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Duparquet,
QC
Beautiful beach, but don't drink the water... |
So
let me get this straight. You take french fries, coat them
in gravy, then smother the whole thing with cheese curds? That
sounds pretty high in calories, doesn't it? Make it a medium.
No wait, you better give me a large. This is after all an adventure
dedicated to the element of fire.
Before embarking
on this journey, a few people asked what bicycling across the
country has to do with fire. Apparently it has a lot to do with
metabolism. When I'm not pedaling, I'm shoving food in my face
in an attempt to recover as many calories as possible. Give
me a crisp apple, a litre of milk, a whole bag of muesli, and
a jar of peanut butter warmed by the sun. These simple pleasures
make my day. I can often be oblivious to the absolute beauty
of the Canadian wilderness all around me, completely absorbed
by something I call my "license to eat".
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Drink
Champagne Instead!
Celebrating having finished Ontario - and conquering
the amoebas which ravaged my belly |
Fire
represents movement and energy; raw energy pulled from deep
within my muscles to power me up and over yet another hill,
even though I'd almost prefer to sleep in a ditch and deal with
it tomorrow. The sun is low in the sky, casting long shadows
on the road laid out in front of me, a sign that it's time to
find a place to pitch my tent. Just a little further! The map
says there's a lake 10 kilometers farther down the road. There
could be a place to camp at the lake. But then again, there's
always the possibility there isn't - I'll just have to find
out. I squint my eyes and find a little more energy from the
reserves. My legs have already cranked the pedals 30,000 times
today and I picture the mechanics of my body burning the sugar
from my last meal like a locomotive devouring the last pieces
of coal from its tender.
The trip
from the Ontario border (just east of Timmins) to Montreal took
8 days and covered 1000 kilometers. With the exception of the
final stretch between Mont Laurier to Montreal, the route followed
Highway 117, passing through the northern communities of Rouyn-Noranda
and Val-D'or, riding alongside huge trucks carrying metal ore
and logs. For a large portion of this, I was suffering from
the effects of drinking polluted water and didn't find it particularly
enjoyable, but beautiful nonetheless, especially the full day
it took to bike through Parc de la Verendrye, a huge nature
reserve south of Val-D'or. From Mont Laurier, I rejoined the
Trans Canada Trail on a route called the "P'tit Train du
Nord", an abandoned railway line which attracts touring
cyclists and connects a variety of quaint communities on a motorized
vehicle-free corridor - allowing quiet, environmentally friendly
recreation for people of all ages and abilities. There are various
rest stops called "Haltes", converted railway stations
which offer services such as toilets, fresh water and tourist
information. Several Bed & Breakfasts are located all along
the trail.
The
trail surface is near perfect packed fine gravel in many places,
but the majority is paved. How civilized! The P'tit Train du
Nord is a fine example of what the Trans Canada Trail could
be like through many parts of the country - and if you've been
wanting to try out some bicycle touring, this is an ideal place
to start. The best part is, there are no hills and lots of great
food - including poutine - along the way!
I am happy
to announce that my fundraising page is now set up! The purpose
of this Cross-Canada adventure is to raise funds for the Trans
Canada Trail and I would be very happy if the followers of my
blog got involved. If your vision of Canada includes non-motorized
recreational opportunities for the whole family and a trail
that can take you through some of the most beautiful and serene
places our country has to offer, then consider visiting the
Donate Now page on my web site. Remember, for the vast majority
of Canadians, the Trans Canada Trail is within 30 minutes from
their front door. It is a trail that links every province and
territory.
Thanks to
everyone who have already donated funds and I hope you get involved
too! I'll be posting more stories from the Trans Canada Trail
for the remainder of the blog now that I'll be riding it almost
exclusively from here to Halifax (with some exceptions due to
the fact the trail won't be complete until 2017).
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