So now we are in Canada - largely uncharted territory and full of unknowns for us. Also probably a large part of the appeal to our sense of adventure. At this point, we are headed to Toronto and hoping to pick up a nice bike trail running along the north shore of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence. We have found references to such a potential bike trail - I believe the Water Trail - and will research further as we get closer to Hamilton and Toronto.
Today was a hard ride. It started out okay, but after 6-7 miles of perfect roads and riding, the road became a dirt road, which was likely to go on for 10-15 miles. The scenery was gorgeous and similar to yesterday's ride. Many beautiful and interesting farm houses and complexes. The wildflowers alongside the road were gorgeous. The biggest difference, besides riding on dirt roads, was that we began to encounter more and more rolling hills with steeper inclines. This meant more effort to climb, but also the exhilaration of the following downhill coast. The dirt roads were a little more bumpy, but overall I did not find them that objectionable. I was still cruising most of the time between 14 - 16 mph, except during the steeper inclines. However, it was also quite warm and humid, with highs expected in the low 80's, and this started taking its toll. Randy hates both dirt roads and rolling hills, so it became apparent fairly soon after getting on the dirt roads that he wanted to look for a way off. We had originally planned to go to Brantford, some 45 miles away on a direct route if we stayed on the dirt roads. However, we started looking at a turn north to catch Hwy 2 in a town called Ingersoll, then riding an additional 20 miles or so more than originally planned to Cambridge. That would leave a relatively short day on Thursday to Hamilton.
As we continued on the dirt roads (before finding a connector to the new route) we came upon a group of three children happily walking down the road. From their dress, it was apparent that they were Amish. Then, an Amish carriage emerged from a driveway with what appeared to be the mother and grandmother of the children. ( my guess). I greeted these ladies and asked if I could take a picture. The mother smiled and said I could take a picture of the cart and horse, but no pictures of them. She seemed very cheerful.
We continued on our way, and eventually found a paved highway north to Ingersoll, where we stopped briefly at A&W for a root beer float before heading to Highway 2. The ride along Hwy 2 took us through some very interesting towns, I.e. Waterford. Beautiful architecture of some of the older buildings, and one of the most impressive churches I have ever seen. I wish I had taken some pictures, but at that point I was more concerned with getting through town and the long ride ahead.
In the small town of Princeton we stopped at about 2:30 pm for a grilled cheese and sweet potato fries to see us through the remaining 35 miles or so to Cambridge. We had already ridden 50 miles at that point and I was feeling it. Also somewhat dreading the remaining 35 miles or so. Randy took a picture that pretty well sums it up. He was supposed to be getting the sweet potato fries, because they were exceptional and pretty, but somehow got this pitiful picture of me instead.
The last major town on the way to Cambridge was Paris, ON. To get there, we had to ride a long, winding, steep downhill that ended on the Main Street. It was a beautiful little town. We saw a couple of people in bike clothes that Randy surmised were part of Ride Across America. These folks annually ride coast to coast in approximately 35 days or so. But they do it on road bikes with full SAG support (means they don't carry panniers and belongings) and cover probably close to 100 mile per day. Accommodations and food are arranged for them.
The last 10 - 15 miles to Cambridge were brutal. It was hot and there were many rolling hills to negotiate. Some quite steep. The two lane road was fairly narrow and the traffic was quite heavy. Plus, at this point, we had gone approximately 65 miles and were feeling it. Eventually, we arrived at the outskirts of Cambridge and began the tortuous ride to the motel area. This was along a very busy highway, not in the greatest of conditions. Also involved negotiating some very steep hills. At various points we got on the sidewalk due to safety concerns, and I even got off and pushed short distances a couple of times. Finally, finally we got to the motel. Had a wonderful soak in the tub and met Randy for dinner. I am in for an early night.
The current plan for tomorrow is to ride to Hamilton and look for that bike trail to Toronto. The forecast is for possible thunderstorms.
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