Big Ride in Cape Breton

When I turned 50 years old, my wife and I did a month-long motorbike trip through Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and p.e.i. While we were there I had cardiovascular issues, which were fixed by a stent when we got home. When I retired, I took up cycling and regularly ride more than 8,000 km per year.

I turned 65 this past September. It’s been 15 years since I first had my issue. With the OK from my doctor and wife, I convinced (rather easily) my two cycling buddies to join me on a trip around Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail on our road bikes. The three wives agreed to be our sag drivers and provide support.

We decided to do the trip clockwise from the Margaree Valley, stopping in Chéticamp, Dingwall, Ingonish and Baddeck. We had a great ride with tailwinds to give us a push up the mountains. We only had rain for 40 km after we descended Cape Smokey on our way to Baddeck, which also gave us an unprecedented tailwind for that portion of the ride. We had an exceptional time, both enjoying the challenges of the climbs and the excitement of the descents. We rode roughly 350 km and climbed about 4,500 m. The sag staff had a great time, too, and enjoyed their pay in seafood, wine and great times.

Don Yaraskavitch Whitby, Ont.