LEJOG - Day 14

 Tongue to John O'Groats. The final stage.

A sharp climb right at the start to get the legs and heart going for the day, we soon settled into a slow and steady pace, slowly uphills and quickly down them.

Until Jill broke a spoke in her back wheel.
This didn't stop her. I wound the broken spoke around its partner in the wheel and had her back up and cruising.

The forecast rain never materialised and the day stayed hot and sunny, with a very helpful tailwind pushing us up the climbs and taking the edge of the heat the sun was laying down.

The scenery in this part of Scotland is just beautiful, with sandy beaches and little coves dotted along the coastline. The fields are full of sheep and lambs, and the odd cow/bull rests wearily in the shade of a tree.

We stopped for a well-earned bacon and egg roll just before lunch, refilled our water and hurtled on through to Thurso, where Paddy's pannier rack decided to give up the go (again) - cable ties soon had it sorted out and us back on the road.

After Thurso the route flattened out and we got some miles behind us and speed in the legs. 

Not long to go now.

Soon signs for JOG were appearing and the energy levels spiked.

We wheeled into John O'Groats at 1617 and started taking the obligatory photos at the sign-post before making phone calls to friends and family around the world.

We've done it! We've cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats!
I'm so proud of Jill and Paddy, they have been a great pleasure to have around and have been splendid in motivating us all and making sure we achieved what we set out to do.

103km for the day.
Tomorrow we are sleeping in....

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LEJOG - Day 13

 Alness to Tongue.

Overnight rain cleared in time for us to depart, and we didn't see it again until a little later on in the day. And where there was an absence of rain, there was a head/cross wind in its place.

This made the going hard, battling this as well as "really well thought out" cycle paths that had us carrying our bikes down wet metal stairs and over a river - not good!

Loch's and rolling hills were the order of the day, until we stopped at the Shin Falls and watched the salmon leaping up big waterfalls.

The midges came out this afternoon and welcomed us the North - we couldn't stop for too long as they would descend on us the moment we did.

The miles ticked over slowly, and the road slowly tipped down towards the sea, we had made it to Tongue.

We were all a little flat this morning and the hostel tonight is a welcome sight, not to mention a warm haven away from the midges.

112km for the day - one more to go!

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And a MASSIVE thank you to those that have donated!

LEJOG - Day 12

 Aviemore to Alness.

Another beautiful day greeted us as we wheeled our bikes out of the hostel and onto the roadway. The forecast overnight rain had not materialised so we had dry roads and clear skies all day.

First point of interest was the stone bridge in Carrbridge, the oldest stone bridge in the Highlands. After that the road meandered through farmland and country lanes, until we stumbled across the ancient burial ruins of Clava - medieval stone burial mounds thousands of years old!

We took a quick walk about, took in the sites and were back on the bikes within 20 minutes. The road wound round to Inverness and dumped us at the foot of the Kessock bridge over the Beauly Firth.

The A9 was busy but it saved us valuable miles and time off the end of the day. The descent to the Cromarty bridge was exhilarating, big speeds achieved as we zoomed down it. 

The scenery continues to be amazing as we head northwards - 2 days left of this brilliant trip - I just hope that the weather holds out until Sunday - we have plans to swim once we reach the end.

94 km (60 miles) for the day, and an early finish - nice result.

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LEJOG - Day 11

Pitlochry to Aviemore.

A day that had us climbing for most of the day, as we reached our highest altitude (so far) on this trip.

We followed a beautiful trail out from Pitlochry and were soon running parallel to the A9, but on a dead quiet road that we had all to ourselves. The climbing was very gradual and we eventually reached the summit of the Drumochter pass, at 457m.

Lunch was on the lawn at the Dalwhinnie distillery and the afternoon was improved with the addition of a very nice tailwind. We zipped along, passed the ruined Ruthven Barracks, struggled over a few late-in-the-day hills that tested already-tired legs, before we rolled into Aviemore.

What a welcome sight!

Checked in, showered and fed - this day is over.

100km for the day.

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LEJOG - Day 10

Queensferry to Pitlochry.

Hot and sunny, Scotland still putting on a superb weather show.

A morning of ups and downs on the hills before arriving in Perth for lunch, and meeting up with Sion.

