Woo Hoo!!!

I made it!! I finished my cross country journey a few days ago in St.John's, Newfoundland. In total, I rode my bike 6330 km!
I still have some great stories and pictures to share but I haven't been having any luck with computers. I stayed in a hostel in St.John's specifically because they had a computer with a high speed connection and then the server was down. My last week of travel along the south coast of the Avalon Peninsula was one of the highlights of my trip. I had a great time riding with Terry and Angie Gray. We had some very unique Newfoundland experiences.
After a looong day of jets and airports yesterday, I am back at my parents' place in Red Rock,BC. I've got video and pictures that I need to post but the dial-up connection isn't cutting it. I will try to get to a computer soon so please keep checking back for stories of the last leg of my trip.
Right now, I am heading out with my dad for a celebratory round of golf.
Thanks for following my adventure through this blog. It's been fun. But remember - there will be more to come soon, so keep checking back. Thanks! Blaine

Aloha!

Ok, Aloha makes no sense at all as a title to this post but that's all I could come up with. Maybe it's because I'm now on an island. Not quite a Hawaiian Island but an island just the same. That's right, I made it to The Rock! After 3 months of cycling, I have landed on the grand island of Newfoundland and the last leg of my trip. A week from now I will be boarding the plane that turns all this into a memory. I wish I just had a couple more weeks b'y.(Newfie-ism) I guess all good things must come to an end. I shouldn't get ahead of myself though, the week is looking to be a good one. I never did finish all the updates from earlier but I still plan to. For now, a quick update. I just arrived in Argentia on the ferry from Cape Breton Island, late last night. The usual 15 hour ferry turned into 16 after we stopped to assist a small fishing vessel in da middle of da sea. Although we all were hoping for a dramatic sea rescue of gnarly fishermen from a sinking boat, everything was worked out without even having to toss one life ring. The journey across the Atlantic (ok, a wee portion of the Atlantic) was exciting enough anyway. On the boat were three other cyclists finishing their cross country journeys. Our group grew in size when we were joined by two seperate, genuine Newfoundlanders. Greg - a camaro drivin', no nonsense talkin' engineer from the tip of the Avalon Peninsula and Melissa - a laughing, smiling, fisheries officer returning to her homeland after a few years working on Prince Edward Island. The cyclists consisted of a couple from Banff, Alberta - The Grays, and a long-haired hippy from Saskatchewan - Adrien. A better lot, you couldn't ask for. We hung out all day watching the sea, watching movies, and watching each other tip em back in the bar. Good times were had. So much so, that I have changed my planned route to join Terry and Angie (The Grays) for a tour to the south from Argentia looping our way around to St.John's. Adrien was out of time and had to make for his plane in St.John's via the shortest route possible. Greg and Melissa might come meet the three of us in St.John's for a shot of Screech when we get there. It's not looking good for any more updates before I get to the capital and unfortunately I can't even add any pictures right now. (The usb ports are off limits)
I'll have some time when I get to the city to catch up on all stories thus far, and those to come enroute. You can count on pictures as well b'y, to be sure.
Put in your orders for cod tongues, I'll be coming home soon!
Love, Peace n' Bicycle grease
Blaine

Join the Revolution, Ride your Bike!

If you haven't ridden your bike lately, hurry and get out there before winter comes! Even though I complain about a sore ass from sitting on my bike seat too long, I really can't say enough about biking as a way of getting around. You see more, you smell more, you get exercise, and you feel good.
Neil, a fellow Cross-Canada cyclist from Vancouver, and Bruce, who served as my Halifax welcoming committee, know what I'm talking about.



I would also like to pay some respect to my own bike with this small ode. Thank you bike(I never did come up with a nickname for it), for getting me all the way here. Your smooth shifting and large carrying capacity have served me well as we've travelled this big ass country. Here's to a good last leg of the journey, after which, I promise I will wash you. Thanks again, Blaine.
Here she is looking particularly sexy with an 8 pack of Alexander Keith's strapped on top.

The Legend of Peggy Cove

I'll see if I can remember this properly. There are two stories as to how Peggy Cove got it's name. The first one is better.

