Murray, I don't know how you stood it. Cycling across Canada on it surely had major difficulties. I had to cycle right on the highway from then on - 2 lanes going east, a grassed median, and then 2 lanes that went west.
The shoulders are lined with 1-3 inch stones they prob. call gravel. When you cycle on them, they roll out beneath the bike like ball bearings, and can spill you quickly. We need to talk to the Minister of Transportation for Canada, and the ministers of the various provinces.
At one point, looking in my mirror whenever I heard a vehicle behind me, I noticed a truck, a Challenger, that did not seem to be moving out to pass me so I immediately pulled off the road. The bike spun out with the back wheel grabbing in the stones, pulling the front wheel back and directly into the line of traffic. The front wheel was 2 or 3 feet out into the highway before I got stopped, and I fully expected a thump on the tire or a thump on my head. Didn't happen. Higher powers protected me, and the truck passed me by, along with 3 other cars behind it.
Then I had to sit down on the long grass beside the road for a while to stop the nerves from jumping about like Banshees.
When I got back on my bike, I decided that the safest place to ride would be on the left side in the left lane. That way the semis wouldn't feel they have to pull out into the left lane to pass me, which is what almost all trucks did on the prairies - excepting ones in the process of passing.
I still had to avoid any vehicle that might be passing one in the right lane so had to watch in my mirror all the time to make sure that it was staying on the right but you can hear traffic a long way off. Most did. Any that weren't, I simply applied the brake a bit, slipped into easier gears, and went into the gravel slowly. It worked, but so exhausting being on constant guard, and was most unpleasant. All the beauty of watching the countryside was gone.
Piet and LauraLea tell me only last week in that area, a semi hit and killed 2 cyclists who were riding sidebyside. All 3 were out-of-province.
That had me seriously considering quitting in Manitoba.
Or maybe not.
The TransCanada highway goes to the south end of Winnipeg, and then its only about 30 km. before the cutoff to Kenora. About 300 miles from here. Man! Am I an optimist or what. A bear for punishment. Just hope it isn't a real bear.
In Brandon, I came upon a natural foods store where I was able to buy CO Q 10, as Walter of Lloydminster suggested back in St. Walburg. It is supposed to help make muscles replenish, including heart muscles and the like, that is rebuild, especially in mature adults where muscles no longer want to rejuvenate. I certainly noticed a difference in a lessening of knee pain within 2 days.
As Luck Would Have It, as I rode through Brandon looking for a TD Bank (rare bird in the southern prairies), my legs just would not go past the Redwood Inn Motel. As I was walking past it, it called to me. I was about to head up another giant hill out of town to a campground but was so very tired I could hardly pedal another circle, let alone walk it.
I had thought Brandon to be a small town but it's pop. is 40,000+, and has its own university.
As Luck Would Have It, I got a room with a TV (that worked, not like the one east of Regina), and CBC's Mansbridge did a special on China that night. What a treat.
A very hot bath - wonderful.
And this morning, As Luck Would Have It, I got to see the Olympic's Opening Ceremonies. What a wonderful way to start the day.
As Luck Would Have It, The Inn had a breakfast room (free) although we made our own from choices of cereal, fruit, toast, tea, juice.
Then a trip downtown by taxi, and back, to a TD Bank.
As Luck Would Have It, the Inn had a computer room where I was allowed to access my emails, and blog. Here are a few of the messages:
Anonymous said... Hi Karen. Its Mandy from North Battleford. I am so happy you have made it to Manitoba. Have a beautiful rest of the Journey. Kiss Kiss
August 11, 2008 12:08 AM Anonymous said... Hi Karen. Sue Mick & Vern here. We are so surprised the miles you have made. Hope your knees hold out,we know you can do it. We are so thrilled to have met you. Safe Journeys A warm hug from us to you.
From Murray: "Howdy! And all along I was hoping to have a beaver drop a tree beside my tent..........But YOU get the great story instead!! Just be grateful it wasn't ON the tent.
I know you're not getting huge distances on each day, but that's quite OK. When you add it all up, you've travelled an impressive distance. Way to go!!
Your last blog about sore knees took a while to filter into my brain, but this morning I thought of something I had read once, and then copied into my travel journal. But I never needed it.
"If the knee hurts in the back, lower the saddle; if in the front, raise it."
I hope that helps you. I wouldn't move it up or down too much, probably a centimeter or two; try it a day or two, and then adjust it some more if needed.
I sure hope this helps you. See you, Murray"
Earlier text message to Murray:
"Can't budge the nut or bolt 4 the seat. Can u drive over and help with it? It's only one prov. east. You cud drive rather than bike.
If not, maybe Piet can do it when I reach Brandon, or maybe a passing auto mech. will happen.
Well, Miss Spider wants her picnic table back so off goes Ms. Moffatt. bybye."
Thanks, 'Harley', it is the front of the knees. Couldn't get the wrench to turn so I could lower the seat. Instead, I pushed my butt back on the saddle while cycling, as often as I thought about it, and that helped a bit. Also, I moved my feet down the pedals so that my instep instead of my toes were on them. (Later, Piet moved my seat up a tiny bit, and cut himself doing it. It's been perfect since cycling back here in Ontario.)
Next morning, I called Piet and Lorelie who had contacted Josie to invite me for a couple of days rest near Glenboro. I was almost there - and, As Luck Would Have It, they made me an offer I just couldn't refuse - they offered to come to get me in the truck saving me 80 km. on the bike. They have also offered to drive me to Winnipeg should I wish to go home via Via? or Greyhound?
However, I guess a little 2-day vacation in this wonderful country setting surrounded by birches and spruce trees will see me up and cycling again in no time.
(At that time, I didn't realize that I was done. My bike trip actually did end at Brandon, Manitoba. To date, I had done 1704 km (1066 miles).)
Comment from Mary Esta: "I'm glad you're not going any further!!!!! You did 1000km!!!! That's crazy awesome!!!!! What an insane and unique experience! :D"
1 comment:
Keep on rolling, Karen!
Post a Comment