Randy and I had decided to get off to an earlier 7:30 am start since we calculated approximately 75 miles to Kingston. What we hadn't counted on was the dense fog that greeted us. With blinking red tail lights and wearing my bright yellow bike jacket, we took off towards Belleville, which was 8 miles away. Then, another of those "parting of the sea experiences." A fire had broken out in a small shopping center and the police closed down the road to traffic - that is, motor vehicle traffic. We were waved right through and essentially had the entire highway to ourselves. A broad, smoothly paved highway along which we fairly cruised.
Within 15 minutes we arrived at a very nice breakfast cafe in Belleville and had a wonderful breakfast. Not quite up to Dimitri's standards, but very good none-the-less. I told Randy that I was considering returning to the US from Kingston and getting back on the Adventure Cycling northern tier route through the Adirondacks in NY and continuing through Vermont as we originally planned. I knew he had decided that he wanted to go through both Montreal and Quebec City, but the thought of negotiating the traffic through two more congested big cities was not appealing to me. Plus, the reality is that when you take a "rest day" in a big city, what you usually end up doing is laundry; spending a significant amount of time planning the next phase of the ride; trying to actually rest some, and; trying to see what you can of the city in what is left of the day and with limited transportation since we usually stay in hotels on the outskirts of the city. We do the best to see as much as we can within the limitations, but more often than not it is more like an overview. Or, maybe we will focus on one thing to see. But, for me, I prefer biking through the charming towns and talking with the people you encounter along the way. Just taking in the scenery. Randy's point was well-taken - he did not know when he would have the opportunity to be in the area and visit these cities. Plus, he doesn't like biking in mountains, and the AC route does go through the NY Adirondacks - not exactly flat. But, I realized the same reasoning applied to me - I don't know when I will have the opportunity to bike this portion of the country along the northern tier route during the fall season. I like mountains. And I have always been interested in biking Vermont this time of year. Randy and I like and respect one another, and support each other's choices. As we discussed the possibility that we would continue on separate routes, we both had tears in our eyes. Because it is rare to find really compatible travel companions and friends that seem to bring out the best in you. That is what I have always liked about riding with Randy - I think we seem to bring out the best in each other. And I know we want the best for each other.
We continued on for approximately 30 miles to Picton, where we again resumed riding the Waterfront Trail towards the Glenora Ferry. There were quite a few rather steep inclines on the way to the ferry, and my legs were feeling a little tired. Along the way, we greeted several other people out for rides on their bikes, and I received a number of good wishes for our trip. You can often see the longing in the eyes of these folks - we are living their dream.
The Glenora Ferry was a 15 minute boat ride across the upper end of Picton Bay. A delightful interlude.
We resumed riding along a beautiful two lane paved road along the shores of Lake Ontario that was somewhat similar to yesterday's ride. There was the scenic farmland and countryside interspersed with occasional shoreline views. It was quite humid, and that took its toll. But we made really good time and arrived in Kingston by mid-afternoon. I realized that we had miscalculated the mileage by probably 10 miles, and the ride was more along the lines of 65 miles or so rather than 75 miles. All in all, another very enjoyable ride.
We found a motel on the north side of town and plan to meet for breakfast. For me the Tour of the Leaves journey takes on a whole different direction tomorrow.
I too wish I could take the adventure you two are taking, however, I don't think my Mazda can go the distance.
ReplyDeleteIt's a neat thing you are doing and everytime I read your blog, I say a little prayer for you two and Del and family. I do a lot of volunteering for the Mpls ALS office and as you found out, the staff is very nice.
I share your pain on the ride. About two weeks ago, I did a local bike ride just short of 40 miles. 38, to be exact. Yep, 38 miles short. But that was a grueling two mile ride, in the blistering heat (I call 78 degrees blistering), and fighting a fierce wind gust caused by some little kid who passed me up on his tricylcle. And I never would have lasted the trip if it hadn't been for the Culver's Ice Cream Shop, which is a half mile from our house. Stopped for a 'butter burger' and a shake both on the way in and the way out. What a life saver!
Anyway, I hope this gives you a chuckle or two to help the pedaling go easier.
I forgot to sign. I'm Joe Bartish
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