Departure and Reflections

The morning came much too quickly today, as tends to be the case when you have to get up in what most would still call the middle of the night. Cory and I were loaded up and out the door before 5, which mean no traffic.

Our on way home from our bike trip, during dinner with Jessica that night and throughout our last day together we took some time to reflect on the 4 days we spent on our bike travelling the Cabot trail.

When Cory asked me what my favourite day was it took me me a while to make a decision. There were so many highlights throughout the trip. The first view of coast when we arrived Margaree Harbour was amazing, the sunset at Pleasant Bay was definitely a highlight and the coves on the way to Ingonish Bay were absolutely beautiful too. There were so many wonderful views and experiences over the four days but when asked one, after several discussions, the ride from Cheticamp to Pleasant Bay with the climb of French Mountain. The clouds cleared that day as we entered Cape Breton Highlands National Park and the views throughout the climbs on the coast were spectacular.

When asked which was the worst day, it was a no brainer, Pleasant Bay to Ingonish Beach. Starting in rain, getting crushed by the North Mountain, climbing into the rain clouds, riding with puddles in my shoes, descending in 5 degree temperatures soaking wet, you get the point. Day 3 started out really tough and being cold on the bike leads to poor decisions on the bike. Neither of us hydrated well throughout the day and we definitely didn’t eat enough that day. However, when we got to the coast and the clouds cleared, we were rewarded with some warmer weather and great views, which made it all worth while. Plus the hot tub and dinner at the Keltic Lodge was also a nice reward.

This was by far one of the most amazing experiences on a bike I’ve ever had. I’m so grateful to Cory for inviting me out and planning the entire trip, Jess, for letting me take her husband away for a week of vacation, my daughters, Delaney and Anniston, and most of all, my wife, Meghan. Training for this adventure took up a lot of my time and required the support and understanding of my family. I appreciate you filling my water bottles, brining me snacks, and just coming to spend some time with me when I was training alone in the garage. I am truly grateful and understand how fortunate I am to be able to go on such an amazing journey.

And I hope this shows my girls that if you commit and prepare for anything challenging you can achieve amazing things, because if Cory can ride the Cabot Trail without Cranky Cory making an appearance, anything is possible!!!Read more