Cana-Indian Guy Cross Canada - Tour Du Canada 2012: Day 36 – Terrace Bay to White Lake – Thursday July 26th, 2012

Today was Day 36 of our 72 day journey and technically half way point of our trip although we might not be quite there in terms of actual distance. As part of that there was an organized lunch at Km 54 near Ney’s provincial park which was to happen at 11.30 am, hence there was no rush to get out of camp early. I woke up at 6.15 am and wrapped up tent and had breakfast (French toast, oatmeal, yoghurt and banana). We left camp at 7.45 am and stopped in Terrace bay at a coffee shop and I got chocolate milk.

We finally set out of the motel and left for our destination at 8.30 am. The terrain today was a continuation from yesterday, hilly with some steep short (1-5km) sections appearing from time to time. I tried to keep up with Ron, Keith, Michael, Justine and Emily but they were in a good rhythm and I wasn’t in an energy level to hang on to them. I rode alone for most of the way to the lunch stop and the scenery was same rocky, hilly Canadian Shield with some fantastic views of Lake Superior when on top of a hill. I got to the rest stop at 10.50 am and many went to the beach. There was a point of interest to do a hike up to petro glyphs on a rock near the lake, but the lady at front desk said it would be a 10 km hike so we gave up the idea. Lunch was grilled cheese sandwiches, fruits and chips with ice-cream for dessert. I had 3 sandwiches and some chips but decided not to stay back for dessert as it would have taken a bit longer wait.

I left alone and there were several tough climbs that were winding and went on forever. The map said that terrain would be relatively more flat past Marathon and I was definitely looking forward to it. Just past Marathon I got back together with Ron, Jack, Michael and Justine and found myself able to keep up with them. I rode with them in a nice pace line and it took some work off since there was a constant head wind all day today. After a few more climbs we were close to our destination and Keith had a flat. An OPP officer pulled over and we thought we were in trouble for doing something wrong, but he just came over and had a nice chat about our biking trip and about his trip as well. We got into camp at 4.45 pm and I set up tent and got a shower, completed my packing for tomorrow’s ride and I am now ready for dinner (spaghetti with veggie sauce, chick pea salad and cookies and ice-cream for dessert).