Halifax, NS 2001

Calgary or Bust!!
Thursday, July 19 Halifax
12:00pm
I flew out from Regina to Halifax and shipped my bike with me.
There was an Assembly of First Nations event happening at the same time. I stayed with my
nephew Guy and Hector at the Delta Hotel in downtown Halifax. There was a locally FN owned
restaurant in downtown Halifax, they were oering $10 lobster specials. We went down and ate a
whole lot of lobsters. I asked if I could tour their kitchen. I went into the kitchen and witnessed
them cooking lobster, let just say when they hit the boiling water and scream, well you know. jks It
actually sounds like their screaming, but its the air pressure letting loose. It was our last night in
Halifax and I came back to the hotel early. Hector showed up not long after and we ordered pizza,
of course he zonked out before the pizza arrived, I had to wake him up to pay for it. Guy showed up
shortly after and he throughly enjoyed the pizza. He said mmmm this the BEST pizza, we just
looked at him and laughed.

The next morning, Guy and Hector packed and left for the airport. I didnt check out until 12 noon,
it was so hot out I wanted to feel the AC for a bit longer.

Halifax
First day of my ride - 80 km
Friday, July 20 Hot Hot!!
12:00 pm
I got on the road, confident in my new touring bike, even
with the bike loaded I could stand up and
peddle without it feeling like it was going to
fall apart. It was very hot out, I was
sweating alot. I came through this small
town, Enfield and as I was riding though
town I noticed a Barber Shop, I kept riding.
I kept thinking about a hair cut and how
much cooler it might be. I turned around after a
couple of blocks and went for a haircut, yes it was cooler but
the heat was still a challenge.
You see a lot garbage along the highways, mostly McDonalds
and Tim Hortons cups. I found a little hitch hiker along the
way and hes been riding with me since.
I passed a town called Stewiacke and it was getting dark, so I
had to find someplace to camp. I decide on a spot in the
ditch, just before an o ramp. I could hear the trac but
they couldnt see me. I could see the trac on the o ramp
and the only way they could see me, is if they looked back,
highly unlikely.
7:12 pm
I set up camp and started to get my dinner ready. I was
cooking noodles that evening on my portable camp stove.
The only water I could find was a standing pool of water.
How bad could it be, after all I was boiling it. I added the
noodles and waiting for it to cook. My first camp meal, I was
hungry!! I let it cool o a bit before I tasted it, blahh I just
about threw up, it was horrible. I was so hungry though, I
drained the noodles and ate some of them. I couldnt eat
noodles for years, they bought back memories of that horrible
water.
!

Oxford, NS
88 kms
Saturday, July 21
8:00 am
I packed up and took care of an injury I received from a camping
trip in June. Its still an open wound and healing, it kept me from
training for this trip.

Another hot day, I passed a few places and noticed some FN

communities along the way. I pulled
into Oxford in the early evening and
looked for a campground, I found a
local Kinsmen park. I camped way
in the back, away from the main
park. I went to the local gas station
for some supplies. In the evening I
could hear a bunch of kids partying on the other
side of the park.

Moncton, NB
Sunday, July 22
8:00 am
Packed up and headed out early, stopped at the gas station for
some coee and water. I spend approximately $15-18 on water a
day.
Crossing into New Brunswick I had a huge head wind, I stopped in
a small town and did laundry. At the border the NS and NB flags
were straight out, blowing into the Bay of Fundy. Ive been trying
to find a campground near the end of my riding days and havent
had any luck, its been 2 days of sweating and no shower.

Moncton, NB
7:30 pm
I rolled into Moncton as the sun was going down. As I was riding
in, I was looking for a place to camp. The only possible spot I
noticed was a pair of baseball fields. I rode passed the ball
diamonds, looking for someplace to eat. I found a Submarine shop
and enjoying a big meal. It was dark by the time I made it back to
the ball diamonds. I set up my tent just over the fence in right
field. It rained on me over night, so in the morning I hung my tent
and other wet stu over the fence and waited for them to dry,
didnt take long.

101 kms
Monday, July 23
Magnetic Hill
Its Monday in Moncton and I really need to find a campground
and shower. I study my map and notice a campground near
Magnetic Hill on the North West side on Moncton. I ride through
downtown Moncton, its pretty quiet. I get to the campground and
check-in. Im very aware that Ive been cycling for 3 days and I
stand back when Im paying for the site.
Rest and Shower
I set up my tent and immediately go for a shower. As a matter of
fact I take 3 showers that day. It was a nice day of rest.

15 kms

Tuesday, July 24 Mill Cove, NB

8:00 am
Feeling refreshed and ready for another day of
traveling in an area Ive never been before. It started
raining as I was coming into Mill
Cove. I found a camping site and
pulled in for the night. I still had
plenty of light out, but it was pouring
out. I parked in this shelter to wait
the rain out. The rain didnt let up at
all, it was getting dark, so I had to go
set up my tent in the rain. By the time
I was set up and in the tent everything
was drenched. I was so tired, I fell asleep, cold and
wet. Unfortunately, the spot where I set up my tent,
there happened to be stream of water running under
it all night. I was soaked the next morning.

