The Weather Underground warned us, as did our two BnB hosts–a lot of rain expected on Friday. We had to wrap our heads around biking 55 miles in it. We were in Maison du Doc’s garage, retrieving our bikes, putting on our rain boot covers and adding rubber bands for good measure. I really was not into this. Vic and I put our waterproof covers on our bags and rolled our Arkel panniers tighter. Heading out, we needed to find the route again. Vic’s bike computer kept beeping that we were off course until we saw the signs through the blur of raindrops–the Campagnarde bike trail. I am almost giddy now seeing bike trail signs. We had invested in some waterproof gear after our first rainy bike trip last year when our shoes were sloshing with each pedal stroke. We left our bike shorts exposed to the elements. It was summer, after all.
You start thinking of worse things that could happen when it is pouring down rain. It’s not snowing. It’s not lightening. And then you get calm and let the rain soak you. Vic and I were mostly silent. The trees on either side of the trail buffeted us from some rain. I was grateful for fenders. I was grateful for vacations. I liked riding on paths, but this route also had us riding on some road shoulders. Some of the trail had crushed gravel that never seemed to end. But after 20 miles the rain slowed. We found a shelter for eating some snacks, and we rolled into Drummondville. We were delighted to find a diner, as we seem to do on every trip. Comfort food. And hot coffee. The sun peered out and we then find out we are near a very large public farmers market that ended up being a gourmet stand as well. We bought some dried fruit and date swirl rolls. And 2 apples. Martine’s French is getting good. Out of boredom at mile 40, Martine starts practicing French on the bike and singing songs from the musical Oklahoma, and Vic is ready to get to our hotel.
The day seemed better, warmer, and more hopeful. But still 55 miles was a long day biking. We rode on some straight farm roads, and the clouds were at times ominous so we put back on our rain gear. The last 10 miles were on a smaller shoulder with some trucks. Not so pleasant. But the best was yet to come. We reach Nicolet and see a grand driveway entrance. The Hotel Monfort is grand. We get keys to our 4-star room, have a soak in the jacuzzi, loving that!–and finally after doing a little laundry in the sink, we have a light snack and glass of wine in the hotel restaurant. The beds have crisp white sheets, the towels are thick and we sink into sleep.
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