Day 11. A bit tough today😜

Eastman to Camping Lac Magog (near Val du Lac, Quebec

8/28/23. 40 mi. AIS: 4:33 8.6 mph Elev 1841 ft.

Not sure if the AIS stat records time when we are pushing. It might be too slow to register. Sure felt like more than 4 hours!! Even though we went about the same distance as yesterday it was definitely tougher.

I need to show you how they set up temporary (but for all summer) camps in Quebec. They’ve had a really wet summer we’ve been told.

Boy oh boy was I ever glad to get to camp today! It was a slow going. We had originally planned to get to Sherbrooke and hotel it but it became apparent around 4 pm with at least 8 miles to go that plan B was the best option. Here’s how the day progressed:

Left camp at the usual 8:45 am. Seems to take about 2 hrs to pack up the tent, eat breakfast, toilet etc. Today we spread out around the various campsites that had some sunshine to dry off the fly, footprint and tent a little. Camping near a lake and Quebec in general brings a lot of moisture.

Following our usual Route Verte trail system we were headed to Magog. The trail was more gravelly than usual and had quite a bit of climbing. There was a downhill that felt like I was mountain biking. I had to brake a lot because I was afraid of sliding out… it was steep! It was slow going but all rideable. We didn’t have to walk. We did make a couple interesting stops though.

First quick stop was Le Castor. A ski hut deep in the woods. Sleeps 20… 10 bunk beds! Nordic trails are everywhere in those woods.

Next stop is as another Mont Orford National Park on a lake. It had a really sweet picnic area. The day was beautiful with lots of sunshine so we took out time and had little cheese sandwiches and clementine oranges for a 1st snack.

Time to get going and start toward Magog. This is where the going got tough. Started with switchbacks up toward Mont-Orford ski area. In this section of trail they paved the trail whenever it was steep. We learned the French words: vers laraide: too steep! Every time we saw it was paved we knew it meant trouble!! Numerous times we had to PUSH our bikes up a hill. I’m not talking walk next to your bike and roll along steep… I’m talking get low and use your butt and your legs push.. just like the “sleds” they push in HIIT classes at the gym. Jim actually rode up one that slanted towards the woods… he just about lost it. He said adrenaline saved him!

Finally we rolled into Magog. It opened up into beautiful countryside. Magog is also on a big lake. Lac Memphremagog. It is huge. Goes into Vermont too. Magog had a beautiful park along their waterfront so we stopped for a beer and chips and guacamole. Like I said, it was a sunny nice day so that was a very pleasant stop.

But we still had 25 miles to get to Sherbrooke. The riding got easier but we still had some long gradual climbs. We got to the town of Deauville and made the decision to stay at the next closest campground. Rolled into the campground and to our campsite just before 6pm. Set up camp, showered and had a quick and easy freeze dried meal we have been carrying.

Tomorrow we are shooting for Melbourne. Recommend mountain bike or gravel bike. After todays experience, I’m not too sure….

Things to note:

Most of the lakes are actually reservoirs. The province of Quebec uses 90% hydroelectric energy. The government also owns the power sources in Canada.

The campground showers often cost $1. Coin operated. We’ve had anywhere from 4, 5 or even 8 minutes. 8 is too long. I could last that long even when I was my bike clothes in the shower with me. 4-5 is just right.

When washing our clothes after biking they never really get dry. I’ve been putting them on the bike rack with straps so they dry while I ride. The days aren’t as long as Southern Tier ride, less sunlight to dry them.

Questions to answer:

The wiggle: While climbing the steep hill you just slightly turn your handlebars right and left. It takes the pressure off the straight line and gives you a little relief. It is not “ tacking” across the road. This works on pavement but not so well on gravel! My brother Joe who is an excellent hill climber taught me this on the roads in Spanish Peaks at Big Sky! They have a few steep ones there.

Our bikes have really good climbing gears but with the heavy load and steep as 8-9% it’s pretty hard. I did stand up for one short one. I’m afraid to get stuck and tip over because my shoes are clipped in to the pedals.

No we did not stop long enough to actually play chess in Montreal!

If y’all have any questions I’m more than happy to give you an answer. Send them in comments on the website or on my Facebook posts.