Mob

Day 95. Tignish to Mill River resort. 30 MI. 5761 TTD. Weather perfect.

The first strange part of today was being in a car to start my ride. We drove from Charlottetown to Tignish and to Mile Zero of the Confederation Trail. In Charlottetown, we had been at McQueen’s Bikes, which I highly recommend, where they outfitted everyone and were extremely helpful and generous in getting us equipped. Then it was off with our transport and some 20 bikes, three Tagalongs, and I don’t know what else to start our ride.

By this time on my ride, my order of events is pretty rigid. I know my bags, what goes in each one, and where to attach them to my bike. It takes me about 5 minutes to get out the door. This morning, between bike fittings, transport, refittings, finding helmets, taking pictures, getting food together, placing water bottles on bikes, and turning kids in the right direction, we were about 5 hours before we were actually on the trail. It was very different but totally enjoyable.

What I found completely miraculous was that everybody was incredibly strong about riding and not whining. I think we had about a 70-year age spread, and yet everybody was a trooper. Even the little ones riding in the Tagalongs never whined and pedaled for much of the ride.

The funniest comment of the day was Brenna telling her mom how she didn’t want an e-bike. She was happy to be riding a regular bike this year because all the adults were finally riding regular bikes. What she didn’t like last year was all the adults (not me) zooming by on e-bikes and telling her to keep pedaling. Yes, we only have two e-bikes on this trip.

The trail surface was perfect and extremely pleasant to ride on. The surrounding scenery was beautiful, often with thick wooded trees to either side or sprawling farmland. It was wonderful to see my family together, laughing, talking, and most of all, loving each other.

We are still shuttling cars rather than riding self-contained, which is another change for me. I enjoyed going back with my wonderful daughters to get the cars, and we took a little side trip to the westernmost point of the island, which was beautiful.

Dinner wasn’t quite as quiet as when I was by myself, but it was definitely enjoyable. Tomorrow we’re off to Somerset.