Whitbourne - Signal Hill Day 72

Renne-Liese's mascot for the trip. He fell off her bike once about 20km out of Neudorf Saskatchewan and I happened to find him on the road. We tied him to her front handle bars when we got to Binscarth so he wouldn't fall off again. She was very happy to have found him.

This is Sylvie's mascot..

Kruz, a friend of mine from Kincardine gave this Little Kruz to me for the trip.

Juanita's mother gave her this horn for her bike.

Me, Terri and Terry Light setting off from the Irving's restaurant after having breakfast. This would be our last day of riding.

The bodies of water we passed were not called lakes but were referred to as ponds. There were lots.

The landscape was very rugged and it looked like someone threw all these rocks down from the sky.

Terri is dipping her bike in the Atlantic Ocean in St. John's. There was no beach like there was in BC so we had to be careful not to fall in.


This was a little trickier with my bike but I managed to get the job done without getting wet.

Farther down Water Street in St. John's we found the Terry Fox monument tucked away. It was not very well marked and Mike and Don had gone on ahead of us and scouted out where it was.

This is me just rounding the last corner at Signal Hill.

I couldn't lift my bike above my head so this would have to do.

Terri is pretty happy about the arrival at Signal Hill.

We congratulated each other. We waited a long time to get to this spot but it was all worth it.

Happy! Happy! There were other cyclists who arrived ahead of us (no surprise) and they cheered us all the way to the final inch.

Juanita, Terri and I were the only women who did not take any rides to get to the end. Juanita was the only woman who spent each and every night in the designated campground or university. Terri and I bailed a few times to motels/b&bs when the weather was nasty.

We decided we didn't want to throw our bikes over the edge so we threw the next best thing, the peanut butter sandwiches we had left in our bags.

ALL GONE!!!!

We are pretending we caught this moose. Still no sightings. Hopefully Don and Terri will see one during their trip to the other side of NFLD.

The 72 day group at the dinner to wrap up the tour. We are all quite tired but we all felt really great at the end.
Outside my room at the Battery Hotel, with certificate in hand.


Day 72 and the last day of the Tour du Canada started out very cold. We enjoyed a nice hot breakfast at the nearby Irving station. Don, Mike and other cyclists, Terry, Mike, Bill, Steve and Bev were there as well. We ll had stayed at the motel nearby.

We set off about 8:00 am and headed down Route 100 to get to the Trans Canada. There was an option to do a scenic route but that involved 130 km. Terri and I decided to stick to the highway until we got closer to St. John's. We didn't want to be late getting in and rushed for the final party. The road we took was smooth and we did have some long ascents but overall the worst thing was the noise of the traffic.

We tried to spot a moose along our way and didn't stop for a break until we got to the outskirts of St. John's.
It had been prearranged to meet at a Tim's to ride the last 11 km together as a group. We really didn't expect to see anyone as everyone was so excited to get to the finish, they did their own ride. As it turned out Jim joined us on the last 10 km to the park where we all dipped our wheels. It was pretty special. Jim then went on ahead with some of the younger guys and Terri and I carried on to the Terry Fox memorial. We were a bit disappointed that is was only a small pillar and it was not very well signed. Mike and Don had scouted out where it was before we go there. The statues in Victoria and Thunder Bay were much more impressive. We were still honored though to have our picture with the memorial.

We still had to climb up Signal Hill and the guys told us we would "have to work hard" to get to the top. We were a little intimidated by that but anxious to give it a go. We have to say it was very difficult but it wasn't a steady hill there were some flatter sections as you travelled up. I still had a couple of gears on the back cassette to go when I got to the top. I was saving them in case I really needed them. Terri reached the summit ahead of me and was able to do the climb well.

There were lots of other cyclists from both the 71 and 72 day groups cheering as we made it to the top.We arrived at the summit at about 2:30 pm. The moment was bittersweet. We didn't get as emotional as I thought we would and I think it was because we were concentrating on the climb itself and not the fact that it was the end. Lots of pictures were taken and we threw our peanut butter sandwiches (instead of the bikes) over the edge.

We checked into the hotel and after a bit of a delay in getting the room, we got cleaned up and headed downstairs for the final dinner. It was very special to have Mike and Don join us for the dinner. Everyone was all smiles and hugging each other. Certificates were handed out and group pictures were taken. Several of the riders who are quite musical got together and wrote a song about the summer.

