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October 15 Saturday Bicycle touring from Bonaventure Quebec to Point la Croix Quebec I slept like a log. The wind is still ferocious, but at least it didn't snow like the lovely Mrs Williams had forecast. We cycled to a sports shop and bought a new Avocet Cross spare tire for Sharon. Instead of asking what size tire we needed, the guy asked, "What kind of bike do you have? Upright or drop bars?" I also bought spare brake blocks and a tube. We each bought a pair of socks that are reputed, by their own advertising, to be warm -- Chili Willies. For the price, I had hope they better keep my cycle touring tootsies warm. We ate breakfast at a restaurant out of the wind. The wind felt twice as strong -- and cold -- when we went back out. It is amazing how soft one becomes in such a short time. We struggled through more headwinds, cycling slowly into the frigid breeze. We are talking turns being in front every five kilometres. Sharon was much too spry last night ... meanwhile, I fell asleep at 6:30 PM. Is twelve hours of sleep really enough? Sometimes not when cycling a fully loaded touring bicycle all day. Lunch was at Carleton. We bought more of our favourite Metro hot chocolate. It tastes good even with just water. My stomach felt queasy as I cycled along on my fully loaded touring bicycle. I turned green and had trouble pedalling. I cycled to a store. Holding my stomach piteously, I asked to use the toilet. The worker quickly pointed out where it was. I jettisoned all my ill feelings and my condition quickly improved. We did another 100 kilometres today at an average of 10.5 mph. That was six hours of sitting on the bike. We usually do that distance in four hours and have done it in three with the right tailwind. A school is where we stopped in E*, just before Point la Croix. First, we thought about setting up our little cycle touring tent in a corner surrounded by three walls. It was still cold and windy even though we were protected on three sides, but it looked like it was going to be our best bet. I walked around the schoolyard, checking for a more sheltered site. I went through a skating rink which harbored three-foot-high weeds. The players boxes were disgusting. On the other side, it looked like someone's house. But there was no smoke coming out of the chimney. I thought maybe it was a change house for the rink. I walked over. After peering in the window and seeing benches and a table, I tried the door. Locked. There was another door around the side. I tried it. It was open. We got our bikes and pushed them inside. There was a kitchen, but no power or water. We made hot chocolate, soup and sandwiches, while the wind continued to rage. The forecast calls for possible flurries. We had better start heading south faster. Almost all of the leaves have blown off the trees. With all this wind I am surprised the trees are still standing. We're definitely late in the season to be bicycle touring in Canada. |
