Thursday, July 29th 2010 - Lynch’sPoint, MB to Winnipeg, MB
The morning started off pleasantly with endless sunflowers lining the highway.
We met our driver and long time friend from McGill, Irwin, just outside Portage La Prairie (pronounced withOUT a French accent - correction made by Irwin who grew up in Winnipeg). About 10km outside of Portage, I got my first flat tire of the trip (!), and we had some roadside trouble getting it fixed. So I rode in Lois for the next leg of the ride and tried another tube... same problem. Long story short, Lisa rode by herself to Winnipeg while Irwin and I caught up during the drive.
Irwin getting to know Lois en route to Winnipeg!
What a gentleman!
We checked into our fancy shmancy hotel, the Fairmont Winnipeg (sponsored) with some luggage help from our Driver/Sherpa and got some lunch at a delicious basement joint called the Underground Cafe. Those who visit Winnipeg MUST try a Sunburger at this spot (open only Mon-Fri, 9-4 pm, no joke).
That afternoon we hung out with Lisa’s good friends Rachel and Kerry, who were in the midst of preparations for Rachel’s sister’s wedding. We hitched a ride back to the hotel and decided to go to a nearby pub called the Kingshead where Irwin, Phil, Ilana and her sister Tim with bf Johnny came to meet us afterward. Let the Reunion begin!
Kerry fixing our "Cyclists Ahead" sign that had blown off.
Thanks Kerry!
Friday was our day off! We hung out at MEC on Portage St. with Renee the bike mechanic for a bit (tire issue), then we had a serious reunion-fest with the boys from university! It was so good to all be together again after 5 years of being scattered about. We ate at a deliciously orange diner, Kelekis (another must-eat in the Peg), and chatted about life and who’s doing what. It was superb!
Reunion at Kelekis with Irwin, Nick, and Phil!
This rad bike was bought at a yardsale and given to Charlotte (Rachel's mom) as a child. It was sold when she grew up, and spent years with another owner. Then, recently, she found it at another yardsale!
Friday afternoon, Lisa and I headed back to the Rachel's mom's and ate a delicious vegan meal between groceries, laundry, and fixing Lois’ fallen sign... productive day? I think so! Did I mention we went back to the hotel for a dip in the rooftop saltwater pool and hot tub? Thank you Fairmont, you were wonderful!
All in all, Winnipeg is a vibrant city with lots of hot spots, trees galore, and great service in the hotel and restaurant industries.
Great that you visited Rachel. Say hi for me if you see her again. Beautiful load of photos this time. A shame they cannot be enlarged this time...
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