Out of Ontario, into Quebec, and two great days in Montreal

This last stretch in Southern Ontario has been filled with rest days, as the London crew were able to spend time with their friends and family along the way. Why else would we all have added 1-2 weeks to the trip to make the effort? Going through your hometown - and in Mike's case, his cottage as well - is a comforting feeling, indeed, and for those three it was special to have that opportunity.

Our two days in Montreal was my turn to get greeted by the friends and family who have been so supportive of us along the way, and it has to be one of the greatest feelings of my life.

We had a long ride into the city, but we were helped with strong winds at our backs. We were on the road early and made few stops along the way - we didn't want to overstay our welcome on the lawn that was our home the previous night. Crossing into Quebec along one of the smaller highways, I think I was the only one who knew we had crossed the border for several kilometres. There was no sign indicating the change along the highway, so unfortunately we weren't able to get our usual picture at the welcome sign. I guess we'll have to find something else along the way so that we have a full set at the end of the trip. The cultural change became more pronounced as we heard more French being spoken around us, but thankfully Pat and I have been practising the last few weeks, so we were ready. 

Getting onto the island itself posed a challenge, as there was construction on the bridge and quite a lot of traffic trying to get across. We had to be careful as we took up the entire lane, holding up the cars behind us as we crossed over. Needless to say, they were none pleased, and one in particular had some choice words for us on the other side. Mike gave him as good as he tried to give us, and we brushed it off before continuing on to our stop at Specialized Canada's headquarters in St-Anne de Bellevue. We were greeted by my cousin Andrew McGregor, who has been instrumental in getting us supplied with gear for the ride. We got a tour before CTV showed up to get some footage. When all was done, my aunt Susan came to pick up our gear, and Andrew suited up to lead us the rest of the way into Westmount. He must have forgotten that we had already gone 115km that day, and with 40km to go he flew ahead, pulling us all the way for a beautiful ride along Lakeshore Boulevard and the Lachine Canal.

What was waiting for us when we got to the limits of Westmount was unbelievably special for me. Friends and nearly all of my family, about 25 people in total, had gathered to cheer us as we came in. I would be lying if I said I didn't get emotional, and the only one missing was waiting at 24 Windsor for her son to ride in along the street. She didn't want to wait at the Home Depot with everyone else to see him ride in.

She wanted to see him ride home.

I am extremely fortunate to have the family that I do, and literally all of my family in Montreal was out for dinner when we got in. Roast lamb was on the plate and the fridge was stocked for us when we arrived, and we talked with everyone about the trip to date. When it started to wind down, it was time for the boys to head out, and we went to meet some great friends of mine on St. Laurent before getting some of Quebec's trademark poutine and calling it a night.

The next morning was a little tough as we got up for some radio spots at CJAD, MIX 96, and CHOM, before heading back to bed once they were over. When we got up, it was time for the block party that my family had organised to celebrate our arrival, and what an event it was.

Nearly 200 people gathered, Global did a live broadcast (I couldn't get over how cool that was), and CTV came for some more footage. We all had an interview with the Montreal Gazette, and some Concordia Journalism students even came out to do a mini-documentary! I barely ate as I talked with as many people as I could who had come out to show support for what we're doing, and congratulate us on our achievements to date. It was amazing seeing everyone, and it is something I will never forget. Thanks to my parents, sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins who did all the work to make it a success. I am very lucky to have them in my life.

We got more sleep after another night out on the town, before getting some massages at Club Mansfield and a complimentary lunch at the Bistro on Greene. The owner of the restaurant even gave us the privilege of signing the guestbook, which is filled with names of actors, athletes, etc. who have dined their over the years. My sister treated us to ice cream before we took care of errands, and then it was off to the Hillside Tennis Club, where my parents treated us to their Surf and Turf dinner night. We wore our red jerseys, and people cheered us as we came in, which was unexpected! They had agreed to let us come in casual attire, as none of us are carrying any nice clothes with us in the panniers, and I didn't have enough to go around!

Tomorrow, we'll leave from Martin Swiss Cycle at 8am, and we should have a good number of people riding with us (at least for a little while). Andrew will lead the way out of town, as we continue to travel along the North shore of the St. Lawrence towards Trois-Rivieres and Quebec City, before crossing over to the South shore, making our way to my family's place in Metis Beach.

Thanks to everyone who made our stay in Montreal so special. I will never forget it.