May 30, 2007

An afternoon to be tourists.

It was a late night last night trying to catch up on log entries and add some pictures, etc. Both Denny and I slept later as we arrived in camp later yesterday. There were a few light showers during the night but it was overcast but dry when we got up. While breaking camp it started to rain and didn’t stop until we arrived at the hotel in the old city. It was a light but steady rain. I asked Denny if that is what they call a farmers rain and he agreed that it was.

The good news.

Today we continued to follow le Route verte Route 5 which is also Quebec Route 138 for the most part except a few areas that used rural roads and a couple of short bike trails. The ride into Quebec City avoided most heavy traffic areas and was well thought out as it is pretty much a straight go. There were however two very nasty hills. One I estimate at around a 16% grade and the other around 14%. We may have been able to avoid one as we are not sure we were on le Route verte 5 as the signage was not very clear. In any event we would have had to gain the elevation but maybe at not as steep a pitch.

The really bad news.

If you are familiar with the city we arrived on the south side and went by the Citadelle, and straight into the old city. The tourism department in Quebec really has their act together. They have these INFO ? buildings which are staffed with knowledgeable and friendly attendants who are quite helpful. We stopped at one about 8K out, were given bike route maps of the city and instructions on how to best get in. We were told to stop at another just outside the old city walls to get help in finding a reasonably priced hotel. Not only was a room located for us that fit our needs, it also was paid for at the Info station. With directions in hand it was no hassle at all. We could have spent hours finding a suitable room in the old city. I extend my thanks to Josianne for her courteous efficient service.

Josianne giving us directions.

After checking in we cleaned up the bikes before bringing them inside. They were wet, covered with mud and sand and needed cleaning up. “A clean bike is a happy bike.” The room is quite nice. A real shower, electricity, and a regular bed will be a treat. We have been out six nights, and have camped every one. Denny went out to do our laundry a couple of blocks away while I started catching up with some computer stuff.

View from the boardwalk.

We went out to dinner and walked around the city a bit. There are not a lot of tourists about so there were no street acts on the boardwalk high above the river. It was a dry and comfortable early evening, nice for walking around.

Tomorrow morning we will be getting breakfast in the city before we head down to the ferry and begin riding again. The forecast looks pretty good for the next few days as we head northeast following the river.

Jim

Cycledog (Ride the extra mile!!)

© 2007 - JNS