We had a nice overnight stay in Brandon, and awoke again to
overcast skies, but with only a 30% chance of showers, and a predicted
10-15km/hr wind out of the east, I felt confident that our short trip to
Portage La Prairie would be a piece of cake. Our usual 2 hour morning stint produced only 48km, missing
the minimum target of 50 by just a couple, but also telling me that this might
be a longer day than I originally thought. I can only attribute the shortfall and lower speeds to my
friends the wind gods, as their subtle little 10-15 was having more to say
about progress this day than it should on paper. No coasting allowed, or you would loose speed
instantly. Every pedal revolution
counted.
Manitoba Highway of Heroes runs from east of Brandon,
CFB Shiloh to Winnipeg.....honoured to ride it
Our schedule for the ride got a little screwed up when we
left Lake Louise, and tried to make Calgary in one shot through some terrible
conditions, and fell short. Since
then we have tried to make it up, and with the century rides, and letting a day
off slip by, riding instead, we are now back on schedule, but I think my body
is craving a rest. No aches or
pains, just running out of gas too quickly, which is what happened today. Hey, still no problem getting here, although
it did turn out to be a 126km ride, but my speed and energy levels were down so
it just took longer than expected.
Not to worry, tomorrow is another day.
First stretch of tree lined highway we have seen since BC
Sid and Jon are off to the Winnipeg airport to pick up our
replacement driver Billy Dagneau, a welcome addition to the crew, and tomorrow,
after dropping off Jon for his trip back to Toronto, Bill will pick up Bill
Stensson who is joining us for a few weeks also. Looks like all we will need to do if we need anything for
the next little while is yell “Bill”.
Tomorrow will be a short day, allowing us time to hook up with a bike
shop in Winnipeg for a tune and once over on the bikes……..Sid better pick up
some more tubes also…….still leading 7-5.
He will also get a first hand look at tomorrows route, so we will know
what we have in store for the day.
Sid still hasn’t broken out the new white cycling shoes (you heard it
here first). My feeling is they
are being held in reserve for his return to GBC, so be sure to compliment him
when you see them boys.
It really is a bit of a community out here on the Trans
Canada. Everyone has a story about
where they are going, who they are going to see, and why. Our story is pretty obvious as it is
printed all over our clothing, and we get many chances during the day to share
our thoughts and experiences with others in transit. Clearly the best part of the day is when your efforts are
recognized on the road. Truckers,
contrary to popular belief are the most courteous guys out here, moving over to
the left hand lane when passing to give us more room, and the occasional blast
of their horn lets you know they realize what we are up to. The Honda Civic with bikes on his roof
that toots his horn on the way by, and the best, the guy on the motorcycle who
speeds past us, no horn, but with his right arm extended, giving us a big
thumbs up. Makes you feel
good.
So it’s back at it again tomorrow, bright and early. Should be a great day, and will give
you all the news from Winnipeg when we arrive. Cheers everyone…..miss you……Hugh
No Gas
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