Stage 32 Argentia, NL to St John’s, NL

July 7
131 km, 7 h 03m

The ferry ride from North Sydney to Argentia lasted 14 hours. Newfoundland is a piece of rock out there in the middle of the Atlantic.

And the wet weather did not abate. We arrived at the ferry terminal at about 7am. We rode in the rain until we arrived in St John’s at 3:30pm. I guess it makes up for the great weather we’ve been blessed with on the trip. My dad had one rain day and I’ve ridden a couple hours in showers in 32 riding days. Not bad.

The road rose and fell and the rain sometimes lashed our faces like hail. I almost ran over a dog as I descended trying to see through my rain soaked foggy sunglasses. There was one service station/restaurant along the way so we nickel and dimed our way on protein bars and granola bars. Fewer stops means earlier arrival.

My mom was waiting for us at the hotel. We were near bonking by the end of the ride and ripe ready for a hot shower. We celebrated our reunion and the end of our illustrious Tour de Canada with dinner at East Side Mario’s. Food tastes good.


Out in the rain I keep on walking
Out in the rain like the brokenhearted do
I could be wrong but that's where you'll find me
Out in the rain just looking for you.

Stage 31 Bras d’Or, NS to North Sydney, NS

July 6
24 km, 1 h 22 m

The Weather Channel has been our trusted friend on this journey. The goofy guy who is on weekday mornings has endeared himself to me. He loves his job.

Today we’re told to expect showers. We got to the ferry terminal just in time to avoid the rain. We meet another cyclist on his way to St John’s named Dick Loomer. His wife is the director of the Elektra Women’s Choir. My friend Holly sings in the choir, so I knew that they were going to be there. But to meet another cyclist from Vancouver- who knew?

By the time we were ready to load, the rain was coming down in earnest. On top of that, we had to wait about twenty minutes in the downpour. A foreshadowing of things to come?

Stage 30 Port Hastings, NS to Bras d’Or, NS

July 5
121 km, 5 h 19 m

Had a nice climb up Kelly’s Mountain. There was a tricky bridge to cross after the descent- no bike lane, just two way traffic and hopefully some common sense between drivers, should we all meet at the wrong time. We got across without incident.

We stayed at the Seal Island Hotel. Minutes from the ferry to Newfoundland. Promises of satellite television greeted us. It turned out to be six channels of sometime fuzzy reception. This doesn’t count as ‘satellite TV’. A friend once advised me to undercommit and overdeliver. Seal Island would do well to heed this advice.

Stage 29 Stellarton, NS to Port Hastings, NS

July 4
114 km, 5 h 37 m

Team Wiens is getting closer to the goal. Got over the Canso Causeway onto Cape Breton.

Stage 28 Charlottetown, PEI to Stellarton, NS

July 3
92 km, 4 h 17 m

I managed to get another blood donation lined up. Plasma in PEI makes for seven provinces donated in. Three left to go.

Then I blitzed out to the ferry at Wood Island. Wound up just past New Glasgow.


Smell.
Fresh air. Vehicle exhaust.
Hot food. Clean laundry.
Stinky jersey. Roadkill.

Day Off in Charlottetown

July 2

Had a most lethargic day off. Watched Wimbledon and U20 FIFA World Cup.

Then went out for lobster. Complete with bibs and claw crackers. Fun times.

Stage 27 Carleton, PEI to Charlottetown, PEI

July 1
65 km, 3 h 55 m

Happy Birthday, Canada. We had a leisurely ride into the Birthplace of Confederation, but more hills than we expected. Especially after the big fish lunch we stopped for.

Enjoyed the festivities- music and fireworks.

Stage 26 Steeves Mountain, NB to Carleton, PEI

June 30
117 km, 5 h 42 m

My dad got on the bike again today in Moncton. It’s good to have company on the road. We took the shuttle over the Confederation Bridge to the land of the red dirt.


Away from this red dirt town I'm gonna make a joyful sound.

Stage 25 Lincoln, NB to Steeves Mountain, NB

June 29
150 km, 6 h 38 m

Feel.
Handlebars, saddle, pedals.
Legs churn beneath, chewing up the ground.
Warm sun on my face, wind at my back.

Stage 24 Florenceville, NB to Lincoln, NB

June 28
153 km, 7 h 36 m

It seems people in New Brunswick are fond of their lawns. Great expanses of green cut with ride on mowers into meticulous perfection. Beautiful countryside.