112 kms
Drying Time
In the morning, I set up a clothes line and hung up all
my wet stu, sleeping bag, tent, clothes. The saving
grace, was it was a sunny and I just relaxed in the sun
waiting for my stu to dry. I checked out around
noon.

Wednesday, July 25 Fredericton, NB

12:00 pm
Today, while riding along the highway I came across
another cycler, sort of. He was on my side of the road
and pushing his full size 3 wheeler. He looked like an
old sailer and was happy as heck. I stopped and we
chatted for awhile, he pulled out a flask and oered
me a drink, too early in the day haha As I was leaving,
I noticed his bike had no pedals.

I rode through this one town and I ran into a convoy

of horse drawn buggies. I wasnt sure if it was a
parade or locals.
Hostel Time
Im really enjoying my ride today. I pull into
Fredericton, and checked into a Hostel. Saved me
from setting up my tent. After I shower up, I
immediately head downtown to look for a restaurant.
I found a pub and ordered some fish n chips. As I sat
there, watching some sporting event, a group of young
people came in and sat a couple tables down. I later
found out, this is a College town.
College Town
As I was minding my own business this young guy
from the table that just sat down comes over to talk
to me. They were obviously having a good time. He
asked me how I was doing and what I was doing. I
told I was cycling across Canada and my name. He
turns around and yells to his table Hey, this is my
friend Bernie and hes partying with us!!! whoo hoo!!!
His friends come over and greeted me, the girls head
back to their table and now the 2 young lads are
talking to me.
Original young guy hey, you look like Tom Selleck
and my friend is Tom Selleck fan!! and he turns to
his friend. second guy yes I am!! you gotta come
partying with us!! I smile and say sure, meanwhile I
began plotting my escape, there is no way Im gonna
go partying with a Tom Selleck freak, lol

70 kms

Thursday, July 26 Fredericton , NB

7:00 am
A beautiful day to start my cycling, I get approximately 50 kms west of Fredericton
and disaster. My back brakes start to rub, I get o and check to see what is the
issue. I broke a spoke and this after the cycle shop in Regina guaranteed that I
wont break any on this amazing touring bike, I was so disappointed. I considered
my options and decided to go back to Fredericton. I called a taxi and he came out to
get me, it cost me $50. I got my wheel fixed and started out again, there was no way I
was gonna pay another $50 taxi ride, deja vu today.
Many breaks
After I got back on the road again, I stopped at a church for some rest. As I was about to leave,
some tourists from Maine pulled up and we started talking about my trip. They oered me $10, I
tried explaining to them that I was ok, but they insisted I take the money, just another example of
the people I meet on the road.
Very hot on the Highway
It was so hot today and long roads with no where to stop for shade. I finally stopped on the highway
where a highways building was located. It was still hot in the shade, better than no shade, I
suppose.
I finally found a campsite near Dumfries for the night.

100 kms
!

Friday, July 27 Perth-Andover, NB

7:00 am
Today was so hot traveling on the main highway, I
finally took a secondary road and rode into Hartland,
home of the famous Hartland Bridge, the world's
longest covered bridge, at 1,282 feet (391 m) long. It
was quite exciting riding through it.

135 kms
Saturday, July 28 Edmundston, NB
7:30 pm
After a long hot day of cycling, I was having a rest and
drinking water in front of 7-11 and this man notices
my bike and comes over to talk to me. I told him my
story and he oered me a ride to a campsite that he
recommended. It turns out he was a Canadian Border
Services guard.
Campground
He loaded my bike in the back of his pickup and
drove me to the campground. He even oered to buy
me a burger. This is an example of the many people I
met so far. They are always willing to go out of their
way to help traveling strangers.
Leaving Edmundston
It was a great day of riding, my cut on my leg has
finally healed up. It gets so hot in the afternoon that
I realize that I should start riding early and try get a
100 kms in before noon. As I ride past Edmundston I
came across a path dedicated to cycling. I jump on
this path and come to the Quebec border, a sign at
the entrance reads that you have to have purchase a
bicycle license to ride a bike in Quebec. I havent had
to buy a bicycle license since I was 12, cool!!!

Sunday, July 29 Cabano, QC

5:48 pm
Im amazing at the amount of people on this trail, I probably met close to a 100 cyclist today. I
stopped for the night at a campground along side a lake. Its my first time in an environment that the
ocial language isnt english. I went to a restaurant that evening and wasnt having much luck
ordering dinner, my french is not that good. Another man helps me with my order, speaking french
to the waitress. He tells me about a famous cycler that lives in the campground that Im at. His
name is Philip and he cycled across Canada and then ran back across all in one year.

