Ride on, Highway Cat !!: Mattawa-wa-wa-wa

Day 37, Verner - Mattawa
Dist, 121.5, 21.8 km/hr Saddle Time 5:34

06 23 2011
Had a late start. Yesterday's nightmare was fresh in my cranial storage unit. My drivetrain had been transformed from it's normal black appearance to a brilliant orange. It's amazing what one day of intense rain can do to all things metal. I was happy to spend some quality time cleaning and lubricating the chain and cassette. Once I finally headed out, I was very happy to see better conditions on the road and in the weather. I stopped in North Bay for some Joe and a Sangy. (sandwich) Really hit the spot.
Back on the road, I sang the little jingle that I sing every time I return to riding... "On the Road Again"... (You know the rest)
The #17 loses more than half it's customers as the highway splits with the #11 taking vehicles to Toronto, (people go there ?) while the #17 continues on to Ottawa (Nation's Capital and creation point of yours truly) Super nice to have some quieter roads ! Stupid Torontonions !
Unfortunately, the conditions got incrementally cruddy as I approached Mattawa. Construction beasties had invaded the artery into town and got worse through the town. Mudville. I hate riding through construction zones as mechanical issues can surface. I stopped at the Subway just past the city centre if you can call it that for re-fueling and trip planning. The "Sandwich Artists" and sometimes other customers show signs of concern when I place my order. I usually ask for 3 footlong subs. (one to eat in, and 2 to go) Anyway, I should be the Subway Mascot. Stayed here for a while as I couldn't make my mind up on what to do. The next stop would be longer than I was comfortable with, but stopping in Mattawa is too soon.
I finally decided to forge on and just before heading out, the rain hit, again. Not just rain, but a deluge ! Like a blanket of water. The street was instantly transformed into a sea of mud and debris that was flowing away from the construction area. All the debris from the construction had washed down the road in a torrent of mud slide-ish fasion.
Wasn't a difficult decision to stay put. I got a room at the downtown hotel (Le Voyageur Inn)
for $ 42.00 !
A funky old Hotel that is being renovated. Nice.