Mike and I have left St. John's and are actually on the ferry going back to Nova Scotia as I am writing this. We were able to see a bit of the area and enjoy a few meals in local restaurants. Some of the group got "screeched in". Terri and Don are spending a few more days traveling to the other side of the island and visiting the Grosse Moraine National Park. They will take the shorter ferry back. Terri and I agreed we would touch base back in Kincardine and hope for some nice fall weather to get a few more rides in.

Our total mileage for the tour was 7550 km.

One of the young men on the tour calculated he ate 255 peanut butter and jam sandwiches.

On Wednesday, August 26th I recorded what I ate for the day. Terri would have been very close to the same:
Breakfast:(quantities are a guess and probably larger than what I think, as always)
1 1/2 cup hot oatmeal with raisins, soy milk and lots of brown sugar
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 banana
1/2 cup all bran with soy milk
2 pancakes with syrup
tea

Morning Snack:
whole wheat bagel with butter, peanut butter and jam
3 timbits
tea

Lunch:
peanut butter sandwich

Afternoon snack:
2 bananas
2 rice krispie squares

Afternoon snack upon getting to camp:
bowl of branflakes and rice krispies with soy milk

Supper:
diet coke
tossed salad with dressing
veggie stir fry with rice
1/2 cup choc pudding


In addition to normal maintenance such as cleaning and adjustments, the following list of parts were replaced by the 72 day group at some point from the time we left Vancouver to the end at Signal Hill.

-93 flat tires (Patrick had 14 and Jim had 13)
-37 tires replaced
-6 spokes
-9 rear cassettes
-3 seats
-17 chains
-3 wheels changed or rebuilt
-3 bottom brackets
-5 pedal cleats
-6 pedals
-3 derailleur cables
-6 brakes
-2 brake cables
-2 cycling computers
-2 sets of bearings repacked or replaced
-3 derailleur hangers
-3 helmets
-1 freewheel spring
-2 chain rings
-2 sets of hand grips
-1 crank arm
-2 bike pumps
-2 CO2 kits
-1 mirror
-1 handle bar taping

Terri and I would like to thank all those who followed us throughout the summer. We had a great time keeping the blog up and it will be a real special memory for the both of us. Thank you for all your support and a special thank-you to Mike and Don for "The Summer the Women Went".

Argentia - Whitbourne Day 71

The wheels from the 30 bikes hat were loaded on he truck and trailer were all lined up for easy identification.

The fellow before me was able to lift his bike above his head. This is as far as I got with mine. The last province almost conquered.


Terri proudly in the tenth and final province. This would be our last sleep until the ride up Signal hill.

This is day 71 and September 5th. What a night!! Poor excuse for lounge chair!! The footrest only came up partway and the back went back half-way so you were always sliding down. Should of got a berth. We both slept poorly as did Don and Mike and others in lounge chairs so catching a nap after breakfast was a definite must . I ended up taking my blanket and pillow and trying to get some sleep on the floor. During breakfast, one of the other passengers spotted a whale and I did get a glimpse of it as well. Crossing over to Argentia was a 15hr trip, arriving around 2pm so by the time we got our bikes, walked off the ferry and took pictures at the Welcome to Newfoundland and Labrador sign, we were on our way to Whitbourne by around 3pm. Cool northeast wind today giving us a headwind all the way to camp and it did look like rain for a while but the sky lightened up. We travelled along the Trans Canada Highway which provided us with a great cycling lane. There were a few good long climbs to challenge us but not like we had done the last few days. Terrain is bush, and lots of small bodies of water nestled between the hills. Picturesque and would be even more so had the sun been shining. Tomorrow is the grand finale!!!

Mike and Don had booked a room at the Whitbourne Hotel and we decided to join them as the alternative was sleeping in an old stadium/arena. When we got to the arena we were glad we had decided to join them at the hotel. It was old and smelly. Others from our group had decided to stay at the hotel as well and we all had a nice dinner at the local restaurant. We had decided to leave directly from the hotel in the morning so we inquired and agreed to meet at 7 am at the local Irving restaurant.

Englishtown to North Sydney Day 70

All of the luggage from the two groups had to be sorted onto three piles. One for our last overnight stay.

One to go right through to St. John's

and one for carry on to the ferry. There was lots of carry ons!!!

Overlooking St. Ann's on the way to Argentia to catch the ferry.

