Day 47. June 10. Sunday. Mississauga to Pickering

This was a good day but very slow.  Only averaged 8.5 mph.  It was a start and stop day and retracing of steps, so to speak.  My map of the trail was not totally complete so I got off trail several times.  The lack of signs didn’t help.

The waterfront trail at times was like a road with lines in the middle.  I loved it.  But then it would change to residential streets, gravel, bark, (yes, bark), and busy main streets.  Constantly changing.  It was constantly going down and around to keep you off the main drag.  Wracked up extra miles, I’m sure.

However, the really nice bike path was like a bicycle freeway.  Really nice, smooth pavement with dividing lines but inhabited by dog walkers, runners, strollers, roller blade skaters and racing cyclists.  Boy did you have to be on your toes.  Not as bad as trucks, but, still lots of ‘traffic’.  At that point we were mostly right along the main Street of downtown Toronto.  Note the pictures.  I should have taken more but I think you get the idea.  We were right next to the main drag.  I couldn’t believe it. I really wanted to take more pictures of the skyscrapers but was afraid to stop.  So congested.

So I considered this part like a bicycle freeway and later I was in the boonies all alone.  I loved it except when I tho’t I was lost.  The lack of signs really made me insecure.

At one point in the residential area, and I went through a lot today, there was a detour due to a fire.  The police directed us to the side down an 18% grade.  Of course, later we had to climb out.  It wasn’t as steep but started uphill right after a sharp 90 degree turn.  No momentum whatsoever.  Yeah, I walked.  Bummed me out.

Later the trail went off into the woods on a narrow, really rough surface and, again, I had no momentum.  Walked again.  Darn it.

I have had some really nice cool temps the last two days.  The cool breeze off the lake is perfect.  No sweat running off my nose.  Perfect light jacket weather.

I got to Pickering before I knew it.  Was following the map but, obviously, wasn’t where I tho’t I was.  I stopped in town to inquire about campgrounds and motels and they laughed at me.  ‘This is strictly a residential town except for out on the major, main drag’.  Great.  Comfort Inn is all they have to offer.  So one more day in a motel.  I know there are campgrounds ahead. They are on the map.

I always try to find new and different places to eat.  I’m really tired of Subway, pizza, taco bell and sandwiches.  So tonite. I ate at a local bar and they had all kinds of new and different things.  Stir fry, curry, Mexican, etc.  So I ordered the hot version of the curry and it was so good.  The chef came out later to see if it was ok.  YEAH.  A nice change.

My knee is tired tonite.  Had a rather stiff head wind most of the day.

46.75 miles today. 1712.8 total

Author: bikeral2000

Retired musician, now gardener and cyclist. View all posts by bikeral2000