Going up home to live in green pastures.

Stage 23 St-Basile, NB to Florenceville, NB

June 26
139 km, 5 h 13 m

Listen.
The whirr of the wheels, the hum of the chain. Rear derailleur switching gears.
Inhale, exhale.
Vehicle approaching- keep right.
Birds chirp, water runs, iPod in the ear.
Eternity moves, whispers loud inside my chest.

Stage 22 St-Honoré, QC to St-Basile, NB

June 25
77 km, 3 h 49 m

Short day. Felt good to take it easy.

When you’re on your bike so much, one way to pass the time is to invent games. There’s the Coasting Game- at home I could make it from the top of the Drive to my back door if I timed it right. There is the How-Long-Can-I-Stay-on-My-Bike-Without-Touching-the-Ground Game- 57 km from Smooth Rock Falls to Cochrane. And there’s the Granny Gear Game. Can I get to St John’s without using it? I’ve made it from Kamloops to St-Basile.

Stage 21 La Pocatière, QC to St-Honoré, QC

June25
132 km, 6 h 34 m

Riding on the south shore of the St Lawrence River was beautiful. These are old roads and houses line the entire distance. It makes me think of grade 5 Social Studies- those thin plots of land leading down to the water. And the river’s gonna run.

Look.
A white line leading on, ever and ever. A narrow width of pavement my domain.
Trees, grass, rocks, water, birds.
Houses, machines, hints of humanity.
A plate of food, a soft bed.

Forlorn bungee cord
Laying on roadside, sprung loose
Why did you let go?

My steed in the morning, awaiting another day on the road.

Stage 20 Ste-Foy, QC to La Pocatière, QC

June 24
144 km, 6 h 47 m

Quebec is the place to cycle if you like bike routes. They have la Route Verte. Many cycling paths criss cross the province. I took one out of Quebec up the south shore of the St Lawrence. There were lots of families on bikes and rollerblades on Sunday afternoon. A pleasant ride.

The traffic lights and the rules of the road in Quebec have an effect on the drivers. It makes them crazy, erratic and tres impatient. This isn't good for cyclists. Maybe that's why they have so many bike routes. They know that mixing bicycles and maniacal drivers makes for trouble.

Stage 19 Yamachiche, QC to Quebec, QC

June 23
170 km, 8 h 43 m

My dad stayed in Montreal to rest an extra day after the accident and we planned to meet in Quebec. We timed our entrance perfectly. Quebeckers celebrate St Jean Baptiste Day on June 23 in Quebec and June 24 in Montreal.

My dad rented a car a met me along the north shore with a Schwartz's smoked meat sandwich. He had a couple of hitchhikers with him- it seems that Quebec is the place to celebrate. We decided to meet at the Chateau Frontenac- a worthy rendezvous.

Descent into Mayhem. I got to the edge of the city and tried to navigate downtown. Not easy with all the hills. I ended up riding on a trail where no bikes are allowed to avoid a steep hill. As luck would have it, I had to climb the hill in the end anyway.

That led me to Rue St Louis. Darkness was falling as I headed east to Vieux Quebec and the cars and pedestrians got thicker. The buses were packed. I took all the hooting and hollering as a hero's welcome for the roving cyclist. What a way to celebrate Quebec's holiday.

At the centre of the madness it was like downtown Vancouver summer fireworks crowds times 3. Pedestrians taking over the streets, cars crawling along. An urban biker's delight.

We had some gelato, listened to some live music and then took off.

Bon St Jean.

Stage 18 Montreal, QC to Yamachiche, QC

June 22
115 km, 6 h 10 m

Montreal is too much to bike in one or two days. It deserves much more, but I didn’t have time. I rode to Vieux Montreal from our motel at Parc and Mount Royal and took my time on some bike paths.

I managed to find La Maison des Cyclistes and enjoyed a coffee and muffin. Then I headed out on Sherbrooke and found the road to Trois Rivière.

So long Montreal. À bientôt.


There’s more to the journey than strict efficiency
It’s more like savouring, less like A to B.

Rest Day in Montreal

June 21

With my dad released from the hospital and resting in a motel, I had a chance to poke around Montreal. I went and had the Big Plate at Schwartz’s Deli. It’s a massive plate of Montreal smoked meat in a diner that is straight out of ’64. Classic. Don’t forget the Black Cherry pop.

