WINNIPEG. Our prize at the end of a long wind tunnel. Alex says that the persistent headwinds we've been facing all week are just Manitoba not wanting us to leave. However, I've noted it was rejecting us long before as we approached from Saskatchewan. We've had a head- or crosswind for almost the entire stretch of the prairies, save for our one fabulous 170km ride and another light and brief boost one afternoon. Crosswinds, when strong as they have been, feel similar to swimming perpendicular to a strong current and they whip the bikes around on the road. Headwinds, of course, slow us down even more. While we can still keep a better pace than on a steep climb (around 15-19kmh on average against a strong wind), it is really mentally draining as all the distances feel so much farther away.
Because of these winds and our anticipation for arriving in Winnipeg, the kilometres we've cycled this week, have felt very, very long. Today it helped that we had a shorter distance to cover and that we'd reach Winnipeg by day's end. We kept our spirits up through the wind by singing the Weakerthans' 'One Great City', which has been playing in our heads for days (for those unfamiliar the song is an ode to Winnipeg). The city itself has been on our horizon for a month. It's technically the halfway point across Canada but because Ontario is so freakishly big, it isn't nearly halfway through our trip.
Regardless, we're both really excited to spend some time here and have a much needed break --again the mental rest is just as important as the physical. Both of those aspects will be nurtured during our stay here thanks to a two night sponsored stay at the Place Louis Riel in downtown Winnipeg! Our suite is gorgeous AND appointed with a full kitchen, which we've already made quick work on to prepare one of our rare and treasured home cooked meals. While camping, we eat one-pot pasta dinners everyday and use our fleeces for pillows so you can imagine how pleased we are to have this home base.
Tomorrow we have a visit with a Cardiac Rehab group in the morning and then an afternoon of meeting Winnipeg!
31 Days! Now there is a month that you'll remember for the rest of your lives.
ReplyDeleteHey I don't even know you guys but have an idea of how crazy this ride your doing is. Congrats on fighting through the wind. That must have been pure hell.
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