Day 14: Nackawic to Perth Andover

140 km (87 miles) – Total so far: 1,428 km (887 miles)

Last night just after I checked into the only motel in Nackawic, the couple next door asked me to eat with them at the Golf Club, which was just nearby. They were in town as their was a 50th birthday celebration the following day. The golf and country club has a tremendous course and had been very busy during the day. Although the food was only “grill – fry” as usual it was a good fun evening. A Scotch guy was there, younger brother of the birthday person and had travelled specially. I breakfasted with him this morning also, in his kilt before his round.

This was not an uneventful day, biking days rarely are. A hilly start to the morning for the 40 odd kilometres to Woodstock. From Woodstock on to Hartland, which is famous as you will see from the photos for having the world’s longest covered bridge. Why covered you may ask? Many are in eastern Canada and New England. I suspect the answer lies in the fact that headless horsemen cannot ride through them.

A drink break here and onwards and north westwards on the 105 and the right bank of the St John to Florenceville. There were now heavy storms, similar to yesterday but heavier rain with more thunder and lightning. I was ready to finish and rode up the hill to the motel. This is where the headquarters of McCain foods is and the motel was a smart hotel. For too posh for me. Back down the hill 3 k and on through Bristol and Bath. At Bath having just sheltered from a storm, and with another threatening I was about to camp. The next town, Perth Andover was 35 km+. A late change of mind though, and I decided to go on. It is the Sunday of a long weekend (Monday is New Brunswick Day) and many stores and restaurants were already closed. At the top of the hill 2 km out to Bath I had a puncture just as the storm hit.

Repairs done, and suitably therefore rested, the ride into Perth was a fast and wet one. It was a great day. The challenge of a late afternoon repair in hammering rain and black flies threatening sends a reminder that is not always easy going, but a great ride in to Perth in the rain, which I always enjoy. There’s not much in Perth either, but a cheap motel to try and dry some gear and a Subway for food, and the Channel 5 highlights of course.

Distance 140 kilometres, Max Speed 55.9 km / hr, Ride time 7 hrs 15 mins Ride average 19.3 km / hr Depart 9:55 am Arrive 6:40 pm