Adolfustown to Elgin

110km today and all in the rain! However I found it one of the more enjoyable rides.  The route was beside Lake Ontario for the first 50 km and we had a good tail wind.

Brian, Angela and self yesterday on the ferry to Adolfustown.

It poured in Kingston but Brian, Angela and I stopped at a cafe for an hour to drink real coffee and warm up. The rain kept us there for 2 coffees and cheesecake and the waitress seemed keen to talk.

Kingston would be worth a return visit. Even in the rain it looked attractive. Right on the lakefront.

Angela had a flat tyre soon after we restarted which I changed for her. Then we were on rolling country, but virtually no cars. The last 2 km into camp it poured with rain and we were on a very greasy gravel road.

Everyone used a hose to clean the bikes (and themselves) before we were allowed into the chalet.

 The place has a nice hot shower and Shane is now preparing the evening meal with the use of a real oven!

It's still pouring outside but Peter says its fine in Toronto so with luck a fine day tomorrow.

The attached photo shows Brian and I outside the cafe in Kingston, raining as we departed.

Grafton to Adolfostown

A shorter 102km today. Ride was through very scenic country beside Lake Ontario. 

Met up with a guy riding around the lake, which he does every year. Quite the effort since its about 1000km around

The route map today had an error which added a few kilometers for everyone. A road was named incorrectly so we all missed the turn.

Lots of expensive lakeside homes in this area. Some pretty little towns. We stopped in Picton and had an icecream. The others ordered fish and chips which looked awful, served by a woman who clearly didn't want to deal with customers.

The camp tonite is beside the lake. 

View from my tent. Dinner was interesting: beets, Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob, cucumbers and hard boiled eggs. None of which I like! Had to resort to bread. But breakfast was hot pancakes and strawberries - a delight.

Lots of space so should be quiet. Tomorrow it's supposed to rain heavily, so need to plan accordingly.

Toronto to Grafton

A long and somewhat convoluted exit from Toronto today. It took all day and we covered 160km.

The route however was mainly along a coastal cycle way both on quiet roads and separated cycle way. There was obviously a lot of riding through suburban streets.

Despite the distance it was a pretty route with lots of views of Lake Ontario. Grafton is also mostly on the lake edge. The campsite seems quiet.

The few days off have allowed me to fully recover. It was also a mail day and a big surprise to get one from home wishing me happy birthday for the 4th.

Other news was that one of our number has had to leave the tour. He fell 200m from the hotel in Toronto and broke his knee. Chad was a Canadian living in Japan. Sad day for the small group of us who all liked him. Harry left the tour as planned in Toronto - so we are now 8 riders.

The tour manager from Alliston, Bud and his wife Margot drove the truck to Grafton today to give Shane and Megan another day off in Toronto. They are on dinner duty as I type.

Weather today gave us strong tail wind with the same promised tomorrow.

Here is the team on the Lake Ontario waterfront today.

Toronto

Have been relaxing for a couple of days in Toronto with friends the Broads. 

We went up to Minden Hills, about 150km north of the city to stay at Margie's sisters cottage last night.

Here I am relaxing on Gull Lake in the Minden Hills area. Most of Margies family were there so it was quite social. Liz and I are coming back here in a little over a month.

I leave again Tuesday on the final third of the trip. We only cycle for four days between rest days from here on, so although there are still some long days riding we get more days off.

On Sheguindah Island

160km down and 19 to go!

Heading to the ferry for Tobermory

Blind River to Sheguindah

Today was a sad day for the tour company who is running our tour. There is another group crossing Canada about a week behind us following much the same route. 

Yesterday afternoon a married couple on that tour were killed by a truck. No real details as yet but it's put a dampener on all our spirits. We had a minutes silence at dinner in remembrance of our cycling colleagues.

The road we've been following for the past couple of weeks is not an optimal riding route. The shoulder really isn't wide enough and there are too many large trucks on the road.

Still, I've reached the point with our group where there are more roads to choose from. Hopefully our route takes us along less busy roads from here on.

The ride today was long and hard. 168km with lots of hills and head winds.

But we are at a nice camp by a lakeside. 

Liz has been sharing photos of where she is holidaying. I attach this because it looks somewhat better Thant tent.

Sault Ste Marie to Blind River

23 July

Ride today of 148km. Weather is quite cool and with a strong tail wind. First 80 or so km over some quiet but hilly country roads. Very rough chip seal surface.

Now at the 125 km mark on a good smooth road heading for camp. Angela and I have stopped for a BLT and icecream. 

The town of Soo was quite pleasant as a rest day. Dined at the local family restaurant on the waters edge with Harry, Brian and Angela and watched some tall ships head out.