We were awakened by the muffled sounds of Betty and Mark decamping around 5:00am. So on the basis that we should get up and get on the road before our brain knew what we were up to, we got up and put the kettle on the “trusty gasoline stove” to make tea. We ate cold pizza from last night, which was actually delicious, and then got into pack-up mode. We are now very good at it as for years we have honed our skills in the game of competitive packing which occurs when we camp with our friends, Tim and Dot. I think it is true to say that we give them half an hour’s start to make it interesting. Lol…..
Betty and Mark were very good, but at the risk of blowing our own trumpets, we snuck in and beat them to tightening the last strap.
We did the first part of the ride with our new friends,
Betty taking honors for fastest (I think she was a little stung by coming second in the first event of the day, lol) while Mark, Ron and Marge enjoyed the morning which could not have been more perfect, immersed in delightful conversation about the state of the world. At 26km they turned and headed south to catch a train home to California, while we sped onward. We saw several large hawks and a large bird with white under the wings which we thought was a Golden eagle, a couple of deer sat in the shade of some trees and watched us pass. Trees are more plentiful hereabouts, but it is a Dutch Elm disease zone so there are frequent signs along the road
advising against the transportation of wood out of the area. One intersting fact is that Weyburn is the biggest inland collector of grain.
We stopped at 55km for our lunch, made up of more cold pizza and grapes, then the final push to Weyburn which we entered about 10:30 am. Our easiest days ride so far. I think that this was due to no significant wind and the 150m descent. We stopped off at DQ for large strawberry milk shakes as now shade temperature was 33C according to my new watch. Then we went over the road to find a room at the Weyburn Inn. In short, totally disinterested staff, only a smoking room that would not be available till 15:00h, and a rip off price. Thank you, but no thanks. So we retraced our steps and got excellent service and a great smile from the Kims at the Circle 6 Motel.
I have to admit that I was cranky when we got into town due to being hungry. I have mentioned before about the effects of tailwinds which make you work too hard because the bike feels sooooo good. Apparently so do long down hills. The milk shake fixed the problem and I became my soft and gentle, cuddly self once more.
Canadian Tire, and Wal Mart hereabouts do not stock inner tubes with Presta valves, even though they advertise what they do sell as “Universal.”
Good news is that our friends in Winnipeg have found 2 fold up tires for me. Thank you Len, Bob, Louie and all the folks that made that happen.
Average 22.8kph,
Height climbed 100m ( -160m) ,
Today's Distance 88km
Total Distance 4194km
That’s all the news that’s fit to blog. I have posted a new Itinerary so all you organized people please change your “Favourites” to the new address. Night, night.
Good day eh?
ReplyDeleteGlad to see things are going well.
Wishing you all the best travel conditions.
Mike & Wendy McSorley