Canada 2011. Getting prepared.

OK, less than a week to go before I leave. Despite the fact that I've had this trip in mind for many months, I feel underprepared. But the bike is sorted, I've worked out what to pack, the flights are booked, the post diverted, there's not much more I can do except wish my French - or Quebecois - was better.

So, here's the plan, such as it is. On Wednesday 4 May I fly to Toronto. After a few convivial days there with Paul and the Gearys, I set off actually cycling on Sunday 8 May. The idea is to be fairly conservative for the first couple of weeks, not much more than 50 miles in any one day, while I get used to things and ride myself into full fitness. At that pace, and taking a fairly circuitous route, it'll take me 12 days to get to Montreal. I'll spend a couple of days there, followed by a four-day ride to Quebec City and another couple of days sightseeing. When I leave QC on 28 May I hope to be in shape to raise the mileages a bit so that I can take in both the
Saguenay National Park and The Gaspe Peninsula before having to turn for home (Toronto, that is). Gaspe to Toronto via New England is a long, long way on a bike, about four weeks. So It's pretty important that by the time I'm leaving Quebec City I'm feeling strong enough to make good time.

If anyone wants to follow me on a map, day one will take me from Toronto to Port Perry on Lake Scugog. Day two will be from Port Perry to Bobcaygeon. From there I aim to go through
The Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park and on to Montreal by a sort of semi-circular route.

That's the idea, anyway. Obviously if I am eaten by a bear or, much more likely, the local insects, things might change. But as often as I can get a network connection I'll post my progress, and maybe a picture or two, as I go along. Should be fun...

Canada 2011

On 4 May I leave for Toronto. After a few days there I take off on the bike for a two-month tour through Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Maine, New Hampshire, New York and back to Toronto via Niagara. About 2500 - 3000 miles.

Late last year I bought a new touring bike, a Thorn Nomad, in anticipation of this and other trips. Over the last few weeks I've been getting myself used to it, building up the mileage, making sure it's set up to suit me. It's a heavyweight, but then; so am I. Today I did about 50 miles through Durham. Some nice views of the cathedral.

This is going to be an adventure. Even by my fairly enthusiastic standards, 3000 miles is a long ride. And I shall be alone. I have never done anything of this duration alone before, so that will be an interesting experience in itself.