We have entered our Eighth province!!!! Today started at our usual time, but even though we were told not to rush we still wanted to get going because of how cold it was. Sara and I booked it fairly fast this morning. We had to ride a shuttle across the Confederation Bridge at 15km and there was a possibility it would take more than one trip to get all the people across (the bikes would make it in one). Sara and I wanted to be on the first shuttle so that we could make it to Charlottetown early. We did however stop on a side street where we had been told that there would be a good view of the bridge. There would have been if the sun wasn't almost directly behind it. Oh well, we needed the extra exercise anyways 😜! We made it to the shuttle loading area just as they were loading a U-haul with all the bikes. They were fitting a lot of bikes in there, but we were a little worried ours wouldn't get in. Ours made it, but they were some of the last ones in. I then ran up to the observation deck so that we could get a picture of the bridge. There was a great view from there. We then hurried back to get in a vehicle. There was a shuttle bus, the two fifteen passenger vans from Sea to Sea, the RVs, all loaded to bring everyone across. From what it looked like, we got everyone across, bikes and all, in one trip. Sara and I were in one of the vans. The ride across took several minutes as the bridge is about 13km long. Some cyclists didn't turn off their GPS' and so their average speeds jumped a little and their top speed read somewhere around 90km/h!!!! Right away, upon arriving on PEI, you notice the red beaches. So unique and so pretty. We searched right away for the Welcome to PEI sign for our picture, it was hidden behind some rolling small hills. Ed had provided us with two possible routes upon arrival in PEI. We could go the route along the coast, more directly to Charlottetown or you could go up to the north side of the island, to Cavendish, and then down. Going the Cavendish route would add just under 20km to the days shorter ride. Cavendish is the place where Lucy Maud Montgomery was inspired to write Anne of Green Gables and is also known for its beautiful beach. I was interested in going that way but Sara wanted to go to a farmers market in Charlottetown so we went the more direct route. Wayne joined us because his usual riding partners were taking the longer route. This route was very pretty, with rolling hills and views of the water. We passed many potato fields, which I found out is what PEI is known for. We saw red cliffs along the shore as well. It was very beautiful. We didn't dally too much but still enjoyed the scenery. We enjoyed a tailwind for a lot of the ride. We only had a few sections where the wind was against us, which made for an even more enjoyable trip. Upon arrival in Charlottetown, we had to navigate some busy intersections. We found out after the ride that one vehicle cut off one of our riders who had taken the turning lane, to prevent anyone from cutting him off when he went straight ( this is how we are supposed to do it). Anyways, this vehicle decided to go in front and cut him off, she nicked him as she went by, knocking him down! Thankfully he is okay, a little bruised and sore but still able to ride. Unfortunately the vehicle didn't stop, just drove off so it was a hit and run. Please continue your prayers for our safety on the roads, what we are doing can be dangerous. We arrived at the Charlottetown CRC, who is hosting us this weekend by 12:30. We weren't supposed to arrive until after 1, so we made Ed a little more rushed to gather the need to know data. We tried to stay out of his way but some people were trying to figure out what to do. We helped unload the gear truck, which I don't think I've been early enough to help with that since day 1 coming into Abbotsford. It felt great, we were in the first 10 to camp. After, we found out that we could sleep inside the church! We thought we wouldn't be able to because they have church tomorrow. Sara and I along with Karen grabbed a small room to ourselves and set up. Sara and I then joined Deanna, Brigitte and Wayne for a walk down to the farmers market. We looked at all the foods, sea glass jewelry, soaps, jams etc before getting a coffee and a bite to eat. Upon arriving back at the church, Brigitte, Sara and I got a ride to the showers with Bert and Diane. It was at the University of PEI. These are the first showers I've encountered that are meant for tall people. The shower head was pretty high up on the wall, but what really set it apart was the fact that the curtains hung from the ceiling to halfway down my thighs!!! After we hung around the church. Dinner was at 6 and hosted by World Renew and the church. They had BBQ chicken, roasted pork (over a spit as a whole!), local potatoes, corn on the cob and salads!!!! It was delicious, and we even had table cloths!!!! People from both World Renew and Partners Worldwide spoke and reminded us again, why we are riding. We are riding to serve, not to be served. There were delicious desserts as well, including birthday cake for two riders, ones birthday is today, the others is Tuesday. Sara went out with some others tonight but I stayed back. Karen and I had a nice talk for well over an hour in our room. Overall it was a good day, but I am tired.
83.2km
3h 36min
23.1km/h
540m elevation