June 8, 2025
Day 28 Blenheim, Canada, to Algonac, MI
Average speed: 12.4 mph
Today was a good, easy day. I stated moving at about 7:30, overcast with a cool breeze. Up the dirt road alongside the farm where I stayed and then several others along the way. Eventually to the main highway, but being Sunday morning, traffic was light. From there it was gentle riding, no hills, and back roads for awhile. The back roads were dirt, packed, so still a pleasant ride through more farm country. I saw a lone person walking along a stretch several miles long, enjoying the solitude of the moment.
One section of back roads was difficult though. To keep the dirt roads in shape, loose gravel is spread, I guess, at this time of year. I encountered one of these loose gravel roads for about 1.5 miles. It was tough. The bike was slipping, the rocks were flying, and I thought for sure a flat was coming. It was a constant seeking for the “hard” spots amongst the rocks. I made it through, no flats.
Then back to high speed, in lane biking on asphalt. Not an big issue since the traffic was light, and I just motored along. I made good time (highest average speed today), and the miles peeled away. I eventually made it to a road right along the river, the St. Clair, which separates the US from Canada. I was getting close.
The scenery was pretty, with cottages along my right and the river and a marsh on the US side. It reminded me of Selkirk and the ride close to Lake Erie. Then the roads turned to packed dirt with some bumps. The right pannier acted up again, and I just dealt with it. Even the GoPro fell off the handlebar. It broke apart on the dirt, but it was all fixable. I need a new system or clip.
Then it was back on the highway into Walpole Island. I did not realize it, but Walpole Island is Indigenous peoples land. A few more miles along this stretch to the ferry to cross the St. Clair to the US.
Deeper into Walpole Island, and closer to the ferry, there was a monument to an Indigenous leader, Tecumseh. He was a tribal chief who formed a Native Confederacy to oppose US expansion into Native American Territory. He died in the War of 1812 while fighting for the British.
While looking at the monument, a touring cyclist arrived, coming from the ferry. Scott was following the Northern Tier and Lake Erie Connector as well, but in the other direction. He started in Appleton and was headed south, via another ferry to catch Cleveland on the main Northern Tier route. He’s an experienced touring cyclist, camping mostly, and only does 25-30 miles a day. That is a casual pace. He had his “system” down - camping, clothing, cooking, weather - and of course, lighter than my load. I’m learning.
Then the ferry - similar to the “Ti” ferry or others I’ve ridden in Vermont. CAD$3. It’s a great resource, and without it, the route adds about 20 miles to the nearest bridge.
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Into Algonac and Pearl Beach. It seems to be a water sports and fishing destination with a very nice park along the river. I biked a few miles down to the hotel and enjoyed an afternoon lounging along the banks of the St. Clair.
Finally, the plan is to end the trip tomorrow. I’ll bike to Detroit, manage the shipping logistics and fly back to Boston the next day. When I planned this trip, I had mapped it out for all the way to Seattle, but always kept the perspective of seeing how far I could get. I wasn’t sure what I could do and so was managing my own expectations. Physically I’m fine, which frankly is a bit surprising. My body feels good and have no knee or back issues. But I think mentally, I’ve had my fill of riding and the daily routine. My appetite to try a cross-country trip has been filled for now, and perhaps I might get hungry again. Nonetheless, for now, this trip will complete tomorrow. I’ll let you know how my big city ride to Detroit goes tomorrow.
Today's ride: 40 miles (64 km)
Total: 1,101 miles (1,772 km)
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