160 kms

Monday, July 30 Rest and Relax day

8:00 am
The following morning I start to ask around about where Philip lives. Turns out he lives in a trailer not
far from me with his wife Lucy. He invites me in and shows me his Guinness World Book of records. He
cycled and ran across Canada when he was 79 years old, he was 81 when I met him. As we were having
tea, another rider knocks on his door and its a Military friend of his that rode from Quebec City. He
explains to Philip that he wanted to ride with him, they make plans to ride east the following day. Im
more that happy that Philip spoke english, this Quebec is going to be a long lonely ride. Ive been told
that many people refuse to speak english, even though they understand and speak english.

Tuesday, July 31 Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, QC

7:00 am
I get an early start and theres hardly anyone on the bike trail yet. I pass a couple motels and stores that
are dedicated to Cyclers, this is a great trail. It didnt take me long to get to Riviere-du-Loup, and the St
Lawrence Seaway
Bicycles are not allowed on the main highway so I follow a road along the St Lawrence Seaway. I pass a
sign, and its advertising the menu outside. I can only make out buet, sounds like my kind of place. I
immediately start looking for a campground and I come across these cabins that are situated along the
Seaway. The rooms were painted all dierent kinds of bright colors, and the rooms were cheap, $30
night. I check-in, showered and walk over to the restaurant. A buet, I was thinking, Im gonna go crazy
in there hehe I walk in and Im seated, I ask about buet and yes its on. A Vegetarian Buet!! Not only
that, but you pay by the weight of your food. $15 dollars later, I was still hungry.

152 kms
!

10

Wednesday, August 1 Saint-Grgoire, &

Nicolet, QC
6:00 am
I got up early, mainly because I was looking forward to finding
someplace for breakfast. I chatted with a couple neighbors
from Sask that were also on a long distance road trip, only on
Harleys. I was on the road by 6:30 am and loving having the
road to myself and very little wind. I stopped at a farm that
was advertising breakfast, there is a lot of family owned
businesses along this route. I made it to Quebec City shortly
after noon. I crossed on a Ferry to Quebec City and walked
around. I went to Old Town and it was mostly cobble stone
roads. I had some coee and pastry at a quint cafe. I didnt
stay long, I went back across the Ferry and continued my
journey.
Long Day
I rode into Saint Antoine-de-Tilly close to dark and asked the
employees at the C-store about camping. They didnt
understand, I say Hotels, motels (I put my head on my heads
like it a pillow) Ohh they say, Oui Oui and they point me
downtown and say the name in french. I cycle downtown and
couldnt find no hotel or motel, finally I recognize the name
they gave me, it was a Bed and Breakfast. I went in and the
rooms were $130, a little steep, but I was tired and needed a
shower. The bed was so soft, had the greatest sleep and the
next morning I had a great breakfast. After my goodbyes I
was on the road before 9 am.

135 kms

11

Thursday, August 2 NICOLET, QC

6:00 pm
It was a great day for cycling, theres a lot of farms along this
route. I stopped at a few of them. As I was peddling in the
middle of nowhere, my phone rang. It was a friend of mine
calling, he said he just heard I was cycling across Canada. So,
Im trying to explain where I am, but Im a little lost at the
moment. I come to a fork in the road and if I take the north
road and cross the river, I would end up in Trois-Rivieres,QC.
Ive always heard about this place in the racing news. It was
getting late in the afternoon and I decide to go south towards
Saint-Gregorie. Its sunset when I get into SG and its a small
town. I cycle looking for a camp ground or motel. No luck,
its dark now and ponder what to do. I did find one motel, but
the sign said No Vacancy. I ask about other motels, they tell
me there is another motel in a town up the road. Its dark out
now and I decide to call a cab, and get a ride to Nicolet about
15 kms down the road. I dont want to take a chance at riding
at night, the roads are too narrow.
Riding in a Cab again
I get to Nicolet and the No Vacancy sign was turned on. I
go in, what do I have to lose? The owner tells me his rooms
are all filled, but if I want I can camp in the backyard and in
the morning, shower up in one of the rooms. I have a good
sleep and shower up in the morning. The owner decides to
take me for breakfast and pays for it too. Once you get past
the language barrier, this is typical of the people Ive met.

