BikerAl Across America 2018

Well, I think I must have come in contact with this lovely ugly while pulling weeds on my brother’s farm.  The day after I left him, I broke out with blisters on both legs.  If you read about it on the internet, it sounds like what I have.  I have not been off the trail here in Canada.  It reacts to sun so I have bandaids covering it.  Itches like heck.  Stopped today at a pharmacy and they told me what to do.  It is better but not going away.  Darn it.

I can not believe how noisy last nite’s campground was.  The Canada 403 wasn’t too far away and it was constant traffic all day and nite.  Trains went by every few minutes.

Again, today, the trail was elusive.  I went from real nice path to road to gravel to what they called ‘natural’, which means native vegetation and tall grass.  At one point while on a gravel section., I came to T intersection, no sign and one way went into the woods with tall grass and the other led to a highway.  No signs. Oh, my gosh.  I am considering getting on the hiway and staying there.

My campground destination from the day before was another 40+ miles. So glad I didn’t go on.  But when I got there today, there were no sites left, at noon, so I had to go further.  Ended up in a really nice campground out in the boonies, hence, no Wi-Fi again so this is late.

Part of the route today was on the lake shore road.  Nice, rural, quiet road, but, oh, so rough.  All chip seal with patches of chip seal not smoothed out and just rougher than neck.  But quiet.  Two railroad crossings were interesting.  I got off and walked because the ties were rotted and it was rough.  Really needed some repair work.  This road must not be used much is all I can say.

Interesting thing I have noticed here in Canada.  Something one of the locals call an endangered species.  The phone booth.  They are everywhere and I don’t remember seeing a single one in the states.  A lady told me some are set up so you can text on them.  Unreal!

Another oddity here is the black squirrel.  Never seen those before either.  Haven’t seen a red or brown one at all.

50.4 miles today.  1797.2 total

 

Well, right out of Pickering, I added miles that went nowhere due to lack of signs again.  The trail goes down and around, following the shore, then up into residential areas and sometimes on the highway.  It is impossible to make any time.  Good thing I have a few extra days because I feel like I’m lollygagging along.

I was stopped at one intersection trying to decide where to go and two guys, separately, came along and gave advice. One even took me on a short cut to avoid a hill and find a bathroom,(he needed it) so I was grateful.  By the time I got to the first campground option it was 11:00 and I’d only gone 30+ miles. Next camp was 40+ miles away.  No way.  I was too frustrated and low on energy by that time.

One funny thing that happened today was that I stopped at a parking lot near the trail that had a bathroom and it was one where you lock the door.  But once inside, I couldn’t get it unlocked.  I was really starting to wonder if I’d spend the nite in there.  Kinda spooky.

Now if my pictures download, you’ll see the path that goes between two chain link fences to keep you out of the water dept sanitation area and some factory.  The other is a cool bridge.

34.2 miles today. 1746.8 total

Sorry this is late.  No Wi-Fi in the campground.

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

 

My Odyssey buddy, Alan on the left and his mate, Marty. Thank you guys for that drive to Burlington. You are the best.

The birthday party last nite was fun. So much food and so good. Wasn’t even hungry for breakfast but ate anyway. Needed fuel for my ride.

After being dropped off, I started there in Burlington on the Waterfront trail. Funny thing. The beginning was like a two lane highway with lines and all but it only went for a 1/4 of a mile and then was blocked off for some music festival. So I backtracked and went around, got back on the trail and it soon dead ended with a chain link fence across it and nothimg on the other side. Great. So back track again. I saw a guy in a parking lot and asked where I should get on the trail. He said it wasn’t down by the water anymore after all the houses got built. Really? Told me to ride on Lake Shore Rd. So I did and soon saw signs that I was in the right place. Heck, I didn’t want to ride on the streets, but ride on the big sidewalks next to the street, I did. Sidewalk came and went, was great sometimes, then deteriorated to gravel in places. Minimal traffic and no trucks so it was ok. Finally saw a map along the trail and it looks like most of the trail is the sidewalk except for when they put you on the road. That’s ok. I won’t get lost if I just stay on Lake Shore Rd.

As I was riding, I noticed that there is very little in the way of accommodations along this stretch. I used my campground app and none in the area. Down the road quite a ways there are lots on the map. And the only motel/hotels were 10 story plus big monsters that you know have to be expensive. So coming into Mississauga, actually downtown, there was a ma and pa motel. It was already after 3 and I know from experience, if you wait too long, they fill up. So I took it. Close to eateries. Perfect. So my day was short due to the late start, after 12:30, and not finding the route right away. No biggy.

