Woke up to very cloudy skies and threatening rain. It had rained during the night so things were wet. We were headed up over French Mtn and Mackenzie Mtn today. You could see from the motel that the mountains were socked in. Love it (sarcasm).
I ate breakfast in my room and left early, way before everyone else. If the sun were to come out, I needed to beat the heat.
The first 25 miles were much like yesterday and then, when we got to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the hills started.
The first two big hills were daunting. When I saw the first one, I was sure I’d be walking. But I made it. Yeah. Then back down to the water and back up a second hill, almost more daunting than the first. But I made it, too. The rest of the climb, I’m guessing, was a steady 8 or 9% grade that went on forever. I stopped a few times to let the blood flow back into my hands and legs, but I rode the whole thing. Yee hah!
The top of the mountain was a glorious ride, high and mostly flat except for a couple hills, but very pleasant riding.
These hills were more friendly than the first two which appeared to go straight up. A local told me those first two hills were 20% grade. Can’t imagine because I was able to ride them. Once I got to the beginning of the downhill, there was major road construction. I was able to get a ride in the pilot car through the mucky stuff. Fresh gravel, some rolled but some freshly watered. A cyclist’s worst nightmare. Mountain bikes would have no problem but my skinny, treadless road tires aren’t meant for that. I was ever so grateful.
When I got into the motel, I was the first to arrive and greeted by two vehicle drivers. Ever so happy to be there.
We have two rest days before we tackle the next big mountain. So I did financial paperwork and laundry this afternoon so I can truly rest tomorrow. I feel like I need it.
41.2 miles today . 3664.1 total
BikerAl Across America 2018 
You want to rest tomorrow? That is not in your vocabulary! I know you will be weeding somebody’s flowerbed haha!
Beautiful coastline, wish I could be driving there in a car!
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You are funny, Rose-Marie. I do get tired sometimes, although you are right, it is hard for me to do nothing.
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PS you look great considering all the miles you have covered in rain, sleight and terrible road conditions.
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Thank you.
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