923km Cedar to Garson
We’ve heard a lot of bad things about the Trans-Canada Highway through Northern Ontario. Wild truckers. Plenty of traffic. No shoulders. “They’re all true,” says one cyclist we meet in Michigan. “I stuck a hacksaw out the side of my bike to make the cars give me more room. You should try it!”
We appreciate the advice but it makes us wonder: if we need a saw – a saw??!? – to survive this treacherous stretch of road, should we just get the bus? Of course not. So close to finishing our trip from west to east across North America, we’re not going to give up that easily.
Armed with nerves of steel, we hit the highway but it’s only a few miles later when we start thinking that a saw is sounding like a mighty fine idea. After being cut off, cut up and just generally annoyed by a few hundred cars, the final straw comes when a trucker races up from behind and honks aggressively at us to get out of the way. There’s oncoming traffic. We’re already trying to cycle on a shoulder that’s less than 6 inches wide and crumbling and frankly, we don’t see why we should have to dive onto the soft gravel shoulder every time a truck comes along. Is it really too much for the truck to slow down momentarily until the road is clear?
We don’t think so but in the ensuing few seconds Friedel swerves into the dirt anyway, scared silly by the thought of ending her life on the wrong end of a Mack truck. Andrew’s nerves hold longer, just long enough to vent his frustrations using a bit of international sign language before he also jumps off the road.
The trucker passes us, then brakes and pulls off to the side just a few meters further on, proving that his brakes do work and that he’s even capable of stopping when he wants to. “Did you just give me the….” he yells out the window as we cycle by. His words fade into the wind and we don’t even stop to acknowledge him. Yes. Yes we did. And you deserved it, we both think.
The Trans-Canada Highway isn’t bringing out the best in us and it’s all a far cry from the blissful few days we spent cycling through Michigan’s Upper Penninsula on a network of mostly quiet back roads. We met no end of friendly folks and even get adopted twice during our short time in Michigan. First comes Jack, who brings us beers and lets us tent outside his lakeside cottage and then Pete and Mary, a couple who we find a lot in common with as we chat over dinner in their log cabin.
“This is the best road yet in North America,” we shout with joy one day as we glide side by side through a thick forest and down to the shores of Lake Superior, where we race across the sandy beach to take a dip in the clear waters of the world’s largest lake. During this wonderful part of our trip, we pedal like we’ve never pedalled before. From head to toe, every inch of our bodies seems tuned into cycling. Our brains tell us that it’s fun to ride from dawn to dusk. Our stomachs fail to raise the habitual 5pm supper alarm. Our knees go round and round without complaint. Our daily average ticks up over 100km a day.
These memories of better days keep us going as we plod along the 300km of highway between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury. It’s exhausting work, not so much for the terrain of gently rolling hills but more because we can’t let our guard down. Our eyes rotate constantly between our rearview mirrors and the road ahead, trying to anticipate the next tight squeeze. We get run off the road at least twice each day and have countless too-close-for-comfort moments.
Like a well written play, the tension rises to a high point just outside Sudbury as we’re approaching our next visit with relatives. The traffic gets heavier and more impatient. The shoulders disappear altogether. A big sign banning bicycles appears on the road, with no suggestions for an alternative route. And then a thunderstorm blows through. We’re soaked within seconds, we can barely see through our rain-dotted sunglasses when a lightening bolt shoots from the sky and hits the ground only meters away. Seriously. This is the closest we’ve ever come to being hit by lightening and we hope to heavens we’re never anywhere near that close again. We’re momentarily blinded. Friedel screams. We both think we’re going to die and then we realise that the fact we can still think this means we must be okay.
By the time we fight our way through another 20km of hairy urban cycling to our home for the next few days, we collapse into a heap on the doorstep and wait for our relatives to return from work. We cross our fingers and pray that the rest of our time in Ontario will be far less frenzied than our initial introduction.