The afternoon introduced us to the A9 road, busy, but we were on the bike path running alongside it.
Forests and little hills lead us into Pitlochry, early enough for us to grab dinner and eat in a relaxed manner before heading to bed.

105km.

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LEJOG - Day 9

 Moffat to Queensferry (Rosyth)

107km (66 miles) that started up a nice long climb out of Moffat. Once that was behind us, the views unfolded, the sun came out and Scotland put on a show.

Rolling green hills and quiet roads were the norm for most of the day, until we stopped in Cranwath for lunch.
The clouds then started to roll in, the air chilled a bit but the wind was still 'behind us' to a degree.

We made good progress, no major effort required for today, and we soon spied the Forth bridges spanning the Firth of Forth. After what seemed like an eternity, we rolled through Queensferry, up onto the bridge and wheeled our way across.

It was a great day on the bike and it is always a bonus arriving at your destination early in the evening rather than last thing - its gives us more time to relax and process the day.

On that note, I'm out. Tired.

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LEJOG - Day 8

 Askham to Moffat.

An absolutely stonking tailwind out of Penrith this morning, accompanied by rain, resulted in us smashing out the first 50km (30 miles) in no time at all, putting us ahead of schedule, so had a leisurely early lunch in Gretna.

We're now in Scotland!! How crazy is that?

More rain soon after lunch, which then cleared in around Lockerbie, but not before we had our second lunch on the station platform.

The final drag into Moffat was long and uneventful, with more rain and a pesky and annoying headwind.

We arrived at our accommodation, checked in, showered and headed out for dinner. The evening was great, the clouds had lifted and the wind has dropped.

120km (75miles) for the day. Here's to another good day tomorrow as we head towards Edinburgh.

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LEJOG - Rest Day

 We're halfway through the journey already so what better time for a rest day.

Having arrived in Askham last night, we proceeded to do absolutely nothing except eat and rest, unpack our bags and get laundry done.

Proper sleep, food and rest - both mentally and physically - has been sought after since day 1, and now we have it.

Askham, in the Lake District, is a beautiful little village perfect for resting. It's quiet and restful - we sauntered down to the pub for a pint, then back to the house to continue doing nothing - apart from cleaning the bikes and making sure they were set for the next stint of the journey.

LEJOG - Day 7

 Garstang to Askham.

Thanks to Dave we have managed to shave off some hills and miles, and keep our wheels on actual roads, not a canal or river path to be seen anywhere.
We also had rain - not heavy but constant.

The hills started early, nothing serious but enough to tell the legs to wake up quickly or suffer. The day was later classified as "lumpy" and rightly so.

Up hills and down dales,
in the drizzle
past covered hay bales.

Hot chocolate and a 'not-quite-lunch' lunch stop at Casterton Golf Club refueled us for the next stint.
More hills.

The cloud lifted enough for us to catch a glimpse of the countryside we were working through; rolling green hills and fields, hedges and rivers, little bridges over gurgling streams. Pure beauty.

Yorkshire Dales National Park is beautiful and went past us at the perfect speed, giving us the opportunity to take it all in. 

The Lune Gorge funneled train, car, truck and cyclist through it's narrow gap, giving us beautiful views of our path ahead, as well as the route options we had decided to, thankfully, ditch.

The miles kept ticking over and we soon wheeled our way into Askham, a place to park the bikes, rest the legs and do laundry, for tomorrow is a rest day. Perfectly timed as we are now half way through this amazing trip.

108km (66 miles) today.

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LEJOG - Day 6

 Nantwich to Garstang.

We woke to the dreaded sound of rain beating down on the windows. And heavy rain too!

Oh well, no way around it, get the wet weather gear on and lets get stuck in...
Lunches packed and bottles stowed, we headed out into the weather.

Riding in the rain is a great experience; the rain releases the smells of the road/countryside and gives the senses a different element to deal with. Some of the farms are quite 'ripe' but we soon got used to that. Roses in bloom smell amazing too.

More canal paths today, something we are not enjoying as they are constantly battering our bikes and bodies with vibration, and they are quite slow too, not to mention adding in miles to the day.

We arrived in Garstang late in the day, battered and weary, and in need of food, shower and sleep.

We got all three from our Warmshowers host, Dave, who then offered us route variations to shave off some miles and hills from tomorrow's journey.