The lone survivor of a downed ship was a young girl named Margaret, Peggy for short. She came ashore and then stayed in this community. People would come to see and meet the talked about girl, Peggy of the Cove. You can see where this is going. That's right, they decided to rename their community; Peggy's Cove.

The other story is that it was named for it's close proximity to Margaret River. Just pretend you didn't hear that one.

Coffee makes me go!

I thought I should show a picture of my digs behind the Tim Horton's. Really not that bad, especially when it's picth dark out. Not to mention being that much closer to my morning coffee.


Apparently I'm a big fan of caffeine, proven by my decision to buy a big espresso maker in the middle of a bike trip. Come on, it was only a buck. What was I supposed to do?

Update: I have since sent home the espresso maker. Still a deal.

Red earth, Ferries, Sunsets

Over the next couple of posts I will try to expand on the flurry of happenings I reported earlier. One last mention of PEI first.The red soil throughout every part of the island that I saw made for some cool scenes. Namely when the sun was setting and making the shoreline cliffs glow. I know I already talked about that in a previous post but that's how nice it was. This picture is not quite sunset but just a cool spot I stopped for a break between Charlottetown and Wood Islands(where the ferry is).


Here's couple taken from the ferry as it was leaving.

Ok, let's do this properly

That was a little too much for one post yesterday. I only had one hour to use the computer and I had some other logistics shit to deal with. (flight home, trying to find more money, lining up places to stay, etc) I wasn't sure when I would find another computer so I tried to fit everything in one post. I also spent 10 minutes trying to download pictures to no avail. So I left Halifax ready to get some kms under my belt just after that session. I caught the ferry from Halifax across the harbour and started through the maze of tattoo parlours and donair shops that is Dartmouth. I had an unplanned meeting with one of the potholes in the street as I was getting to the outskirts. My tired tire decided it was a little too much. When the spokes broke it sounded like a cartoon bedspring? You've got to be flexible on a trip like this. So I spent the next couple of hours locating a bike shop and waiting to get it fixed. This is not a poor me story so please don't sympathize for my bad fortune. Broken wheels are a part of a trip like this and it doesn't make me feel bad in any way. Instead, it made my decision to go only as far as my friend Barry Hurst's place that much easier. I met Barry in Loydminster where he is working right now. I had seen pictures on his computer of his place out here but they didn't do it justice. That is where I am right now. It's a beautiful house on a quiet little lake. This is a picture of the lake taken from out the back door this morning.

The action never stops!

Ferries, Sunsets, Yard Sales, Tim Horton's, Indian Reservations, Peggy's Cove, Cross Canada Cyclist (another one), Halifax, amputee biker, Alexander Keith's India Pale Ale, Trailer Park Boys, History, New friends, Tall ships, Rock and Roll......phew. No wonder I'm tired!
From the island of red earth (PEI) to the lively province of Nova Scotia. Caught a great sunset on the 7:30 ferry that later dumped me off in the dark to a 7 km night ride to the Tim Horton's(which I camped behind). No, not on the pavement. a nice grassy knoll actually. Bought a $50 italian espresso maker from a yard sale for a buck (practical on a bike trip?...no) Met a cool native grandmother who took me in. I stayed at her house on Indian Brook reservation with a bunch of her extended family. She drove me out to Peggy's Cove for the day. It was nice to be off the bike. Met another cyclist just finishing up his cross canada journey on my way into Halifax. He was jealous that I was still going on to Newfoundland. I was jealous he didn't have to sit on his bike seat anymore. Met and stayed with Berkeley and Dave in Halifax(met Berkeley's mother in the prairies and she gave us her contact). They were great and we had a good time while I was here. Met a cool biker with a prosthetic leg, funny guy. Learned about the Halifax exposion, went on the Alexander Keith's Brewery tour (very cool), loved all the ships in the harbour and went and saw a wicked band (RocketFace - Check 'em out!) Now I'm leaving and this computer isabout to shut down. bye

Prince Edward Island

Hi, How are ya?
From New Brunswick, I crossed the Confederation Bridge to PEI. I got onto the island at about 5:00 pm and then enjoyed an incredible sunset as I rode the scenic route along the southern coastline. The cliffs were glowing red and I even was on unpaved red clay roads for a part of it. PEI is relaxed and the friendliest province yet! I love the accent. Last night after spending a half day off in Charlottetown I watched an even more amazing sunset from a lighthouse while eating a chicken shawarma and drinking a beer. This was a memorable evening. I managed to get a self timer shot. It involved a quick sprint and a vault off of my bike on to my perch. Onwards!

