It was a Saturday, sometime in or around February, and Chris, Gary and I were having some pho (spicy for me) before going out for a ride. Chris said something like “… about that ride we were talking about …” and 5 minutes later we were planning a trip together. A week later it was confirmed. Three days from now it starts.
Truth be told, I have zero recollection of any conversation about the three of us possibly doing a big ride together, so am a little fuzzy on how this came to be, but no matter. I’m happy and excited to be doing it.
A small twist, well, wind really, did change the plans pretty dramatically. Gary, who is part of the trio, had a run in with a falling tree on a recent overnighter ride in some very unseasonable late spring weather. The tree landed on his head and he landed on the ground, braking his hand in the process. All things considered, it could have been much worse, and thank goodness it wasn’t, but it is a serious disappointment that he isn’t able to come. Especially for Gary. The three of us will have to do another ride when he has healed.
Anyhow, The Log Driver’s Waltz is an 800 km off pavement loop through Ontario and Quebec around Ottawa. It’s pretty hilly by local standards (though nothing in comparison to Scotland I hope!) and probably moderately challenging riding in general. I look forward to lots of gravel, lots and lots of poutine and having a companion. I do not look forward to bugs and we may be in for plenty of them. Weather currently looks to be decent, if a little wet. The goal is no major heat waves.
We start Friday and expect to finish the following Saturday.
Best wishes for an unforgettable trip, Chad. I look forward to reading about the poutine. It’s a fantastic dish, and hard to find around here. Take care.
Looking forward to reading your blog again. The trip came up fast. Looks very challenging but if there’s anything I’ve learned, the more challenging the more you enjoy it. Sorry about Gary’s accident. Safe travels. Enjoy the ride, poutine and ice cream. Love ya, Mom
That’s a whole lot of red & white hashed trail, and we know what that means. Epic.
Hey Chad have a great trip! Looking forward to hearing the stories and joining you guys on the next one. Cheers, G
Wish you were with us!
Which bike are you on? Something with wide and low settings, I hope.
Got my Boreal back!
So this is your idea of a shakedown ride after repairs? 😄
Pretty much! I did take it for a 20 km spin the night before we left
Wow, Chad:
Good for you to jam in all this bike action into a roasty toasty summer. Why idle in Toronto traffic when you can do a cross province comparison with much better scenery!
Pretty scary, and sad, to hear about Gary’s injury and thankful it wasn’t worse! I had a sizable tree branch break and fall a few inches from me this season, and statistically, it means I should be in the clear for a similar repeat in future. Or so says my collegue at work. This all should bare well for Gary.
Wishing you a heatdome free ride!