127km today.

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LEJOG - Day 5

 Worcester to Nantwich.

We wheeled out of the hotel later today, about 0830, and started the ride northwards. 132km on the cards for today.

Nothing massive to report on the day apart from lots of canal paths, overcast weather and a small tail-wind.

My left buttock has decided to start hurting, although hurting is a strong word, more discomfort than pain, so pushing up hills has become a chore. Getting off the bike and walking eases it, as do stretches while on the bike.

Arrived in Nantwich quite late; Jill and Paddy did a shop for food and I ordered dinner. Once sandwiches were made and eggs were boiled, we demolished our Chinese takeaway.

Fed and watered, we collapsed into bed.

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LEJOG - Day 4

 Yatton to Worcester.

Always a long day at 150km (96 miles), but manageable without the relentless climbing of Cornwall and Devon. 

We left on time and made very good progress through Bristol and beyond thanks to the prevailing south-wester that was blowing, and bringing in a substantial storm front at the same time.

The miles zipped by and before we knew it we were in Gloucester, and a bit like Dr Foster, arrived in a shower of rain. We sat if out by having lunch under cover then proceeded on our way.

Gloucestershire gave way to Worcestershire, and with it a few more hills. But, the target was in sight and we homed in on the accommodation for the night, and not a moment too soon. 
Paddy and I were toasted, Jill was leading well, but we were all very tired.

Dinner, fed and watered, we're done for today.

Another big day tomorrow - eeek.

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LEJOG - Day 3

Sandford (Crediton) to Yatton.

The day dawned clear and sunny, a sign of the heat to come. None of us were mentally ready for the day so it took us a little time to gather momentum and actually leave the BnB.

Some hills to start the day but they slowly fell behind us and the day started to flatten out. The pace was good, the legs were improving, but still the hangover of yesterday's heat hampered us.

Converted railway lines and amazing bike paths (some not so amazing) had us off the main roads and away from traffic, and the miles zipped by.

A quick refuel stop about 40km from Yatton had us back on the pedals again, and finally the Strawberry Line delivered us to our accommodation for the evening.

Cold shower followed by beer and dinner. Day done.

130km today, tomorrow is longer.

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LEJOG - Day 2

Fowey to Sandford.

108 km (67 miles) of Cornwall and Devon on the hottest day of the year, or the century. Whatever it was, it was almost unbearable on the road, our backs getting baked from the sun, and the road reflecting heat back towards us, cooking us all over.

We drank enough, ate enough, stopped at the top of each sharp climb, and basically survived the day in the insane heat. 

We were all certainly glad to be done with the bike for today after 12 hours in the saddle.

Keep checking in here for updates from the road, and if you haven't already done so, please visit our >> JustGiving << page to donate.

LEJOG - Day 1

 Land's End to Fowey (pronounced Foy) was a journey.

103 km (65 miles) of Cornish countryside that saw us climbing and descending on more than one occasion, in the sweltering heat too.

The team did well, encouraging each other to push that little bit more to get through the day.

I was certainly glad to be at the BnB last night after 7+ hours in the saddle.

Keep checking in here for updates from the road, and if you haven't already done so, please visit our >> JustGiving << page to donate.

LEJOG: Only a few days to go...

Its not long to go now before our first pedal strokes take us out of Land's End.

Last minute packing lists and bike checks, making sure all is in order and that nothing extra is being taken, although a cricket bat is proving hard to put aside.
Train tickets are booked, accommodation is sorted, all that is left to do now is get to Penzance in good time on Saturday to allow the pre-ride nerves to settle down.

Keep checking in here for updates from the road, and if you haven't already done so, please visit our >> JustGiving << page to donate.

LEJOG: Progress update

We are now a little more than 3 weeks away from departure and have just completed a big weekend on the bikes, ironing out the little kinks and niggles, testing the bikes and our bodies before the big day.

Two 100+ km (60+ mile) rides back to back this weekend certainly got the legs working, and showed us a glimpse of the beauty we will be immersed in during the ride, as well as some of the hills we will be encountering along the way.

I (@macmanuk) will be riding with @pajholmes, @majorsminor, so please check in for updates once we get underway.

Our charity link, should you wish to donate, is via our >> JustGiving << page.