12

Friday, August 3 Montreal,

QC

7:00 am
Today my goal is to reach Montreal. I have no choice but to take secondary roads, as bicycles are
not permitted on the main highways. Sometimes I end up taking a little longer route, no matter as I
usually end up in the right direction. Today was one of those days.
Call me a cab!!
I arrive in Montreal as the sun is setting. I have the street lights to guide me now. I have a room
booked at the Delta Hotel, thanks to one of my corporate sponsors. I end up in the industrial area,
my map is not that good when it comes to urban areas. I cycle around for a couple hours, it doesnt
seem like Im getting any closer to downtown. I finally give up and call a cab. I check-in and Im
looking forward to spending 3 days exploring Montreal. Ive been here before, but never as a tourist.
Steak Time!!
The next day, I phone around for a cycle shop that can, yes repair my back rim again. After I drop
my bike o, I wonder around downtown, its much easier to communicate here, most of the people
speak both French and English. I head back to my hotel and rest. I ask the concierge about a good
place to have some steak. He tells me about a couple places and this one in particular. This is
where the Mafia hang out he said. Ok then I think, this is where Im going to go. I arrive at the
steak house that evening, with the exception of one table its mostly empty. I sit down and order
some wine and steak. This other table, men in suits, is wearily keeping an eye on me. The meal was
excellent!! As Im leaving I consider saying to the table of suits in my best Al Pacino accent Say
hello to my little friend Nay, why ruin a good meal by having to run down a flight of stairs and
around city blocks.
!

13

Sunday,August 5 Montreal
The Concierge also mentioned another restaurant that
was owned by Mike Bossy, famous NHL player. I plan
my next evening dinner there. I make a reservation there
and tell them to let Mike know that Ill be there tonight.
Graffiti town
I go downtown to find a nice shirt to wear for that
evening. The thing about cycling is you cant buy too
much stu, for every item I buy I have to throw
something away. I spend the day shopping for a shirt and
walking around looking at all the grati. There was a lot
of it, very talented artists. As I was walking down this
alley admiring the grati, I come across this kid with a
backpack and a spray can. He doesnt notice me as Im
watching him, finally I ask to do one for me. I startled
him and hes looking scared, and at my $20 that Im
oering him. your not a cop? he asked. dont be silly
I tell him. He spray paints Halifax to Calgary 5000 kms
2001 for me. I ask him for the spray can and he takes a
picture of me.
Strip bar
On my way back to the hotel, its hot out and I decide to
look for a place to have a cold beer. I decide on a bar
thats approximately a block away from the hotel. I walk
down the dimly lit corridor and I can see the bar and hear
loud music. As Im surveying the bar, the waiter is
rushing over to me welcome welcome!! come in In the
corner of my eye I spot a stage and theres a man dancing
on it, dam it!! Im in a male strip bar. I wheel around
before the waiter can grab my arm and rush out to the
street. Pretty sure I could hear laughter at my expense lol
4:00 pm
I get back to my hotel and settle for a beer in the hotel
lounge.
Note to self
Its our Anniversary today, Happy Anniversary!!
Happy Anniversary!! Happppppppy
Anniversaryyyyyyyyyyy!!!!

14

Mike Bossys Restaurant Montreal

7:00 pm
I get to the restaurant and my table is ready. No sign of Mike
Bossy though, bugger stood me up hehe oh well, I had a good
meal and enjoyed my surroundings. How about that jazzy
shirt I bought?
Monday
I go down to the bike shop and
pickup my bike and get it packed
up. I spent the last night planning
my route to Toronto. I decide to
cross the Mercier Bridge and head
south towards the New York border
crossing. It looks like the fastest route
to Toronto besides the main highway, I
have to ride secondary roads.
The last few days in Montreal have been great. My legs are
rested and bike is once again fixed. Im looking forward to
visiting my friend, Billy Two Rivers on the Kahnawake
Mohawk Territory. I met Billy back in 1985, when the then
Regional Director General of Sask INAC, Dan Goodleaf,
arranged for us to tour his community of Kahnawake. They
have 5 golf course there, and 1 private one, which we werent
allowed to get o the bus when we got there, strictly for
members. During the Oka crisis, I seen a group of Mohawk
warriors playing a round on it, touch
Mercier Bridge
The Mercier Bridge is famous for having been blocked o by
the Mohawks from Kahnawake during the Oka crisis. I
decide to call a cab and have the him drop me o on the first
exit across the bridge.

15

Monday, August 6 Kahnawake Mohawk Territory

noonish
I got dropped o at a lil strip mall on Kahnawake, as I was loading my bike and strapping everything
down a couple gentlemen came up and talked to me. I told them my story and they gave me their
logod water bottle and as much bottled water as I could carry. I go through so much water, Im very
grateful.
Kahnawake Band Office
I ask around about the location of the band oce and I ride down there. I ask at the oce for Billy
Two Rivers, he comes out from a meeting and we chat, catch up on current events before he has to
go back in to his meeting.
Smoke shops
As Im making my way south through the Kahnawake Territory I notice a lot of Smoke Shops set up.
They sure have a thriving business here.
I navigate the roads and highways, finally making it out of the city. Its not like the prairies here
though, every square mile is occupied. In Saskatchewan you can travel for miles without seeing
lights at night. I pitch my tent at a campground approximately 20 kms from the USA border.
Note to self
Its Heathers Birthday today, Happy Birthday!!!
70 kms

