My day started at 7 when my dead silent campsite became a construction site. I mean, I get that work needs to be done and contractors do their work when they damn well please or you’re shit out of luck, but cmon. As a host, you let people know stuff like this. The work was literally 30 feet from my head. I’m going to be one of those people who writes a terrible review and I feel totally justified doing so.
First order of business today was a mask. Canadian tire was only 45 minutes away back in Uxbridge. Had to pass through to rejoin the route anyway.
From there, it was 150 km of 95% rail/rec trail. The other 5% being diversions along main streets in all the towns I passed through: Lindsay, Peterborough, Hastings and finally Campbellford. Tons of bridges, farms, wetlands and small town Ontario.
First stop was a little bike rest stop in the middle of nowhere. A chatty cyclist said it looked like I was on a trip, and I confirmed I was on my way to Ottawa. He asked where my destination was today and speculated Lindsay. It was 11 am and Lindsay only 30 km away. I said Peterborough (70 km) or if things went well Campbellford (60 more). He was slightly taken aback and asked if I was fit, looked me up and down, nodded and said “you look it.” I explained that I ride 20,000 km a year. He replies. “Oh, you’re a maniac. I’m just a hack.” I further explained that I’m also just a hack, but a very frequent hack. I hack A LOT.
A hack who loves peanut better chocolate ice cream.
The trails were generally quite good. Very flat, in shockingly good condition*, fairly well treed/unexposed and with a lot of benches and bike tool stations. Not much to complain about.
*Except there’s always something to complain about. After Hastings, the trail got loose and bumpy. Rideable, but a little uncomfortable. I expect more of this tomorrow.
I’m camped at Ferris Provincial Park. I don’t think I’ve ever stayed here, though on my very first multi day ride I had a reservation. It was early October and as I approached Campbellford it became dark and started snowing. My gear was crap, my bike meant for 10 km commutes and my tolerance for unfavorable conditions much lower than it is now. I stayed in a hotel that time around.
Put camp together too late for a pic, but here’s dinner.
166 km / 745 meters elevation
I swear there were more people wearing masks in Toronto today than there were during the peak of COVID.
The smoke is not a hoax I guess
Not going there…
A good day despite the smoke. The trails look good, the ice cream cone delicious but your dinner……doesn’t look edible, IMO. I’ll have to take your word for it tha it was tasty. Are you seeing many people on the trails or are you one of the few maniacs out in the smoke. Looks like it cleared so you’ll have smooth biking from now on. Sleep well, bike safe.
Much clearer now. I saw a decent number of cyclists and walkers out there. I was the only one wearing a mask.
Decent amount of folks out on the trails. Mostly dog walkers. Saw about 5 cyclists yesterday.
166 km, is that near a record? The bridges and ice cream look like highlights. Enjoy the ride and be safe.
Half of my current record. The ice cream was divine
So glad you got a mask! Bummer about the early morning construction, it seemed like you had finally found peace and quiet out there. Of course you found PB and Chocolate ice cream, and I agree with your mom about that food pic, yowza. What do you think the ghost bike is about? Looks like an old one. Safe travels today, thankfully we got our skies back. xo
The ghost bike was at a highway crossing so the story tells itself 🙁
Damn. I thought it was deep in the country.
I was curious, and of course sad, about the ghost bike sighting, Chad. Have you seen ghost bike memorials on any of your international bike travels?
Safe travels!
I don’t think I have
I think I’m surprised. It’s such a meaningful and constructive way to remember a tragedy that didn’t have to be.