July 26 th 2010
Left Minnedosa on July 22nd and did an epic day of 225km into Winnipeg (rain) where Joe, Kaly, Gino and myself had our bikes fine tuned and Joe had the bearings replaced on his bottom bracket. Maureen had scouted out several bike stores but only Woodcock cycle on St-Mary's street in Winnipeg could repair Campagnola components, and what luck this was. They did a stellar job and many thanks to Don and the mechanics who went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure everything was in working condition.
So we spent the night in a hotel nearby and what a treat. Clean showers, comfortable beds, etc. Next morning, went over to Woodcock's where we had left the bikes and picked them up after Joe's bike was repaired. Got on the road late and biked 60 km out of Winnipeg. Could not make it to our intended campground but met a lady (Teresa) at a convenience store who when asked about nearby campgrounds offered her front yard. So, 25 km later we set up camp. In stark comparison to our previous accommodations.
I took a shower under the garden hose while hundreds of mosquitoes joined me. Had supper and breakfast the next day in raingear the most effective mosquitoe repellent we know. As we quickly drove away the next morning, we soon found out why there was so many mosquitoes. Kilometer after kilometer of marshes and bull rushes. Ahh !!! Manitoba land of the hungry mosquito. Since entering Ontario the landscape has changed a lot and we are back to climbing hills again. St-Rita to Kenora, Ontario: 160km; to Caliper Lake 129 km (very hilly and hot 32*C) to Fort Frances, Ontario today 100 km.
Here are some pictures.
Lee ...
Thanks to everyone for your donations the Cerebral Palsy support foundation.
