Day 89 - Argentia, NL to Brigus Junction, NL

August 10 (Monday)

Start Time: 10:30 am

Stop Time: 4:00 pm

KM Travelled: 70.2 km

Elevation: +650/ - 538 m

Special Stuff: Newfoundland, Biking with other bikers

By 4:15 am and I’ve already been to the 'snack shack' on the 7th floor, which is open all night. I come across a handful of people mulling about - these are my 'early bird' kin. Last night's lively boat has settled down to a soft purr. Passengers are snuggled up with their loved ones in lounge chairs and sprawled out on air mattresses across the floor. A family has nestled down behind my chair - the baby's soother pops out of their mouth and rolls to a stop beside me - I tuck it back onto the mattress of the sleeping family. I enjoy the silence and solitude sipping on my coffee and watching the sky gradually transition from black to grey. There is no cheery sunrise this morning, instead, there is an alternate offering - in the distance I can see the coastline of Newfoundland.

• 

• 

• 

I’m looking forward to riding today. I’ve had 3 days off, which is the longest run since I started (I don't count yesterday as a riding day). The final stretch is 150 km and it will be hilly - I’ve managed my expectations and am mentally prepared for the climbs and descents that are waiting for me.

• 

The ferry docks and bikers (just me and Steve the Cross Canada Biker) are amongst the first to depart. We ride off the ferry and pull off to the side to let the ferry traffic to make their way down the road. I re-organize and weigh my panniers as we wait half an hour for the motorbikes, cars, trucks, recreational vehicles and transport trucks to disembark.

• 

• 

Steve the Cross Canada Biker and I, without directly discussing it, travel together. We have a similar pace of riding and he's great company.

Riding together with another biker is new for me - and I welcome the experience as I'm curious about what it's like. I am mindful that both of us have travelled over 6000 km alone and are entirely capable of doing the 150 km on our own. Here are a few things I learn from my first day of traveling with another rider:

• Leave a big gap between bikers. Across Canada, a pattern that I've noticed is that vehicles often overcorrect when passing me - veering over the white line into the bike lane ahead. When riding with another person - one can expect that this could happen.

• As always, make sure you are visible.

• Find a pace that works for both bikers.

• Maintain a balance between being supportive and respecting autonomy.

• Be flexible and open to learning to do things a new way.

• 

• 

Back in Nova Scotia, I had booked a campsite at Brigus Junction. Steve the Cross Canada Biker is more of a free spirit and has not yet booked a campsite - he asks if I would be open to splitting my campsite. I tune into my gut - and decide that I feel comfortable with this arrangement.

We get to the campground and find that they have a large campsite right close to the 'comfort station' (AKA washrooms and laundry) - it has plenty of space to set up a tent on either side of the picnic table. It is ideal an ideal site for sharing with two tents.

After setting up camp, I have a great evening chatting and having dinner with Steve the Cross Canada Biker. Given that this is the last night before I reach the finish line, I choose to eat the emergency meal (lasagna) that have hauled clear across the country. It is pretty crunched up and more like a thick soup, but tastes great!

At 8:00 pm, I retire for the evening looking forward to the final approach to Cape Spear. My daughter will be arriving by plane at 6:30 am tomorrow morning and will be joining Brian for my arrival at Cape Spear. I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them!!