Old or Out of Shape?

This morning began much like yesterday morning, well … except for the part about the tent. The part about getting off to an early start was the same though. What can I say, I just don’t do mornings very well.

By the time I dragged myself out of a glorious slumber, Dan and Donna had already left for work which meant I was now 0-for-2 when it comes to getting a photo with my hosts. Once again though, it was a fantastic stay.

Despite my less than speedy morning routine, I still managed to get on the road by 9:15 and proceeded to pedal my way towards Sauble Beach. It was another beautiful morning and, with the morning “rush” over, there really wasn’t much traffic on the road. I imagine that will change as the summer progresses and as the weekend arrives.

My plan was to stop for breakfast at Two Chicks Cafe – as per Dan’s recommendation. Actually, it would’ve been a second breakfast since I already had breakfast back at the house. Good thing since Two Chicks Cafe was closed. However, there was a familiar sight across the street where I was able to get some food for the road. I will admit that today was not my finest for stopping to eat. Spoiler Alert: Fortunately, there were no serious repercussions as a result of my negligence. Well, other than being hungry.

The eating (or not-eating) issue notwithstanding, today was my best day of riding thus far. The ride to Sauble Beach was pretty easy as I was aided by a tailwind for much of the day. Not a strong tailwind, but still a tailwind. However, I did notice that I was really starting to get fatigued after about 90 km. Not sure if that means I’m getting old or if I’m just out of shape. Neither answer will impress me so I’m happy to leave it as a rhetorical question. Anyway, after 90 km there was “only” 15 km to go so I just had to push on and power through.

I arrived at the campsite shortly after 3:00 and I wasted no time getting my tent set up. Okay, maybe I wasted a little time. Did I mention I was tired? Seriously, if I don’t get in shape soon then northern Ontario may be the end of me! Anyway, my fatigue got the best of me and I crawled in my tent and had a two hour nap. Right on the ground. I didn’t even bother with my air mattress. Not the most comfortable nap I’ve ever had but it certainly was effective.

I’m now hiding in my tent from what I estimate to be about 2.5 billion flying carnivores that seem quite determined to devour me. And I assure you I have done nothing to provoke such hostility. Seriously, look at me. There’s not much to me. How can they possibly consider me a food source? You’d think after all these years that humans would have evolved to have some sort of toxin that fends off such flying beasts. And yet apparently not.

Despite said flying beasts, I think I’m going to stay here for two nights which will give me a chance to do a bit of hiking around Tobermory tomorrow. Of course, that plan could change. But for now, that’s the plan.

Today’s Totals:
Distance travelled: 106.68 km
Ride time: 4:31:35
Average speed: 23.57 km/h
Maximum speed: 49.02 km/h