspaper to learn that Lance Armstrong has won the Tour de France for the 3rd consecutive year. Go Lance Go. |
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| Ontario hills, especially those around Lake Superior, are long and steep. I had been forewarned about this area, having been told that they are much worse than the Rockies. So far, they are equally as fun because the views are spectacular. Level of difficulty is hard to define since I am a stronger rider than I was a month ago. I have yet to use my granny gear on this stretch, and I'd like to keep that going as long as possible. |
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| The hills continue until we stop in Rossport for a milkshake. We strike up a conversation with two more cross-Canada cyclists who started in Vancouver April 1, worked on a farm in Saskatchewan for a number of weeks, and are gradually making their way to Quebec where they will live for the winter. The Maritimes will be their project for the spring. That certainly sounds adventurous, but I much prefer living on the bike for two months, not twelve. |
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| There is a strict bear warning at our campsite tonight. That means no food, soap or toothpaste in or around the tent. I am very cautious when it comes to bears. I have heard too many stories of close calls to want a story of my own. |
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| Tomorrow is another day. Another chance to put my physical and mental limits to the test. On days when I don't enjoy the weather or the road, I can always fall back on the satisfaction I get from completing one more section of this excellent adventure. |
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