Before we start, just a note of thanks to all those folks who came along to our various leaving dos in Edinburgh, Glasgow & London and also those who extended their kind hospitality and put up two unemployed folk once we left Edinburgh. Specifically: Gary & Gillian, Emma & jonny, Charlie & Liz, Chris & Cal, Dad Artindale & Gerard & Pascale.And finally to Liz who got us to Heathrow in time & helped us with our panniers & bikes.
1. Introduction: Bikes arrived at Montreal Airport in one piece & then we caught the bus for the 0.5 miles to our hotel!!!, then left the bikes and went sightseeing.
Progress to date - 370 miles cycled and arrived in Toronto on 25th July, 12 days after setting off from Montreal, with a couple of days off. Terrain was, thankfully, mainly flat with many cycle paths and great scenery travelling virtually exclusively along the coast of Lake Ontario. However, it wasn't all plain sailing - the wind was against us most days and towards Toronto there were a few hills - but it's all good practice!
2. A Typical Day
On the road by 7.30 / 8.00am with a banana to keep us going.
Cycle around 15 miles before stopping for a bit of breakfast. This usually consists of eggs (sunny side up!) ham, sausages, toast & tea and not forgetting fried potatoes that come with everything.
Cycle for another 15 miles, have another break, try and find a tourist information for maps and the evenings accomodation. Have another banana!
Cycle to our destination - another 5 - 10 miles, have some lunch, have a beer and check in to our motel / B&B.
Back to bed to recover for a few hours!
Do a bit of exploring - not on bikes - and then find a decent place to eat (or buy some food to BBQ back at the Motel)
Crash out about 10.00pm after watching maybe "Who wants to be a Millionaire", "The weakest Link", or "Big Brother" - the TV is so different over here!
3. Highlights to date
Recieving loads of e-mails - thanks to all - this is our top highlight!
Seen a real live piece of the Berlin Wall - in a Montreal Shopping Centre!
Visit to Montreal Olympic Stadium - only $300 million left to pay after 25 years!!
Caroline being the height of fashion wearing 3/4 length trousers - they are a few years behind!
Being under budget - what else would you expect from two buyers?
Libraries in every town providing Internet access free of charge
No punctures to date - touch wood
Read 1.5 books already - even Caroline can't talk 24hrs a day
Friendly Canadians, always wiling to help - Porters, fellow cyclists, students, motel owners and virtually anybody else you meet
Eating whatever you like (this is a favourite of Carolines) - particularly big breakfasts and muffins!
Having a couple of beers with the locals on a yacht in Kingston.
4. Top 3 things that we're missing
Dave Caroline
- UK Newspapers - Girlie chats
- Advert - free TV - Decent glass of red wine
- A comfy big bath - Body lotion (may have to purchase soon!)
NB - a few things that we are not missing:
Getting up for work, ironing ( we're now into drip dry and creased clothes), hairdryer (CB only), British weather, eating bananas (CB again!), lack of off licences
5. Top purchase to date:
- a stand for our bikes which makes life a whole lot easier (Note to Peter Lawson - sorry Peter, but the extra weight is well worth it, and also Caroline is very happy with the rear view mirror!)
NEXT