LEJOG: End to End is happening

This past weekend I sat down with a few friends and we committed to cycle Lands End to John O'Groats in the summer in memory of a friend we lost during COVID lockdown.

We have booked the dates in, departing Lands End on Sunday 17 July and finishing around 31 July.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for this adventure, but in the meantime, please be sure to checkout our >> JustGiving page <<

Publications

While I was back in Cape Town recently I started converting all my Canadian photos into photo books.
Three have been printed and are with me in London, but for those a little further away and unable to see them physically, you can view them in the comfort of your own home via the links below.

• Book One
• Book Two
• Book Three

It is done

Vancouver to Halifax, 3 June - 23 September 2017

Total Distance: 7565.84 km
Total Time: 364:15:43
Total Height gained/lost: 49760m /-51253m
Total Calories: 234494
Average speed: 20.66 km/h

Day 116: Shubenacadie to Halifax

This is it.
Bittersweet feelings today as I make my way into Halifax, and to the end of this amazing journey.

The day dawned misty again, but much warmer than yesterday. I was out of camp by 9 and was sorry not to say a proper goodbye to Willy. His campground is amazing.

I rode on the 102 for a bit, but it was far too busy, so I went back to highway 2, the old highway.
The scenery was beautiful. Lakes, woods, cottages and little towns all the way. The humidity was also on the rise today, and I was sweating profusely.

When I saw the main bridge that crosses from Dartmouth to Halifax, I realised that I had made it, I had actually cycled my bicycle across Canada! I shed a tear or two as I continued towards downtown Halifax and Point Pleasant Park.

I rode into the park and found a suitable place to park Shirley. I emptied a water bottle, went down to the water and scooped some sea water up, then poured it over my front and rear wheels.

I had no words. My mind was blank. I sat for a long time just looking out to sea, hearing the waves, the seagulls. Tears wet my beard.

I tried to capture the moment as best I could, but I don't think I did very well.
I took some more photos and video then packed up the bike and headed to the HI hostel, where I would be staying for the next few days.

A shower, some food and then out to meet Aaron for a few beers and a proper celebration.
We met at the Split Crow pub, sank a few, danced, listened to local music and had a great time.

It is done.

Distance: 75.7 km
Time: 3:37:15
Height gained/lost: 530m /-601m
Calories: 2409

Day 115: Oxford to Shubenacadie

Those kids were right, it does get cold here at night. In fact, it gets freezing cold!
I woke to a cold mist hanging over the town, so I quickly donned 3 tops, the top one being a down jacket, and scooped some breakfast into me.
I packed up as quickly as I could, and went down the main road to Tim Horton's, I needed a warm breakfast in me, so I had a second breakfast, with a thick and creamy hot chocolate to get my body warmed up.

The air was cool, and the mist lifting, but there was still cloud at a higher level, so I kept a jacket on for most of the morning. I took the 204 to the junction with the 4, then went through Wentworth (it has a ski slope).
Once again, there were plenty of hills, nothing massive, just plenty of them.

I stopped at the Big C truckstop for lunch and had the works. It was another hot day, so I drank heaps. The waitress asked about my journey, so I told her what I had been up to. This blew her mind, so she started laying into the locals, saying they needed to get out and do more exploring. This got a few laughs from the customers, and soon I was feeling quite good too. It had been a tough morning.

It was a quick ride into Truro from the diner, but the road was getting worse, as were the drivers. I had a couple of close calls as I got closer to town, but luckily nothing more than that. Once through Truro I took the 2, heading south.
As my energy levels started to head south as well, I spied a barn on the top of a hill advertising camping. It was not a moment too soon.

I rode into camp and met Willy, owner and manager of Wild Nature Camping. What a great guy, he instantly made me feel at home by sorting me out with a top camp site, then promised beers later in the evening, once I had settled in.
I rode into town to get dinner and got some Gatorade and chips, and a donair. The donair possibly saved my life.
It was delicious!!!

Back at camp, Willy cruised in on his golf cart, unloaded some fire wood and cracked some beers. We talked about all sorts, then heard the wolves howling as the moon rose.
The wolves were in the wildlife reserve next door.

What a perfect ending to a tough day on the bike.
Wolves, stars, beers and a fire.

