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...