Today, we got what we were expecting: Hills. And lots of them. We started our day off later than we wanted, waking up at 8 30 and dilly dallying until 1010 when we finally left, we departed and took the "route verte" (the cycling path that goes all through Quebec). The path was beautiful, on a gravel path through a forest between fields. The path was remarkably hilly, we saw hills like none other.. We climbed for about 2 hours, ranging from a 8% grade to a 20% grade *wheewwie*, finally, we got to the summit and got to descend. I LOVED it! My mom...didn't feel quite the same way about the 2 mile decent at 15%. Funny how that works...
After it took us 4 hours to do the first 25 miles of uphill we stopped at a roadside diner and bought a few cheese burgers; probably the best meal ever because we were so hungry. We stayed there and figured out our map and then left again for the 40 or so miles we had left. Except for the fact that, as soon as we started riding again I felt something not good, another flat. :/
. I think you will all be amazed with me. I am just knocking minutes off of the time it takes me to change a flat. Its nothing big, but I did it in under 20! Yuss!
After we fixed the tire, I flipped the bike upside down and was putting my paniers back on when i realized that I was missing a screw. So, we took it to the gas station and ended up sending a boy about my age on a wild goose chase in search of the perfect screw. And he eventually found it (I think it surprised us all).
We finally arrived at our hotel at around 7, exhausted, hot, and covered in chain grease. It was a tiring day because we worked the muscles we haven't used since the Rockies; our climbing legs.
Tip of the Day: Keep your wet ones handy.
Oh and p.s. WE HIT 1000 TODAY!! :)
Sandra: Hi Julia and Jane, took me forever to figure out how to post a comment. Told your mom via email to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. Keep up the tips of the day. Whether your biking 40 KM a day or sitting on your couch, always something to learn!!
ReplyDeletesounds like a gruelling day, but nothing can stop you two - it makes me tired just hearing about it so I'm off to take a nap
ReplyDeletehope today is a bit easier on you, but then you'll have to cut back on the hamburgers...
Have you seen this clip from Bicycling Magazine?
ReplyDeleteDon
http://video.bicycling.com/video/Fastest-Tire-Change
So you charm a seventeen year old Quebec boy to go in search of the missing piece and he finds it. That's impressive. So's the hill climb. And the descent! Tip for the day! Keep your hand on the brakes.Dan
ReplyDeletehaha sounds like your enjoying everything!
ReplyDeletewas the boy cute?!?! hahaha
you should have knocked off some of the bucket list with him :P
which i havent got the chance to start on by the way, so our trip to the okanogan when you get back is going to be a crazy one!!
So, Amanda, if I go back to school and ask some of my students whether they "knocked off some of the bucket list" will they think I'm really clever or will they freak? Tip o'the day: Plans for having "crazy" trips to the Okanagan with your teen friends make parents nervous.....avoid these comments at all cost! bfn
ReplyDeleteHow are you doing?
ReplyDeleteDon
haha bucket list consists of things such as....
ReplyDelete1) walk around holding a free hugs sign
2) Piggy back ride a stranger
3) Sleep a night under the stars
4) Say yes to everything for one day
hahaha the list goes on but nothing bad...all fun stuff to remember :)
Amanda! That is soooo cute! Jane, let's make up our OWN "BUCKET" list....we'll brainstorm at our next dinner.....thanks for sharing, Amanda! J & J.....don't forget to look for my relatives in New Brunswick.....Winslow and Ireland! Be safe.....btw, how did you get to the Atlantic Ocean so fast!? Amazing.
ReplyDelete