Montreal

On the way to Montreal, I stopped at a McDonnalds and asked this extremely overweight white guy, who also rode up on his bicycle, for directions to the Victoria bridge. I had a long conversation with him about how gross he thought Americas politics were and how close minded we are. I could agree with a lot of what he was saying, though I found it funny that he wanted to spew his ideas of how Americans should act to me, an American. From what I gathered most touristy Americans go to a different country and are demanding and upset when things dont go their way. I dont get why someone would you go a place and not want to learn or be part of the culture, what is the point of even going then. Blab blabblab But I am glad he told me what I was about to embark on. And how French-Canadians would be viewing me. In the end he gave me some great suggestions on what to do in the city as well as 4canadian quarters for the pay phone.

Another experience that tested my patience was when I arrived at the bottom of the bridge. It was closed for an hour and a half for 2 boats to cross. But i got to talk to other cyclists, and this couple even gave me a contact of somone who had ridden from Montreal to Toronto, which would be my next stop.

On the Island!!

I got a grand tour of Montreal when I arrived Tuesday afternoon. My host Claire, a 61yr old french-canadian woman from Warmshowers took me all around the island. She is super spunky with a lot of energy! I went to the top of Mount Royal, while I was still fully loaded with panniers. It is a special mountain to Montreal, with a huge cross on top of it, and there is a wonderful view of the city from about a km up.

She also took me to this secret spot on the lake where people were surfing. It was awesome! The current was so strong there, and there was just this small section where folks would go with surfboards and such to surf the one wave.

the pathway to the wave is behind this building

In addition to those sites, Montreal is where the World Expo in 1967 was held, hence this biosphere:

After the best free tour of a city that anyone ever gave me, Claire and I headed back to her place for dinner.

On the way, she spotted two boys who were on fully loaded bicycles that had just rode from where I did the day before!! Claire suggested that they come have dinner with us instead of spending money at a hostel.

The following day we all picniced around the Formula One track and raced our bikes around it as well.
Afterward, Claire took us to more spots around the city, she has sooo much energy.

That evening, after dark, I got dinner with the two 19yr old boys, Jessie & Marty, than we toured the Gay Village on St. Cathrine. The whole street is artfully decorated with pink balls hanging in between the buildings.

Since everyting was walkable and close, I locked my bicycle up on the street next to a hostel so I could check out some stuff on foot. My bicycle was locked with my U-lock on a post through the frame and the front wheel, along with my helmet. As I was returning to my bicycle 2hrs later to ride back to Claires house.... it was GONE!!! yes, stolen, on my second day in Montreal.

Of course I felt terrible, but partly because now others around me, like Jessie, Marty and Claire had to be involved. I didnt want anyone elses day to be ruined or feelings to be hurt besides mine.

Some people suggested that I call the cops, but I knew they were not going to do anything about it. The station that I needed to go file the report was not open until the next morning. And when I did file the report Thrusday morning, the cop said it was not a priority.

• circa 1980s, 52cm, celest Bianchi frame, columbus tubing, campagnolo seat post, deep v rims, -$450 (ebay)
• Track Handelbars -$40 (purchased in Atlanta)
• New navy and grey cloth bar tape -$20 (Philly)
• sun-bleached blue/grey vintage Cannondale bar bag -$10(Philly)
• Co2s, tube, handpump &tire levers in bag
• lights & helmet -$60
• New Pedals -$30 (NYC -flatbush)
• New back rack fitted to my bike -$20 (NYC -bushwick)
• I just bought a new chain ring for the mountains -$20 (Burlington)

So What Now

As soon as I discovered the empty post that my bike was once attached to 2hrs prior, my immediate thoughts were to move on to the text step. Maybe I skipped a couple emotions of anger and greif, but to be honest my world was not crashing. I knew I would have to get another bike. That was the reality. 

 

The sad part is that my next bike wont be my perfect dream bike that I will have until I am no longer physically present. It will just have to be something simple for now until I can save up again or live in a place where I can collect and store these material possessions that I am so fond of.

I will have to start basic and maybe even ugly. Mainly because I am touring and I dont want to spend all my money on a fancy vintage racing bike. I am having a difficult time forcing myself to be practical.

This whole week I have been going in bike shops and looking at other peoples bikes flying by me and lusting. 

 

Now there is no debate weather I am biking to Toronto. I am taking a $24 MegaBus

Thankfully my friend Ariel, who I stayed with in Albany NY told me about a DIY bikeshop called Bike Pirates in Toronto that will help me out. I am hoping to get a basic frame on craigslist or find one in the city and go from there.

 

Hopefully I will get a bike in Toronto so I can continue my journey to Niagra Falls, Buffalo NY for my work/exchange through helpX than to Erie for family time with my Mom & Grandmom!!