Either my new Scicon bike bag did its job, or the baggage handling gods were smiling on me, but all of my bike made it to Montreal in one piece. The brake calipers on the rear got a bit of an ‘adjustment’ en route, but that was easily fixed with hotel’s tool box.
That attractive black thing sticking out of the back of the Bianchi is my new seat bag, which, apart from giving me the coolest of looks, actually works.
Pierre and Ginette made a trip down from Ontario to ride the first day of the journey with me, combining it with some family time with their Quebec relatives. Gin drove support so this will be the only day you’ll see action pics of me, I think. I know, I’m disappointed too.
Pierre and I leaving my hotel on a quiet, overcast morning.
Getting out of town was slow, but we made up for it on the extremely flat roads that follow the St Lawrence River towards the Atlantic. We averaged 28 kph over 210 km and we certainly weren’t in ‘race mode’.
Still, the ride took all day, slowed down by Pierre’s weak bladder and things like lunch.
We rode past many pretty towns, and I promise to do better with photos tomorrow to prove it, but my personal favorite was the hometown of Gilles and Jaques Villeneuve. I never saw Jaques’ street, but we rode through town on Gille’s.
A few from the moving car of Ginette.
That last one is us riding up the gate road of our chambre d’hôtes. What greeted us in front of the house was this man – possibly the best natured guy I’ve ever met.
He’s pouring us iced cold water. The iced cold micro-brasserie beer wasn’t far behind.
The Vicious Cycle 
Looks like fun! Welcome to this side of the Atlantic, and glad you have time to post. I look forward to following the rest of your tour.
Well done on day one. Enjoy the rest of the ride.
In France we use “Stop” signs at junctions…..in Canada “Arret”. Just a strange observation to see. Look forward to next blog.
Ever since I was stopped in my pedals by the use of “STOP” in France I’ve wondered why the English. No one I’ve asked knows. Do you?
What brand is the seat bag, it must be pretty strong to support that much volume. Planning on camping???
Revelate, Rich. It’s good and strong and vertically solid (it sways left and right, especially when climbing). No camping this time, no. I wanted to go super light and comfortable.
Congrats, by the way, on what looked like a nasty Haute Route!
Happy trails to you…
Hey Suze, this language debate in Quebec on the word “Stop” versus “Arret” has been ongoing for a long time.
The word Stop in France is actually from the use of the French verb Stopper which was never adopted in Quebec. However, i did start seeing the word stop being used on corners in Dorval this past weekend.
Cheers
Pierre
Hi Pierre,
Thanks! I understand now and learn a new French word, which I love. Stupidly, I just assumed it was from the English, having expected arretez.
Suze
A great start. I hope things continue to go well.