Day 59 – The Matapedia (Saint Damase QC – Atholville, NB)

Posted from Petit Rocher NB Aug. 25th

Today, for the first time camping since BC, we were not awakened by the sound of zippers on sleeping bags or tents unzipping. Apparently the campsite was located near the Canadian testing grounds for 2-cycle engines, and the testing and incessant high-pitched whining of the motors began at 5:00 A.M.

Our route today took us over the northern tip of the Appalachian Mountain Range and then down along the valley of the Matapedia River, one of the world famous salmon fishing rivers in this part of Quebec. Clear blue skies and sunny weather made for another great day of riding.







It seemed that every two miles or so presented another photo-op. One of the amazing parts of the route was investment that the Quebec government has made in cycling paths in the area. They already have a lot of dedicated shoulders alongside the roads, and are in the process upgrading the shoulders to accommodate lanes in both directions.

Work in Progress

The finished product

The river views were amazing, heavy forests up the mountainsides on each side and wide clear waters.

The Matapedia

We got to ride through two covered bridges along the route – when riding through them the wood absorbs all the ambient noise and it is eerily quiet - quite the difference from the trucks rolling by us on the pavement.

I got stung by another wasp today, at mile 50 - this time in the inside of my mouth. That will teach me to keep my mouth shut!!! For the rest of the ride, my lower lip was swollen and numb, kind of like coming home from the dentist.

We left Quebec at the end of the day and rode into our 7th province – New Brunswick, and our 4th time change, setting our watches ahead one hour to Atlantic time.

A short 62 mile day tomorrow after 92 miles today..