I went riding up Mount Royal and found Nicholas from Luxembourg.


Are you going up the mountain?
Of course.
I don’t know the way.
Follow me. This is my seventh circuit.

He told me I looked like a pacifist from Vancouver. He also told me to bring a racing bike to Montreal the next time I come. Racing bikes never get stopped by the police. Break all the rules. You’re fine if you’re on a racing bike.

I also found the best bagels in the world. St Viateur Bagel. You must try them.

Stage 17 Montebello, QC to Montreal, QC

June 20
115 km, 5 h 9 m

Trust is a big issue to the cyclist. You have to trust your bike, your instincts, your bicycle handling skills and traffic. When trust is betrayed, the cyclist always loses. And it only takes a moment.

We were making our way through greater Montreal. Through St Eustache, into Laval, looking for the bridge to Montreal. The traffic was getting heavier. My handle bars are narrow and I can fit easily between rows of cars. I love biking in the city, so I took off ahead of my dad. I waited a few lights down the road.

Two minutes. Three minutes. One more minute, and I’ll go see what’s happening. I was hoping for a mechanical problem or a puncture. Instead I got the wail of sirens. Dirty Laval.

As you’ve read already, the big bang was re-enacted. I saw my dad on the ground with the EMTs and police attending the scene. No broken bones, no pool of blood- these are good signs. I got out my dad’s ID and he took off in the ambulance.

The kind retired police officer took my dad’s bike in his van and I rode to the hospital. Found my way to emergency and the rest you know.

Ultimately, my trust is in Jesus. He’s in control and knows. Thanks for your prayers and interest in our adventure.


It's not up to you
Oh it never really was.

Stage 16 Ottawa, ON to Montebello, QC

June 19
97 km, 5 h 8 m

Has a friend ever overstayed their welcome with you? This is Ontario. 15 days to get across. Who drew the boundary lines and invited the flies?

After cruising by Parliament, 24 Sussex and Rideau Hall on Tuesday morning, we headed over to la belle province. Goodbye bad roads, desolate distances and importunate insects. Salut Quebec.

Rest Days in Ottawa

Before the trip, I told my friend Vania, Sure I can be in Ottawa on June 17.
She wanted to perform a few tunes from her album at her home church with her brother Tim on bass and me on drums.

After 9 days in the saddle and 1477 km under the belt it’s time for a break. We got to Ottawa just in time. No margin of error for foul weather or fatigue.

Sunday morning was a real treat. Vania, Tim and I led in worship with a couple of people from her church. And we got to play some of Vania’s songs too. Playing music with friends is a special thing. Check out http://www.vania.ca/

I’ve set a goal to give blood in all 10 provinces and I booked an appointment for my dad and me to donate platelets in Ottawa on Monday afternoon. Who should field the call at the clinic but Agnes from Vania’s church. Coincidence? I think not.

My dad and I spent two glorious days at the Levans house in Ottawa. The hospitality was amazing. We ate like kings and were treated like royalty. Blessings on the Levans.


You’re a shining star, no matter who you are
Shining bright to see what you can truly be.

more about the BANG

The ambulance takes me to le Hopital du Sacre Coeur Montreal. They did two scans of my head, and two x-rays, looking for broken bones. Had to wait until 10:30 the next morning to hear the results of the neck scan - the radiologist needed to "read" the scan paperwork, and then dictate a message to the Emergency (Urgence, to contextualize) Doctor on duty. Several times nurses came by to take my 'vitals' and to inquire whether I was experiencing any pain. I told them the only pain I had was that which they were inflicting on me through a very, very uncomfortable neck collar. Not much sleep that night.


Then I received another scan of my abdomen as they were checking for any internal bleeding. Everything was good so they released me. Kenton took a rest day in Montreal, rode on Friday while I stayed another day. I caught up with him yesterday (Saturday) in Quebec City. We enjoyed the very festive atmosphere of St. Jean Baptiste Day (June 24) in Old Quebec City.

FAQ's about the accident.

1. The fellow who cut me off at a controlled intersection was charged with aggressive driving. He was observed honking his horn at the driver(s) ahead of him as he was wanting to cross four lanes of traffic. He had a stop sign. I was riding with the 'through traffic.'

2. One witness (who took my bicycle and bags, and later delivered them to the hospital) was a 30-year, retired vetran police officer. He was waiting at the stop sign on my right. The fellow whose car I hit had been waiting at the stop sign on my left.