23rd August 2009 at 5:54 am #
I can certainly relate to that tale. Some of my scariest moments on the road have been two-lane highways in Missouri.
Watch out with those international hand signals–there are plenty of card carrying members of the NRA plying the roads.
Stay safe!
24th August 2009 at 2:28 am #
Hmmm, you’ve just reminded me why my bikes are collecting dust in the corner and why I have taken up trail running again…
24th August 2009 at 1:14 pm #
hi from OZ the pics bring back memories of riding with you both what legends you are i got ya postcard on Friday thank you just so ya know when you go to the Amazon the mossies are that big and 4 can carry you away .
i am on count down for my trip 69 days till blast off yeh start from Kunming then head towards Laos but who knows where the road will lead take care hugs from OZ xx keep smiling
24th August 2009 at 5:01 am #
Inconsiderate drivers can really ruin your day. Discretion and valor,– take the lane when necessary, but be safe!
Drivers are often deeply out of touch with the real world. As Colin Fletcher’s Law of Inverse Appreciation says, “The less there is between you and the environment, the more you appreciate the environment.” And being behind the wheel of a large and powerful machine, surrounded by steel and glass with air bags and air conditioning seems to bring out the worst in some people.
You’ve seen the best in people, too, though.
Thanks for all of the pictures and stories. Far from making me want to abandon my bikes to the dust bunnies, you make me dream of a long tour of my own…
29th August 2009 at 9:34 am #
Nothing like a bad road and no alternative to put you off cycling! I’ve found that an aggressive stance right out in the lane works, that way they have to slow down and wait to pass, but I’m always ready to dive for cover at the last minute if necessary. I get lots of abuse but at least they see me! Funny how they dont stop to talk it over (I’m 6’3″ and weigh 200lbs)…
Keep enjoying the ride and keep up your wonderful adventures
6th September 2009 at 6:43 am #
Jack enjoyed his time with you as well! It seems like the UP was just what the “bicycle doctor” ordered before you received the assault of the atrocious highway manners further down the road. I hope that you stop at the cottage again on your next travel through Upper Michigan. I would love to meet you both! Best regards,
Nancy
15th April 2010 at 8:41 pm #
Thanks for the cool website! I’m planning a tour around Lake Superior. Any ideas what the roads are like between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay? This post is making me rethink the route!
15th April 2010 at 9:25 pm #
Scott, we didn’t ride that section but I can point you to a couple people who did:
1) Our friends Scott & Becky
2) Steve, who’s put a lot of info on the Canada by Bicycle site
Happy riding!
4th December 2022 at 11:58 am #
3rd generation cephalosporin cefdinir cefdinir otitis media dosing cefdinir dosing for pneumonia
9th December 2022 at 12:51 pm #
The top and clear News and why it means a good deal.
21st December 2022 at 10:35 pm #
When you can grab my attention in the first few words of an article it as an accomplishment. You ave ignited my interest on this subject and I thank you for this.
29th March 2023 at 6:04 pm #
Im obliged for the article. Much obliged.
2nd April 2023 at 7:41 pm #
Thank you very much! I took it for myself too. Will be useful!!
4th April 2023 at 8:56 am #
I think this is a real great article. Keep writing.
11th April 2023 at 10:19 am #
You’re so amazing. Oh my The almighty. Lord bless you.
12th April 2023 at 11:59 am #
Thanks a lot for the article. Fantastic.
20th April 2023 at 9:09 pm #
Thanks for another great article. Where else could anybody get that kind of info in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such info.
21st April 2023 at 8:35 am #
Thank anyone so much with regard to letting everyone know what My partner and i didn’t know. I anticipate working with you.
21st April 2023 at 11:59 pm #
hampton greens apartments cullen park apartments fall apart
28th April 2023 at 7:15 pm #
Go to a special event right now and you may find out women sporting jewellery often stay ahead of the other folks.