Distance: 129 km
Time: 6:29:59
Height gained/lost: 972m /-979m
Calories: 4045

Day 114: Summerside to Oxford

Confederation Bridge

I said my final farewell to Dennis, Jane and Ursula and set off towards the Confederation Bridge, 25km away. This would be my only biking on PEI.
I had a massive tailwind pushing me, and hoped it would continue once I was over the bridge.

Yum.

While waiting for the shuttle to ferry me back to the mainland, I had a Cow's ice cream. It is a big thing on the island, and I can see why. It's delicious!

Once I was back on the mainland, I met Daryl going the other way. We had last seen each other in Montreal. It was good to see him again, and we had a quick catchup before he was whisked over the bridge and onto the island.

The tailwind pushed me to Port Elgin in no time, but as I was leaving town I got my first genuine puncture. A tiny sliver of wire had worked its way into my rear tyre and flattened it fast. While repairing this, I realised that my spare tube had the wrong valve, so didn't fit. It's a good thing I carry so many patches.

Once I was back up and running, I took the 970 and then the 366 towards Amherst. The roads were quiet and rolling, with a good surface. Forest and fall colours kept me company for most of the way.
The rolling hills kept coming, I was getting tired and I didn't know what facilities Oxford had. When I arrived in town, I was nicely surprised. It had everything, including many places to stealth camp.
I ate dinner (wings and a burger and fries and a chocolate milk) and asked the manager of the cafe if I could camp here. She replied, saying that there weren't any signs saying that you couldn't! Fair enough.

I pitched my tent next to the Information Centre, well hidden from all eyes, except a couple of kids who walked past once I was in bed. They hoped I would be warm enough as it gets cold in the mornings now.

I am now in Nova Scotia, whoop.

My legs were tired, so I hoped for a good night's sleep.

Distance: 124 km
Time: 5:41:59
Height gained/lost: 739m /-783m
Calories: 3949

Day 112/113: PEI (rest days)

September 19

After a great sleep and a tasty breakfast of eggs, toast and local bacon Dennis took me for a drive to Malpeque to visit the cousin of Karen, who I stayed with in Johnstown. We drove some of the back roads around the island and did a spot of shopping before heading back home.
We went to a ceilidh in Brackley Beach and listened to the amazing Jonny Ross and his band. Most of the tunes were local, with a scattering of more popular Irish tunes. It was great to hear this local music.

September 20

I took Dennis' kayak out for a paddle today and paddle across the harbour to the breakwater.
Lovely red sand beaches to park the kayak on while I went for a swim.
You have to watch the tides in this place, they are strong and fast. After I had finished my swim, I jumped back into the kayak, but it wouldn't budge. The tide was draining the bay so fast I had to walk about 400m to find deeper water.
By the time I had returned to the house, the sandbanks were just being uncovered.

Dinner was mussels and sausages, and fresh salad.
I am feeling very relaxed being here. Dennis works with wood and makes spoons of all shapes and sizes, and of different wood. The tour of the workshop is quite extensive.
Jane works with leather and makes amazing bags, money clips and purses, as well as any custom items she chooses.
It is great hanging out with creative people again, it certainly got my mind turning over, thinking about what is possible.

Day 111: Riverview to PEI

We thanked Brad for the hospitality and cruised down into Moncton, stopping at Tim Horton's for the usual. Aaron and I parted ways today, he was heading down the 6 towards Halifax, I was heading towards PEI via Shediac.

I stopped at Mike's bike shop and purchased a cheap tyre in case my worn front tyre decided to quit on me.

I arrived in Shediac, saw the world's biggest lobster and then took the 955 all the way to the Confederation Bridge. Headwind all the way made it a tough ride, but the scenery was lovely. Smelling the sea again after months inland was amazing.

I eventually made it to the bridge and got the free shuttle across. No bikes are allowed on the bridge.
Jane and Dennis, from earlier in BC, met me and drove me to their lovely house in Summerside.

Beer, steak and salad for dinner, what a treat!

Distance: 112 km
Time: 5:19:15
Height gained/lost: 544m /-547m
Calories: 3363

Day 110: Coles Island to Riverview

It all comes to a grinding halt.

We had a slow start from the golf course/campsite this morning and headed towards Moncton, taking the 112 all the way. It was a quiet road this morning with a gentle tailwind, so we were making good progress through the rolling countryside.

