93 km (58 miles) – Total so far: 211 km (131 miles)
A quality evening in Route 44 bar chatting with locals and watching Red Sox baseball. Clam Chowder was fantastic, as was the Shipyard IPA.
I am enjoying and benefitting from the early hours of the Americans. Everywhere is closed by 10 pm, many restaurants earlier. Few are awake after that time. Quite a contrast from South America. Up at 6.30 after bed at 9:30 pm, and big breakfast at cafe opposite. I really struggle to eat anything other than a couple of bits of fruit at lunch while riding, so go large with breakfast.
Away at 8 into heavy rain which lasted all day, together with a north westerly wind to head in to. Not cold though, but thoroughly soaked all day. You may call me strange, but I really do love the rain. One of those things I missed on Bike Italy last year. I’ve not had a day riding in the rain since that epic 100 km day leaving the Puelo valley with 25 kids in December 2011.
Towns are much more spread out now, and there is very little between them. 10 miles to Harrington, 20 miles to Machias through many Blueberry farms, and 28 to Lubec. Dripping wet at a gas station in Machias I asked the woman behind the counter how far to Whiting (I missed Whiting out above as there is nothing there except 4 houses), she told me 25 minutes. I asked what distance it was, she said she had no idea. I pushed here a bit, 20, 25 miles perhaps? Sorry, she said, I really have no idea. The few locals stood around just shook their heads in agreement with her.
Lubec is the Canadian border. It’s a quiet way to pass into Canada. Across a bridge onto Campobello Island, and a couple of small ferries onto the mainland. That’s for tomorrow though.
In the meantime, a chilled afternoon as I’m finished early. I’m staying at Cohill’s Pub; a luxury at the end of a very wet day. I shall investigate the local beer situation tonight, and the seafood of course.
Distance 93 kilometres Max Speed 50.5 km / hr Ride time 4 hrs 48 mins Average speed 19.4 km / hr Departed at 8:00 am, Finished at 2:00 pm.
Route 44 bar – highly recommended, great Shipyard IPA and great seafood
…and this place for breakfast – a wet morning
no fuel left after this guy had finished – with the “caravan” it does 8 mpg
the technology – both are running excellently – the eTrex I used in Italy last year also
The Anatomy of a Puncture
I needed water to find the puncture, luckily there was plenty of it. This shows off my dam making skills
Encouraging sign – not far to go
Wet for the whole day, often heavy – quality conditions, good test of the gear
Remember this band from the 80’s? “The Girl From New York City” and “Duke of Earl”
Lead singer hasn’t aged well – sadly I will miss them
Safe Return Doubtful 
Leave a comment