2Swans a swimming, there was 4 but that doesn’t sound as good

Another windy ride and my first time caught in the rain.. seems I’m a fair weather rider

It was another quiet ride today with more time for inner reflection.

I’ve noticed while riding there are spots, places that I ride through that feel good.

It’s hard to describe , but yesterday while riding, it’s windy, a bit cool, misty rain and as I round the corner the sun comes out, the fresh cut field is golden.

I feel the warmth from the sun on my face and I find myself smiling ;)

I start to purposely turn my bike and for a moment I’m lost in the feeling.

Just like life itself I’m quickly brought back to reality by a big truck quickly passing me and the clouds and wind start blowing again…

Like a golfer with the perfect hit , I’ll be out there again chasing that euphoric riding experience ;)

The day of the Monarch Butterfly

Today I felt blessed to see so many Monarch Butterflies.

In late August, the Monarchs are emerging from their cocoons and beginning their migration south to Mexico.

The Monarchs fly thousands of kilometres on their trip to Mexico, makes my biking goal of 550 look small ..

( but they aren’t sitting on a bicycle seat )

I thought today I’d bike a little farther and investigate the Tom Thompson trail.

I’d decided today to stay on the road , no rough trails, lots of hills, and lots of wind !

In saying that I was excited to find this park but it prohibits bikes on the trail.

As I continued southeast I encountered 4 young lads on small dirt bikes and it took me back to my youth.

My friends and I all had mini bikes, we never wore helmets back then and we’d ride the backroads like we owned them.

I wanted to stop the young lads and tell them to enjoy every moment of this day the ride , the friendships they shared

That they were living their best lives at this moment.

As I pedalled on I started appreciating the amazing views from this elevation the valleys the cloud filled sky with Georgian Bay in the background, it was spectacular!!

By the time I found the next part of the trail my battery had dropped a bar and I still needed to ride back home .

When my battery dies it’s like pedalling an elephant so I don’t want to be far from home if that happens;)

Pretty happy I made it home before my bike died completely and just shy of 60 kms…

Feels like a Fall day!!

Windy and cool out there today.

After some wet cool weather we’re reminded that summer is coming to an end.

Beautiful fall is just around the corner!

I’ve been riding around Balaclava this year and have noticed an older farmer .

I’ve been observing him over the last 3 weeks as he watches his fields now being cut and baled by a hired hand.

It could be his son , or grandson that is doing all the heavy lifting.

Now all the heavy lifting is done by a machine.

At the corner in Balaclava there’s a building, most of the roof has collapsed except for the front it still has the roof intact.

Today while I was riding the door was open and the farmer was in there repairing

something probably for the tractor.

I’m not sure if I’m alone in this but I’ve created a story in my mind about this man and his life here in Balaclava.

I wonder how he feels about all the million dollar houses being built in his neighbourhood .

If he ever decided to sell all his farm land he could be driving expensive cars and living in a big mansion on the water but I think he’s happier puttering around in this rundown building .

It’s raining a bit when I pass him again and he’s sitting inside his old Impala and he waves .

I wonder if he makes stories up in his head ,about me, drawing conclusions like I have about his life ;)

Changing gears , and stories here ..

I came across another biker , riding a road bike or race bike , just at the bridge in Leith .

I passed him and was averaging 31km, he was keeping’s up with me and eventually passed me.

My bike won’t go any faster than 32 , no matter how hard I pedal .

So I passed him again and then after awhile we have a little friendly chat as we biked together.

When you bike alone you appreciate a wave , and a bit of a chat goes a long ways..

The Path less travelled

I’ve been wanting to explore this path , that I’ve been riding past and today was the day.

While driving by there always seems to be cars at this location so I knew it was something special.

I went in a less travelled path , a little overgrown for biking but I’ll know better the next time.

After finding the main path it was a nice mix of forest with expansive bay views and now I know why there are always cars parked here .

Lots of boats on the bay with the Salmon Spectacular in full swing.

Passed a couple of bikers on a large hill north of Robinson subdivision, and the one lady yelled maybe throw me a rope but we were almost at the top ..lol

Madi and I ride , together for another Year

We headed for Oliphant this morning, one of my favourite places to ride and the first time back ( riding my bike ) since moving to Owen Sound.

It’s still shocking to see the water levels so low..

We were having a little break at the dock when one of Madi’s classmates recognized her .. the young lady was there with a group attending a horse camp.

The kids were jumping off the dock while the horses were being unloaded from the trailer.

We’re taking the horses swimming Madi’s classmate told us ..

I thought to myself what a cool camp , imagine riding a swimming horse.

We rode North after our break , visiting a friend and received a donation promise .

On our return the horses were galloping along the shore of Oliphant beach, and in the picture of Madi you can see horses in the background.

Madi has been asking for awhile are we there yet , similar to being in a car on a trip. ( Are we there Yet ? )

When riding a bike it’s different, it’s not as comfortable as sitting in a car being bored.

It’s hot , you’re uncomfortable, parts of your body are retaliating against your journey.

Madi is riding a single speed bike, she’s grown so the seat is too low making it challenging to ride .

I have to change her focus, so we start talking about ice cream.

What’s you’re favourite kind of ice cream, what size do you want and before we know it we’re back at the truck .

If your in Sauble Beach and you want lots of choice’s for ice cream and a healthy portion size go to the Trading Post

Address ( 13 22nd St South, Sauble Beach)

Congratulations Madi, on your longest ride and look forward to riding with you again.

Grandpa

( Sorry Madi, looks like your heads cut off in the picture)