Au revoir Quebec :(

As much as I’ve enjoyed my stay in Quebec, the time has come to officially move on. Technically my journey from Quebec to Tadoussac isn’t scheduled to start until tomorrow but having looked at the topography of the route on which I’m about to embark I thought I’d get a small head start on it today. And today was definitely an easy ride. Not only was it downhill for most of it, but today was also by far the windiest day I’ve had on a bike – and it was a tailwind. Part of me wanted to just keep going – with the wind blowing the way it was (and still is) I probably could’ve done 250 km today.

Instead, I put in a very modest (almost pathetic) 44.5 km today – and about five of that was going back and forth trying to find the campsite. Let the record show, Google does NOT know all. Combine that with my GPS which knows even less and it was a little bit frustrating. Of course, had I actually just been looking around I likely would’ve seen the campsite from the highway. Oh well. Live and learn. The rest of the ride was very pleasant and included a couple of large waterfalls along the way.

Oh, and for those keeping track, I actually managed to stay hydrated and nourished today. Although, it wasn’t easy. Yeah, yeah, I know – here come the excuses. But seriously, the “not eating” thing isn’t ALWAYS my fault. The downside to biking along a trail instead of the highway is sometimes there are distinct obstacles between you and (not so hypothetically speaking) a Tim Hortons and/or Subway. Like a ditch and a four lane highway. However, realizing that my declining weight could eventually become an issue I decided to take action.

After surveying the area I found a spot I could leave my bike and set out on foot. Sure there was a ditch. Sure there was a four lane highway. Sure there was another ditch on the other side. I was not to be denied – although, I’m pretty sure the truckers and other vehicles were less than impressed with my dedication to the cause. I kind of felt like I was playing Frogger – except that I was the frog. And unlike Frogger, there were no extra lives to be had. After dodging two cars and a winnebago that came out of nowhere I was able to reach the centre of the highway. Halfway there. A deep breath and a mad sprint later and I found myself on the other side of the highway (where I proceeded to trip and fall into the ditch – and yes, there was water in said ditch). And people wonder why I don’t eat more often! Anyway, with the major obstacles behind me I opted for Subway as a slightly healthier option to Tim Hortons.

I must admit that, despite the efforts to acquire the food, it was probably a good idea. I devoured the footlong (that’s 12 pouces in French) in about 4 minutes. I just hope next time it takes less effort to get it. Oh, and as I was leaving Subway I noticed a traffic light about 100 metres down the road which led to the path with my secretly stashed bike. Yup. I’m an idiot.

So, with my stomach full (sort of), I biked on towards the campsite. Since there really isn’t much more excitement to report today I thought I’d take the opportunity to once again rant about camping in Ontario, and now Quebec. The prices for campsites in this part of the world is generally insane. Take for example the site I’m at today – Camping Lac aux flambeaux. As the picture shows, it’s a nice site. Nothing wrong with it. But $30 for a tent site?? Really??? Washrooms are about 200 metres away, laundry is $2 each for wash and dry, I’m not using any electricity and only minimal water, and there’s no WiFi. Compare that to the hostel I stayed at for the last two nights (Auberge Maeva). Great location, 5 metres to the washroom, walking distance to lots of activities, free WiFi, kitchen facilities, free breakfast – all for $30/night. It’s no wonder a lot of cyclists opt for wild camping. It makes me appreciate places like Cedar Shades Campground in Hawkesbury even more. I’m not saying the camping should be free – I’m just saying I shouldn’t feel severely violated from the experience. And at the moment, I do.

So, that said, tonight will be a leisurely evening (because the evenings in Quebec were oh so stressful!). Speaking of which, did I mention I went out last night to check out the Festival d’été de Québec? Two music festivals in a week – that’s definitely a first for me! I’m not sure who was performing but he seemed to be very popular with the crowd. (Update: upon further review it appears it was Damien Robitaille)

Anyway, with my early arrival at camp today, I fired up my mini Trangia stove for the first time and made some pasta. Note to self: get a fork. And I’m sure this goes without saying but how could Catelli NOT want to be a sponsor of this journey??

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that this trip is now officially the longest cycling trip I’ve been on – AND, I crossed the 1,000 km threshold on my way into Quebec City the other day. Only 1,500 very hilly kilometres to go. Here’s hoping my bike (and my body) hold together.

As for today’s numbers:

Distance Travelled: 44.5 km
Time on Bike (actually moving): 2:18:16
Average speed: 19.30 km/h