GCC Ride #12 Friday, August 29, 2025

Last Friday was my final ride of the challenge, where I was able to clock 38 km with my friend, Elaine Gaudet, who loaned me her husband's "electric assist" bike (you still have to pedal--it won't go unless you pedal--but it just makes it easier!).

It was a great ride, and my first experience using an electric bike. Although they are heavy they do make a difference when you are going up hills, which there were on this ride! And, we covered more ground, which was important, after my week's break due to the camping trip I had just returned from.

We started at Elaine's house on the Steele Line, just north of the village of Quyon. Heading west then south into Quyon, we stopped at the newly re-opened Egan Mill and checked out what they had in their store. We then carried on towards Indian Point, which is known for cottages, the Tim Horton's summer camp but also as a historic place where local acheologists have been doing some recent digs. It was a well used stopping point for the peoples of the Algonquin nation before first contact.

Headed back to Quyon and took a break by the Ottawa River (see photo below) then returned to the Mill to make a couple of purchases before heading back to Elaine's. Rain was threatening and we actually had to take refuge under some trees during one shower on the way back, but after that we rode hard and managed to avoid getting wet again.

A great ride, a great introduction to e-bikes and a great way to end my challenge.

Thank you to everyone who has followed me and supported me. Such a good cause. I will likely be back next year! Watch for me, then.

GCC 2025 Ride #11 Monday, August 18, 2025

Yesterday's ride is the last one until I return from camping on August 27th. That leaves me just 3 days to wrap up my personal challenge of 200 km. But, I am confident I can do it!

The ride was a cooler.one..temperatures had dropped to 10 degrees overnight and even with three layers and gloves it was cool..But smooth..I know that route really well now and am happy to stick to it. The photo below is of some of the many wildflowers you see along the trail.

When I got home I felt tired and as the day progressed I realized I was getting sick. My throat was sore and I felt out of sorts. The good news is today I am no worse, in fact feel like it will be a very short lived cold. Lots of vitamin C and gargling etc.

So, this is it until August 28th, when I hope to get back.in the saddle and get at least another 25 km under my belt.

Thanks everyone for your support..

GCC 2025 ride #10 --20.12 km todsy

Today was my longest rde to date and puts me just under 150 km.

Was a cooler day after a bit of rain this morning making riding conditions pleasant despite some wind.

The main attraction today was the close encounter with two Wild Turkey hens and about 20 chicks of various ages, spread across the trail.

They were pretty funny, running back and forth. Got some photos but then decided it was time to continue. I ran my tinny little bell and they just scattered like a bomb had dropped. Some ran off the road, some took immediate flight into a near by tree and the larger mama hen took off down the trail as if pursued by the devil. She finally got airborne. It was quite funny to watch; kinda wished I had a video going to catch all the action. I'm sure no bird was injured in the excitement, or I sure hope not

(although these turkeys are quite a nuisance to farmers).

The rest of the ride was nice..covered some new ground and may try to do it again. But, tomorrow is a work day, so maybe Tuesday.

Day 9--August.25, 2025. Another 15km in the books!

With today's ride I am up to 125k km. I am finding the ride creates it's own energy. I will be taking tomorrow off but will be back on Sunday to start my final series of rides for the last 75km. I am quite hopeful I can make it happen!

The photo below was taken today from the trail....I love the recently harvested fields and the tree standing sentinel, in the distance!