16

Tuesday, August 7 20 km from USA border

8:00 am
Its a short ride to the Fort Covington border station. I arrive
there and Im the only in line. The border guard comes out and
starts asking me questions and looking at my documents. A car
pulls up behind me. Border guard asks me if I know anyone
around here. I tell him No and another car pulls up. All of a
sudden Hey Bernie Shepherd!!! Border guard looks at me,
well Billy Two Rivers know you. I look sheepishly at him oh
ya Billy O I go, I wait for Billy and we have a quick chat
before hes o again.
Breakfast in America
Im starving and the first cafe I come across is on the Akwesasne
Mohawk Territory. I have a nice big breakfast and Im o. I get
about a block away from cafe and this big black rez dog comes
running o a porch after me. I stand up on my peddles and start
givin er. Dang dog was too fast, I jump o the bike and put it
between me and the dog. Hes growling and barking at me, I
reach and pretend to pick up a rock, he retreats. I was a pro at
throwing rocks when I was kid, lucky dog!!
Hot!! Hot!! Hot!!
The temperate was so hot today, they were setting heat records
in the places I was cycling through. I stopped often and napped
in the shade when I could.
I cycled into Ogdensburg, NY late in the evening. I found a
cheap motel and settled in for the night with the AC on full
blast.

120 kms

17

Wednesday, August 8 Ogdensburg, NY

6:00 am
My goal today is to make Cape Vincent and catch the ferry
to Kingston. I get an early start, to get in as many miles as
I can before the heat slows me down. I do around 60 km
before the heat and wind takes its toll. Im forced to take
my time. I was lying on some grass in the shade and
watching some birds trying to fly against the wind. It
looked like they were flying backwards, the wind was
blowing so hard.
More dogs
Im about 30 km from Cape Vincent when I spot a pair of
dogs running across a field in an attempt to cut me o. This
time Im cycling on a downward slope and I stand on my
peddles and easily outrun the dogs.
I roll into Cape Vincent just in time to see the ferry making
its final voyage for the day. Looks like Im going to have to
stay in this resort town for the night.
104 kms

Cape Vincent, NY
Cape Vincent sounds like something out of a novel and it
could be very well what inspired a lot of writing. The place
was beautiful, I checked into a motel not far from the dock
where the Ferry arrives and departs. After I shower, I
wander around all the little shops and cafes on the
boardwalk. I check out the bar that is attached to the
Motel and order some sea food. I strike up a conversation
with the owners and tell them my story. They give me a
souvenir t-shirt for my journey.

One day I would love to come back to this place

18

Thursday, August 9 Cape Vincent, NY

8:00 am
Im on the first ferry out this morning.
When we land on Wolfe Island, I have
to sprint across the Island to catch the
next ferry to Kingston, Ont.
Wolfe Island
Im one of the first ones o along with
the foot passengers. Im afraid to miss
the next ferry, so Im peddling hard. Half
way across the Island the ferry trac starts
to pass me. I arrive in Marysville with
plenty of time to spare.
Kingston Penitentiary
I sit across the Penitentiary and Im amazed at how high
the walls are.
I ride through Kingston and I meet a couple long distance
cyclist. A duo, that comprised of a father and son. They
are cycling around Lake Ontario. The little guy even had a
touring bike his size, how cool is that!!
I continue on my way and cycle through Bellville, Ontario,
this is where Jonathan Cheechoo played his junior hockey.
I continue on my way and finally arrive at a campground in
a provincial park. From where I camped, I can see
Toronto.
150 kms

Presqu'ile Provincial Park,

I settle in and enjoyed the sunset, Im excited and restless
to be so near to Toronto. It looks like its only 80 kms from
where Im camped, should be a short day tomorrow.

19

Friday, August 10 Presqu'ile

Provincial Park,
7:00 am
Im up early and cook myself some oatmeal, today
should be short.
Water Front Trail
I take this trail, thinking that
sticking along the lake would
make for a shorter ride. I
abandon it for a while and end up
on Apple Road. Theres a lot of
orchards along this road, and I stop
often for fruit. I jump back on the
Trial and it doesnt seen like Im getting as close as I
thought I should be to Toronto. It turns out Toronto is
180 km not the 80 km I imagined.
Ive been cycling all day and its getting dark. Im still
about 30 km out of downtown Toronto. I decide to see
if I can ride the train with my bike the rest of the way.
To my surprise, it was very easy to load my bike, just
push it on and o.

Toronto, Ont.
Union Station
I get to Union Station and its the first big train station
Ive been in. Its pretty neat that I can walk around in
the station with my bike, its seems to be a normal thing
here. I venture out onto the street and sit there
watching people and trac. Its a Friday night in TO
and the place is hopping. I ride down to the Delta
Hotel and check-in.

