Quebec City looms on the horizon but I'd managed to get accepted by WS hosts Pierre and Janick just a short 30 miles away who Esther & David had actually seen give a presentation on bike touring; it was impressed on me that this contact was cycle touring gold dust and not to be missed... How could I decline?
I was immediately spoilt by Pierre's amazing offer of a pick-up from Baie St Paul, saving me the last painful hill climb of the day (despite a good rest in La Malbaie my legs just weren't 100% yet), and soon we were back at their huge house buried in the hilltop forests.
Pierre and Janick have a beyond-impressive history of global bike tours and so I set about trying to glean as much information as possible.
It was around this point that my confidence started to creak...as we talked about routes and pored over phone maps Pierre's face started to shows signs of confusion, suprise, and coupled with a few micro-sighs and questioning hums, I could tell that my planned trails were raising eyebrows to say the least.
I know, I know, there are usually loads of different ways to get from A to B, but when you're loosely hanging 5 months of your adventure-of-a-lifetime on something that's taken you a long time to pull together, each question was like a punch in the stomach. Not least the fact that when Pierre had attempted to cycle East to West across Canada, he'd given up due to the pounding headwinds that just crippled progress.
If Pierre couldn't do it - a guy who spent 5 years nonstop bike touring - how did I have a hope in hell?
What have I done?
Why have I elevated a finale in Vancouver over the predominant West-East winds, setting myself up for an endless battle against mother nature???Read more
TravelerRight then. It’s a known fact that French Canadians are as soft as …. butter! Whereas English Manc’s are as tough as …. nails and old boots combined. You excel at a challenge and challenges hate to see it’s you bearing down on them, as they know what to expect! Grit and determination all the way. You’ve got this Mister.
TravelerHello my friend! Honestly, after spending the evening with you, I am convinced that you have the tools, skills and attitude to succeed in your challenge. You're absolutely right, the goal is to go from point A to point B and that's what you've done since May 2. You already have two and a half provinces crossing. You still have 4 and a half months left! The good weather will arrive shortly. The wind we have suffered in recent days is exceptional. It won't always be like that. But I understand your fears, disappointments and worries. You prepared yourself so carefully. Your GPS may take you to crazy places, you just have to take another road. Several of my friends saw you go up the hill to my house and were impressed by your pedal stroke. I was also impressed when I met you in the hills near the house. When I crossed you again at the Éboulements, you were still smiling and you still seemed in great shape. All of us are agree. You seemed very strong to us. Don't doubt yourself. Takes one day at a time. The important thing is not to have injuries. The rest is a question of morale (mental toughness) . Take a couple of days off in Quebec City. And I am convinced that after you will be on fire and you will ride like a beast. The mountains and the snow will be behind you
TravelerDon’t trust too much Canada Trail and GPS, trust a bit enthusiast folks you meet and trust a lot your instinct and all the homework and preparations you made. And most important, I think, accept having some bad days, some bad mood, some doubts. I’m happy to helped you skipping the worst uphill you may ever see ! I hope, today, you were not riding in the snowstorm we’ve had here. We will continu to follow you as long as your adventure will progress.
CanadaBaie-Saint-Paul47°26’4” N 70°31’36” W
CanadaBaie-Saint-Paul47°26’4” N 70°31’36” W
TravelerRight then. It’s a known fact that French Canadians are as soft as …. butter! Whereas English Manc’s are as tough as …. nails and old boots combined. You excel at a challenge and challenges hate to see it’s you bearing down on them, as they know what to expect! Grit and determination all the way. You’ve got this Mister.
TravelerHello my friend! Honestly, after spending the evening with you, I am convinced that you have the tools, skills and attitude to succeed in your challenge. You're absolutely right, the goal is to go from point A to point B and that's what you've done since May 2. You already have two and a half provinces crossing. You still have 4 and a half months left! The good weather will arrive shortly. The wind we have suffered in recent days is exceptional. It won't always be like that. But I understand your fears, disappointments and worries. You prepared yourself so carefully. Your GPS may take you to crazy places, you just have to take another road. Several of my friends saw you go up the hill to my house and were impressed by your pedal stroke. I was also impressed when I met you in the hills near the house. When I crossed you again at the Éboulements, you were still smiling and you still seemed in great shape. All of us are agree. You seemed very strong to us. Don't doubt yourself. Takes one day at a time. The important thing is not to have injuries. The rest is a question of morale (mental toughness) . Take a couple of days off in Quebec City. And I am convinced that after you will be on fire and you will ride like a beast. The mountains and the snow will be behind you
TravelerWow. Thanks for such kind words David . Really appreciated
TravelerDon’t trust too much Canada Trail and GPS, trust a bit enthusiast folks you meet and trust a lot your instinct and all the homework and preparations you made. And most important, I think, accept having some bad days, some bad mood, some doubts. I’m happy to helped you skipping the worst uphill you may ever see ! I hope, today, you were not riding in the snowstorm we’ve had here. We will continu to follow you as long as your adventure will progress.