PING
Brrrrrrrrrtttttttttttt,
and then the sound of a derailleur being sucked into a wheel.

Stopping, I spun round to see what Aaron was up to, and saw him grinding to a halt.

As soon as I had heard the PING I knew he had broken anther spoke, and this in turn had hooked onto the derailleur and sucked it into the wheel.
This was a game changer.

We dragged the wounded bike off the road and set about assessing the damage. It didn't look good for Aaron. He stripped the rear wheel and then removed the derailleur and tried to straighten it as best he could. This was where the rail pins we collected previously came into play; they were the perfect hammer.

While Aaron was beating metal, I spoke to a lady at the house near us, and she said her brother may be able to help as she was just leaving. His name was Brad and immediately offered Aaron a lift, bike and all, into the nearest town to get to a bike shop. The offer was extended to me but I wanted to ride the whole way.

Once Aaron's bike was packed into the car, I cycled off, trying to regain the momentum we had earlier in the day.

The road stayed quiet all day, as did the rolling hills. It felt as though I was constantly riding up a hill but there was never any downhill. I was eventually rewarded with a downhill, and the view from the top of the hill was amazing. Forests and farms as far as the eye could see, with a river running through it all.

I stopped at the petrol station outside Salisbury and messaged Aaron. He replied, telling me to come to Brad's house, as lobster and shrimp had been purchased, and that we were staying there tonight.

Amazing.

I arrived at Brad's house a few moments after them. They had been to Shediac to buy seafood, and to the bike shop to get Aaron's wheel sorted.

I was knackered, it had been a taxing day on the bike.

Distance: 83.7 km
Time: 3:47:20
Height gained/lost: 500m /-481m
Calories: 2586

Day 109: Fredericton to Coles Island

Hot and rolling.

Up early on a very quiet and misty morning, rolled out of the park to some very strange looks. Breakfast at Timmies then out along the 105 towards Moncton. We stayed on this road for a while, then would have options once we arrived at Jemseg.

Once again, the road we were on ran to a dead-end, with Google saying the path certainly existed. Nevertheless, Aaron and I explored the possibility of another path over the river. None existed, so we backtracked a few kilometres until we could cut across onto the Trans-Canada Highway.

Aah, bittersweet memories came flooding back as we spun along the shoulder, massive trucks hurtling past us at warp speed. The bridge over the river had a sign stating that bicycles were forbidden, but as we had no other option, we carried on pedalling. Jemseg, and lunch, awaited us on the other side.
Aaron had to fix a (yet another) broken spoke on his rear wheel too.

We had Donair's for lunch (Google them) and they hit the spot. Much water was consumed as it was now a rather toasty day.

A guy in the parking lot gave us directions along the river to a nice campsite, and the road would be quiet as well. Thanking him, we set off along this new route, and were soon climbing up little rolling hills. Around every corner, a new summit appeared, but no respite was offered. If we're doing all this climbing, surely there is a descent on offer?
What descents there were were paltry, hardly any whoops were hollered. Sad.

We soon saw the sign to the TNT Campground ahead, and we rolled in, hot and sweaty and ready for a swim in the river.
The river water was very warm, and felt great on tired legs. We even got a free "Garra Rufa" pedicure. While we were sitting in the river, little fish swam up and nibbled us, getting between our toes. It was hard not to twitch violently as it was quite ticklish!

A rather intense game of washer, or ring, toss was happening up near the office, so we popped in for a quick look. I think some of the players may have been at provincial level as they missed nothing.

Bed time was calling, so we headed back to the tents and crashed out.

Yet another interesting day on the bike.

Distance: 104 km
Time: 4:49:20
Height gained/lost: 625m /-600m
Calories: 3245

Day 108: Millville to Fredericton

Jazz baby!

Fact: Millville is home to the world's largest maple leaf.

The bike abuse continued today, except there was treasure on the trail to keep our minds and bodies focused. Riding on the rail trail meant that there were rail spikes, the pins used to keep the rail in place, scattered on the path. The railway was covered in the late 50's and the constant traffic on it is exposing the underlying treasures. Aaron and I each collected a few pins as mementos. (Little did we know that these would come in handy later.)

