July 28 - Rainstorms on the way to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

Our plans for the day changed this morning when Ken and Nancy informed us about the severe thunderstorms between 11 and 1. Since the first 20 miles of the ride was on dirt paths and no possible shelters, they decided to transport bikes and cyclists to the town of Waterloo to start the ride. The plan would be to ride as far as possible before the storm hit, find shelter and wait out the storm, or call to be transported in the van to our hotel.

Our group with Bill Fortune, John G, Margaret and myself finally started riding in Waterloo and cycled to Granby. On the way we stopped to photograph one of many statues on the bike path even though the rain was intensifying. John G showed Bill the train track switch lever system. The path was asphalt up until now but on the way to Farham, the path became crushed limestone. This surface is difficult to navigate with no rain and with major puddles and an uneven surface, I was working very hard to force my bike through the limestone and not fall over.

Our group decided to stop in Farham just to get out of the rain and eat lunch. After an hour, we got up enough courage to go out in the rain and pedal the last 15 miles. When we reached Auberge Harris, all were relieved that we had safely completed our day and proceeded to clean up and dry out!