So on my last day of riding, I must have come in contact with poison ivy somewhere. I had what I tho’t was a bug bite but after scratching it, it didn’t act like a bite. Clear stuff oozed down my leg and where it oozed, it’s like I have blisters that itch. That was three days ago and tonite I noticed the same thing on my arm. I have been so careful. I never saw any so don’t know where I could have got it. Darn it.

I’m excited about riding the Waterfront trail but I tho’t I’d see more water.

The gas here in Canada is really expensive. They charge by the litre and 3.85 litres equals our gallon. If they pay $1.35 per litre, that is darn expensive gas.

Fortunately, the US/Canada exchange is in my favor so hopefully food won’t be too expensive.

Only 20 miles today.

 

Hope you can see these pictures.  First one is Alan mowing his yard with an electric lawn mower (uses an extension cord – didn’t know they even made these).   This is unusual because this is not the type of work Alan usually does.

Second photo is his table for the birthday party.  He goes all out and I was impressed.

I had a busy rest day helping Alan prepare for this dinner.  We had to sweep the patio, wipe down all the furniture, prepare the food and then rest from all that exertion.  ( just kidding, it wasn’t that bad).

The food was yummy and I probably are more than I should have.  Sooooooo good.  He really is a good cook.  We partied til after 10 and then had to clean up.  A very productive day.

Back on the road tomorrow.

I’m staying with my singing buddy from Odyssey, Alan Bouchard, here in Windsor.  He had so much going on this week that he had to pick me up yesterday, a day earlier than I had planned, but I wasn’t complaining after the truck tension.  So I’ll rest here a couple days before heading on.  He still participates in musicals and has rehearsal tonite which I will attend.  We did grocery shopping this morning for a birthday party he is giving a friend tomorrow.

Then I rode to a bike shop and had my tires checked.  Just wanted to make sure they were good for another 500 miles or so.  That got an A+ rating.  Good to know.  I explained what I was doing and the main guy, Mark, said that anyone who was riding across country alone deserved a free tune up.  So he had his helper, Beverly, check out everything.  Found a couple loose screws, and not in my head, and adjusted a couple other things.  They were so nice.  I was more than willing to pay but they wouldn’t take anything.  Such service is admirable.  I felt blessed. The bike shop was Infinity Cycle on Eugenie Street.  Check them out if you are ever in Windsor.

Spent most of the afternoon pouring over maps and trying to find campgrounds along the bike path I plan to take.  I’ll be following Lake Ontario from Burlington, Ontario and eventually head up to Ottawa.

I forgot to mention that ever since I got to Ohio, the weather has been great.  Temps only in the 70’s.  I even wore my jacket in the mornings.  That was an unexpected surprise after all those 90’s in Ill and Ind.  If it had been that hot with all that truck tension, I would have croaked.

3.25 miles to bike shop and back.

A glorious day compared to yesterday.  Took a bicycle route out of Van Wert to Bryan, OH.  It was a dream.  No trucks, a little wind, plenty of sunshine.  I was in heaven.

First picture I hope you can see is of an awesome carving of an open end wrench on the top with a socket wrench on the bottom, sitting on the log it was carved out of.  So cool.  This is called an open end socket wrench.

The second photo is the court house in Van Wert.  Wow.  Pretty cool.

So today I was supposed to get to MI to meet up with my friend, Alan, from Windsor, so he could take me into Canada.  We had planned to meet in Hudson, MI, but it was further than I could ride in the allotted time, so I rode Rte 127 out of Bryan until he met me just south of West Unity.  So glad to see him.   The shoulder came and went on 127 but wasn’t too bad but I really was glad to see Alan.

He drove three hours to get me and then three hours to his home.  What a friend.  But as we entered Windsor, he said, “I need to pick up my friend’s car at the shop and you can drive my car home.  Yeah right.  He has a fancy Honda Accord.  Geez, I don’t drive cars like that.  I started freaking out thinking of all the stuff that could happen because I don’t drive fancy cars.  Mine all are over 20 years old and have none of this fancy stuff today.  I followed him home and when we got there, first thing he said, was, ‘you drive like a little old lady ‘.  What can I say.  I was intimidated.

We are relaxing and having a great time catching up.  No stress for a couple days.

54.0 miles today.  1642.6

 

I should have stayed in bed this morning. Walked out and the wind was blowing just as hard as yesterday. But I had back road directions so was feeling like it couldn’t be as bad as yesterday.

I still had an occasional truck but a fairly decent shoulder, but, oh my gosh, that wind. I came to a stop sign and before I could get unclipped, the wind blew me over. Fell right on my bad knee on the pavement. My first road rash this trip but all else is ok. A fellow saw it happen but didn’t stop immediately. He came back as I was putting myself together to see if I was ok. I said, ” Yeah, a little road rash and my feelings are hurt.” At the time, my knee really did hurt but I was pretty sure it was ok, and, it was, once the initial pain calmed down. Dang it. Really freaked me out.