At the next lookout, Mike and Don caught up to us while there were travelling to the ferry. This was taken overlooking the Great Bra d'Or Channel

Our ferry to St. John's, the Clara and Joey Smallwood

30 bikes from the two groups had to be mounted on the top of the van and trailer as the big trucks did not go on the ferry
We waited for almost 3 hours in line to walk our bikes on. The ferry loading appeared to be very inefficient. Don and Mike were the first two vehicles on the ferry and they loaded at about 10:00 pm. We loaded about 10:45 for a 11:00 sailing. When we got on the ferry they didn't have any place for our bikes to be tied and they wanted us to simply lay our bikes on the floor. We protested and finally they found a place for us to go.

Today is day 70 of the tour and both groups are together now for the final leg of the trip to St. John's, Newfoundland. This morning, the temperature was comfortably warm so packing the tents away dry was a plus. We had to sort through our "stuff" since the two large trucks used for the tour will leave us and we downsize to a van and large trailer. Thirty of the lighter bikes will be put on top of the van and trailer so that will be interesting to see. We arranged one carry-on for the ferry, our tent bag for Whitbourne, Newfoundland's overnight stay and what we don't need till St. John's, in another bag. Three separate tarps were spread out on the ground for these three separate bags. The staff prepared a hamburger lunch and we were off for our 42k to North Sydney around 1 pm. Sure got warmer after lunch!!

We travelled along route #105 right to the terminal. Another beautiful ride but not realizing we were climbing up another mountain till at the summit and saw the sign for Kelly's Mountain. Not too tough a climb. We were pulling into the summit lookout when Don and Mike pulled in behind us in their cars. They had left Moncton this morning around 0830 to meet us at the terminal and this was around 2pm. Beautiful view of the coastline and valley. After our descent, we cycled over the Great Bras d'Or Channel Bridge. We had a bit of a tailwind the remainder of the ride to the ferry. Bikes were loaded on top of the van and trailer at the terminal and the remaining 12 bikes were walked on later. We were able to shower at the terminal and then out for supper. It was a long wait before we could go on and departure was 11pm. There seemed to be a lot of disorganization because of changes to the ferry computer system everyone was trying to get use to. We had booked lounge chairs for the 14hr crossing but wished we had chosen berths. The evening was warm and a full moon to view while waiting in the parking lot to walk our bikes on. Then in the ferry, they didn't have an area designated to place our bikes so that took a bit more organizing but once all that was sorted out, we went to the lounge chair areas to settle in for the night.

Dingwall to Englishtown Day 69

The switchbacks of Smokey were very scary. This picture was taken from the bottom and as it was zoomed in you may not be able to appreciate it quite as much as I did when I thought Little Kruz and I were threatened with becoming fossils on the mountain wall.

On top of old Smokey.

View of Lakies Head on the way up.

Green Cove.

McKinnon's Cove.

Throughout the summer our group has always been willing to lend a hand whenever necessary. This was no exception.

Our trip today would only be a 108 km day but because we were on the Cabot Trail we planned to take our time and take lots of pictures. We had had such a great time yesterday with the views and the climbs that we wanted to take this day in to the fullest.

We were not far out of camp when we came across Edith who had two flats to contend with. She was prepared to wait for the truck and ride to the next camp and we convinced her it was worth a try to get her bike on the road again. Terri had spares to offer her and just as we were getting started, other riders came along. Jim and Ray took charge of the situation and in no time the tires were changed and the three of us were on our way again. We decided to stick together in case there were further problems. Edith ended up going on ahead of us and she made it to camp without incident.

Terri and I took our time and stopped often to enjoy the views along the way. There were may look outs that gave us an opportunity for beautiful vistas. We had some fun at McKinnon's Cove by climbing over the guardrail and onto to the rocks. It was very safe, no cliffs and it was too nice to pass up. The next lookout at Green Cove provided a boardwalk out to the rocks.

We stopped in Ingonish at a very popular restaurant called Main Street Restaurant. We enjoyed great burgers and bought some squares to share with our cook crew when we got to camp.

We were concerned about Mount Smokey but after the climbs we did yesterday it proved to be not so difficult. It was the downhill that was scary, The wind was incredible and the switchbacks provided some opportunity to control the speeds and we were glad we were going down instead of up. We had the brakes on all the way down and at one point the wind was so strong I was sure it was going to pick me and the bike up and plant us on the mountain wall. We found out later that a few of the guys from the 71 day group went up and down all those switchbacks.

Close to the bottom of the mountain they were stripping the pavement for resurfacing and it was like riding over a washboard. One of the construction guys came over to us and offered us a Tim Horton's donut. We talked about wanting to see a moose and he said there was one on the side of the road not 20 minutes before we got there. At the base of the mountain at Wreck Cove general store we got a drink and I made a call to Peter, a 2008 TdC vet who lives on Saltsprings Island. He rode with us from Victoria to the Ferry way back in June and we wanted to let him know we made it through the Cabot Trail without walking up any of the climbs. It was great to talk with him and his wife Mary.

