Day 60 - Earl Who?

Day 60 - Moncton to Cap Pele, NB
September 4, 2010


We woke up early Saturday morning expecting to be in the middle of a torrential downpour with high winds and possibly no power. What did we find? Sunshine and blue sky. Quick! Let`s ride!

As we got ready to go and reclaimed our bikes from Henry, the winds picked up and clouds rolled in. Hurricane Earl had been downgraded to a tropical storm and Moncton was expected to get missed for the mostpart. We figured if we could get in a 40 km ride, we`d be set to finish on Sunday as planned. And so, we set out from Moncton hoping that Earl would hold off for just a while longer!










Pedaling Feat smiling in the face of Earl.










We rode into the wind, which got stronger as we neared the coast. Feeling a bit like storm chasers, we were soon distracted from the storm when we saw what was ahead... THE ATLANTIC OCEAN!!! It seemed surreal as the scent of salt water filled our senses. I yelled out `She`s beautiful!`, only to have a local walking by respond `She`s not THAT exciting`... little did he know.

We followed the coastline through small towns all the way to Cap Pele. We finally stopped (40 km in!) when the rain was pelting down so hard it felt like we were being attacked by ice pellets. Success! Not only did we not get blown away, but we had made it all the way to Cap Pele!






Mother Mary in Lois, keeping an ear on the weather as she followed behind us.



















To PEI!? Unbelievable.









We rounded up the troops and hopped in Lois. As we sat there, coming down from the high of having ridden into the storm, CBC Radio announced Pedaling Feat`s ride across Canada in the storm watch report. Sneaky Mary had sent in an e-mail letting them know that we were riding through the winds and rain of Earl. It was awesome.







Pedaling Feat`s celebration dance after riding towards the eye of Earl







We drove back to the Delta and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon filled with blogging, reading and pedicures.







Meet Earl, in all his glory.







Later that afternoon, we were met by my parents, Heather (`scout`extraordinaire) and John - all of whom had driven from Ontario for the Pedaling Feat finale! After a glass or two of wine, we decided to hit up The Keg for a feast and of course, more wine.





Pedaling Feat`s #1 Fan Club!















John and Mel looking happy and relaxed.














Mom and Dad deciding what to feast on.


















With mixed emotions, we hit the sac - knowing that tomorrow would be our final ride together (for now!) and the end of our epic cross-Canada adventure. Ah!