Inspired by my Warm Showers guests, I had the idea to ride to Montreal. Warm Showers is a website that connects cyclists who host and request a stay. I first met a Warm Showers guest when a friend was hosting a gentleman from Canada. I offered to make him lunch. It was such a pleasure to meet him, hear about his travel and to provide a small meal. The world I want to live in is one filled with people riding bikes all the time, including traveling by bike. I’ve been a Warm Showers host for a few years. My first guest was Klaas from Belgium. He was riding the NC BBQ trail. He loved whole hog BBQ and told me his favorite was Skylight in Ayden, NC. A few years ago, I went there while on a bike ride. It WAS the best BBQ!
So, over the years, I’ve hosted and been inspired by many cyclists – Christie, Javid, Emily, Michel, Cindi, Maren, Kay, Pablo, Katie, Ian. This trip was the first time I’ve used Warm Showers for the majority of my trip. I requested many stays over several days. I was able to be hosted for 5 of the 8 days on our trip. What a great experience. Meeting each host added a new dimension to the trip. Furthered fueling my desire to ride to discover more places by bike.
My friend and I drove to Brandon, VT then biked 175 miles to Montreal. The P’tit Train du Nord rail trail starts outside of Montreal and goes north to Mt. Laurier. We rode as far as Labelle which was about 2/3 of the total trail. I was hosted by some warm and gracious people in VT and Quebec. We camped at most places so we had our tent and sleeping systems. The bike is the best way to travel, meet people and really feel immersed in each town and city. The pictures are sadly out of order b/c I have no idea how to resequence them.
How I packed:
I took 3 outfits plus the mosquito outfit and rain gear. I washed every fourth day. I wore my one pair of sandals. Most of the room was taken up by my camp gear, clothes, plus some snacks and my iPad for route planning, communication.
Things most used:
paring knife to cut fruit, cheese, etc.
water bottle
dry bag
Things I’d like to take for next time:
butter
cinnamon, nutmeg for oatmeal
sugar for tea, oatmeal
Things I’m glad I took:
my Opinel paring knife
outfit treated w/permethrin to keep mosquitos away
route cards, plastic bag
padded gloves
sunhat, sun sleeves
chair
John’s Irish straps
Rain jacket and rain skirt