Looking At Maps Can Make For Long Days

Today’s plan of taking the ferry over to PEI somehow managed to evolve overnight. Actually, it evolved in pretty much the same way the whole notion of going to PEI evolved. By looking at the map. And in looking at the map it becomes pretty obvious that Charlottetown is right in the middle of the ferry and Confederation Bridge. Returning to Pictou would leave a leisurely ride to Truro tomorrow and a slightly less leisurely ride to Halifax on Wednesday. Of course, that would require backtracking. The alternate route would be to continue on to the Confederation Bridge. That would leave a not-at-all-leisurely ride to Truro tomorrow and a somewhat leisurely ride to Halifax on Wednesday.

The decision became easier when I factored in the idea of a REAL provincial trifecta. As you may recall, my original provincial trifecta wasn’t TECHNICALLY a trifecta since Newfoundland & Labrador are really one province. However, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick are clearly three provinces. How could I pass up this opportunity? Clearly I couldn’t – even though it would add another 100 km to my ride to Halifax.

So, I woke this morning knowing I was committing myself to three long days of riding. The plan was to get the first ferry of the day at 8:00 with the goal of making it to Charlottetown by 1:00. I made a quick stop at Subway (conveniently located across from the Visitor Centre) and was on my way. I figured this would be the easiest part of the day as it was only 7 km to the ferry.

The ferry crossing was punctual and uneventful and by 9:30 I was in PEI and officially on my way to Charlottetown – about 60 km away. Despite being on the Trans-Canada Highway, the ride was still very scenic. Again, who knew? Farmland and the occasional hill would fill my morning. The sun was shining, the winds were generally calm. It was a beautiful day to be on the bike. I was actually a bit surprised how quickly the time passed and I reached Charlottetown around 12:30.

Actually, I stopped in at a No Frills before crossing the bridge to Charlottetown – I couldn’t pass up the chance to stock up on trail mix.

Given the plan for the day, I didn’t really have time to explore Charlottetown – or PEI – but I figured I’d at least take a little break. The plan for the second half of the day was to leave Charlottetown at 2:00 with the goal of making it to Confederation Bridge by 6:00. Even though it only took about three hours for the first half of my plan, I suspected the second half would be slower. The winds were picking up and not blowing in my favour. I also suspected there would be more hills. Sadly, I was right in both regards.

As usual, the wind was worse than the hills and, given my direction of travel, it wasn’t going to get any better as the day wore on. I think my legs have become programmed for such conditions because they just kept on pedalling. And pedalling. Up hill. Down hill. And slowly the kilometres drifted away.

With about 20 km to go I ran into another cyclist – decked out with the same bright yellow MEC pannier covers. He pulled over to my lane for a bit of a chat. Turns out his name is Mark too – but he’s from Ireland. Like several of the other cyclists I’ve met, his journey started out in BC – I’m beginning to think that’s where I should’ve started too! Anyway, we discussed the usual topics – including the greatness that is Mountain Equipment Co-op. And he also warned me of the resilient mosquitos of New Brunswick – apparently it takes more than high winds to keep them away. With more riding left to do, we parted ways. And so with the wind at his back and, sadly, in my face, we resumed our rides.

About an hour later I arrived at Confederation Bridge. A pretty awe-inspiring creation. Unfortunately, it’s a pretty awe-inspiring creation that doesn’t allow bicycles. I knew this ahead of time but that didn’t make me want to ride across it any less. I paid my $8.50 for the shuttle and 13 km later I was in New Brunswick. A REAL provincial trifecta.

As much as I wanted to bask in the glory of my accomplishment I still had to figure out where I would be sleeping tonight. My original plan was to head down the road another 10-20 km in the hopes of finding an information centre or other suitable place to camp. My plan changed when I got out of the shuttle and felt (and heard) the wind howling. Again, not in my favour. Even though it would mean longer days for Tuesday and Wednesday, I decided to set up my tent at the Information Centre where the shuttle had stopped. My day of riding was officially over.

As for tomorrow, all I can do is hope the wind changes, or at least weakens, overnight.

Today’s Totals:
Distance travelled: 131.95 km
Time on bike: 6:37:32
Average speed: 19.91 km/h
Provinces visited: 3