Today's ride was eventful. To begin, it was my 23rd birthday, so happy birthday to me. I began my 24th year in style: eating oatmeal on the cement floor of a pastors garage in the middle of nowhere with two people I barely knew. Couldn't be happier!
Not having to pack up tents was a nice change, but despite this we still manage to leave later than intended. We opted to take a secondary route to Ottawa, which crossed over in to Quebec for a while before hooking back down. Crossing that border knowing it wasn't the last time i would be in Ontario was tough, but I mad sure to enjoy it while I could. Sure enough, the shoulder improved immediately, and the signs were all way cooler (the crossing-the-street-sign-man had a swagger and the deer in the please-don't-crash-into-the-deer-sign looked way happier than his western compatriots). To celebrate this momentous crossing/my aging, we stopped for my first poutine. The sizes were small, medium, large, and family. Upon finishing my family-sized portion of poutine, i reflected on how poor a decision that had just been, slammed a red bull in a futile attempt to hold the poutine-induced lethargy at bay, then we set back off.
Despite the horror brewing in my bloated stomach, the riding was very nice. In what we assumed was true Quebec fashion, all the small town tourist centers were abandoned so we couldnt get a map. Thankfully the route was easy enough, so on we rode. The hills of Ontario were behind us! The only thing that would make this day better would be if there was a way to shave some of the 160km off the ride. Cue "ferry to Ottawa" signs. Snap assumption: surely this will take us to Ottawa. Horrible truth: this takes us across the river and shaves off no kilometers. Silver lining: rode for free.
Anyways, after the ferry it was just a long push to finish the ride. Pretty hot, low on water. When we finally get to the edge of town, I call ahead and confirm that I'll be arriving soon. This was in no way factual, and we ended up hitting every light across town (really should have asked about bike paths). Raymond split off, leaving Sean and I to finish the last leg to downtown.
Finally made it! It was significantly later than anticipated, but rolling in to see Patti and Zoe waiting out on the steps made my day. After a wonderful shower, there were fish tacos, followed by a surprise birthday cake. Perfect end to a long day.
Tomorrow: tourist mode- engage!
I rode to that ferry a few weeks ago. The parts with no shoulder on the QC side are rough but once you get on the bike path it's nice. Here's a few photos http://www.quantis.ca/?p=897
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