180 kms

20

Monday, August 13 Sarnia, Ont

I spend the next couple of days walking around
Toronto, my bike is holding out, no broken spokes on
this last leg of the trip.
rendezvous in Sarnia
I start to make plans to meet my wife and daughter in
Sarnia. theyre going to drive from
Saskatchewan to Sarnia, which is a
very long drive.
Hamilton, Ont.
Its 290 kilometers to Sarnia from
Toronto. I decide to ride as far as
Hamilton and then take the train to
London. This will shave o some
kilometers and allow me to meet in Sarnia on the
same day.
London, Ontario.
Its after 2:00 pm when I get to London and I still
have 100 kms to go till I get to Sarnia. I peddle
around London for a bit and then I head out to the
highway. Its not bad out as far as the weather goes
and the wind isnt blowing too hard. Its mostly flat
and straight roads, this allows me to make good time.
I feel strong in the saddle and my legs are use to
cycling for long distances now. I get to Sarnia before
it gets dark and I meet my wife and daughter there.
After we load the bike, we drive around Sarnia and
look for Ernol Grays house. He lives out on the rez,
actually looks like just a apart of Sarnia.
Ernol Grays house
We stay at Ernols house and the next day he takes me
for a tour around the huge gas plants in his area. He
put on some steaks on his massive BBQ. My wife still
remembers his steaks.

21

Wednesday, August 15 Sarnia

9:00 am
We bid our farewells to Errol and his family, theyve been excellent hosts. We cross over the
Bluewater Bridge and I unload my bike on the USA side. I leave all my travel gear in the van.
Plan A
The plan is to ride straight across Wisconsin to Ludington and take the Ferry to Manitowoc. We
will then head through Green Bay and come out near Winnipeg, MB.
Saginaw, Wisconsin
Im making good time without my bike loaded down. Im averaging 33 kms an hour, which is pretty
awesome, over a long period of time. I just about make it to Saginaw before Lila picks me up. We
decide to drive on ahead to Ludington and find a camping spot there. We get there in the dark and
find a campground alongside Lake Michigan. Its a beautiful night on the beach, we build a camp fire
along with half a dozen other people. The fires along the beach look awesome. Heather made a
sculpture in the sand too, it feels like a family vacation.
Breakfast in Ludington
The next day I ride into Ludington to check out the Ferry times and prices. The price for the van
alone is $250 and that didnt include any riders yet. I figured the cost to be over $300. We discuss
this over breakfast and decide to skip ahead and drive to the Lake of Woods region. We also have to
get back in time too make arrangements for the girls classes. Nat and Shay are enrolled at the Uof R
and we have to make the moving arrangements and what not. Skipping ahead will give us time to be
home when all the moving and other arrangements goes on.
Twins in Wisconsin
We stop for gas in this small town in northern Wisconsin to fuel up and bathroom break. While Im
filling up, a couple people walk by and say hello, friendly little town. I go to pay for the fuel and the
young lady asks me if I want to put it on my bill. I say excuse me? She pulls out the charge sheet
and asks me again if I want to charge up the fuel. I call Lila over and then ask the clerk who she
thinks we are. She asks us if were so no so because I guess we look just like them. We had a good
laugh and paid for our fuel.
Duluth, MI
We arrive in Duluth late at night and book into a motel. Its been a long day, even if we were in a van.
While we were fueling up, at a gas station in norther Michigan, we came across a truck that had 2
dead bears in the back. One was just a baby bear, Why kill a baby bear?

Thursday, August 16 Duluth, MI

10:00 am
We continue our drive the next day and cross over to Canada near Fort Frances. We continue on
looking for a campground. All the campsites along the way were booked up. We ended up in
Kenora before we found a campsite.

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Friday, August 17 Kenora, Ont.

6:00 am
I woke up early this morning, I want to get a good
start to the day. Its 200 kms to Winnipeg and I want
to make it in one trip.
Good sign
Its was a bit chilly this morning, I
loaded my bike with snacks and
water. As I was about to leave, a
huge Bald Eagle flew directly over
me. Its going to be a good day I
thought to myself.
Kenora, Ont
I stopped at McDonalds for some breakfast. Ive
actually been stopping in at McDonalds on a regular
basis. I usually order large fries, the salt content in
the fries is enough to replace what I lose every day
and keeps me from cramping up, who kew?
I pass a few early morning joggers and walkers along
the route out of town.
TransCanada Highway #1
Finally. I dont see any signs that say I cant ride on the
main highway.
McMunn, MB
The roads are good and theres hardly any wind. I
arrive in McMunn way before noon. Along the way I
was peddling making good time, when I see this
spandex wearing, neon colored, racer type making
his way onto to the highway from a side road. I
peddle fast and steady, vowing that if hes going to
pass me hes going to have to work for it. I peddled
about 20 kms and I dared not look back. Finally, we
come to a turno and this is where I figure hell turn
o. I pass the entrance and look back. Hes no where
to be seen. Its a divided highway and the road going
east is quite a ways to the south and it has a fence on
both sides. I do notice that Ive broken a spoke in the
rear tire.

