2007: Lake of the Woods
Getting Started
Distance: 600km
Map
So you think you might want to take a cycling holiday. What if you have "trouble"? What if you don't like it? What if...? Many questions. The solution we figured was to 1) take a trip with someone who has been on the wheel before and 2) leave from home and go home. The second point - leaving from home - has the benefit that, in the event the trip has a major breakdown, you are close enough to "call for a taxi".
Planning
Taking this first trip involved a little planning. In fact every trip we take involves planning. We lay out a possible route. We scope out reasonable distances for our daily cycle. We plan for a rest day every 6th or 7th day (in a place where you would generally be happy to have a rest day). Deciding to stay in motels or BnB's means checking online for possible lodging.
The other issue a novice must consider is getting an appropriate bike with all the necessary panniers, racks, clothing, gear, etc. This is a significant consideration since you don't want breakdowns but you don't want to carry too much gear for every possible circumstance either. After many years, we are still learning.
The Trip
As you can tell, the trip was a success. Since this first trip, we have enjoyed many more. There is something special about leaving home on a bicycle and returning about a week later. This is definitely worth the effort for someone wanting to test the idea of a cycling holiday. Finding lodging along the way was not too difficult (plan and phone ahead).
The Geography
Sunshine every day. As high as 36C.
Small rolling hills in northern Ontario. Otherwise generally flat. The only significant headwinds were on the last day rolling northwest from the US border.
Rating: 7
On a scale of 1-10, this is not a great "scenic" trip. Yes, the scenery in the NorthWestern Ontario region is beautiful, but let's be honest, we grew up in this area and so it wasn't particularly new to us. Having said that, as a learning experience, this trip was excellent.
