Quebec City to Toronto, Ontario

Aprox 520 miles

OK folks, no meandering or wandering the back roads today. Time to get serious about mileage.

Blast out of Quebec City on Highway 40 west toward Montreal. Quickly I am reminded of one of the points of etiquette on the divided highways in the province of Quebec.  In a car I used to just roll with it, but on a bike it really pisses me off.Â

Here's how it works. You are in the passing lane, driving at, or more likely, above the speed limit, and are passing one or more cars in the lane to your right. Some guy (always a guy) come roaring up behind you, rides a few feet behind your bumper and flashes his lights. This means roughly: "I know you are already passing somebody, but I'm really important, so hurry the fuck up or get out of the way." Â

This morning, I respond by waving the first guy back with my hand, telling him to back off. He ignores me and instead surges ahead dangerously close to my fender (we're going 70 MPH or more in heavy traffic!).  I finally get a chance to get out of his way, move over into the right lane, and as he goes by I give him the biggest, meanest middle finger salute I can muster.

This routine is repeated several times during the day, but mysteriously stops when I cross the border into Ontario, a few miles West of Montreal.

Manage to catch old Highway 2 along the Saint Lawrence and Lake Ontario off and on, during the afternoon and evening. Anything to get off the 401.Â

Get to see at least a few dozen of the Thousand Islands along the way. Very cool place.



Maybe the 401 is not the world's worst highway for bikes, but it's got to be in contention. Wall to wall trucks, trucks and more trucks. Despite my best efforts, I even manage to to get boxed in on all sides by a dozen or so big rigs a couple of times - not a pleasant experience. Now I know what an ant feels like then the elephant herd comes marching by.

Roll in to Markham, Ontario, just after dark after a long day on the road. My old college buddy Graham and his wife Nadine give me a place to crash. I give Graham a bunch of grief about his bike. He had threatened to "dust off" his 1974 Norton Commando and come riding with me, but alas, it is blocked in way back in a corner of his garage, and it hasn't been running for years. Get with the program, Graham!Â

I talk him into a test ride on on Harley, and he comes back with a half hour later with a big grin. I think I succeeded to give him the bug, and wouldn't be surprised if he's back on a bike soon. (You can blame me, Nadine.)Â

Nadine's mom is in town for a visit, and I get to sample some great Egyptian cooking - mmmm, mmmmm. Many thanks for your hospitality and the great meals.

But once again, it's time to ride on.

Next stop - a short ride to Grand Bend, Ontario. My cousin, Noreen has a summer cottage there, and has been inviting me for her annal Canada Day (July 1) party for years. This year I happen to be in the neighborhood, and coincidentally, another old college buddy has rented a cottage in the same place at the same time. Serendipity - can't ignore it.Â