Hello Maritimes!

A big part of the inspiration for doing this trip was to see the Maritimes. I've always enjoyed the people from these parts and I love the ocean. Well, I'm finally here! I've been in New Brunswick for a few days already and will actually be going over the bridge to Prince Edward Island later today. As soon as I crossed the bridge into Campbellton,NB from Quebec I could feel the difference in the air. Much of the northern coastline of New Brunswick, where I have been travelling, is Acadian. This means that the first language spoken is still french. There are a LOT of french speaking people in Canada. Bit of an eye opener for me, I'll admit. Anyway, New Brunswick has been beautiful. I've been sticking to the quieter roads right on the ocean and enjoying the smell and calm of the sea. Also, now that school is back in, the tourists are all gone (except me). That is nice. I'm in Shediac right now where I just stayed the night with my friend Sparky's parents (they call him Brian). They treated me to a delicious BBQ dinner when I arrived last night and made me feel right at home. Thank you Laurie and Lev!

Road Warrior

The next leg from Rimouski across to New Brunswick made me stronger. That's what happens if it doesn't kill you right? The warranty on my bike and gear must run out after 5000 km because that's when things started to fall apart. It's all a bit of a blur now but in that short time I broke a wheel, got rained on hard, had 3 flats, blew a tire (this one I was kind of proud of since it was a new tire when I started), got stranded without a spare after a spontaneous combustion of one tube (I was saved by a fellow cyclist), got rained on some more, broke my front rack (it's still waiting for a weld, be strong zip ties!), had my first full on wipe out on the highway (hello asphalt), lost kms while riding back to get my water bottles (don't ask).......you get the picture. During this same time I was racking up the showerless days. I started to feel like a hardened road warrior. Dirty. Sun beat. Wet. Tired. But anyone who has done longer outdoor trips knows that once you cross that hump, it's ok and the thought of a shower isn't as exciting anymore. You know longer care what you look like to others, parents shield their chilren. It's now been 10 days straight of riding without a day off but I have finally had a shower and washed my clothes. It took a bit of my edge away but I guess it's worth it.

5000 km!

Shortly after leaving Rimouski, I hit the 5000 km mark of my trip! Of course I was very excited and celebrated by keeping it steady while a line of trucks blew by me. Ok, but after that I really celebrated. I raised my right fist in the air and pumped it while saying - "5000 kilometers, woo hoo! Ya, that's right. 5000!!" There's not much else you can do to celebrate while you're still riding. Oh yah, I took a big drink of water. I do that at every milestone. To be honest, it's hard to comprehend that I've ridden my bike that far. I don't think it will hit me until after the trip. When I think back to the prairies now, it seems like last summer or some other time. Needless to say, I feel great that I've made it this far and things have went as well as they have. Not long to go now!

Roadside snack. (I usually get further off the road than this!)

Au Revoir Quebec!

As I think you could tell from my previous posts, I thoroughly enjoyed the province of Quebec. I wanted to put up one more post and picture from La Belle Province. This picture is from my campsite in Cacouna. It was right on the St.Lawrence behind a tourism related building of some sort. It was closed when I showed up, and still closed when I left early the next morning. That's a good part of the day's adventure is finding a place to camp for free. You can get pretty good at it, even start to get picky. "Oh, I'm sure they'll be an even nicer place further on." Usually I get lucky, sometimes I get desperate. This time I was lucky.

On a 'keeping it real' note, later this evening after cooking my cuban black beans and rice, I was hit by a short but serious rainfall. Do you think I managed to get everything put away? no.