So I’m riding along and really struggling to keep my bike on the shoulder and stopping for any truck that comes along but I’m just not feeling safe. Then it starts to rain. That was about 8 o’clock. Now the road is wet and slippery, I have what I consider to be less than sufficient control of my bike, esp when a truck comes by, and I freaked out. I stopped at a farm where I noticed a pick up in the yard and talked to two farmers, pleading my case about needing a ride to Van Wert. They were more than happy to help me since they couldn’t work in the field. Was I ever grateful.

The shoulder disappeared the last 8 or so miles into town so I would have been riding in the lane with the traffic. Have you ever seen the spray a semi sends up when the road is really wet? No way I could have avoided any of it. And it rained steadily all the way to town and has continued to do so clear past one o’clock. The last hour has even been a long thunderstorm. So glad I got off the road.

I had the farmer drop me off at McDonald’s just so I could sit where it was dry. Even took a snooze. So boring with nothing to do. I finally went into town and found the library and looked for a bike route for tomorrow. Printed off detailed instructions and will avoid rte 127. Just too many dang trucks. I had hoped to ride this afternoon once the rain moved out (was supposed to be gone by 2). Yeah, right. But I have 46 miles to the next town and knew I couldn’t do that this afternoon so I got a motel, am still watching it pour down rain and listening to the thunder. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny so I’ll get out early and pedal like crazy. Today just wasn’t meant to be a riding day.

I keep telling myself this trip is supposed to be fun and I shouldn’t force myself to ride in unsafe conditions, but, boy the conscience does a number on me sometimes. Why do I feel so guilty? (Rhetorical question)

14.3 miles today. 1588.6 total

Wow. Another memorable day.  Left early as usual with a full tummy of my sister-in-law’s best cheesy eggs ever.  Many thanks to my brother, Phil and his wife, Stef, for all the good food and time together.

Forgot to mention that yesterday when I was helping my brother with farm chores, I almost stepped on a 6 ft long Black Snake that had to be 2 inches in diameter.  He was bigger than the big one I saw on the Katy Trail.  And my brother said, “Wish I had a sack, I’d take him home and put him in the corn crib.”  I tho’t to myself that I wasn’t riding in the van with a snake.  Thank God we didn’t have a sack.  We were over at his son’s place doing chores since his son and family were on vacation.

So back to today.  First 10 miles were relatively calm, wind wise.  But I have to say, Preble County’s shoulders leave a lot to be desired.  There was an 18 inch shoulder but all broken up with alligator cracks and really rough surface.  I was cussing the road people.  It was less than fun.

Then the wind picked up, NW wind and I was heading north so it was more of a head wind than I wanted.  But the shoulder was awesome at the new county line so I felt better.

However, between Greenville and Celina was a MAJOR semi truck thorough fare.  It was ok until the last 10 miles when the wind became almost unbearable.  I was struggling to stay upright and the draft from the trucks was really strong.  So I decided to stop and stand on the side of the road every time a truck was coming.  21 times in the last 10 miles I got off my bike.  And often, there were 3-5 trucks at a time that passed me while standing there.  It was not fun.  I couldn’t wait to get off that road.  Thank goodness the shoulder was decent.  If it had been twice as wide, it wouldn’t have been so bad.

So I went to a restaurant-bar and picked the locals brains about an alternate route tomorrow.  Got one so hopefully with the forecasted rain, it will be safer.  Apparently, in the next 20 miles, most of the trucks will take other routes so then I can get back on my route and not be so threatened.  Geez, today about did me in.

At the bar, a fellow named Alan, was hysterical.  He is sure I’m gonna end up on TV.  He took my picture and my blog info and was really excited and awestruck about my trip.  Made me feel good.

My knees need to rest.  They are really tired today.  This was a hard day with all that wind, but, hey, we persevered.

59.5miles today.   1574.3 total

Had a good day visiting with my brother and solving the world’s problems.  (In our dreams.)  But, really we talked non stop and had a good time.

I spent an hour pulling weeds in his flower beds and picking strawberries.   Had to earn my keep.

Repacked with cooler clothes and switched out my winter tent and sleeping bag to my summer gear.  I felt like I was sleeping in an oven the last two weeks with my three season, cold weather tent and bag.

I had shipped my summer gear and cooler clothes ahead to my brother so I could switch and when I return in Sept, I’ll switch back to cooler weather clothes again for the ride home.

Being gone for six months really requires a lot of planning ahead.  So far, I’ve done ok.

Will head north towards Detroit tomorrow so I can cross into Canada and head on to Montreal.