4th May 2023 at 8:38 pm #
HAVE A FREE CONSULTATION NOW
12th May 2023 at 10:22 am #
I value the blog.Much thanks again. Awesome.
24th May 2023 at 8:55 am #
Thank you a lot for giving everyone an exceptionally spectacular opportunity to check tips from here. It’s usually very brilliant and as well , stuffed with fun for me and my office colleagues to visit the blog particularly three times in one week to see the newest issues you have got. And lastly, we are actually fascinated with all the striking secrets served by you. Selected two areas on this page are in fact the very best I’ve ever had.
29th May 2023 at 9:13 pm #
I want to show my love for your kindness in support of those who have the need for help on this particular idea. Your special commitment to passing the solution up and down appeared to be rather valuable and have in most cases helped people just like me to achieve their ambitions. Your important advice signifies a great deal a person like me and much more to my fellow workers. With thanks; from everyone of us.
3rd June 2023 at 6:33 pm #
The point of view of your article has taught me a lot, and I already know how to improve the paper on gate.oi, thank you. https://www.gate.io/de/signup/XwNAU
4th June 2023 at 1:03 am #
I am glad for commenting to let you know of the awesome encounter our girl had reading the blog. She picked up too many details, which include what it is like to have a great coaching heart to have other people quite simply completely grasp specified advanced things. You really surpassed our expectations. Thank you for producing the invaluable, healthy, revealing as well as easy tips on that topic to Gloria.
6th June 2023 at 1:49 am #
The point of view of your article has taught me a lot, and I already know how to improve the paper on gate.oi, thank you. https://www.gate.io/zh/signup/XwNAU
6th June 2023 at 8:07 pm #
I simply desired to thank you very much once again. I do not know the things that I would’ve tried without the recommendations revealed by you directly on such subject matter. Certainly was a very scary dilemma for me personally, nevertheless coming across the very well-written avenue you resolved it took me to jump with delight. I am just happier for the work and then expect you comprehend what an amazing job you happen to be providing teaching some other people with the aid of a site. I’m certain you’ve never come across any of us.
7th June 2023 at 7:34 am #
I simply desired to thank you very much again. I’m not certain the things I would’ve handled in the absence of the secrets shown by you about my question. It seemed to be the difficult matter in my view, nevertheless finding out the very expert strategy you managed that forced me to cry over joy. Extremely grateful for the support and thus believe you know what a great job you have been undertaking teaching the mediocre ones using your webpage. Most likely you have never met any of us.
15th June 2023 at 8:25 am #
I am also commenting to make you understand of the excellent discovery my wife’s princess went through visiting the blog. She noticed lots of pieces, not to mention how it is like to have an excellent helping mindset to get other folks clearly learn selected grueling topics. You undoubtedly did more than our own expectations. Many thanks for giving such insightful, trusted, educational and as well as fun thoughts on the topic to Gloria.
21st June 2023 at 12:05 am #
I’m writing to make you understand of the amazing experience my girl enjoyed checking the blog. She even learned lots of details, most notably how it is like to possess a wonderful giving nature to let many more effortlessly have an understanding of specific multifaceted subject areas. You actually exceeded our desires. I appreciate you for displaying those priceless, healthy, informative and in addition cool thoughts on that topic to Kate.
23rd June 2023 at 2:35 am #
I intended to put you the very small note just to thank you very much yet again with the awesome tactics you’ve featured in this article. It has been so open-handed with you to supply extensively exactly what a lot of people would’ve offered as an electronic book to generate some bucks for their own end, mostly given that you could have tried it in case you desired. These things additionally worked to be the fantastic way to understand that someone else have a similar keenness really like mine to figure out good deal more with reference to this problem. I know there are many more pleasant periods up front for many who examine your blog post.
24th July 2023 at 2:11 am #
Hey, thanks for the blog. Will read on…
3rd August 2023 at 2:22 pm #
I think this is a real great blog.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
12th August 2023 at 8:32 am #
I really believe you will do well in the future I appreciate everything you have added to my knowledge base.
