Ugly Ride to T-Bay with Some Highlights

Day 3 – White River to Thunder Bay

Today was a 384 km ride from the birth place of Winnie the Pooh to the top of Lake Superior (aka Lakehead). It rained hard all night long and I had a fitful sleep wondering what the ride would be like and what I should wear. I got up at a little after 6 and had a hearty breakfast before fuelling up and setting off. The sun was trying to come out as I headed up the road which was good but I had packed away my sun glasses – it turns out I did not need to worry. The first 150 km or so was great. Not too cold and the weather was dry. I sang songs which in my full faced helmet sounded … well lets just say I could hear myself. I also thought it was a good thing a brushed my teeth well.

The ride was great in that the road keeps bringing you back to Lake Superior and you see some breathtaking views – well they would be if you could see them. Actually the moody sky and wet rock cuts made them look great.  I had packed my camera because I didn’t think I would be taking pictures so here is one I took on my cell phone.  It does not do the view justice.

Just as I was thinking that I had missed the storm the sky darkened and the heavens opened. I had put on a t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, leather jacket with the liner and my rain jacket on top – and pants, chaps and rain pants on the bottoms. I also had my winter boots and gloves.

Well by the time I got to Thunder Bay I was soaked through and was shivering so hard I could hardly talk when I finally caught up with Aly. My teeth were chattering for the last 100 km so I am glad I took one cheek pad out of my helmet or I would have shredded the inside of my mouth. This new helmet is so tight that the cheek pads push my cheeks between my teeth so I can’t close my mouth. By taking one pad out it is more comfortable and I can get my headset inside my helmet.

I rode to Aly’s house because I got to T-Bay at around 1 p.m. which was when she was hoping to be done. It turned out she had a late patient and would be slightly delayed, so I unloaded the bike, changed socks and shoes and dug out my fleece. That helped me to warm up a bit until Aly got home and I could take a hot shower. She made me hot chocolate and Finish pancakes – mmm I am gradually feeling human again.

While I was riding through the White Lake area I had a high and a low. The high was I saw a bald eagle soaring overhead – what a magnificent bird. That excitement was dashed a little ways down the road when I saw a full-grown black bear dead on the side of the road. It must have been hit in the night. It was so sad to see.

Here is a picture of a bear that Aly took outside her back door in

Black Bear – Just Visiting Aly

Thunder Bay. It must be on campus getting an edumacation!

I didn’t mention the sight I saw yesterday. I came around a corner and saw a Turkey Vulture in a dead tree with its wings fully open. The wingspan must have been 4-5 feet. I am not sure what it was doing but it was facing west so the sun was on its back. It was the strangest thing. 

 We are having dinner tonight with Aly’s friends and then going to have a bit of a tour over the next couple of days. I may try to find some warmer pants for the ride home since the temperatures are going to be just above freezing in the mornings and there is going to be more rain. I can’t believe how wet I got – I hope everything dries out over the next couple of days.

OK enough of blogging – going to go visit with Al – after all that is why I am here – oh and now that I am dried out I can deliver all those hugs.

Bye for now.