Day 7

Despite my disappointment in the room I'd booked last night I did sleep well, a very welcome rest. It was overcast as I woke up, with a lot of rain in the forecast. I wasn't about to let that stop me, just in case the weatherman was wrong. I did decide to sleep late this morning, only getting up at 7:30, a decision that I would later regret.

After the familiar routine of the morning I dragged my bags out to the bike and got packed up for the day. I decided to don the rain gear right away, as the clouds to the east looked threatning. Once I was back on the road, it was back to getting pounded right away. I'll just say, for all the taxes they take in this province, they sure seem to use very little on the roads. The roughest roads I've been in anywhere in Canada in my life around the Sudbury/North Bay Area. I'm just guessing that all the money stays in Ottawa and the Toronto area, for all the left wing nuts running our country [/political rant].

About 70km into the ride I spotted a Tim Horton's, and made a quick stop for a coffee and breakfast sandwich. A little further down the road there was a sign about Canada's first nuclear power generation facility, and I took time to explore a little. I never did find the road to take me within sight of the old facility, and turned around once I hit the dirt road. It was soft sand, a few inches deep, and I almost got the bike stuck turning around. A few times I thought I was going to lay it down but I kept enough momentum that I didn't have to try and hold it up with no decent place put my feet. I got out of there in a hurry, thankful that I didn't get stuck. On the way back to the Trans Canada I saw a sign welcoming me to Ontario. A quick look at the map showed that I'd just been in Quebec, although I'm thinking that doesn't quite count yet.

Around 200km into the day's ride I entered Petawawa, home to 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and 2 Area Support Unit. I took a little drive through the area, and took a few pictures before the rain began falling. The rain wouldn't stop until I made it to Cornwall, and it basically ruined my plans for the day.

I don't mind a shower here and there, or and hour of rain on the way, but this was a good old fashioned soaker that never let up. I stopped for something to eat in Arnprior, just west of Ottawa, and would have gladly stayed where it was dry. The room I booked was non-refundable, and I thought that maybe it would stop eventually. I was mostly dry, but the glove covers I bought didn't do the job for long. It only took about an hour until my hands were soaked.

Traffic in Ottawa was terrible, and with the pouring rain I decided to forego trying to find Parliament Hill. That was quite disappointing, as I was really looking forward to seeing it, but it would have been miserable anyway in this weather. Maybe I can find a way to fit that in somewhere yet as it was one thing that I was hoping to check off the bucket list.

I finally arrived in Cornwall around 5:30, tired and happy to get out of the rain. The check-in was quick, and then it was time for a shower and dinner. I stayed mostly dry, but my gear is soaked and who knows how long it will take to dry. The weather isn't looking good for the area tomorrow either, so at this point I'm unsure of where I will go. Only 499km today, which took almost 9 hours total. Time to pray for clear, sunny skies!

Front desk staff generously offered me and a few more bikers the option of parking here for the night. There's three more Harley's to my right

Day 6

The sun was shining brightly already when I awoke at just after 7am, and I was more than happy to face a sunny day of riding. I had a tough time falling asleep last night, too much coffee before bedtime, but I wasn't feeling tired. After going through my morning routine, which is becoming familiar now, I packed the bags on the bike and hit the road.

The air coming off the lake was quite cold, so the warm sunshine was welcome. It was a relaxing ride to Sault Ste. Marie with quite a few stops along the way. As usual I was able to chat with people from time to time throughout the day, something I usually enjoy.

I had lunch in the Soo, followed by a dreaded trip to Walmart to finally buy some sunscreen. Thankfully it was on a shelf just inside the entrance, so I didn't have to stay there long. I don't really like crowds, especially throngs of angry Walmart shoppers!

The landscape after the Soo actually got a little boring for me today, similar in many ways to the stretch from the Manitoba border to Thunder Bay. Mountain riding is my favorite, and there are no mountains out here. Ontario is a BIG province, it's looking like another day in Ontario before moving on. The plan for tomorrow is to see Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and then spend the night in Cornwall. From there I will probably ride through Quebec to New Brunswick and start the maritime portion of the trip.

