Aug 9 - catchup, always playing catchup

I'll have to get to the Manitoulin write-up once I'm on the road to Italy.   I did sent out the following email as a wrap-up and did a Facebook post --

Inaugural Manitoulin 1000k -- 100% completion rate, group of four -- me, Brian Brideau, Martin Cooper, Jerzy Dziadon in at 64:44; Dick Felton and Robert Macleod in at 72:30. Arthur Reinstein provided support. The weather cooperated, the scenery was magnificent, traffic was light. Kathy Brouse was there at Dyers Bay Road, close to the end, to cheer us on. We all had SPOT trackers except for Jerzy.

Traffic -- worth a comment, because I didn't really know what to expect.

On the 8km section between Jacklin and Old Nairn, east of Espanola and west of Sudbury -- almost non-existent.  I think that one truck passed us. I was really surprised.  On Friday night when I drove through there on the way to South Baymouth it was jammed; not so on Saturday.  Timing was perfect.

On the section of 17 east of Sudbury, 90+% of the traffic was heading toward Sudbury, very little heading east.  It was dark, boring but not unsafe.  Thankfully it's not too long.

On Manitoulin, we saw two cars in the first 3 hours, or something like that.  South of Espanola there was more traffic on 6, but very very light.  Shoulder is good, easy riding.

Traffic was fairly heavy on 26 through Collingwood, of course, but it was broad daylight and not a problem.  That would have been the most traffic that we encountered in the whole ride.  I'd inadvertently left a bit of rail trail in there and feedback was that it was hard packed, easy rolling, cooler riding than 26.

There wasn't much traffic on the Bruce part of 6, once got there.  Peter had moved the first half of the Wireton-Tobermory to the parallel road, which worked out well.

It's unfortunate that we wouldn't be able to include something like Manitoulin in a Granite Anvil.  It's just too logistically difficult to get to the start; towns are too small to find enough accommodation; I wouldn't put a larger crowd on the Trans Canada, traffic notwithstanding.

I feel good about the ride, both as organizer and as participant.  I feel better about Italy now.  It will still be a challenge, but what I was experiencing on the Colorado ride, i.e. ride a short distance, stop, ride a short distance, stop -- was either altitude induced or behind me, don't care which.

Arthur met us at the ferry dock in Tobermory, we congratulated each other on a good ride and then went out separate ways -- oh, after having a tailgate beer !  We loaded my bike onto Arthur's car and headed to Kathy's.  She had mucho food prepared, chili, soup, sandwiches, baking -- whew ! -- and we ate and chatted until 12:30 a.m. or so. 

Up at 5am, Arthur and I headed back to Tobermory and the 7am ferry.  Bicycle queue up sort-of with the cars and I joined a group of motorcycles.  We board first, go to the front of the ferry, tie down our "vehicles" with ropes provided and head upstairs.  Being early on board, I went straight to the cafeteria and claimed a table by the water, then got some breakfast -- scrambled eggs, toast, sausages -- it was ok, nothing special.

I snoozed for part of the 1:45 trip and then we were first off; loaded into my car and on the road.  Back by 12:40, I got laundry underway and went next door to say hello.  Cassie, of course, had gone crazy when I arrived.  My buddy is back !

Sandy was in Toronto and she got back in time for dinner.  In the meantime, I did some bike maintenance, changing out the bottom bracket, rear derailleur and chain.  I haven't set it up yet, will do that this a.m.  The old chain still has some life so I cleaned it and set it aside.  This morning I'll douse it with oil and wrap it up.  I'll also change tires and my bars need re-wrapping.  What else - oh yes, adjust brake toe-in; they were squealing something awful.

Sandy did a full "spring cleaning" while I was gone, cleaning and organizing.  The house looks great.  Even the pantry is organized !  Garbage is all to the dump, recycling to Sudbury, etc.  We're ready for ... leaving :).

Today will be busy.  I have to finish up my bike work, take it for a short test ride (just transport to the Narrows and ride it a few meters ... might just do that on the road here).  Then I have to dismantle and pack it, figure out clothing (bike and civies) for Italy, pack that and hope that I'll pass the weigh-in at the airport.

Jason and Lorraine came over for a drink before dinner last night -- we'll say our good-byes today as they leave; see them in September.

Whew !!!  Onward !!!