104 Miles, 2,590 ft ascent, Water Rebellion
Today's ride of 104 miles included a 90 mile stretch where there were no services. There was a non-potable water warning at the campground in Dryden where the water at the campground there was muddy out of the tap.
Last night as a liaison for the galley crew, I asked our tour director, who had joined us to drive the truck after Connor departed, what the plan was for providing drinking water where there were no services. He responded that we should boil water to use for breakfast, fill a large container with non-potable, muddy water, and he would dispense it to us with water purification tablets along the route. When I relayed those ideas to the cyclists, they went ballistic. A meeting was called so that the tour director could explain his plan. His concern was plastic waste from water in single use bottles, and he didn't want to purchase single bottles of water for that reason. The consensus on the cyclists' group was that in 2022, muddy, non-potable water with water purification tablets was totally unacceptable, because purified water is available at the grocery store in bulk quantities from dispensing machines. Eventually he agreed to buy large plastic water containers at Canadian Tire, and fill them with purified water from Safeway. He also agreed to stop the van at 50 miles and at 70 miles along the 90 mile stretch with no services, and provide purified water to refill water bottles. His agreement to do so was a first, and a one time break in his normal procedure. Thankfully, cooler heads had prevailed and the Tour du Canada Water Rebellion was over.
The day broke at about 04:30 with the call of the loon, the Minnesota state bird, on our lake. In the Minnesota north country, loons are the roosters of the lakes, but this one must have emigrated to Canada, where he announced the start of today's Imperial Century Ride of over 100 miles.
Surprise! The restroom had one stall for men and one for women, and the doors were locked! Why? Someone banged on the bathroom doors, and the proprietor came out of his trailer to unlock the doors at 04:45.
After breakfast we headed south toward the twin cities of International Falls, Minnesota/Ft. Francis, Ontario. A strong wind blew from the west, so we were fighting a crosswind for all but 10 miles. We ended at Rainy Lake, an enormous lake occupying part of both the US and Canada, just as Lake of the Woods had done.
Several riders spied two bear cubs standing beside the road along the way, but wisely did not stop to photograph the babies, knowing their mama was nearby.
Departing Dryden, we passed this pulp mill, as we rode out.
Canada refers to its indigenous Canadians as First Nation Peoples. There was a First Nation Community 9km off the road.
Trucks carry pulp away from the pulp mill plant previously shown. Along the road are many pull-offs for the trucks to stop and check that their loads have not shifted dangerously, or readjust them, if necessary. There were no inspection stations, and we saw no inspectors. It is left to the truckers to determine whether an adjustment was necessary.
We pedaled by two beaver dams. Yesterday there were two dead beaver that had tried to cross the Trans Canada Highway without success. Their flat tails made it obvious that they were beaver.
The long road ahead on our Imperial Century just kept coming and coming.
Apparently we passed by a party site for moose where nightly gatherings are common, according to this sign. While I missed them, several of the women riders indicated they saw 3 dead moose along side of the road today, and that the smell was horrific. None of the male cyclists noticed the bad smell, even the ones who saw the dead moose. Typical?
I need an explanation for the sign below. There was no bridge. Perhaps bear bridges are put up seasonally in locations when bear are known to move around, and the bridges prevent bear/car collisions?
Rest stop under a Birch tree offering some shade and relief from the heat.
Finally, goal achieved! Arrived at Taylor's Cove Campground to find a washroom with no hot water and only 1 toilet, just like yesterday. Campgrounds here cater more to the RV crowd, rather than tent campers. Since RVs have their on washrooms, often with showers, facilities for tent campers can be marginal. I think an after dinner swim is in order.
Another long ride tomorrow! Come visit again to see what we observed along the way! Reminder: On long days it is possible that the post will not appear until the next day due to lack cell availability or very late arrival. We have several century ride days coming up in the next week.
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