I know I slowed down (okay, stopped) with the updates as we went along. I’ll blame fatigue, beer, and late nights (and a struggle with the Oxford comma). Of course, it has nothing to do with how jam-packed our last two days on the road and the two nights at the Keltic Lodge were.
In summary, we continued to meet many people on our climbs and descents at the various lookouts, including the two couples from Montreal. Many Americans showed interest in our jerseys, with some apologizing for their leader. There was a friendly-fire incident where Louise was caught in the crosshairs (see what I did there Chuck?). With the exception of Joanne’s brake issues and Louise’s drivetrain, we finished in good health, safe and sound.
Who are we?
Following two months of training and a week on Cape Breton Island, one truly gets to know these wonderful people.
Coach Tracy
My bike: Trek
I feel like I’ve known Tracy a lot longer than I have, and this trip (and the training) was yet another opportunity to enrich that relationship. Her famous line during the training portion was “you guys are going to hate me at some point.”
She was right.
Until we started up Smokey. Immediately, we knew why we were pushed so hard in preparation. Yeah, it was tough, but I said to myself halfway up — not nearly as difficult as anticipated. This would ring true for the remaining climbs.
I’m so grateful for the leadership, planning, and training that got us to this stunning part of Canada. From the first training ride to the Keltic Lodge, this has been an incredible journey that’s brought our group even closer together.
Meet the cyclists:
Veera
My bike: Luv (Giant)
I was chuffed to hear Veera mention how the group helped her on the challenging parts of the ride as we went around the table on the last night. She has no idea how her presence on North Mountain made such a difference in my climb.
To say Veera is an introvert is somewhat obvious (being one myself). I’m sure the end of the day, retiring to her room, leaving the shenanigans behind, was very reenergizing for her. Having said that though, I saw a big change in her over the training and trip itself.
Joanne
My bike: Cannondale
As mentioned earlier, Joanne got the full experience on the trip and handled the adversity with aplomb.
Let me go back to spring 2024 if I may; Joanne decided to join Chuck, Penny, and me on our ride to Tracy’s strength class every Thursday. There was no looking back from there. What I witnessed over a year is nothing less than stellar. I now can’t imagine a group ride without her. I’m pretty sure she’s thinking about the next adventure as we speak.
Like Chuck, I found Joanne’s presence on the rides a real grounding influence. No matter what was thrown at her, I’d look back and inevitably she’s be climbing right there or on her way down. Leaving Pleasant Bay must have been a mental hurdle, but once again, there was Jo, steady and strong.
Paul
My bike: Bertrand
Speaking of overall improvement; Paul shows up on day one of our Wakefield overnighter with a completely different bike and I’m thinking this is kinda late to be making such a change.
Then I saw him in the park and he looked so happy and was just flying! It was an older Bertrand borrowed from Yvan with a great gear range. I know that Paul had a great sense of pride and satisfaction for both himself and Anne as he shared on our last night out. He was verklempt (Jo’s word choice) in talking about what really was a défi for him – made easier with his life partner along.
Speaking of life though, if Paul had said one more time that Tracy hadn’t warned him of the next climb, there may have been a threat to said life. Like Charles, Paul helped our group reach out to the locals and tourists, offering his in-depth perspective on so many things. Finally, as we wound down at the Lodge, I got to experience Paul on the tennis court and his skills left me in awe.
Anne
My bike: Pinarello
Anne is our steady beacon both on and off the bikes. Whether it’s her steady cadence on the flats or the perseverance on the climbs, staying with Anne has its benefits both physically and mentally.
Not everyone in the group liked the downhill portions of the trip: Anne was very much the exception. That familiar crouch over the handlebars and I knew we were in for some speed. Those were some of my fondest memories of the ride.
Anne led the “destination” cohort, often corralling the others back on their saddles for the next section. I must have been a little part in both camps as I cycled often with the “Destination” team but could spend a lot of time just takin’ in the views.
Denise from Thursday’s class one time said to me “it’s so nice you have guy friends.” I think the same about Anne and Louise; friendships like that are special and rare.
