St. Ignace, Michigan to Echo Bay, Ontario (73 miles) Saturday, July 17th
Echo Bay to Spragge, Ontario (90 miles) July 18th.
The picture today shows riding buddy , Joe (red shirt) with two new friends (and angels). Joe has a younger brother (Bill) who lives in the Boston area. The couple in the picture are friends of Bill's and were on their way to a summer vacation near here. They heard we would be on the same road and decided to stop by and see us. They were a delightful couple, and when they left there was a generous contribution left on the table for Hunger Relief. I am so grateful for this kind of experience where we meet people, and then all the sudden, they do something surprisingly generous and kind. So here's to Kate and Tom Stohlman, and Joe's brother Bill for hooking us up!
Our ride is now international in scope. Yesterday, we left the security and familiarity of the United States and rode across a huge and beautiful bridge into Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. All the sudden road signs are in French rather than English and accents and language of some have become more difficult. But for some reason this transition seems like a big one. We will ride here in Canada for 10 more days before crossing back into the United States in Vermont, and then we will have only three nights still on the road.
I know that Joe wrote a few days ago on his blog about riding these kinds of distances vs. riding to work or doing a ride down the American River Trail. For the past few days we have been concentrating on “gentle riding”. Way too often when I am out for any ride at home, I am “pounding” out the miles as fast as I can go. It is “balls to the wall” as they say, and no matter how long the ride, I come back beat.
I’ve done a lot of that on this ride. Let’s get through this thing as fast as possible. Someone will be impressed if we finish the 70 miles before 1 p.m. etc. etc. Truth is, we can let up a little bit, put it in an easier gear to go up the grades, and it makes very little difference in the time of our finish. What does make a difference is that we’re not as tired when we are finished.
Joe has helped me with this. He’s better at utilizing lower gears and easing off a bit on the grades. I’m slow to learn, but it is starting to rub off on me, and I’m grateful to him for the “lessons”. The riding becomes more pleasant and frankly, more fun.
Today we made it over to Spragge, Ontario. It is a small town you would probably have trouble finding on a map, almost 90 miles away with a few small towns in between. We had gentle breezes, some light rain, and a growing understanding that gentle riding is much better on this kind of ride. Because there is a very good chance that we will have another 80 or so to do tomorrow!
Ann and I returned from MT just a few days ago,have been doing a lot of catch-up, and consequently have been out of touch with your blog. But catching up has been great. We're so very proud of what you have accomplished and the cause for which you have taken on this challenge.
ReplyDeleteUpon our return, we were disappointed to learn that Daria and the kids won't be meeting you on the east coast, but I guess the estimated cost of the flight and related expenses is prohibitive. I know they'll definitely be with you in spirit, as will we.
Stay healthy and keep on trecking.
Fred