23rd August 2023 at 8:39 am #
You need to really control the comments listed here
1st September 2023 at 2:14 pm #
We need to build frameworks and funding mechanisms.
9th September 2023 at 4:52 pm #
Appreciation for taking the time to discuss this topic, I would love to discover more on this topic. If viable, as you gain expertise, would you object to updating the website with further information? It is tremendously beneficial for me.
9th September 2023 at 5:19 pm #
Clear, concise and easy to access.
10th September 2023 at 2:47 am #
Oh my goodness! an amazing article. Great work.
25th September 2023 at 6:52 am #
I think that may be an interesting element, it made me assume a bit. Thanks for sparking my considering cap. On occasion I get so much in a rut that I simply really feel like a record.
30th September 2023 at 8:18 pm #
This blog post is excellent, probably because of how well the subject was developed. I like some of the comments too.
2nd October 2023 at 6:08 pm #
Our family had similar issues, thanks.
3rd October 2023 at 3:33 pm #
Thanks for a Interesting item; I enjoyed it very much. Regards Sang Magistrale
3rd October 2023 at 8:43 pm #
Like the way you’ve outlined things. Easy to follow. Not cluttered.
9th October 2023 at 4:45 am #
Are the issues really as complex as they seem?
10th October 2023 at 8:19 am #
I think that may be an interesting element, it made me assume a bit. Thanks for sparking my considering cap. On occasion I get so much in a rut that I simply really feel like a record.
12th October 2023 at 3:40 am #
Thanks again for the blog. Great.
12th October 2023 at 8:19 am #
I favored your idea there, I tell you blogs are so helpful sometimes like looking into people’s private life’s and work.At times this world has too much information to grasp. Every new comment wonderful in its own right.
13th October 2023 at 6:26 am #
Enjoyed reading through this, very good material. Thanks!
15th October 2023 at 4:30 pm #
If wings are your thing, Tinker Bell’s sexy Halloween costume design is all grown up.
16th October 2023 at 2:25 pm #
I would share your post with my sis.
16th October 2023 at 10:02 pm #
Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the net the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail on the head. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
28th October 2023 at 4:39 pm #
Keep it up!. I usually don’t post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful A rise in An increase in An increase in.
30th October 2023 at 11:30 am #
I think I might disagree with some of your analysis. Are the figures solid?
1st November 2023 at 7:14 pm #
When we look at these issues, we know that they are the key ones for our time.
15th November 2023 at 4:34 am #
Thanks pertaining to discussing the following superb written content on your site. I ran into it on the search engines. I will check back again if you publish extra aricles.
29th November 2023 at 2:39 am #
Thanks so much for the blog.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
29th November 2023 at 3:04 pm #
Good job for bringing something important to the internet!
1st December 2023 at 7:32 pm #
Howdy, a helpful article for sure. Thank you.
1st December 2023 at 8:15 pm #
I think I might disagree with some of your analysis. Are the figures solid?
1st December 2023 at 9:53 pm #
Public policy is key here, and our states need to develop some strategies – – soon.
14th December 2023 at 6:15 am #
Tips and tools you offer are so helpful to agencies in our community.
15th December 2023 at 3:43 am #
972881 421444I cant say that I completely agree, but then once more Ive never genuinely thought of it quite like that before. Thanks for giving me something to consider when Im supposed to have an empty mind while trying to fall asleep tonight lol.. 579973
19th December 2023 at 3:21 am #
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for!
21st December 2023 at 4:36 pm #
Appreciation for taking the time to discuss this topic, I would love to discover more on this topic. If viable, as you gain expertise, would you object to updating the website with further information? It is tremendously beneficial for me.
22nd December 2023 at 4:32 am #
I have to disagree with most of the comments here, but maybe I’m just a contrarian.
