There’s a new plan afoot

The original plan for my journey across Canada was to fly to Victoria and cycle across Canada to St. John’s Newfoundland. Something I didn’t like with this plan was that with Sue being a teacher, she’s limited to joining me along the way to either July or August. I couldn’t figure out where would be a good place to take a break that Sue could join me so we could have a mini-vacation. When I was supposed to be out west through the exciting parts like Banff and Calgary, it would have been in June and Sue would be working. In July I would be passing through close to home, but that’s not very exciting for Sue because she wouldn’t get to travel, and by the time I reached Newfoundland, she would have been heading back to work.

Last week I met up with Sue’s cousin Cheryl, who travelled across Canada by bike a few years ago. She suggested I start my trip from Ottawa and head east to Newfoundland, then fly to BC to begin my trip back to Ottawa. This is a brilliant plan because it works on so many levels:

• My journey begins and ends at home, allowing Sue to see me off, and some interested parties to bike with me at the beginning and end of my journey.
• Sue finally gets to see Newfoundland, the only province she has not visited.
• Sue can come and see me in Banff (I’ll be close to Banff on our anniversary) because she will still be on holidays, as opposed to my original plan when the timing would have allowed her to see Selkirk Manitoba for instance. No offence to Selkirians, as I assume they are called, but it’s no Banff.
• I am not riding through the mountains in BC and Alberta at the beginning of my trip.

After our Newfoundland vacation Sue and I will fly back to Ottawa, where Sue will head home and I will make a connecting flight to Vancouver, cycle to Victoria and to carry out the rest of my journey from there.

Although I was originally planning on leaving on May 19, the actual date of departure is up on the air depending on a number of factors, including when it would be best for Sue to arrive in Newfoundland and where I will be on our anniversary, July 21st. It would be nice to be somewhere like Banff where we can celebrate our 8 wonderful years together. Given these two factors, May 24th is the best date. Sue wants me to leave on a Sunday, so she can see me off. This also works as a couple of Sue’s cousins have expressed interest in riding with me when I am close to Ottawa, so they can actually join me at the beginning of my ride, or end as I approach home, which will be fun.

You can click here to see the planned route for my journey. The route is a guideline and may change when I get on the road for any number of reasons, like road and weather conditions, fatigue, wanting to stay an extra day in an interesting spot, etc..

It’s exciting to see things coming together, and although still very much concerned for my safety, Sue seems to be getting more comfortable with my trip. I’m excited as well to have you along for the journey, and I can’t wait to start sharing my experiences.

Safe ride.

Bill