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100 kms to go McMunn, MB

Im making good time by the time road starts to turn
NE towards Winnipeg. Ive had a side wind and now it
seems I have a bit of a tail wind. I havent had a tailwind
since I left Halifax, its all been headwinds and
uphill, it seemed.
200 kms later
I arrive on the outskirts of
Winnipeg and Lila picks me up.
The bottom of my feet
immediately began to cramp, thats a first. I get some
fries and we go to the west side of Winnipeg to find a
motel. We see a bicycle shop, Olympia Cycle and Ski, so
I stop and inquire about repairs. The owner sez No,
were closed till tomorrow. I tell him how long Ive been
on the road and my story. He opens the shop back up
and starts to fix the back rim. He finished up and when
I asked him how much? He just smiled and said its on
the house. Wow!!

Saturday, August 18 Winnipeg

8:00 am
I rode out to the outskirts of Winnipeg, and found a
restaurant where we had breakfast. After we finished up
and I was getting ready to go, I run into this kid. Hes
been on the road from Vancouver and heading to
Ontario someplace.
10:00 am
I get on the road and Lila goes ahead to Brandon to find
a room or camping spot. I rode hard all day and stopped
in Portage for lunch, McDonalds of course ;)
I rode approximately 180 kms before Lila came to pick
me up. I was about 20 kms from Brandon.
180 kms

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Sunday, August 19 E of Brandon, MB

7:00 am
Lila gets up early and takes me back to where she picked me
up the day before. Sunday drivers are just as bad as Class A
Motor home drivers in the mountains. Even though Sunday
drivers had a whole other lane to pass me, they dont use it.
Instead they opt to pass right beside
me, while Im riding on 1 ft of
paved shoulder.
Another cyclist
As Im coming into Brandon about
10 kms out, I notice another cyclist
across the highway going East. I cross
the ditch and greet him. I learn that
hes Japanese and hes coming from
Vancouver and heading to Halifax, NS. You cant see it in the
picture, but hes only wearing sandals. I know what it was
like going through Quebec and not being able to
communicate. I cant imagine what its like going for 2-3
months. Hes an Optimist, his t-shirt sez so.
Breakfast
I stop in Brandon and have breakfast with my family before I
continue on.
9:00 am
I continue on down Highway #1 and Lila heads back to
Whitebear. Shes going to pick me up in Whitewood later
this evening.
The roads are good and theres hardly any wind. I make good
time and stop in Virden for lunch. I get to the Sk/MB border
and rest at the Welcome Centre.
I stop in Moosimin for a rest and then continue on. Im
getting pretty exhausted for the day, when I decide to stop at
a gas station in Wapella. It turns out that one of my friends
works there, Ferrel Horn, hes use to play goal for Carlyle
Cougars. I wasnt that far from Whitewood, so I stayed
longer than I should have. I got into Whitewood just at
sunset, good timing.
210 kms
!

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Whitebear, home
Its good to be home, we make the arrangements for a place to rent in Regina and move the girls
furniture in. I take my bike into Dutch Cycle to repair the back rim and service it. Dutch Cycle
have been in Regina forever!! I spend my free time just taking short trips down the highway or
around the Whitebear Resort. I also ride north down #9 highway to a church just south of
Langbank, Sk If I dont ride my bike, my legs ache, theyre used to working hard all day.

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Tuesday, Sept 11 Regina,Sk

9:00 am

Weve all set to go, the girls are heading to the U of R for their fist day of class and Im sitting in
their living room waiting for Lila to get back, so we can have a coee before I head out. As I wait
Im watching TV and the news is reporting a plane hitting one of the towers in New York city. Lila
gets back and ask if I heard the news. We sit there all day watching the news in disbelief and shock.

Wednesday, Sept 12 Regina,Sk

9:00 am
I start my journey again with a heavy heart. As Im riding between Regina and Moose jaw I find a
phone along side the highway. People throw out all kinds of stu along the highway. Between
Moose Jaw and Caronport I get a flat tire. I have all my tire repair tools and patches, the only thing
Im missing is a specialized nut that fits over the valve stem. Its still early in the afternoon and I
call Lila to let her know. I push my bike approximately 15 kms to Caronport. While Im waiting in
the restaurant, a older couple ask me where Im riding , I share my story with them. The lady
whispers to her husband, give him $20. He pulls out his wallet and extends $20 out to me. I tell
them, no its ok, I dont need the money and thank them. The gentleman starts to put his money
back and the lady jabs him in the ribs. He gives me the $20 and I thank them very much. I fix my
flat when Lila meets me in Caronport. I ride down the highway 13 kms to a campground called
Besant Campground, its a nice little place thats hidden from the highway.
106 kms

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Thurs, Sept 13 Besant Campground, Sk

9:00 am
Its starting to get chilly in the morning, so Im leaving later
that usual.
I stop in Chaplin for some snacks
and water. The thing about riding
the prairies, is theres really not
much to see. I go though long
periods of time just looking at empty
prairies.
Sometimes the only company I have is
cows or horses.
Riding past Herbert, Sk a group of kids
from the nearby school rush to the fence and start waving at
me.
I arrive in Swift Current and we camp at a small
campground just west of Speedy Creek. Not even sure if the
campground has a name.
142 kms

Friday, Sept 14 Swift Current,Sk

9:00 am
I head out again a lil later than usual, it was a cool night last
night, had to bundle up.
Today was much of the same as yesterday, long stretches of
openness. I pass by towns like Webb, Gull Lake, Tompkins,
Piapot, and finally I get to the Gas Station thats on the #1
highway and the turno to Maple Creek. We check-in to a
Motel at this location.