I was quite tired by the time I pulled into North Bay, and disappointed in the room I had booked earlier. It certainly is the worst room of the trip so far, and I should have known better. I'm looking forward to a night of rest, and then a fresh start in the morning.

What a lovely place to spend some time in the morning

Feet in the water of Lake Superior

They sold real Mennonite farmer's sausage in the store! Didn't buy any though

Almost in North Bay now

Day 5

I awoke at 7:00 this morning after a great night of rest, and packed up all my stuff. I had booked two nights in Thunder Bay as I was thinking of getting some more stuff done on the bike, but changed my mind and checked out of the room. It was a very expensive night, $153, but the hotel is basically across the street from Thunder Bay HD. I arrived at the shop about 10 minutes early and chatted with two of the techs that were outside having a smoke before their work day began.

After they got all the info from me, I walked down the street to find a place to eat breakfast. It was a nice meal of bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, and toast to put some fuel in my tank. Once the food was gone I ambled back to the Harley shop, and sat down to look at the map for a while. Since I was hoping to get out of Thunder Bay by lunch, I was looking forward to getting some decent miles in yet in the afternoon. When they finished with my bike I was very happy to hear that I had taken it in and gotten the tire replaced even though I could have squeezed a little more out of it. There had been a nail in the old tire, and it wasn't leaking yet, but at some point it very well could have. Not sure where I would have picked it up, or how long it had been in there.

At almost exactly 12pm I pointed the front wheel east, happy to get back on the road. It didn't take long before I finally got my first look at Lake Superior. I knew it was big, it does look big on a map, but it's REALLY big! I feel so blessed to be able to live the dream of long distance motorcycle travel, and to see all the wonderful sights North America has to offer.

The sky was overcast and it was another cool morning, but there was no rain so I was happy. I keep forgetting to buy some sunscreen, so maybe the lack of sunshine was a blessing in disguise. The scenery was much nicer today than the last few days, with many different looks of the lake to my right. 

Just west of Terrace Bay, I pulled off to take a look at the Aquasabon Falls. It was a nice little walk, a good chance to stretch the legs a little. As I got back to the bike, a couple pulled up behind me on a Harley as well. I had seen them a ways back, and the first thing the guy asked was if I was from around here. I said no, I'm from Alberta, which was met by a blank stare. The guys wife bailed him out, saying it was also in Canada. Turns out he needed a little help with the metric conversions, which I was happy to assist with. We chatted for a while, and then I left as they went to look at the falls.

We leapfrogged a few times after that, they're headed to the Niagara Falls so it's possible I'll see them again. The sun came out after that stop, which made the last half of the day's ride a little nicer. The last few hours takes one away from Lake Superior a little, and it was similar scenery as yesterday.

Having seen good reviews on the Parkway Motel just south of Wawa, I figured I would check it out. It's a perfect little motel, old fashioned but neat and clean. The Trip Advisor app is really great for finding hidden gems like this, makes the whole experience so enjoyable as I actually prefer motels like this. It's like going back in time a little, except for the whole wi-fi/blogging thing!

I rode into Wawa after checking in, and all day the name seemed familiar for some reason. As I rode in, there was a sign saying it was the hometown of Chris Simon. He was one of my favorite players for the Colorado Avalanche back in the day. Had a quick supper, and then headed back to the motel. Wouldn't you know, the same couple I ran into earlier has a room right beside mine. As the guy said, great minds think alike (in more ways than one, he's got a beard the size mine was before I shaved and started the new one).

Only 7 hours on the road today, with 516km on the clock. I've travelled 3630km so far, with approximately 2400 to get to Halifax, so I'm at least well on the way. The bike has been running great, and the gas mileage is better than I thought at 48.3mpg/5.8L/100 (40.2mpg for the Americans reading this). Time to sign off, this post got wordy in a hurry!

Terry Fox memorial, his run ended a little east of here. For those of you that don't know his story, Google it, very inspirational!

When that little green 6 on the speedometer is lit, all is right with the world!

