With the Tobermory ride put back again, I had the time to ride out to Caledonia, see what was happening first hand, talk to people and indicate my support for Six Nations. It was my first rode-only ride of any distance of late — 30km each way. I decided to attach my fully loaded trailer to give it a good run over some distance and with the necessary direct climb up the Niagara Escarpment it would give me a good indication of how I would travel with it.

For a road ride, it was not too bad. I had a small handful of cars come too close and a couple drivers feel that the 4 seconds of their day lost as a result of my presence was something worth croaking about. I was very thankful for the trucks that gave me a nice and wide berth. As has seemed the norm of late, there was a head wind on the way out — and as often is the case it changed directions to be a headwind on the way back as well!

On arrival at Caledonia I had a good chat with people at the Douglas Creek blockade and learnt a great deal about what is going on and the intricacies of it all. Need I say colonialism!

I completed the 60km ride in under 3 hours, probably a good indication of average speed for touring with a load given the climb up the escarpment and moderate undulations (not any other significant climbs) along the route. The short ride down the escarpment was enjoyable, and I easily hit 60km/hr on the descent. That is my fastest clocked speed with the trailer to date and it was quite comfortable. A good run out is needed for stopping given the extra weight pushing down the hill!