Rode from pembroke (NW of Ottawa) to Mattawa intending to go for it and get to a place called North Bay but the plans didn't go to plan....heres what I wrote.....
Arriving in Mattawa.....My God did I underestimate the road between Deep River and Mattawa. The village of Deux Rivieres didn't really exist along the way (at least on route 17) and so along the way I ran out of food and water, got sun burnt, got bitten and then when I needed to step on it as the weather was changing from deep blue skies to storm clouds ahead I couldn't.....had no energy or horsepower. Also there were no signs along the way to tell me how far or close I was....just a series of ups and speed killing ups at that. Also no bends so that you feel like you are climbing a whizz wheel hill....nothing but the top to focus on.....like that climb from Chiddingfold to Wormley on that road race circuit.....every climb i do........
When the storm came I was a kilometre of uphill out of town but had to take cover in someone's porch (an old guys...he'd just abandonned cutting his grass) and he beckoned me under the porch for cover.....apparently he came to work in the area from Quebec in 1961 and one thing led to another and he stayed.....4 children, 10 grandchildren to his name....
Learning....if you go for broke early you could jeapodize the whole trip. I need to nuse my skin. Going to play conservative and limit myself to 100k's per day for the next few days.....The motorbike lady was right back at brunch who said that mattawa was more likely than North bay today....riding 205km....I laugh now at my arrogance....
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4 comments:
Hi Jamie,
Sounds like you're having an interesting trip, already lot's of hurdles for you, but sounds like some good times already too!
Think the idea of pitching out in back gardens and motels is more appealing that wrestling with bears hungry for sun cream... (or is that just my vanity setting in) ha ha.
Keep us updated of course, lot's happening at Lane4, just to give you a quick update, Suzy got married on Sat just gone (16th) a few of us went to the wedding reception in the evening which was really nice, she looked beautiful and is currently sunning it up in Sharmel Sheik...
Kellie J is setting off for a new life in Hong Kong soon... but I'm sure she will / has filled you in on all the details...
Sam and Katie (and babies) are doing very well indeed... Katie Hoops is currently braving it out in Glastonbury...
Justin's currently in Barcelona boogieing away with the Rolling Stones...
The Corporate Games are also drawing nearer with the dragon boat training starting tonight! (21st)
Ollie also made the great effort and cycled into work for the first time one morning, however what was meant to be a weekly occurrence has turned into a once a lifetime achievement! :-)
Jonny, Liz and baby are also doing well, and JZ sends his love....
Karen Biggs is also setting up home with Greg; they have just bought their very first house together! Which in turn means Kelly W and Nick are also setting up home together... how cool is that!
Katie Warriner decided to join your cycling expedition and completed the London to Brighton bike ride on Sunday gone (17th) which she is obviously really proud of... anyway hope this makes you feel a little more connected to home,
Looking forward to reading the next instalment...
Sim x
Jamie Mac!
Sounds like a hard, hard day in the saddle! You should have done the second day in Dorset to make you hard for t he event!
You're right, you should limit what you do each day so that you enjoy each day - that's the main thing.
The bare-faced cheek - they cut my comment in half. Should have read:
Jamie Mac!
Sounds like a hard, hard day in the saddle! You should have done the second day in Dorset to make you hard for the event!
Had a good wedding of Jez to Annabelle a couple of weekends ago. Jez continues to be moster on the bike. He won the Tour of Sussex by the way!
Had a ride with four from RVCT on Sunday. If it helps, I found it tough. Every time I got back on the end, JK would urge mne to attack Seb, which I did (which we all did - good fun seeing Seb chase down all attack), but this just knackered my legs in the process before the final climb up Blackdown!
You're right, you should limit what you do each day so that you enjoy each day - that's the main thing.
Cheers,
Stew
PS. I have a candle-lit vigil for you each and every night praying for your safe return. I usually play loud rave music as a memory of Dorset.
Hey Jamie, I have enjoyed your blogs. I am in Ottawa and looking forward to Montreal and Quebec. If you go to Nelson B.C. call my parents and I am sure they will have room for you! Let me know if you are going through there. The # is 250 352-0362 There are just out of town and they have a hot tub. Take care, Have fun along the way. Dean
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