Dan
My bike: Trek
Again at the last supper, I wanted to mention something about Dan (and Joanne), noting that their respective levels of development over the last two months had been monumental! To discover that he can take all the ribbing we gave him was a bonus. Best line “I knew I’d taken a wrong turn when I saw the city skyscrapers”.
Another bonus was being able to meet and spend time with the lovely Linda and see Dan light up in her presence. Now there’s pressure on the other couples to hold hands in public.
In addition to the huge improvement over the training and cavity itself, Dan’s sense of humour also revealed itself, adding to the levity of the group. Dan doesn’t like people following him and prefers to set his own pace. That pace increased over the trip.
Louise
Mon vélo: Look
At the last supper, Louise talked about being the newcomer to the group and feeling so welcome; I was so pleased to hear her say so. In Merrickville, on our training ride, I overheard Louise say that she didn’t know what she’d do without Anne in her life. At that point, I knew I was going to enjoy getting to know her.
Louise is a strong, smooth cyclist, making it look effortless. She also showed her mettle when she experienced mechanical issues. She allowed Chuck and me the space to trial and error in hopes of a solution. The dirty beer was helpful and a great excuse not to have to shower.
I’m hoping there are many more rides with Louise and Yvan in our future – if for nothing else but the smile.
Charles
My bike: Surley Bridge Club
We already know that Charles is one who wants to ensure that everyone is taken care of and ride-ready. I don’t know about you but just having him on the road gives me a feeling of calm and that things were going to roll smoothly that day.
Chuck and I have done several trips together, and they’ve been so much fun. This one took on a different perspective though, given the aforementioned riders and with Joanne along too. I don’t know how he does it, but no matter the climb or any adversity, there was always a smile, be it at the look outs, lunches, or when all was completed for the day.
Chuck was the ambassador; engaging with other cyclist, reaching out to tourist along the way and the locals in the pubs and restaurants. Other than the famous “handshake”, the feedback from others was always so positive.
And finally Katie
The White Van
First of all, I think it’s great when one’s adult child wants, or is willing, to spend a week with Mom and a bunch of old folks (who occasionally fart).
Katie, did this and more. She was our support along the way (for emergencies only) as well as a welcomed addition to our dining tables.
It’s hard to describe, but when you’re on the road for eight to ten hours, just seeing the van, the smile, and a wave added to my confidence that all was going to be okay.
♣️🦶
Paul
Ride: Brompton
Chuck and I were very pleased when Paul decided to join the adventure. Travelling to Nova Scotia with Paul and Chuck was like vacationing with 14-year old boys (am I right Veera?)! However, his encouragement and support throughout this adventure made up for all the shenanigans. Paul is the guy who gets things done, albeit quietly and under the radar. A few of us definitely benefitted from his calm and experience.
I am thankful that he documented the voyage and friendships forged.
BTW Paul’s ride always gets the most attention.
Thanks Jo! You made the long journey to and from Ottawa so enjoyable. And 14 year-olds? You were being generous
Thank you ♣️🦶. Those were very touching bios. A significant high, followed by the group disbanding. I’m missing everyone. Fond memories I’ll cherish forever.
It helps being a real estate novelist
So well written Pj Pauly. Such a great way to highlight the rest of the trip and all it meant to us, as a collective group. ♥️ Grateful for the memories and fun times . Not so grateful for the farts 🤣🤣🤣
Love this post! You captured it all! So glad that I decided to go on this adventure and even happier to have gotten to know all of you. This trip pushed me out of my comfort zone in more ways than one. Thank you to all of you for getting me there 🙂
Thank-you Paul for your astute observations and eloquent description of this incredible trip.
From the start when we trained together, grumbling up the hill repeats, and laughing at the antics I felt thankful to have discovered such a great group of people who made it all so much more enjoyable. Thanks to Tracy’s encouragement and support we got through some pretty impressive climbs!
I was also very appreciative knowing that we had the technical support of Chuck and bad Paul!
Thanks to everyone for a wonderful trip !