110 kms

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Saturday, Sept 15 - Cypress Hills ,Sk

10:00 am
Took our time checking out, we then had breakfast at
the restaurant/gas station.
Todays ride was a little bit dierent, I had some
gradual hills and valleys to go through.
Wild Life
I passed a couple of Foxes that didnt notice me
peddling by. They were playing outside their den like
little kids running around. Shortly
after that I could see a Hawk
sitting in, what I can only describe
as the only tree for miles around,
and he started to fly towards me.
Not sure what he thought I was, food
or just curious. He started to fly close
and I finally had to yell and he flew o, weird hehe
I ride by 3-4 towns this whole stretch. It doesnt take
me that long to get to Medicine Hat.
We check-in to a motel. Strator Crowfoot is meeting
me here tomorrow and hes going to ride with me the
rest of the way to Calgary.
The trip from Regina to Medicine Hat has been
rather uneventful. Its been mostly straight and flat,
giving me the opportunity to travel faster. Its been
nice riding on a divided highway, most vehicles,
especially semis pull over to the other lane when
passing me. People honk and wave at me.

107 kms

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Sunday, Sept 16 Medicine Hat

10:00 am
We meet Strator at a gas station just on the west side
of Medicine Hat. Strator is a dedicated cycler, his
bike weighs next to nothing and commutes to work
on his bike.
Flat tire
We ride hard, Im surprised at
how strong of a cycler Strator is,
even though Ive been on the road
for almost a couple months, hes
leading the way and cutting into
the wind. An hour down the road
Strator has a flat tire. We fix it on the side of the
road. When we are ready to go, Strator locks his
racing shoes onto his pedals. Hes on a bit of a slant
on the turno. His shoes are locked in and he tries to
peddle. Im on my bike watching him as he yells and
falls over sideways. Hes not hurt and I tease him
about screaming.
Fast Ride
It doesnt take us long to get to Brooks Alta. We load
Strators bike up and give him a ride back to Medicine
Hat to pick up his vehicle.
We drive back to Brooks and find a campground just
east of Brooks. Theres a half dozen people camping
here, but they dont seen very friendly. I strike up a
conversation with 1 camper that has a giant red and
white Alaskan Malamute that looks just like the one I
gave a friend of mine. I took a pic, but I cant find it.
110 kms

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Monday, Sept 17 Brooks, AB

10:00 am
I meet up with Strator at Wendys in Brooks, we order
some burgers and he tells me that theres something
wrong with his bike and hell meet
me about 10 kms east of his
community of Siksika and
well ride in together from
there. He goes to the
bathroom, my burger is ready
and I leave immediately. This is
a stinky town, literally, they have
a meat packing plant just west of
Brooks. When the wind is blowing from the west,
which it usually is, you can smell it.
Burger stop
I get about 15 kms west of Brooks and Strator honks
and passes me. I stop at a rest area and chow down
on my burger. I should have eaten it right away, it
doesnt taste that great after bouncing around in my
front carrier.
New York cycler
I meet another cycler along the road (before Brooks)
and hes from Upstate NY, he owns a Bed n Breakfast
there. Hes been on the road for a month and I feel
bad for him because of 9/11.
Gas Station near Cluny
I meet Strator at the gas station and we cycle in
together. We arrive at the school and theres a feast
set up for us. I suspect that there wasnt really
anything wrong with his bike, he came back to plan
this, what a guy.
We have a good meal and we talk about my journey

108 kms

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Monday, Sept 17 Calgary

4:00 pm
I still have 3-4 hours of day light left, Im sure I can make Calgary tonight. Its only another 80 kms
or so. We take o, were peddling hard and fast. Still daylight when we get to the outskirts of
Calgary. Im heading to the Carriage House Hotel on McLeod Trail.

I take the Deerfoot trail and Im all about speed right now, must be the adrenaline from the idea
that this is the last few kilometers of my trip. Im looking back and I dont see Strator. He catches
up near the Anderson Drive and we cycle the last kilometer together.
80 kms
The End

We made it, my lil traveling buddy, that I picked up on the first day I left
Halifax on the side of the highway, hes like Wilson in that movie. I hope
you all enjoyed my story and hopefully well do it again someday.
Meegwetch

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