September 3, 2010
Today's ride would take us around Grand Lake along the abandoned highway 112 with the hope of arriving in Moncton a day early because Earl was threatening our Saturday ride. So, after a great night's sleep at the delta, we set off with our sights on Moncton.
Not long into our ride that morning, Mary and Lois stopped at a local roadside fruit and veg stand. While shopping for delicious tomatoes and cucumbers, Mary was stopped by the editor of the local Grand Lake newspaper who inquired about the `cyclists`. As we had just gone by, Mary hopped into Lois and set off to find Mel and I with the editor close on her tail... As the story goes (told by Mary), she drove and drove - maybe a good 5 to 10 km - before she caught up with us. We are too quick! She pulled over just ahead of us and stopped us in our tracks. A photo shoot and a quick interview later, we were heading off with a wave and the promise of an article in the local press! Good work Mary!
With the heat coming on strong, we rode onwards, stopping often to top up our water bottles and enjoy a bit of shade.
Mel, all smiles as we fill up our water bottles and enjoy the shade. I think this was right before she got a flat.
The highway was heavenly. There were no cars (maybe one every 5 minutes or so), it was winding with lots of small hills and plenty of shady spots. Our lunch spot that day was next to an old graveyard with gravestones dating back to the 1800`s. We passed by several small graveyards like that one as we rode. It was surprising as there weren`t many towns, but there were churches and graveyards a plenty!
A great break spot.
Mel checking out the graveyard as we lunched on PB&J and choco milk.
Mary and Lois. The dream team. Taking a break in the shade. Mary in her infamous black bathing suit.
As we approached Moncton, the forecast for the following day had not improved. Tropical Storm Earl was heading right towards the maritimes and campgrounds were shutting down in the area. We decided it was in our best interest to hunker down at the Delta in Moncton rather than finding a campground for Lois. The weather folks were predicting winds up to 90 km per hour! Knowing that we would be safe inside (with what promised to be a great view of the storm), I was excited to witness my first tropical storm in the maritimes!
Riding into Salisbury (just outside Moncton). Is that a Bit Stop I see??
A Big Stop! My first east coast Big Stop experience. We used the bathroom. It was great.
We arrived at the Delta that afternoon and were met by Honore (pronouced Henry, for us English folk), who welcomed us to the hotel and relieved us of our bikes. The Delta team was wonderful.
Mel and I cooked our last meal on the bbq (in a park nearby). Corn on the cob and turkey burgers. Yum! Mary opted for a delicious pizza at the Delta restaurant and we all shared a celebratory glass of wine for making it to Moncton before the storm. Hoorah!
Note: There will be several celebratory glasses of wine and champagne from here on in, as all of our small victories were coming together into the completion of an incredible cross-Canada trek.
That night we received an e-mail from our pro-Lois driver, Colin. His nephew, Andrew, had composed a song for Pedaling Feat in light of Earl threatening our photo-finish. To say we loved it would be an understatement. In fact, we played it over and over again, laughing and crying and laughing some more at the awesome lyrics about Pedaling Feat and Earl. Thank you Andrew!!
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