Day 61 - Kanata, Ont. (REST DAY)

July 13, 2026 (Monday)

Start Time: N/A

Stop Time: N/A

KM Travelled: 0 on the Bike

Elevation: 0 on the Bike

Special Stuff: Time with my husband

Today is a rest day. Brian takes a day off and we go into Ottawa to look around a bit.

We check out the parliment buildings, which are unfortunately (or fortunately) being renovated, and take some time to observe the lock system in action.

The capital city of Canada is not as busy with tourists as I expected it would be in July. For me, however, it feels like there is so much noise, so many cars and so many people. I find after spending time out in the 'outback' of Canada, the big city, at the moment, is no longer as interesting nor appealing as it used to be.

Social issues such as homelessness and addictions are visible - there are men and women sleeping in corners here and there. Mental health and addictions are areas that I spend much of my time on the ride thinking about. The way our society operates and the current options (or amount options available) for people needing mental health supports don't seem to be adequate. I have heard of people being put on a 'waiting list' for mental health supports...that just seems 'crazy' (for lack of a better word).

• What more can we do to support people (all people, at all stages of life) to be healthy and well?

• How can people become more resilient to the adversities of life (which are inevitable)?

• How can we make supports more readily available when people need help?

• What unconventional approaches - especially on-the-land approaches (like bike-riding, hiking, kyacking) are yet to be explored?

I think two BIG parts of mental health and wellness are meaningful, uplifting connections between people and physical activity (movement). These are things that our society - as it has been evolving technologically - has been gradually eroding.

Anyways...the big city shines the light on these complex issues. I find myself looking forward to getting back on the bike where life just feels simpler.

After picking up some more supplies, we head back to the campsite and coordinate the next leg of the journey.

It turns out, I will not be crossing over into Quebec at Gatineau as I expected. I will be continuing on in Ontario, riding along the Ottawa River to Hawkesbury and crossing over the Long Sault Bridge first thing on Thursday morning (July 16th) to get to Grenville, Quebec. I hope there is a "Welcome to Quebec" sign there.

I need to start thinking about getting my chain (and possibly my cassette) replaced in Quebec City. I will figure out where to get that work done and book an appointment.