July 8 - From Quebec City to Montmagny

Weather perfect for cycling on my birthday - not a drop of rain, lots of sun, temperatures reaching 80.
To start the official ride, the group cycled along the bike path to the ferry to cross the St. Lawrence River.

Our day was easy, cycling on flat roads with the wind on our backs. The bike paths detoured in and out of small towns that we enjoyed exploring.  The key direction for the day was to keep the river on the left so we would not get lost.

July 7 - Quebec City

Great weather in Quebec City until this morning.  We decided that the rain would not spoil our fun and used public transportation to tour the city.  This French speaking provinces of Canada remind me of our visit to France many years ago.

The group cheered when we saw the welcoming sign at our hotel.

July 5 and 6 - Lake George, New York

The drive to Quebec City takes two days. We stopped half way and visited our cousins Robin and Bert Weber in Lake George, NY.
On the same day, my cousin Wendy Block was visiting her aunt and uncle nearby at Lake Nebo.
We joined Wendy and her family the next day for breakfast. Since there is no road around the lake, we were transported to their home by motorboat.

July 4 - Celebration in Indio, California

My Heritage Palms "Wheelers" bike group is celebrating the fourth in patriotic attire. What great smiles for 6:30 in the morning. Of course, they are cycling early to avoid the heat in the desert this time of year.

July 4 - Celebration in Washington, D.C.

My grandchildren Adina and Ryan arrived last night from New Hampshire. What a great Fourth of July with everyone. The fireworks near the Washington Monument were spectacular.

July 2 - Packing Begins

Getting ready for a month long bike trip is always challenging.  Today I am walking around the house gathering supplies, bike stuff, vitamins, protein bars, carb bars, duct tape, inner tubes, tire patches, cycling glasses, extra glasses, healthy snacks, etc.  Cycling clothing considerations are easy in comparison to the everyday "stuff" we need.

In the middle of the pile is another card which reads "Life isn't always about where the road leads, it's about the good friends who make the ride worthwhile." How true!

July 1 - A Surprise

I am continuing to cycle to raise money to help all those afflicted with Parkinson's disease, like my brother Michael and my mother's nephew Harvey. Year after year friends and family support my "cycling to make a difference" and I receive many notes of encouragement.

Today, I was surprised with a generous donation from The Kramers and a t-shirt that I will cherish and wear on my trip. How appropriate - a bicycle along the beach in San Diego.  They know how much I love our new winter retreat in California.