Wow! What an amazing ride! I had been told that this ride would absolutely suck – “there’s nothing there, it’s so boring…” I decided to take back roads since I only had about 250 km to go, and what a treat I found for myself. Leaving Montreal was all industrial as I past the Molson plant with the working St. Lawrence on my right. As I emerged from some urban sprawl, I emerged into a countryside that I’d only seen in Europe. It was absolutely amazing the entire way as I found dirt roads, fruit stands and the gradual reduction in all things English.

The day started with some serious heat and got hotter as the day went on hitting 32 (90) at one point.

Stumbled into this little gem as I got ready to leave. Still not sure what they

Thankfully I took Motorcycle Brad’s advice on soaking my shirt before riding. Evaporative cooling is genius! What is not genius, is going over the top with baby powder on a day like this. I’ve been cooking gravy all day. I think I burned it.

As I move into the countryside, I’m met with quaint, French village after quaint, French village. It’s absolutely amazing. I could have used so much more time to explore. I must come back and make this drive again with more time. It continues to amaze me that I’m so close to the United States. It really takes conscious effort to bring myself back. It actually feels like I’m truly in a foreign country. I have no idea what the signs mean, and I’m pretty sure I’m breaking some rule every couple kilometers.

The excitement of the day was taking a u-turn too wide and going onto the shoulder, which I thought was crushed rock. Nope. Sand. Sand is awesome on a beach, but not so awesome on a 600 pound cycle. The front wheel went in, and I went down. Now, when I say I went down, it’s more like I stepped out of the way of the bike as it melted onto its side. Of course, every time this happens, afterwards you say, ah man, why didn’t I get a photo? Why? Because the whole time you’re going, “ohshit ohshit fuckmeshit sonofa I do not want to get stuck here I don’t even know where I am ohcomeonyouidiot…” as you struggle to lift the beast up get the kickstand underneath get on before it sinks completely and try to move out of the hole all the while sweating furiously. And did I mention the gravy? I’m seriously risking it boiling over. What a mess. So, I get on, and the bike is precariously perched along the drop-off of the shoulder. I hit the gas and try to ease it out, but of course hit it too hard and bury the back wheel. Now I’m really pleased by this rookie performance. Somehow I gain enough purchase and keep the bike upright to pull it out of the hole and make my way. Big smile on my face as I’ve conquered my foe once again. Ha!

The next bit of excitement came as a spec a long ways off. By the time I realized what was happening, you guessed it, too late. This “bug” (I use the term very loosely – it was more like a small cat with wings or at a minimum a gerbil) transformed from spec into flying beast in a split second. We made eye contact, and we shared a touching moment as we both connected and thought the same thing – shit. this is going to hurt really, really bad. The last I saw of him he was doing a full-on cartoon backpedal like sylvestor sliding on a banana with big, wild eyes and limbs all aflailing knowing with certainty he’s just been out-thunk by Tweetie. Then, WHAM! It was over so quickly, but the result was not pretty. Imagine getting hit by a cherry tomato packed with guts that’s been thrown 75 miles an hour and hits EXACTLY the bridge of your nose in between your sunglasses. The only outlet you have is clenched teeth and grefgehetrgewgrgegeregrrrrrrr into your helmet. Then you come to and realize you have guts ALL OVER your face, sunglasses, everywhere. Oh come on, come on, seriously, ugh, ahhhh… You’re laughing, grossed out and half blind trying to find a safe spot to pull over and hose yourself down. I literally had to soak my glasses as the spatter pattern covered them end to end. Forensics confirmed by the spatter pattern and blood analysis, there was alcohol in the bug’s blood stream.   As I emerge from the cleanse, sort of grossed out but unharmed, my thoughts turn to my bug friend who I have just connected with so intimately. I’m certain that this collision has been harder on him than me. I send up a quick sign of the cross, say a few words of respect, and continue on my way.

I stumble into Trois Rios, and I am again amazed.

Seriously? This is Canada?

This is Canada? What? And now that I’m about halfway to Quebec, non one speaks English. I am yet again, not surprised that secession from the country is on the minds of the people here. During the ride through Ontario, the Canadian maple leaf flag was EVERYWHERE. Now that I’m in Quebec, it’s the Quebec flag that hangs everywhere. It’s pretty clear that the people here are Quebecoise first and Canadians second.

These flags are everywhere. Looks like rain, but it holds off for once.

Pretty interesting. I hope to get a better feel for this as I explore the city.

As I sit here at the cafe, I wish that I had the ability to write things down while I’m on the bike. I come up with my best stuff while riding, but I always manage to forget it by the time I’m sitting at my computer. Yesterday I actually had to slow down I was laughing so hard by myself on the bike. Pretty good day when you can drive yourself to tears through laughter. Wish I was that funny to everyone else…

My next stop was for yet another traffic jam, but this one was of a different sort, and I was glad I rode into it. I got to see a shake of life from the region and enjoy some of the greatest apples I’ve ever had.

Traffic Jam!!

The woman working the stand was also responsible for the cows, so I had to wait a moment for her to come back to take my picture. She speaks as much English as I do French, but we had a wonderful time together. She was all smiles and kindness, and when we couldn’t understand each other, we’d just giggle a little bit and take a healthy bite of the tastiest, sourest apples. She was nice enough to take my photo too. What a great stop. I could have done this so many times today.

I arrived into Quebec City last night passing the 3,200 km (2,000) mark for the trip so far.

Fist night dinner at le Cochon Dengue - the Crazy Pig!

And I thought Montreal was European. Yowza, Quebec City takes it to a whole new level.

My new favorite dessert - BEAVER TAIL!!

I am either in a European village or a Hollywood set designed to exactly resemble one.

My new favorite tshirt. Screw fashion. Had to buy one.

It’s truly amazing. I have only explored a bit, so more on QC tomorrow. The place I’m staying with the guys is perfect – right next to the Louis Garneau plant where I’m getting a tour in a bit and

Even the table tops are sexy - this guy is getting worked!

hopefully a little shopping in the outlet. Then Louis is taking some riders and me out on his boat later. Sweet! Off to explore… Now where the hell did I park? And I wonder how much parking tickets are. I think I’m about to find out…