Southern Utah/Grand Canyon Trip

We did finish the Canadian trip then headed off to France for the remainder of the year. What's in store for 2013? Paul Gordy, our friend from Virginia has put together two trips in 2013. We have committed to riding them both. I'm really psyched about the Southern Utah/Grand Canyon trip.

Here's the tentative itinerary of the Utah/Grand Canyon trip:

Paul rides the Blue Ridge Parkway every other year. We did it in 2011, northbound, with Skyline Drive thrown in (I think he was attracted by the 60,000 feet of climbing). This year it's southbound, and Skyline Drive is once again included. If you want to do this ride and enjoy it you need to be in shape. A great motivator to get back in the saddle on a regular bases.

Here's the tentative itinerary of the Skyline/BRP trip:

 

 Looks like fun!

Saint Lawrence River and Quebec City. 8/28

Finished the Gaspe Peninsula this morning. Began the day riding in the rain but managed to outrun the clouds rest of the day.

Rode along the Saint Lawrence River the rest of the day. Gorgeous. Surprised how beautiful it is. Reminded me of France. As soon as you leave one small village, you see the steeple of the church up ahead. Adorable small houses, some very distinctive.

Arrived in Quebec City late afternoon. The old town below the Chateau Frontenac really is very Disney-like, an artificial sameness in all the over-priced restaurants and boutiques. We did enjoy riding the bike around the other areas of Quebec City.

Gaspe Peninsula and food. 8/27

Another day along the Gaspe. Beautiful and good riding.

A passing truck signaled we had dropped something. Our food bag had fallen off our bike. Casualties: box of mushrooms, can of milk, most of our oatmeal, and the bag itself.

We have been eating healthy on this trip. We meet oatmeal in camp or a cheap breakfast, fruit for lunch, and prepare our own dinner. Memorable meals include: sautéed mushrooms and onions with mashed potatoes; chili with sharp cheddar, fritos, and cauliflower; and sandwiches with avocado, Camembert, cucumber, and tomato on fresh baguette.

Aroostook State Park, buttered toast with caramel, and Gaspe Peninsula

Woke up at the Aroostook State Park campground. Headed out on a short hike for South Peak, a quick 3/4 mile hike. Turned out to be a super-steep 3 mile loop that included North Peak. All before breakfast.

Crossed over into Canada. Ate breakfast in a local diner where they served buttered toast with caramel topping. Bloody genius. And delicious.

Spent the rest of the day along the coastal highway of the Gaspe Peninsula. The ocean to our right, village after village. It is not an overly developed area-- modest family homes, businesses, and cemeteries are still ocean- front.

We stayed at Camp Auberge de Pabos. The campground was full of motor homes, close to the ocean.

Acadia National Park and Dean's gym 8/25

Went out to eat with Dean and Penny at This Way Cafe in Bar Harbor. Pretty people everywhere in this town.

Drove through Acadia National Park with our hosts. The Park had almost 2 1/2 million visitors last year. There is a 20 mile loop for cars to drive (this is a small park) plus 45 miles of carriage roads. Amazing views and a Sandy Beach.

Our friend Dean showed us his gym upstairs in his house. No wonder he is in such great shape. I now have gym envy.

Highway 1, Belfast, and Bar Harbor 9/24

Entered Highway 1 along the coast. Stopped in Belfast, Maine for lunch. Friends told us that 20 years ago Belfast had a chicken plant right along the water-- you could watch the body parts float by... Very different now- pretty.

We arrived in Bar Harbor around 3:00. Incredibly busy tourist town. We stayed with our cycling friend Dean and his wife Penny. They cooked lobsters and taught us the fine art of de-shelling the meat. After five nights of camping, a bed, bath, and laundry were very much appreciated.

Pros and cons of bicycle versus motorcycle touring

Ate breakfast in Ludlow, Vermont where we met a bicycle tourist. I envied his appetite, fatigue, and accomplishment. Got me thinking about the pros and cons of bicycle versus motorcycle touring:

Bicycling pros: health benefits; increased appetite; slower pace; builds self-esteem; ability to create your own heat; cyclists are more interesting people; easier to chat with companions while riding.

Motorcycling pros: feels like flying; can cover distances faster; little physical effort.

Bicycling cons: increased appetite (eating becomes a chore); fatigue; sore ass; easier target for angry motorists.

Motorcycling cons: requires gasoline (as opposed to calories); sore ass; sitting on your butt all day; weather more of an issue-- cold and wet is miserable.

Headed out of Vermont into New Hampshire. The White Mountain National Forest was amazing. Camped at Sebago Lake State Park in Maine, crowded with families but pleasant.