Day 10 – Red, White and Blue

3379 km

Shadow Rider

I picked this title for a number of reasons that I hope will become evident as you read this entry. I hit the road with great expectations of good weather – according to the weather channel. It was nice when I started out at 9 am – but kind of deteriorated as the day went on. First red, white and blue marks the colours of the USA which had a special meaning as I walked around a cemetary during one of my butt breaks. There were a number of flags with veteran emblems attached to them. Red and white also identifies our flag that stood side by side with ol’ glory – both flying at half mast as I rode across the international bridge at Sault Ste Marie. They reminded me of the losses both countries are suffering to help others.

The Front Moves In

Blue marks how cold I was as the cold front moved through and the temperature plummeted. As I rode north the sky darkened and I stopped at river crossing to suit up and put on some warmer clothes. Unfortunately I didn’t have very warm pants even with two layers but the four layers on the top kept me warm. The rain wasn’t too bad but I am sure I was riding through a cloud – which was more likely a cold fog rolling in off Lakes Superior and Michigan.

Mackinaw Bridge (from Internet)

The white stands for my knuckles. It was a very stressful and strenuous ride for most of the day because of the high winds. My bike was being thrown around by the wind so my arms are very sore and tired tonight. They got particularly white going over the Mackinaw  and International Bridges which both are very high and exposed to the full force of the winds coming off the lake. It took me about 1 hour to get down the bridge and through customs because I hit it at rush hour – but at least I got a very cute and friendly lady border officer. It is always fun juggling bike controls, nexis cards, gloves etc. when stopped and there is a long line up behind.

I rode to Blind River where I got the last room in a motel. The owner Joe dropped the rate a whole $3 when I said the $89.99 rate was way higher than I had paid anywhere else. I was too tired and cold to look for another place.

A bunch of guys who are in town working on a municipal building were partying outside my room so I struck up a conversation with them and they gave me a beer and now we are buddies. There is also a train crossing right across the road so I don’t expect to get a lot of sleep tonight. 

Bind River Ontario

After supper I went down to the waterfront to take some pictures of the sunset. I had a nice chat with two guys from Spanish – a town about 20 km away. They were very interested in my bike and my trip. On the way back to the hotel I bought a Tim’s coffee – I have missed them. While waiting for my coffee I talked with a guy from Mississauga. Poor guy has to drive all the way back home tonight because he works tomorrow. It is neat how people want to talk to the guy with the helmet.

Tomorrow I am heading to Manitoulin Island and catch the ferry to Tobermory and then ride home. – As much as I have enjoyed this adventure it will be nice to get home.

Warmest regards to all my travel mates.

Bob

Advertisement