4CT Tour - Day Fifteen - Friday, June 20th. 08

Tour Day: Fifteen
Day/Date: Friday, June 20th, 2008
Time Started: 5:08 AM EDST
Time Ended: 5:05 PM EDST
Starting Location: Sudbury, Ontario
Ending Location: Saint Nicholas, Quebec
Total Miles Today: 601 (50% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 9730
Low Temp: 42F - Sudbury, Ontario
High Temp: 77F - Montreal, Quebec
Highest Gas Price: $1.41.9 Liter - Montreal, Quebec
Lowest Gas Price: $1.39.9 Liter - Riguad, Ontario
States: Quebec (23)


I awoke this morning to a light fog and a steady drizzle. I took my time packing the bike and left slightly before daylight. Patience and care were the watchwords as I rode through the water logged hills and waited for the rain to stop, the fog to lift, and the sun to slowly come up. Eventually all three happened.

I was determined to increase my mileage today despite the rain. The miserable two-lane road I had been riding since Sault Ste Marie finally gave way to better four-lane roads as I neared Ottawa. I must say I have been less than impressed with Canada's highways anywhere other than near it's larger cities. I found the same to be true last year on the Alaska trip.

I stopped for gas and a quick breakfast at Tim Horton's. This is a restaurant we do not have in Western KY. It quickly became my favorite quick place to stop in Canada. Good food, fast service, takes Mastercard and every restaurant I have seen has looked to be brand new. It is hard to beat that combination.

Ottawa is a beautiful city and was a pleasure to ride through. The traffic was light and the roads in good shape.

My Canadian/Maine friends, as well as my on line forum buddies, all warned me about the Montreal traffic situation. As I neared the city I could see Miss Garmin had routed me right through the center of town. It was around 1:00 pm, early afternoon, or what would seem to be a non-rush hour period. WRONG!

I have had the pleasure of riding through some of the largest cities in the US, many on this trip. None of them compare to the total traffic quagmire that I found in downtown Montreal. It was 5 mph at best, when we were not stopped completely. Total gridlock as far as the eye could see. I have no idea how Montreal could begin to correct the mega traffic problems they have. I shudder to think what those roads would have been like in rush hour.

I continued on, determined to reach the 600 mile mark today, despite the off and on rain showers. As I neared Quebec I could see a huge black cloud looming over the city. It did not take long to run straight into a downpour which included lightning. That was it! I quickly exited just short of Quebec in a small suburb called Saint Nicholas.

I have found it interesting to be in a non-English speaking province/city. Many times today I was the only person that was not speaking French. However, I found the people quiet friendly and very helpful. I did not encounter a clerk that did not speak English and all were more than willing to help me order.

Tomorrow I complete the Four Corners Tour in Madawaska, Maine. I should arrive around noon and I plan to get a motel room and spend the night. All is well, the Wing's purring like a contented kitten and my clothes are all drying on the hangers. :^)

I apologize for the lack of pictures today. Off and on rain and a lot of riding kept me from taking any.



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"I am learning that it is remarkably easy to do things, and much more frightening to contemplate them." ~Ted Simon~