3. According to this witness, I had my head down, didn't see him, didn't get my hands on the brakes. I remember seeing the colour of the car, and thinking 'I'm going to hit him.'

Rented a car for a week. I think it may take that long before I feel like riding again.

4. When I move quickly, particularly standing up from a horizontal position, I still feel some dizziness. (Quite common for minor head trauma, according to the nurse and some written info.)

5. According to the scans and x-rays, there is nothing wrong with me!!! So there! Smile. But for a few days I can beg off with the excuse of still recovering.

6. How did Ev take the news?
She told me she slept well, knowing she couldn't do a thing and that I was in the Lord's care. Our Lord gave her great peace.

Thanks for your interest and your prayers.

Time to hear from John

Soooo. . . . I was in much better shape when we began our trip from Victoria to Winnipeg in 2004. No saddle sores, and I could ride a big day the day after a big day. That's all a clue for what follows.

On the fourth day, I had such saddle sores I could no longer continue. Hitchhiked half-way, or more to Dryden. Rested next day. Following day tried hitch-hiking to Thunder Bay. Gave up after 2 hours and rode the bus the 300 plus km. Got there just moments after Kenton. Ugly ride next day - rain, road construction - only 72 km. Getting stronger. Rode 112 km to Long Lac; voted with Kenton to ride another 50 km to Klotz Lake - where we were so wonderfully taken care of, as Kenton earlier noted.

Next day, after 60 kms, stuck out my thumb. First man by picked me up and gave me a 100 km ride to Hearst. Marvelous.

Next day rode 160 km approx to Smooth Rock Falls. Next morning, so tired, just stayed at motel until 3:30. (Was going to hitch hike the 190 km to catch up to where Kenton planned to stay in Kenogami. ) There still are 'angels.' 'Joe,' checking out at the same time as I, offered to drive in the opposite direction that he was going. That's right - he drove me the 190 km to Kenogami, back the 190 km, and another 45 minutes to his destination. He said he was bored, away from his family, and wanted to help me catch up to Kenton. We had great conversation, and when I turned the conversation to spiritual things, he as much as said, bring it on. Give me something to think about. One of those divine appointments. And although 'Joe' is not often called an angel, our Lord used him to meet a great need in my life. Next day rode 160 km in 33 degree weather - nine bottles of water, at least, besides stops for refreshment.

After 50 kms, again in 32 degrees, stopped for lunch, fruitlessly tried to hitchhike, back to restaurant for another cold pop. 50 kms from North Bay. Ordered, then cancelled a taxi. The owner, on my behalf, boldly aksed two young women who stopped for a break whether they could give "this old man a ride to North Bay." They readily agreed.

Rented a car for one day - Kenton was going to ride another 50 kms towards Ottawa that day. Stayed in Mattawa. Kenton rode - I drove to Pembrooke.

I did ride on Saturday, the last 159km to Ottawa. Two day rest. Experienced wonderful hospitality, food and friendship with Coutney, Starr and Vania.

Tuesday rode a full day. Finally the bod is up to speed, and I ride a full day into greater Montreal.

And then BANG. A car cut me off - I hit the car headfirst, landed on my right shoulder, hip, and the right side, back of my head. Broke a chunk of protective foam right out of my helmet.

Kenton had been a block or so ahead of me. When he noticed I was nowhere in sight, he waited a few minutes, then started pedalling back, thinking I probably had a flat tire. Well, it was me, flat on my back. As he was returning, he heard the sirens.

Both police and ambulance attended. Apparently, I didn't lose consciousness, but I only remember a few details. I do remember Kenton getting there; I think I remember answering the questions about any meds I was taking. I remember part of the ambulance ride. And then from about 1 and a half hours later, I remember too much.

No, I've so far had no flashbacks or nightmares.

Stage 15 Pembroke, ON to Ottawa, ON

161 km, 7 h 47 m

Saturday, June 16. The final stage of part one. Nine days of cycling in a row. I think I can I think I can.

We got an earlyish start to the day. It was hot again and we made a few stops. The highlight was Dairy Queen in Arnprior. That is where the 17 becomes the 417 and we started taking back roads. Going north of Arnprior on the old 17 was beautiful. The Ottawa valley is full of farms with rolling hills and groves of trees. We came to the end of the old 17 and took some gravel roads that would connect us to the road to take us to Carp. There was one part of the road that passed under trees that grew over the road for about 200 m. It felt like heading into the Shire.