25th December 2023 at 1:10 pm #
I have been curious about these trends, and you have really helped me. I have just told a few of my friends about this on FaceBook and they love your content just as much as I do.
28th December 2023 at 1:58 pm #
Please let us know when you plan to publish your book!
30th December 2023 at 2:24 am #
Certainly. And I have faced it. Let’s discuss this question. Here or in PM.
30th December 2023 at 3:00 pm #
Thanks for discussing the issues and covering them in a well written format.
2nd January 2024 at 5:50 pm #
Easily, the post is really the greatest on this laudable topic. I concur with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your future updates. Saying thank will not just be sufficient, for the wonderful c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates. Solid work and much success in your business enterprise!
3rd January 2024 at 10:29 pm #
Kelvin Kaemingk has over two decades of helping people make smarter decisions regarding their mortgage and money decisions. He began his career in financial planning and migrated into the mortgage space in 2002. He is passionate and committed to helping people throughout their lives, make the best financial decisions for themselves and their families. As a father of three, and now Papa K (grandpa) to one, a team builder and recruiter, Kelvin thrives on helping others realize their potential, often referenced as “Everyone’s biggest fan”. Kelvin Kaemingk is the Area Manager for loanDepot and Co-Host of the Real Estate Chalk Talk radio program based in the Minneapolis – St. Paul area. Kelvin Kaemingk, NMLS 251124 | Branch NMLS 1139048
24th January 2024 at 1:56 pm #
Thanks a lot for the blog.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
30th January 2024 at 6:25 pm #
Peculiar this blog is totaly unrelated to what I was searching for – – interesting to see you’re well indexed in the search engines.
6th February 2024 at 7:49 pm #
Greetings… your blog is very interesting and beautifully written.
10th February 2024 at 9:32 pm #
Clear, concise and easy to access.
19th February 2024 at 5:01 am #
If you don’t mind, where do you host your weblog? I am looking for a very good web host and your webpage seams to be extremely fast and up most the time…
21st February 2024 at 1:38 pm #
Thanks a lot for the blog.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
4th March 2024 at 2:30 pm #
I like your style!
5th March 2024 at 7:21 am #
Limos Cyprus
5th March 2024 at 8:01 am #
Villas for rent in Protaras, by RentVillaCyprus can assure you that the selection and control of each villa is entirely made by us, in order to ensure the lovely holidays you deserve. Moreover, book your accommodation safely thanks to our secure online payment system.
12th March 2024 at 12:43 pm #
I love what you’ve created here, this is definitely one of my favorite sites to visit.
16th March 2024 at 10:50 am #
Great blog. Really Great.
16th March 2024 at 11:56 pm #
My issues have been very similar, with my family. But, we made some different decisions. It’s complex.
23rd March 2024 at 8:44 am #
Enjoyed reading through this, very good material. Thanks!
11th April 2024 at 5:45 pm #
Flow Regulator GT086: Regulate water flow effectively to maintain balanced heating throughout your home.
16th April 2024 at 12:09 pm #
Thanks so much for the post. Awesome.
19th April 2024 at 6:11 am #
Might we expect to see more of these same problems in the future?
19th April 2024 at 9:01 am #
I cannot thank you more than enough for the blogposts on your website. I know you set a lot of time and energy into these and truly hope you know how deeply I appreciate it. I hope I’ll do a similar thing person sooner or later.
19th April 2024 at 9:40 am #
I concur with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your future updates. The usefulness and significance is overwhelming and has been invaluable to me!
19th April 2024 at 10:45 am #
There are some serious financial ramifications here.
19th April 2024 at 1:35 pm #
Write more stories, more chapters.
20th April 2024 at 2:51 pm #
You are not right. I am assured. I can prove it. Write to me in PM, we will talk.
26th April 2024 at 1:42 am #
I think this is a real great blog. Great.
27th April 2024 at 1:37 am #
Great write-up, I am regular visitor of one?¦s website, maintain up the nice operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.