Things were a little wet from the overnight rain, but not too bad. A good shaking and packed up mostly dry. We initially headed for McD’s, but their lobby didn’t open until 11, so we returned to Theo’s and it was open. Though we had another server who did speak some English, the woman who served us the night before came out of the kitchen with an apron on. I asked if she had ever left, and she replied “I am the owner. I’m here to close and here to open.” And to cook, obviously. She wished us well on our trip and we had a hearty breakfast and headed out.

Today’s ride was 75 miles and about the same amount of elevation as yesterday. We both were pretty tired by the end of the day when we ended up at Christian and Eugénie house in St. Antoine de Tilly, with their 3 kids, Clemenc, Antoine, and Samuelle, and dog Sonny. When we got here they were hauling their kayaks from the river back to the house. They made room for us in their house and space in the garage for the bikes and we’re about to go down for the night.

Early day today, but we slept in until 5:30. We were on the road at 7 and we were pretty sure we were going to go for the 96 mile destination. Weather was good and there wasn’t any chance of rain until mid-afternoon. Turns out it never did rain, and the riding was flat! Something only cyclists will understand, but 603 feet in 80 miles is pretty flat. Not western Ohio flat, but flat! The last 20 miles to our warm showers host in Nicolet was a little more rolling and we ended up with 95.5 miles and 1,373 ft of “climbing.” I was pretty tired, but John said it was all he could do to draft me, so I was happy I wasn’t a slouch! He’s been on the road since April from Albuquerque and I was worried about not having enough miles under me.

12 pm: We were up at 5 this morning and on the road around 5:30 to try to get as much distance in before the rain started. We still got wet, but the riding has been mostly flat and very rural until we got closer to Montreal. Lots of bike lanes and paths and we are in old Montreal camped at eggspectation having a needed brunch (and dry off) as we had a minimal breakfast of bananas and bars.

No pics yet today, but should have something up later. Going to tour around Old Montreal until our warm showers people are available at 4:00 p.m.

12pm: Quick update while stopping for lunch, mostly photos!

9pm: In for the evening after 61 very beautiful and interesting miles, The day started off in the high 70s. I had stayed with John and his friend Beth at their hotel so Sarah and Matt could enjoy a restful night without a crazy cyclist waking them up at stupid-dark-thirty.

The adventure starts today. Well, getting to the adventure starts today. My daughter Sarah and her husband Matt are driving me to Burlington where I’ll meet up with John and they’ll have a little VT vacation. I’m so grateful to them because it’s a great time saver for me. I don’t have to pack the bike in a box to fly, and all the other logistics.

Coming soon. I’ll be leaving July 5 for Burlington VT to join my friend John W (I’ll post some links later) on a tour to Montreal, Quebec, and the Gaspé Peninsula. It will take between 6 and 8 weeks depending on my route back home. Stay tuned. In the meantime, all the posts from my cross country tour last year are still available here.