We stopped for dinner in Carp and then made the final push into Ottawa.

At 9:30, we arrived at the Levans’ house. Finally, a home to stay in. Hello home cooking. Eating at restaurants tires me out.


Stop and take a breath with me.

Stage 14 Mattawa , ON to Pembroke, ON

June 15
158 km, 7 h 47 m

Today was so hot the road was shimmering. Too hot to ride a bike.

I met a Dutch guy named Stefan riding to Vancouver from Halifax and Brad and Trina from Langley riding back west from St. John’s. Always a treat to meet other cyclists.

I made numerous stops today in the heat. Time slowed down and every kilometre seemed slow. I found some shade at the side of the road at Omer and Judy’s and they gave me some water and I was able to tighten up the headset on my bike.

I rode into Pembroke through a sea of bugs in the dark. I’ve never encountered so many insects. I thought they would end once we got out of the north.

I was too tired to worry much about traffic. I just wanted a rest. Trucks- move over.


Keep your distance, keep your distance
When I feel you close to me, what can I do but fall?

Stage 13 Temagami, ON to Mattawa, ON

June 14
155 km, 7 h 42 m

A cyclist has a finite amount of energy. Wind, heat, hills and road can either give energy or take it away. For instance, if the road is bad or it’s too hot, this takes energy away. If there is a tailwind or you’re rolling down hill, this gives energy.

Head winds have a double effect. They drain physical energy because of the air resistance impediment and mental energy because you are frustrated that you aren’t going as fast as you would like. Boo headwind.

The road was the bad guy today. The worst road yet. 14 km of construction and then another 15 km that needs construction. This is the Trans Canada Highway?

Picked up a staple in my rear tire and got my first flat.


Poor boy, got no money
Poor boy, got no dough
Give this poor boy pretty blue bike and
Watch this poor boy go.

Stage 12 Kenogami Lake, ON to Temagami, ON

June 13
140 km, 6 h 45 m

With place names the likes of this stage, you might be inclined to think we’re in Japanese territory. Not so. Even with a road named Maki Street. All of this pseudo Asian influence has me craving sushi. California rolls, how I miss you. Kind friend, I don’t know when I’ll see you again.

The summer weather coaxes a lot of motorcycles onto the road. I’m of mixed feeling about these motorized bicycles. Some I like- they are a lot like me, aren’t they? But they aren’t. Lazy, loud, and often too much attitude. Put one of these guys on a bicycle and we’ll separate men from boys. I found one of their hats on the side of the road, though. Finders, keepers.


Sheep go to heaven, goats go to hell.

Stage 11 Smooth Rock Falls, ON to Kenogami Lake, ON

June 12
190 km, 9 h 11 m

Prevention is key to the cyclist’s survival. Drink before you’re thirsty, eat before you’re hungry. Apply sunscreen and make sure the Blistex is thick on the lips. Failure to comply results in severe penalty.

The appetite is growing by leaps and bounds. An hour after a big meal, and I’m ready for more. A healthy supply of granola bars, fruit and protein bars keeps hunger at bay.

It’s hot today. The heat saps energy in the afternoon and the pace must slow. Take a break. Have an ice cream. Have two. There’s no calorie counting on the bike. It’s more like inverse calorie counting. How many calories does this chocolate bar have? Only 250? I can’t ride long on that. Give me more. Feed me. Sweets, protein, fat, sauces, anything to keep the cranks spinning.

As the day goes on, the energy increases. The temperature starts to cool after 6pm and the pace quickens. So says the biker of the long shadow. Just make sure your room has air conditioning.


I crave inertia
Every move made
So I can stop.

Stage 10 Hearst, ON to Smooth Rock Falls, ON

June 11
159 km, 8 h 00 m

An encouragement to start the day. What a surprise to meet a couple from the Korean portion of Willingdon Church in Burnaby. And they paid for our breakfast! Thank you.

Northern Ontario has a lot of French communities. It’s good to ease into the French before we get to Quebec. A friend back home at the ARC says cycling is the perfect way to achieve cultural assimilation. It gives time to absorb the surroundings and adapt to differences- about 150 km at a time.

