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.

La Pocatière to Bic, Quebec

When I went to bed last night in La Pocatière there was another rainfall warning, so I was somewhat dreading today's ride.

After a large breakfast in the Cap Martin's restaurant (it was open for breakfast, thankfully), I set out.  The especially hard rain never arrived as forecast, but it rained off and on all day, and I never really dried out.  Two or three times my cycle computer got so wet that it lost contact, which was super annoying.  For the 155 kilometres (out of 163) that the computer was working, I only averaged a pathetic 18.9 kmph!

All in all the ride took me almost ten hours.  Although much of it was miserable, there were stretches in which it was particularly beautiful and I was able to enjoy myself at times.

At some points the highway ran right along the Saint Lawrence, which, while beautiful, meant I was exposed to the wind all the more.  Look at the highway sign, which evidently endures a lot of wind coming from the east!

The noise in this video also gives a sense for the wind I was experiencing.

I reached the outskirts of Rivière-du-Loup at 13:00.  

From Rivière-du-Loup I still had over 90 kilometers to go, but my morale was improving, although my body felt as miserable as ever.

Finally I passed the entrance of the Parc national du Bic, and had the biggest climb of my day ahead, but now I was close.

Soon after summitting the hill, around 18:45, I made it to the Auberge au Mange Grenouille.

The auberge's decor is odd, but felt cozy and warm on a cold, wet night, and there were not many guests, so it felt like I had it to myself.

Best of all my girlfriend Diana had arranged beer for me when I arrived!

Later in the evening I enjoyed the auberge's outdoor hot tub, overlooking the Havre du Bic.