About 25km down the path I realised I had left one of my water bottles on the sink at Andrew's house. "Bother" said Kevin. Oh well, another bottle will need to be purchased.

Thankfully the trail was mostly downhill today, but my tired legs and the sandy and rocky trail surface made it as tiresome as a 100km road ride.
We cycled the last 15km into Fredericton on the cycle path, then stopped at Picaroons brewery for a well earned local pint.
While enjoying this pint, my phone buzzed. It was Andrew.

Andrew: "Where are you?"
Kevin: "In Picaroon's."
Andrew: "Stay there, Tiffany is on her way to you with your water bottle."
Kevin: "....."

Tiffany, Andrew's wife, was coming in Fredericton, and had brought my water bottle with her, and hand delivered it to me in the pub. What service!
I thanked her, and just like that, she was gone. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face, what good fortune to have my bottle back...

We left Picaroons, cycled over the river and had lunch at the Snooty Fox, the bar staff insisting we park our loaded bikes inside the bar! We had a cruisy afternoon listening to the music from the Harvester Jazz Festival, while we supped local beers from a few establishments.

Once the sun had set and darkness had set in, we headed out to Odell Park and pitched our tents just off the main path. Hopefully nobody minds.

Distance: 64.7 km
Time: 3:42:31
Height gained/lost: 608m /-752m
Calories: 1998

Day 107: Perth-Andover to Millville

Trust Google?

We did, and paid for it. Not that the detour we took was sketchy or anything, but we did an extra 15km's up a forestry road that went nowhere! And it was hot.

Today started like any other. A phone alarm would go off, get snoozed, ring again. We would get up, have breakfast, pack the tents and wheel out in a very lazy manner.
We had slept well last night, the campsite was quiet and the sun didn't come up until a bit later as we were behind a hill.
While eating breakfast I watched a fledgling Bald Eagle get fed by its mother, a majestic bird.

We were on the rail trail again this morning, and it was somewhat better than yesterday's stage. Smooth gravel all the way into Bristol, where we stopped for mid-morning tea/coffee. In these small towns, the elderly seem to gather in the Tim Horton's and discuss everything. There are no secrets in these small towns.

After Bristol, we rolled into Hartford, home to the world's longest covered bridge. Aaron and I rode it twice, once over the river and again to come back.
By now the sun was beating down, so we stopped in the shade of a tree and grabbed a bite to eat. From here onward, the road would kick up a little, so we wanted to be fuelled for the afternoon.

Trusting the map Google had supplied us, we spun down the road, and then headed up a forestry trail. We climbed higher and higher and then, suddenly, reached a dead end.
The trail just stopped.

We back-tracked and headed out on the 104, good old Pole Hill Road.
What an experience.
The road surface was a patchwork of fifty shades of grey, each shade covering, hopefully, a pothole. Some potholes were fresh and hadn't been covered, so our eyes had to be watching for the danger.

Our destination didn't seem to be getting any closer, so we reassessed the situation and decided we would try our luck in Millville.
Speaking to a farmer just outside of town, he said Millville wasn't worth the effort, and that we should push on.
Non-cyclists have a warped sense of what a cyclist needs from a town. We need simple supplies and fresh water, a place to sleep, and that is pretty much it.
When we arrived in Millville, it had all of the above, so we decided to try and pitch tents in the church yard.
While we were deciding this, a guy walking his dog approached and so we asked if it would be OK to camp in the church. He said yes and then said, "Why don't you come and stay with me, I have two spare bedrooms?"

Aaron and I looked at each other and nodded in agreement. This was perfect. We could shower and have a good sleep. We wheeled our bikes to the house, dumped our bags in our respective rooms and went down to the kitchen to talk to Andrew. He was busy replacing the windows in the house, so it was a bit a mess, a light layer of sawdust covering most of the lounge area.

Chicken soup and bread for dinner. Winner. Andrew's wife (she was at work) said he should make us granola bars for the morning, so he did that while we ate dinner.
Andrew then started telling us all the places we need to go in Halifax, as he had spent loads of time there. The list of places grew and grew, and soon we had days mapped out.

Our eyes were starting to droop, so we said our goodnight's and headed upstairs.

Once again, hospitality is found where none is to be expected.

Distance: 111 km
Time: 5:48:46
Height gained/lost: 999m /-956m
Calories: 3513