We had dinner at Bidule in Kapuskasing. A huge portion of spaghetti and meat sauce and garlic bread. We also talked to Patrick, Brianne, Joey, and Carly. Good luck with the hand Patrick.

Stayed at the Moose Motel. Beds and showers are good.


Interdit de pecher du pont.

Stage 9 Klotz Lake, ON to Hearst, ON

June 10
162 km, 8 h 26 m

If 1 is the loneliest number, then two 1s must be double the lonely. The number 11 in northern Ontario is forlorn between Longlac and Hearst. The only company here is the black fly. In spades. I didn’t even want to rest at the side of the road, the flies were so bad. Even Deep Woods Off! would not deter the foul beasts. It was a long day.

The wind was tricky. It seemed like there was a head wind, but every time I stopped, it was calm. Frustrating. But after Hearst, more civilization awaits.

I didn’t see a single police car today. I could have been burgling bear dens and selling crack cocaine to the moose. No one would have been the wiser.


In the belly of June
A lion-like roar
A forceful wind…

Stage 8 Nipigon, ON to Klotz Lake, ON

June 9
244 km, 10 h 00 m

What a beautiful day. I got an early start for once and had 80km clocked by 12:30. Stopped for lunch in Beardmore. This is real pretty country. A million lakes. Happy Birthday wishes to Andrea.

Tailwinds were favourable. Feel great in the saddle today. Talked to Command Central in Geraldton and relayed the message that we should try and get further than Longlac today. The stretch between Longlac and Hearst- 210km, is desolate, save a few fishing camps. I had a brochure from Klotz Lake Camp and thought we might stay there. It’s an extra 50km east of Longlac.

The ride from Geraldton to Longlac might be my best hour on a bicycle. Beautiful shoulder, sunny warm weather, tailwind and energy to burn.

Caught up to my dad in Longlac at 6pm. He voted in favour of going the extra 50km. So we called Klotz Lake Camp and talked to Toni. She said, Come on down. We’ve got a cabin for you. Watch out for bears and moose, though.

On the way from Longlac to camp, we saw one moose and three bears. Thanks for the warning. We didn’t see Goldilox, unfortunately. With tailwinds, we had a leisurely two hour plus ride into camp.

When we got to Klotz Lake, we were greeted by Toni and two boisterous dogs. She got us set up in our cabin and gave us more food than we could eat. Pork roast, eggs, bread, and a big cheese plate. She is an angel. If you ever want to go fishing in northern Ontario, this is the place. www.klotzlakecamp.on.ca Toni will treat you right.

The insects here are vicious- mosquitoes and black flies to suck your blood dry.

For breakfast this morning we had a pork roast scramble, rye toast and orange juice. Tasty, tasty.

So long Klotz, I must go and catch up to the old guy.


I can’t believe summer’s almost here…

Stage 7 Thunder Bay, ON to Nipigon, ON

June 8
108 km, 5 h 34 m

My dad left Thunder Bay yesterday after a couple days of rest. He wanted to get a head start on the way to Longlac- it’s 300km away. He got to Dorion after riding through about 15km of construction.

He called me at breakfast and told me to try to get to Beardmore- about 180km for me. Okay. Once I was on the road, I didn’t think I could get all the way. There’s nothing between Nipigon and Beardmore, so at 5pm I decided to stay in Nipigon, armed with the weather forecast of west winds for Saturday. My dad got to Beardmore and I called Ev in Command Central to relay the news that I was staying in Nipigon. Husky Restaurant fed me the full meal deal- fish, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, salad and apple crisp with ice cream. Yum.

To the truckers-
All I wanna do is to thank you, even though I don’t know who you are
You let me ride on the shoulder, not wanting to bowl me over
(especially the wide load truck with the grader)

June 7- Kenton Rest Day in Thunder Bay

My dad is trying to get a head start on the 1450 km to Ottawa from Thunder Bay- he's had the last two days off. We're trying to make to the national capital by next Saturday. I'm taking a rest day and should meet up with him somewhere before Long Lac on Saturday.

Rest days are fun days. No bike, just walk. I had a coffee at Bar Italia, chatted with the local music store owner and updated the blog in the Thunder Bay Public Library.


Signs. You see a lot of signs on the road. Most are neutral- turn in the road, highway number indicators, businesses and advertisements. There is a dichotomy to other signs.