You would love it here Mom, it's so peaceful since it's just south of town. Nothing but the birds and squirrels with the occassional vehicle passing on the highway. It will be a perfect place to spend the night.

Day 4

After a good night of sleep I awoke at about 7:20, and proceeded to be quite lazy again for the first hour of the day, drinking coffee and going through my morning devotional. I really enjoy the quiet of the morning, especially when I have all the time I need to wake up.

Dark clouds threatened rain as I was packing up the bike, and I hoped that stopping for a full breakfast might allow the rain to pass by. It held off until I was done eating, and fueling up the bike, but once I hit the road a light rain began falling.

I took the perimeter road around Winnipeg as there was nothing I needed in the city. If it had been dry I might have passed through just to take a look. The light rain continued to fall for the first hour, and if not for the gear I would have been soaked. About the same time the rain ended, the landscape began to change from prairie to forest. A few more times during the day there would be small showers, but as I drove deeper into Ontario the sun finally began to come out. It was beautiful weather for the last few hours on the road.

The scenery was basically just trees on both sides of the highway, and many lakes as well. Throughout the day I had to exercise a fair bit of patience, as the Trans Canada was no longer a divided highway in Ontario, and the speed limit was reduced to 90km/h. It felt strange to be doing 15 over the limit at 105km/h.

I lost another hour, as I passed into the eastern time zone about an hour west of Thunder Bay. I spent just under 10 hours riding the 754km for the day. Tomorrow I bring my bike in for a service job and a new rear tire, which will hopefully not take too long, so that I can get back on the road again for the afternoon and continue my trek east. I never got a look at Lake Superior today, and I'm looking forward to seeing the Great Lakes for the first time in my life.

View to the east this morning

Crossing over into Ontario for the first time

Saw a lot of this today, pic was taken while riding and actually turned out okay

Almost in Kenora

More trees, was beginning to like riding on highway 88 in Alberta

About 40km left to Thunder Bay

This is why I always make sure my shampoo and shower gel are in a ziplock bag, much nicer to have it contained than all over the clothes

Day 3

By the time my head hit the pillow last night, I was fast asleep, and never woke once until just before 7am. I awoke feeling rested, and the early wake up allowed me to relax a little before getting ready to leave. It was 8:30 by the time I'd had a couple cups of coffee, packed the bike for the day, and fueled up.

The sun was shining and it was a perfect morning for riding. The landscape has more rolling hills than I had pictured in my mind, though it does flatten out a lot more as one gets closer to Moose Jaw. After the approximately 175km from Swift Current to Moose Jaw, I figured it was time to eat. It wasn't a long stop, and then I was back on the highway. 

I saw mile after mile of open farm land today, not the greatest scenery, but it was still enjoyable. There was a perfect mix of sun and clouds today, keeping the temperature at a very comfortable level. My body is still getting used to the constant sitting but I did feel better after the ride today than yesterday. Many times today I thought of how office work would be great training for long distance riding, since the white collar types have plenty of time sitting on their butts. I'm used to being on my feet all day, and moving around, so this is a big change of pace. By the time I reached west Winnipeg, I was ready to call it a day, tired and hungry. I got food delivered to the room while I wound down, didn't feel like trying to find a place to eat. 

A few times today I was able to chat with other bikers, as there were many out on this nice summer Saturday. Not too many bikes heading east with me though, most of the bikers were heading west it seemed.

Total time from departure to arrival today was almost exactly 10 hours, 826km on the odometer for the day. Tomorrow will be another fairly long ride, as I need to be in Thunder Bay tomorrow night. I should get a chance to relax there though, while they get to work on my bike.

Sodium sulphate deposits close to Chaplin, SK. This was about as interesting as it got today

Entering Manitoba for the first time in my life, also lost an hour due to crossing into the Central time zone.

Not far from Winnipeg now

Guys in the van were here when I arrived two hours ago, and they're still at it right now. Someone must have called the cops, although they didn't stay long before leaving. There seems to be more stuff coming out of the van rather than stuff going in. I have a feeling the police will be back before the night is over.

