Day 67 Quebec Cycling Tour Wednesday 24th June 2015
By Mel
Everyone emerged this morning, keen to make up for the lack of miles clocked up yesterday. After yet another delicious breakfast we set off.
Each morning we would gather noisily, slightly chaotically at our briefing on the porch for our map and instructions for the day. Today’s map was headed ‘The Bridges of Franklin County’
This necessitated another border crossing which we both had some anxiety about. Chris was asked again to step into the office where Officer Richardson took his prints and photo. This time everything just worked. Office Richardson was the right blend of professionalism and seriousness. Finally Chris emerged with visa in passport, back in the van and we drove into the US.
Highlights of today:
Riding 48kms and feeling like I was developing some understanding of the gears and the bike.
Excited with the ability to roll up and down hills without being too cardio challenged.
Beautiful buildings and covered bridges:
Tallmans’ Store in Belvidere run by the Tallmans for many years. On the counter were CDs for sale by a local Bluegrass style duo. Myrna Tallman as I purchased it said “My favourite is Track 3”. When I looked on the list: 3 Tallmans Store. It was an accurate description of the store and its stock!
Finishing the ride in Cambridge feeling accomplishment and having a wander around the galleries and shops of Cambridge.
Sitting on the steps of the health food shop with team mates and a tub of Arnica. Tris suggested we have an Arnica party as most of us needed it top to toe. My comment was the place I most needed it was not possible in public! My butt seriously hurt.
On the way home – border crossing again – into Canada so not so fraught but still the heart pounds a bit when the officer comes to the door of the van and says “So you have two Australians on board”. Lida suggests that when the officer asked his question that they should have asked in puzzlement ‘We do?”. Tris says that they should say “We don’t know how they got here!”. Much merriment follows. He then quizzes Chris on what we are doing in Canada – Chris tells him we are going to East Brunswick – rather than New Brunswick.
After dinner a visit to the winery (the second choice from our rainy day earlier in the week) Chapelle Ste Agnès.
The vision and passion of Henrietta Antony who began her working life as a very young girl working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week making lampshades. Eventually becoming a “self made” woman as an antique dealer. The Chateau included a chapel, vineyards stepped over many acres and managed mainly by hand, wine production particularly Ice wine, an extraordinary wine cellar and astounding buildings.
