This was by far our toughest day -mentally and physically!! No hills, no traffic, no kms… it was the weather that had us stranded at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre. It is a huge complex of arenas and pools right in the middle of farm fields… There was a kids’ camp going on that day. It was very busy and noisy in the lobby where I was sheltering.

I had tried leaving early that morning, around 5 am and again around 7 am. Each time I was turned back by the winds and thunderstorms. I got soaked and the air conditioning inside the building caused me to get a terrible chill. I was exhausted from being up so early (it being my second day on the road, I wasn’t hardened up yet) and not being able to find a quiet spot to get a quick nap really played hard on my peace of mind. After several hours of suffering through deep chills, I finally asked the front desk if I could buy a pass to take a warm shower. They said I could have one for free. I nearly cried with relief. After getting warmed up from the long hot shower, I got into dry warm clothes and tried to relax, read my book, ate snacks and closed my eyes as best I could. I was able to keep my cell phone charged up and so able to watch some movies, play on social media and stay in contact with my family and friends.

It wasn’t till well after 5 pm that the weather broke enough for me to attempt to continue on my ride towards Windsor where my Warmshowers Host, Benny was waiting for me. He had expected Dax and I to arrive the day before. But like on most bike tours, you just can’t guarantee that your plans will go according to plan due to weather and unforeseen events. This is truely what creates the “adventure”!

I was grateful for the indoor shelter from the wind, rain and colder temperatures that day but I was tired and very cranky and felt trapped. Mentally it was the toughest day bike touring I had ever experienced and no riding.. Dax took it all in stride like a champ. So proud of him.

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