New Glasgow to St. John’s 2018 – Day 18

Details
New Glasgow to St. John’s 2018 - Day 18
?
Export
Details
Date
18/09/2018
Journal Entry

It absolutely tipped it down all night, luckily I put up the tarp well and I'm getting good at sleeping no matter the conditions, or at least tiring myself out to the point where it doesn't matter.

The rain wasn't stopping any time soon so I de-camped in record time and booked it to a local town.

A coffee and apple turnover certainly helped (though I miss good coffee!). The day consisted of getting my head down and grinding towards St. John's. Cold, wet and windy was the theme for the day.

I was a bit of a mess by the time I made it to the railway museum in St. John's (kilometer zero of the Trans Canada Trail). I found it interesting to learn about the history of the railway and the nice women who worked there took good care of me, giving me tea and cake. What a treat!

It was another 15km to Cape Spear and having been before with Carly she remembered it as being "hilly". That was an understatement! Pure grit got me there, especially as my low gears had not been working in a while.

Eventually I got there and took in the harsh location, braving the cold winds in my shorts! I got lots of looks and a few questions.

I was dreading the return ride back to town and had considered trying to catch a ride. Just as I was trying to figure things out a Scottish guy came up to me to ask how far I had come. It turned out he had a truck and was happy to give me a ride. That made my day! I am completely out of it, but very happy and feeling strong.

Distance (km)
54
More Details

New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 – Day 1

Details
New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 - Day 1
?
Export
Details
Journal Entry

First day could not have gone better. Bus out of Halifax 3 hours earlier than expected. Dropped off right at Canadian Tire, who even took my bike box!

Saw a bear, a skunk (first ever), a deer with 2 fawns and an impressive bird of prey.

Went to a weird brewery that was more like a shop and only served 10oz beers! Very weird atmosphere, felt like being in a sitcom.

Can't believe how far I managed after only 2 hours sleep on the plane last night. Will sleep well tonight!

Distance (km)
78
More Details

New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 – Day 2

Details
New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 - Day 2
?
Export
Details
Journal Entry

Mosquitoes everywhere! Tough trail today, lots of mud and water on rough terrain. Had pizza for lunch and "2nd lunch" though 🙂

Got bear cache cord stuck in a tree, way too tired to spend 40 minutes getting it back... but I did. Neeeeed sleeeeepppp!

Distance (km)
89
More Details

New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 – Day 3

Details
New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 - Day 3
?
Export
Details
Journal Entry

After my exhaustion setting up camp last night, I was surprised to come across a hut 10 minutes into my ride today. That would have been nice. Oh well.

Need new front brake pads :-/

Burger/beer/poutine for lunch. Enjoying the New Brunswick Trail so far, but hilly! Sleeping in a thorn bush tonight, looking forward to a coffee in Moncton tomorrow.

Distance (km)
93
More Details

New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 – Day 4

Details
New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 - Day 4
?
Export
Details
Journal Entry

So many hills! Glad I took my alternate route, because this was more than enough elevation. Mostly quiet roads, but non-stop rolling hills and wind all day.

Happy to get so many km done, as I wanted to bang through the road section. Burger + poutine + beer at JJ's Diner was the perfect reward. Found a camp spot in no time... a bush not far from the restaurant.

Distance (km)
121
More Details

New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 – Day 5

Details
New Glasgow to Ottawa 2019 - Day 5
?
Export
Details
Journal Entry

Bit more of the same hilly road, but then hit a country market for coffee and snacks before getting back on the trail. Took 5 minute ferry and found myself transported from run-down rural area into a very well-off neighbourhood. Quite the contrast!

Nice ride towards Saint John, the bike lane turned into a hilly trail before hitting the hilly city streets! The hilly port town instantly reminded me of Saint John's, Newfoundland. Seems like a nice place for a break.

Distance (km)
87
More Details