Origin: Parkview B&B
Destination: Nackawic Motel
Route Description:
Crossed St.John River on bicycle/pedestrian bridge
Northside Trail to New Brunswick Trail to Kenswick
The 105, the 615, the 610, the 105
Weather: Sunny with spectacular clouds
Well nourished by the lovely breakfast provided by our kind hosts, Chris and John Seal, we set out on a beautiful, cool morning on our next to last day of riding.
Urban activity to rural, rural New Brunswick was the progression of our ride today. The Northside Trail (asphalt) is heavily used by all ages.
As we left the city, the New Brunswick trail (crushed rock) paralleled route105 and soon provided nice views of the river to our left.
In Keswick, uncertain if we would find any more food all day, we ate muffins at a bakery and got wraps to go from the local pub.
On the 105, we passed the Mactaqua dam and hydroelectric plant, crossed the causeway through the lake above the dam.
Dreading a giant hill ahead, we delayed for a snack beside the lake to enjoy the stunning view of lake and clouds. Turned out that the giant hill was being seal coated to resurface, so we opted to go with our "cue sheet" and take the 615 instead of simply staying on the 105. Initially the road climbed gradually along a ridge past farms, well maintained houses and lawn. We experienced beautiful riding on a smooth road surface. Then a long, lonely stretch with no sign of civilization, but plenty of hungry horse flies--unpleasant.
Every once in a while we saw a car truck or tractor. The tiny community of Springfield (population 170 on the handwritten sign) provided some views of dairy farms.
But then, unexpectedly, the 615 became gravel for 8 kms with more climbs, dust from occasional vehicles, and a road sign to Nackawic every so often to reassure us that we were not totally lost. Finally, we met asphalt again on the 610, expecting to zoom downhill to Nackawic. Only after three very steep ups (groan) and two very steep downs did we reach the top of the final steep descent. The 180 degree view of the river and surrounding hills, however, was our reward.
One more surprise awaited: We stopped for early dinner at Saigon Garden,
called the B&B to let them know our arrival time, only to discover that they were in Halifax and had reserved a room for us for next weekend. Although our kind B&B hosts in Hartland offered to come rescue us, our waitress, Abrianna, connected us with a neighboring motel that had been invisible to our eyes and internet searches. The owner, Sylvie Nozzolillo, met us there. We were soon in our comfortable room--bathing and working on this blog.
So, all's well after our tough ride and change of lodging.
We are eager for our final ride tomorrow.
The 105, the 615, the 610, the 105
Weather: Sunny with spectacular clouds
Urban activity to rural, rural New Brunswick was the progression of our ride today. The Northside Trail (asphalt) is heavily used by all ages.
As we left the city, the New Brunswick trail (crushed rock) paralleled route105 and soon provided nice views of the river to our left.
In Keswick, uncertain if we would find any more food all day, we ate muffins at a bakery and got wraps to go from the local pub.
On the 105, we passed the Mactaqua dam and hydroelectric plant, crossed the causeway through the lake above the dam.
But then, unexpectedly, the 615 became gravel for 8 kms with more climbs, dust from occasional vehicles, and a road sign to Nackawic every so often to reassure us that we were not totally lost. Finally, we met asphalt again on the 610, expecting to zoom downhill to Nackawic. Only after three very steep ups (groan) and two very steep downs did we reach the top of the final steep descent. The 180 degree view of the river and surrounding hills, however, was our reward.
One more surprise awaited: We stopped for early dinner at Saigon Garden,
 |
| Abrianna to our rescue |
So, all's well after our tough ride and change of lodging.
We are eager for our final ride tomorrow.
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