Deer lake- Howley
Distance: 35km gravel road
Total time: 5 hours
“I am a stone
I am a rolling stone
I’m not afraid of falling
I will gain confidence
You will keep me safe
You will give me balance
I won’t stop, I will keep moving forward. “
This is the lyrics of my theme song today.
Today, the cycling crew finally met the supporting crew in the morning. Very familiar unpacking and packing actions, we are officially on the road. Locals drove all the way to our airbnb and talked with us.
The start of the ride was on a relaxing and beautiful gravel trail, which was suggested by a lady at a local ice cream store. After 10km in the paradise, we turned at the white house, where expectations crashed with reality. This is T railway trail, 25km long for today’s ride, a mix of loose rocks, big river rocks, an incredible steep gravel climb, and wet sand.
The widest tires that my road bike can take is 38mm. However, it’s far from enough for me on this trip in Newfoundland, it seems. Roy said, ” Riding on this gravel, you need to go straight, have speed, and be confident.” None of which I have. Piles of big stones on the trail bounced my bike into chaotic directions, making the riding very slippery, imbalanced and exhausting. You need a fat bike for this, I’ve heard this suggestion over and over again, and now I know.
The day ended with meeting the mayor of the region at a bar and having delicious pasta while watching sunset at the beach.
