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| Threatening skies |
Today was billed as the big climbing day and lived up to its name. We arose to rain and threatening skies, and headed out of camp around 7:30.
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| Coastal Views |
After a short 20 mile ride, we joined up on the Cabot Trail, a spectacular route which hugs the coast of Cape Breton, except when it heads inland and up the 1,300’ to 1,500’ hills.
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| More of the coast |
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| Where's Waldo? |
Along the coast we passed by a lot that had about 100 “scare crows” on display so we stopped for a photo op.
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| After the first long climb |
The route today was 92 miles but the fun began after mile 60 with two steep climbs, one just under 4 miles at a consistent 11% grade, and the next just over 2 miles at a 13% grade. We were pouring sweat on the climbs as the weather was hot, sunny, and in the low 90s. After the first of the climbs, we stopped to refuel, mainly Gatorade and PowerAde for their high sugar content, and an ice cream cone. Since our fuel for the day is mainly sugar and water, I mentioned to Marc who I was riding with that we were like hummingbirds, looking for nectar at every possibility,
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| The road below. |
After some fun, steep descents, complete with switchbacks, we got into camp ahead most of the group – bonus because it meant no wait for the showers!
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