Amqui, Quebec to Bathurst, New Brunswick

Because of losing the day on Tuesday, I doubled up my ride today, turning it into a full double metric century.

My auberge in Amqui served me breakfast early, and I hit the road just after 7:00.

It took me 75 or so kilometres to get to where the Matapedia River joins the Restigouche River, which serves as the border between Quebec and New Brunswick along about half of northern New Brunswick.  I was continuing on the Route Verte which mostly kept me on the highway, but also gave me some nice back road detours occasionally. 

It was a cold morning for late May, but I was enjoying my ride nonetheless.  I felt like I was making good time and the roads were quiet and the scenery interesting and peaceful.  I passed a few covered bridges--I had always thought covered bridges were unique to New Brunswick, but since Amqui I have seen a handful crossing the Matapedia.

I crossed the Restigouche River into New Brunswick around noon Atlantic time. 

Leaving Quebec, my route across Quebec that I began in 2007 was now complete: Ottawa to Montreal; Montreal to Quebec City (2009); and now Quebec City to New Brunswick.

Just a few kilometres after entering New Brunswick I stopped for lunch in Campbellton.

The cold morning turned into by far the warmest day I have had this week, and I was even hot in the afternoon as I rode onward towards Bathurst--despite passing snow, including this massive mound!

The ride was becoming increasingly less enjoyable as the day wore on, mostly because I was simply getting very, very tired!  Not far from Bathurst my front tire picked up this surprisingly large tack.  I was worried it would mean having a flat to change, but thankfully not, especially since changing a flat--even on the front--would not have been fun after 180+ kilometres of riding.

Sometime after 17:00 I finally rolled into the Bathurst Comfort Inn's parking lot.  My cycle computer was actually only reading 199 something, so I circled the hotel to cross 200 officially, then checked in.

Bic to Amqui, Quebec

Yesterday the weather forecast included a rainfall warning again, and this time it in fact proved correct.  So, I decided to spend a second, rainy day in Bic.  It was the first day ever that I have chosen to not ride at all due to weather, but I was glad I made the choice, because it literally poured all day.  Anyway, it was very relaxed, and meant I got two breakfasts from the auberge!

Thankfully, I woke up today to much better weather--dry and double digits--so I was able to carry on.

I reached Rimouski, just a few minutes outside of Bic, shortly after 9:00 and rode through, mostly along wonderful cycling trails.

Then, at Mont Joli, I left the Saint Lawrence for the last time.

I started inland, to cross the Gaspe, southeast towards New Brunswick.

A Canadian Air Force Hercules had been flying overhead for at least half an hour, and it was landing as I rode by the Mont Joli airport.

From Mont Joli I had about another 70 kilometres of riding, and I was certainly enjoying myself more than I had either Sunday or Monday.  No doubt the improved weather helped.

For the most part I was riding on Rte 132, but at a small town called Sayabec I left the highway and took the back roads for 15 kilometres, which was a real highlight.

I rejoined the highway near Lake Matapedia, and from there it was just a few more kilometres into Amqui.

I rode into town just before 15:00.

I stopped for a late lunch in Amqui, before checking in at my auberge, the Auberge Beauséjour.

After my usual shower and bath and rest, I went out to do some shopping, including finally finding a replacement pump.

I ended my evening with dinner in the auberge's dining room.