Day 34 - Manitoulin Island to Craighurst

(that town I can't spell on Manitoulin Island) to Craighurst
215 km, pouring rain, for first 50 k, overcast, then sunny for the last 2 hrs
inds – 0 km/hr for first 50 k, then 10-15 (max) km/hr crosswind for 100 k, then tailwind for the rest of the day.

This is Major Tom to ground control.

Today felt like a good ride. It was the ride I wanted and needed to make me feel back on track (motivation, feeling good).

I pressed the snooze button a few times this morning. When I finally got out of “bed”, ate, and packed, it was close to 2.5 hrs before the ferry's departure. I had to haul-ass to get there on time.

Shortly after the ride started, the rain started, and didn't let up until onto the ferry. There was no winds, which allowed me to have a decent speed to get to the ferry on time. I am a lucky bastard.

I planned on having some food on board, write yesterday's entry, and maybe take a nap. I did eat. I didn't to the other two. This older couple and I had a conversation about travelling, my trip, but mainly about mathematic olympics and the kids he is training for them. He was quite passionate about it, which made it (surprisingly) interesting. Super nice folks. The ferry was just under two hours. Scenery – non-existant, as it was too foggy to see anything past 50 yards.

From Tobemory to Wiarton, it's an 80 k stretch of nothing. The light winds started sometime then, but they were crosswinds. They were coming from the West, which meant that I would probably enjoy them once I pass Wiarton.

In Wiarton, I searched to see if there was a statue of Wiarton Willie. No luck. I did see a small wooden sculpture of one, so I took a picture of it.

Owen Sound was near. Just before it, the sun came out, and was quite warm (a bit humid too). A big downhill brought me into Owen Sound. Unfortunately, there was a red light at the bottom. Shucks. Getting out of town, a nice little (4-5 km) uphill awaited me. Nice slow gradual uphill, nothing killer, but constant. It was pleasant. I also had the wind with me, so that helped.

I noticed my rear wheel felt wobbly at times. Upon closer inspection, a few spokes felt they had lost some tension. Do I fix it now or wait until the campsite in 20 km? I fixed it on the spot, enough to get me to the campsite to properly fix it then.

After the climb, just beyond the crest, I could see clouds up ahead. Could I be at the peak of all these climbs, and it's all downhill from here until I reach the Georgian Bay? Yes it was. Looked quite nice. I enjoyed a good minute of 50 k/h, then a few good minutes (3-4?) of 40 k/h. Nice ride. From that point on, I will ride the coast of Georgian Bay. Once I pass Collingwood, it'll be familiar territory – roads I used to ride fairly often when I lived near here.

Tonight I get to have a shower, head to bed before midnight, and sleep in (if I want, or if I can), as the day is under 150 k (I believe). I get to have a lighter day tomorrow, as I ride into Penetanguishene to see my sister, the three little terrors (they rock), and a couple of friends. Can't wait.

Alright, off to see if I can send these entries with a (possible) internet connection near the office, followed by a shower, and bed time.

Only four more biking days until Ottawa – here to Penetang, Penetang to Toronto, rest in Toronto, Toronto to Kingston (300k), and Kingston to home. Just a few dodos, I'll be there soon.

Can't wait to see a bunch of you guys.

p2