As the day was getting on and the supper hour was nearing, the meal we had before the climb up Smokey was needing replacing. We had seen a sign for the Clucking Hens Bakery so we decided to stop there. The sandwich I had hit the spot. Oh yest the chocolate macaroon tasted homemade and Terri had a square. I had been fading given the long day yesterday and not having eaten enough. Unfortunately I did not replenish soon enough and after about 15 min on the road I felt very faint and not really aware of my pedaling; I felt like I was going in slow motion and felt dangerously close to fainting. We stopped for a few minutes until I regained my composure and headed towards camp. We had a 2 minute ferry ride and then a short trip to camp. Camp was up a very steep loose gravel road. Terri made it up but it proved too slippery for me. I walked it and when we arrived the supper had already been served. Fortunately with our late afternoon break at the bakery we were not famished. We arrived to find the 71 and 72 day group camping together for the night and we received instructions on sorting our things and getting ready for the final two days.

We set up our tent and realized it would be the last night we would sleep outside. As there was so much to do we didn't have much time to get sad about it being the end. It was enough just to get our heads around how the ride to the ferry, the night on the ferry and the ride to St. John's would play out.

Lake Ainslie to Dingwall Day 68

The steam coming off Lake Ainslee at about 6:30 am.

The last breakfast that Cook Crew #2 will have to make. Oatmeal and french toast.

Our first little climb after getting on the Cabot Trail North.

Beautiful landscapes with houses dotting the landscape. It is as if they were just placed there randomly.

We had lunch at this Acadian Restaurant in Chetticamp. Terri had meat pie and beans, I had fish chowder and fish cake with fresh peas.

The scenery was breathtaking and we were so fortunate to have the sunshine today. It made it that much more beautiful. This is looking back on where we had come from, but not yet at the top of French Mountain.

Can you believe the color of the water???

This is on the way to French Mountain but not there yet. You see this photo often in postcards and in books.

Our friend Terry taking the picture below.

We thought we had already climbed a lot but we had a lot to go.


Here comes the real thing. 11 % grade

The small cove at the bottom is a fishing area, according to the sign posted here.

Terri at the top.

This is actually 0n the way down North Mountain. It was a 13% grade and not the same scenery as going up French Mountain. We had to put our long sleeve shirts on again as we got cold. The wind was gusty as well. North Mountain was the hardest climb today but the Rockies was so long ago we forgot how hard they were.
The scenery on the way down North Mountain was more spectacular than what we saw going up. There were lookouts that gave us a chance for pictures and to control our speeds going down. The disc brakes were very warm. Going down French we Terri clocked 72 and Holly 71.55. Not much breaking on that one as we had a clean descent with good views of what was ahead.


Today's ride is to be 142k and it is day 68 of the tour. Also, September 2nd. We got away from camp at 0800 as it was Holly's crew doing breakfast and clean-up and I help her and when it is my crew cooking, she helps me. Before camp, we already took one layer of cycling clothing off as the sun was warming up the air rather quickly. However, as we were cycling the first few K's on of the day along route #395, it was a bit cool but then onto route #19, the sun was in our favour the remainder of the day. Our cue sheets indicated that this is the climbing day - three summits. The French, and North are the toughones. The Mac Kenzie is in the Cape Breton Highlands and much easier. There were lots of warm-up climbs up to and after Chiticamp, where we had our 1200 lunch in an Acadian restaurant. Shortly after leaving Chiticamp, we entered the Cape Breton Highlands National Park,and the first climb began. But the picturesque beauty of the shoreline is breathtaking!!! Lots of opportunity for picture taking as there were scenic look-outs along the route. The first climb was French Mountain and, in our granny gears, we managed it just fine. It was an 11% grade, and about 3k. We were on the MacKenzie Mountain and really felt it was easy!! We stopped at Pleasant Bay for a snack, then shortly after that, the North Mountain climb began. It is a 4k climb with 13% grade. Tough, but we both managed it in the lowest granny gear again. Then began the 5k descend at 13% grade with lots of twists and turns so braking was a must. Great to get into camp which was another 20k after our descend. Beautiful, enjoyable ride and day inspite of the challenges of the climbs. As of today, we have cycled 7362k and have 4 days of cycling left. The guys left on Monday to meet up with us at North Sydney on Friday. It will be great to see them!!