Safe Return Doubtful

124 km (77 miles) – Total so far: 1,288 km (800 miles)

There’s a top little restaurant just at the back of the gas station in Jemseg and the food is excellent. After a take away from there last night, breakfast this morning was also very welcome. The chance for a decent breakfast can’t be missed, it makes such a difference later in the day. Several times there has been no option other than a convenience store so then it’s just muffins and fruit if lucky. I find it very tough to eat much once I’m started.

Two hours riding and into Fredericton. This was all on the 105 and was very quiet until the last few km and almost completely flat and alongside the St John river. I crossed the St John river in St John more than a week ago, on a 2 km bridge with only one lane of traffic going each way. Now I will follow it for the best part of 3 days, until Edmundston. For much if that it forms the border between Canada and Maine. In total it is 673 km long starting in Quebec and Maine.

Fredericton is the capital of New Brunswick, and what I saw of it didn’t early appeal. Downtown is south of the river and I was north, and had no reason to cross. I took a bike path for about 4 km through the northern suburbs and cam out back on 105 but north of town.

After a break the afternoon was very different. There were many more hills, some steeper than expected, and thundery showers. Three times I was soaked and once driven to cover from hail, although under the tree I was sheltering under I was getting wet still, so binned it and ploughed on. One bonus is I won’t have to wash my short, it had 3 good soakings.

The road climbs up around the huge Mactaquac dam only built in 2005 and extends 96 km upstream), and then undulates as it follows the east side of their river. The Trans Canada highway is about 20 km west, the 105 was the original road. It is prosperous area with good farming clearly and some superb residences. I arrived at the seemingly sleepy town of Nakawic in the late afternoon. I will venture out for a nose around shortly, but it does seem very sleepy. Sleepy suits me just fine though.

Distance 124 km, Max Speed 56.4 km / hr, Ride Time 5 hrs 49 mins, Moving average 20.7 km / hr, Departed 9:45 am, Arrived 4:00 pm.

Overnighting close to Route 2, the Trans Canada Highway

Functional and cheap. Many of these family run motels will accept offers, and for cash there will be no tax

Very recommended restaurant at the gas station at Jemseg – excellent breakfast in particular, couldn’t be more accommodating

This is the Trans Canada highway crossing the Jemseg River. The Jemseg river flows out if Grand Lake, south to the ocean.

One of few crossings of the St John river jus south of Fredericton, impressive bridge

My route through the north of Fredericton

The Mactaquac Dam in a heavy shower – plenty of thunder

An example of the sort of prosperous residence on the St John. I guess for 3 garages you need at least 3 cars, although the ride on mowers are huge, and that would need to go somewhere also

Nackawic on a beautiful Saturday evening

Liquor store located – always keen to try the local stuff, brewed in Fredericton, a Simeon Jones River Valley amber and a Picaroon’s Yippee IPA a little bit stronger