Signs that are good: progressively decreasing speed limits- you're getting closer to a major centre, motel- vacancy, and restaurant- open.
Signs that are bad: distance markers that are more than you think they should be, and motel- closed (in a town that you want to stay in).

Stage 6 Upsala , ON to Thunder Bay, ON

June 6
134 km, 7 h 20 m

A long ride yesterday, little substance to dinner, a 20 km ride to breakfast and gusty head winds made for a gruelling day. There was moaning and groaning and more than a few yells at the wind. I eventually got to Thunder Bay just in time for the rain to start.

Met Julien from Montreal riding his bike westward to Vancouver. He told me about couchsurfing.com- a website for accommodation sharing- we'll see if we can make use of it as we head east.

I got into my hotel room and Don Cherry was in the Coach's Corner on Hockey Night in Canada. Congrats to the Ducks. So long hockey playoffs.

My dad arrived at the same time from the bus depot- he came in from Dryden at 9pm. Had Boston Pizza and Robin's Eggs for dinner.

Stage 5 Dryden, ON to Upsala, ON

June 5
217 km, 9 h 36 m

Team Wiens splits up- I soldiered on alone. I was hoping to get to English River, about 160 km from Dryden (home of Chris Pronger)- it's half way to Thunder Bay. Stopped in Ignace for a late lunch at the Burger Scoop. Ran into Gary- the guy who gave my dad a ride into Dryden yesterday (he drives an '86 Volvo 740 wagon- Swedish engineering at its finest). I found out that the motel in English River was closed. Time- 5pm. Distance to the next town- 105 km. Should I stay in Ignace for a 110 km day or play the hero and bust through the 200 km barrier? I chose the hero.

Off I went. Pause in English River at some temporary housing to see if they had a phone- no luck. But who, to my surprise should I find? Dave Faber of Faber Drive. His band was being featured on Canadian Idol- he stopped to find a television and watch the action. He used to play in a band called Toadl Jids- a group that ran in the same circles as Split Level. Small world.

Also ran into Christy, a cyclist from Yorkton, SK. She started in St John's, NF and was heading west. She advised me to take the number 6 in Nova Scotia (although she was hit by an old lady driving a car on that stretch of road and had to have surgery- ouch!). Also warned me off of the number 17 around Lake Superior due to massive hills. Cheers. This was confirmed later by my dad who talked to some truckers. The hills are huge- hills like white elephants.

So I got into Upsala at 10:30pm and had half a box of fig newtons for dinner. The Parkview Motel was a sight for sore eyes after nine and a half hours in the saddle.

I'm stronger than yesterday. Now it's nothing but a mile away....

Stage 4 Kenora, ON to Dryden, ON

June 4
133 km, 6 h 45 m

Team Wiens falls on hard times. Very strong head winds the first half of the ride. John terminated his ride half way and hitchhiked to Dryden. He will be taking the next two days as “health days”.

Stage 3 Falcon Lake, MB to Kenora, ON

June 3
74 km, 4 h 3 m

Legs getting used to the constant work load. Stinging mix of sun screen and sweat in the eyes. Road grit sticking to arms and legs.
Up and down, up and down in the Canadian Shield. Hello Ontario - we'll be here for the next two weeks.

Stage 2 Richer, MB to Falcon Lake, MB

June 2
88 km, 4 h 35 m

Beautiful morning turned to 27 degrees with strong head winds. Although a four lane highway, very poor shoulders. Saw a turtle, deer, beaver, heron. Watched the 5 to 3 Senators win.
The wind totally tired us out. Should sleep well tonight.

Stage 1 Winnipeg, MB to Richer, MB

June 1
70 km, 3 h 14 m

Flew into Winnipeg last night. Stayed with John’s niece's family, Sonya & Rod Braun, Jacob, Rachel and Joshua. Got up late (two hour time change); put our bikes together, shopped at Mountain Equipment Co-op for last trip items, one minor repair to Kenton’s bike at Gord’s Cycle Shop. Left Winnipeg at 2:00 pm., 22 degrees, 20-30 km. headwind; one ten-minute rain shower; narrow shoulder on the last 20 kilometres.

Welcome Here

We began the dream in August 2004. Victoria, BC was our starting point. We ended up in Winnipeg.

June 1, 2007, the dream continues. Two bikers, four wheels, return to Winnipeg and set out to cover the 4000 km to St. John's, Newfoundland. The trip ends on July 10 when Team Wiens flies back to the west coast.