Dist, 140, 22.9km/hr Avg spd, Saddle Time, 6 hrs.
July 10 2011,
It was overcast all day, actually, it appears that the clouds are leading me into Baddeck. I had some gusty moments with cross, rear and headwinds. But happily, mostly tailwinds. The terrain was twisty with some nice longer hills. Kinda reminded me of BC. Originally, I had planned to take the secondary Hwy below Bras D'or Lake (# 104-#4) After visiting the info cen, I decided to change plans and take the # 105 which has a full shoulder (advice from the nice lady) Really great info centre. Not much to look at on this ride but trees which is fine by me.
As I closed in on Baddeck, home town of Alexander Graham Bell', (for a while) I found the "Bras D'or Lakes Campground" I decided to make this home base. A bit pricey @ $28.00 plus tax, but, better than ending up in a motel. After set up, I decided to check out the town.
I went straight to the Info Cen. where I learned of the beer store location. I was 5 min. early, and it was already closed. A small town thing I guess. So, I went to check out the National Alexander Graham Bell Heritage Site. It closed just as I pulled up. Christ ! Next up was a Lobster dinner. After waiting over 30 minutes, I got my dinner. A small salad, tea-cup of store bought peeled carrots' boiled, baked potato and my freshly killed Lobster.
Way too much effort to extract meat from its sarcofficuss. Tasted like rubber, I guess that's normal. With a coffee, it came to $35.00 (with tip, $40.00) She didn't really deserve a tip. Worst Dollar/Calorie Ratio ever ! I'm an Idiot. I felt that I should sample the local fare. Too bad it has to be such a rip off.
Luckilly, I have a Subway sandwich waiting back at my site. Mosquitos too.
Morning road, nice
I love the green Hwy signs
An eastern thing
Where the hell are you going ? The things you see from a bike saddle...
CAPE BRETON ! , Canso Causeway
Same pic, but with me in the way
V.I.P. Parking at Cape Breton Visitors Center. Absolutely ecstatic to see such beautiful bike parking available. I have never seen such a grand expression of acceptance anywhere else along my travels . I wish the rest of Canada would catch on during my lifetime. Not likely.
BELL TOWN. I did a report on Alexander Graham Bell in grade school, amazing man. My father worked for Bell Canada 42 years, Hmmm... fascinating eh ?
Simpson Lawn, there were many more characters spread over a large lawn. Funny.
Sign of the times
Took a sandwich break just past the little bridge ahead. Nice
Inlet of "Bras d' Or Lake. This lake is huge and sprawling. It divides Nova Scotia from Cape Breton. A truly bizarre environment. Amazing eco systems. Wish I had a Canoe !
Home base
Looking into the tent area. I'm alone at the moment. (except for the mosquitoes of coarse)
Looking towards the tenting field. (empty for now)
My site
Riding into town for a peek a poo. (the camp is a couple km's east of baddeck)
Billy Bob Magoo
The Federal Government signage is so distinct. No green here.
Mr. Bell Info Centre. Closed just as I arrived (Government worker's hours eh).
Gotta do the lobster thing. There's another Lobster place down the hill, but I thought that it would be nice to sit on the patio. The other place advertised heavily, I figured that it would be too busy.
$40.00 ? Well, I had to try it once. Scam.
View Larger Map Very interesting ride
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