Day 2

I got off to a late start again this morning, something that will probably change now that I'm alone for the rest of the trip. It was enjoyable to relax and chat over the morning coffee, and vacations are supposed to be relaxing right?

It was almost 10am by the time I was rolling, and when I stopped for gas in Red Deer the A & W right beside the gas station beckoned with the sweet aroma of another coffee and a bacon & egger (it's one of my weaknesses). I used that time to return a missed called from Thunder Bay Harley, where I have a service job and new rear tire appointment booked for Monday morning. I was thinking of getting some more stuff done on the bike, but the pricing seemed high so it will have to wait for now.

The sun was shining brightly, and it was a bit warmer than yesterday. I left Red Deer south bound on the Deuce, but turned east on highway 42. I wanted to avoid the city traffic in Calgary, so once I got to highway 21, I took that down to the Trans Canada just east of Strathmore. Clouds rolled in, and though it didn't rain much, it blocked the warmth from the sun. After a fuel stop and some food in Brooks, I was once again on the road. It was windy most of the way today, a crosswind that made me work a little harder to keep the bike on the road.

Passing through Medicine Hat, the clouds finally opened up a little for about 20 minutes or so. It wasn't enough to stop and get out the rain gear though. As I closed in on Swift Current, I decided I was done for the day. Moose Jaw is another 175km, and that will be easier in the morning after some rest. I'll have to make a few more miles tomorrow, but will also be starting out earlier.

I can't say enough good things about the new bike, beats the Heritage I had last year hands down when it comes to longer days in the saddle. I'm still getting tired, partially because I have to get used to riding every day, and also I'm a little too out of shape. It's so easy to grab the small briefcase and backseat bag, and leave everything else on the bike. Last year I had my hands full every time I stopped for the day. This current setup with make the whole experience just a little more enjoyable. 

It was a little discouraging today with how tired I felt, but I need to remember that last year the most kilometers I travelled in a day was 675. I did 858 yesterday and 676 today so I just need to get used to sitting on a bike all day instead of walking all day at work.

Love the lack of carpet in the room, makes it feel much cleaner. 

Day 1

Well I finally got out on the road Thursday morning, six days later than expected. The loss of my only remaining grandparent caused me to have to make a decision. It was not hard to stay around for the funeral, as I loved my grandmother, and I knew I would regret it if I didn't stay. She was a larger-than-life personality, and she made a positive impact on everyone she met. So many times over the days leading up to the funeral, and again at the memorial service, people shared amazing stories of her. Almost every grandchild showed up for the funeral, some from far and wide, and the fact might not be so impressive if there weren't 64 grandchildren. It was nice to meet many of the cousins that I hadn't seen in years. She will leave a hole in the family, and the community, but her wish would probably be that we carry on the work that she started. It would be hard to find anyone more faithful to God, even though she was given many reasons to give up over the years.

The travel for Day 1 started off cold, and it would stay that way throughout the day. It seemed as though I couldn't put enough layers on to keep out the bone-chilling cold. I was fortunate enough to miss most of the rain throughout the day, only riding through a few small showers. The completion of the paving of highway 88 knocked almost 150km off the day's ride, and it's so nice to have that option now for motorcycle travel.

A friend in Sylvan Lake offered to let me crash at her place for night, which I gladly took her up on. Not only did I have a place to stay, upon my arrival I was treated to warm homemade soup. It was good to catch up with her after the meal, she's had to deal with incredible loss in her life, and yet she finds a way to stay positive. I'll keep you in my prayers Kathy, and I can't tell you how much I appreciated the generosity you showed.

I wasn't too focused on taking pictures, all the focus was on staying as warm as possible and just getting the day's ride over with. It ended up being 858km, which took less than 10 hours including all stops. I don't think I've ever ridden at that pace, and hopefully I get to take a little more time for the rest of the way.

The two most influential women in my life, my late grandmother on the left, and my amazing mom on the right. I'll keep you in my prayers Mom!

All packed up and ready to leave Thursday morning. It doesn't look nearly as cold as it felt, but the sun that's shining in the picture didn't follow me on the road.