Toronto to Kingston: The Final Post

September 3, 2011

The idea to bike to Kingston was born out of punctuated equilibrium. With extenuating circumstances comes crazy ideas; this was one of them. The idea was to accomplish something I'd be proud of - something that hasn't happened for five months (March 28).

The exact kilometres biked are unknown; blame the thief who stole my speedometer, sporting life for not having wired ones and my frugality for not wanting to pay more for a wireless one with no-value-added. But somewhere between 325km and 350km is a good estimate. The toughest part of the trip was getting out of bowmanville. The food, the weather, and the pain were all very discouraging. But I soon found a good rhythm and my legs stopped hurting as much. Everything after Port Hope (the most beautiful city on the trip) was smooth sailing. The weather cleared up and the countryside was comforting.

After arriving in Kingston today, I did feel mildly satisfied. Hopefully, the feeling will last for a while. Happiness is built on doing things properly, striving for excellence, and always, doing things you're proud of. It's about doing the right thing. I'll try to keep that in mind in the future.

Day 4: the finish line

September 3, 2011

It's been a wonderful three days, with many highlight and the weather on my side. I was happy to wake up today to find the TSX closed...forgot it was a Saturday. No more pain this week, fortunately.

I'm set for the final 67km, with a small ferry ride in the middle. There are few luxuries along the way, so it might actually be a "sprint" as I yearn to see civilization again.

Sent from my iPhone

Glenora Ferry

September 3, 2011

Can't do a triathlon. Have to take the ferry. Back on the mainland in a couple minutes.

35km to go

September 3, 2011

Outskirts

September 3, 2011

Day 4: Kingston

September 3, 2011

Day 4 End: 350km

September 3, 2011

The ride ended up being more front-end-loaded than expected. The last 60km came without a struggle, mostly on well paved roads and a lot of downhill. I ended up arriving in Kingston just before 2pm, keeping the 20km/hr through most of the trip. With the only cities on today's run being Bath and Amherstview, I arrived in Kingston with a hungry stomach, and headed for Harper's.

I'll do one more summary post about the bike ride.

Day 3: Brighton to picton

September 2, 2011

Wonderful B&B. Great homemade breakfast. Lunch in Wellington. The
40km bike until then will be the most tedious part of the day. Legs are
oh so sore! — Wonderful B&B. Great homemade breakfast. Lunch in Wellington. The 40km bike until then will be the most tedious part of the day. Legs are oh so sore!

East and Main Bistro, Wellington, PEC

September 2, 2011

Funny how packed this restaurant is in a city of 1600 people. It is
apparently the best in the area. I felt bad for getting beer instead of
wine in wine country but how can you blame a biker? The fish and chips
are not the usual. But they have ch… — Funny how packed this restaurant is in a city of 1600 people. It is apparently the best in the area. I felt bad for getting beer instead of wine in wine country but how can you blame a biker? The fish and chips are not the usual. But they have character.

Slickers Icecream, bloomfield

September 2, 2011

Stocks hammered, legs burning. But at least there's good ice cream.
Heard a lot of good things about this place. They're in Kingston too
apparently. — Stocks hammered, legs burning. But at least there's good ice cream. Heard a lot of good things about this place. They're in Kingston too apparently.

Edwardian House B&B in Picton

September 2, 2011

Another wonderful B&B. The landlord gave it to me for $100 (instead of the usual $150) after announcing that I was a Queen's commerce student. The room is much more pleasant than the previous place, and the washroom is all mine! Both were great though, of course.

End Day 3: Picton - 275km

September 2, 2011

Ended today at around 2:30pm, which translates to a good 20km/hr. A relatively short ride, but a well needed break before tomorrow's sprint to Kingston. Prince Edward County is very scenic as promised, though drivers aren't as friendly to bikers here for some reason. Picton should hold some surprises in store as I have the rest of the day to wander. For those interested, my trip more or less follows the waterfront trail, which takes some detours to explore Lake Ontario and the neighbouring ports. Of course, while there are times when I just say "fuck it" I'm not going on dirt paths to see polluted water I do recommend this trail.

There's a nice site that has some commentary, though I haven't read it, that pretty much sums up my own trip (http://www.hedney.com/waterfront.htm). And there are these little waterfront trail stickers plastered around lakeshore rd. and whatnot to direct you

Final Night: Picton, Prince Edward County

September 2, 2011

This vacation of sorts comes down to an evening's stroll in downtown Picton. Toronto Life had recommended a restaurant "Harvest" a couple hundred metres off the strip, up and over a hill that I thought I'd check out. I lugged myself over, looking like a cripple in every way, when the restaurant had a "for sale" sign in the front. Another suggestion by Toronto Life, "Bean Counter Café" was worth a look especially since it furthered my anti-CMA agenda. The ice latte tasted like McDonalds. 0/2 Toronto Life! The coffee shop up the street, "Miss Lilly," was much better. It even poured a latte art not unlike my own banner.

Pending my "Harvest" disappointment, the next best thing was "Portabella." I do love portabello! I finally ordered the long-overdue Prince Edward County wine. It was good, says someone who could count the wines he's had with his fingers. The chicken was good too.

The food on this trip was in general satisfying, but nothing to rival even the common selections of Toronto (or Kingston, for that matter). In fact the closing down of Picton's best restaurants ("Harvest" and "Pinch") show very little demand for fine dining in wine country (how weird).