Our Final Thoughts

Jimmy hugging trees from coast to coast.

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FABIO

Well, the ride isn't over until the post-mortem is written, I've been told so I'll try to sum things up while my memories are still fresh.  First of all, let me state unequivocally that - yes, from my perspective it was all worthwhile despite the challenges of wind, rain, mountainous terrain, dangerous roads and high traffic volumes at times.  That being said however, it would be fair to add that this endeavour turned out to be a lot more than we had bargained for.  Little did we know what lay in store for us that first day when we happily threw our legs over the crossbar.  We had come for an adventure and boy-oh-boy did we ever get one!  Despite everything that conspired against us, we took it all in stride - no shortcuts, no retreat, no thoughts of bailing out.  I'm so proud of our small cadre of amigos for this.  We just gutted out the days of adversity and reveled in the glorious days of sunshine and sweet cycling.  In a curious way, every day had it's merit, be it the phenomenal, friendly people we met along the way, the beautiful scenery, the jovial camaraderie or even the character-building qualities of a long, tiring day in the saddle.  As they say, 'it's all good.'  The rough days, I'm sure will eventually fade into the mists of time but the wonderful everyday memories, like a beautiful strand of pearls will linger and nurture my soul.  For these I am truly thankful. 

Fabio reflecting on our journey after Montreal R. Hill

My two travelling companions, Gene and Jim were the best.  Thanks Gene for all your hard work, planning, route finding and computer skills.  J-Dog, thank you for all your reliable and sound advice, wise opinions and good humour.  It was a slice.  I offer a special 'thank you' to all who gave their support and encouragement, well-wishes and overnight accommodation - we are all blessed to know you.  Gratitude beyond measure to our friends, wives and families who welcomed us home and made us feel so special - these are the moments that make endeavours like this worthwhile.  I cannot imagine ending an epic journey like this without loving arms and a happy home to return to.  We are so fortunate.

In closing, the inevitable question always arises - 'would you do it again?'.  Hard to say.  At this point in time, my answer would probably be 'not likely'..... but tomorrow, I just might say 'definitely!'  Let's just leave it as a definite maybe.  I'll definitely consider the possibility of maybe thinking about it.  I hope that clears things up.  And that all I gotta say about that.

 - - Fabio

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EUGENE

First and foremost I would like to thank my two amigos who made this trip another special time of my life. If I knew what I was in for I wouldn't have been able to do it alone. I would also like to thank my wife Roberta for being supportive of my crazy efforts of 33 years of cycling. And a big thank you to all the people who opened up their homes and made this trek special... Bob Vyncke, Jim's father, Fred and Nancy, Sonja and Dick in Terrace Bay. I'd also like to thank the Bird's Nest, New Underland and Grant House B&B's and to all our followers and well wishers.

We knew what we were in for when we planned this trip and were told by many people that your in for a battle against the wind. We just found it would be easier to pack the bikes and gear here, rather than do it in Newfoundland. I don't think we would have hiked Gros Morne after finishing in Deer Lake either. The hills were the only part of the trip we really didn't know about. Newfoundland is far from flat, as well as Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick and Quebec. These in combination with the wind made the trip very difficult and tired us out a lot more than the mountains of B.C. did last year.

At the top of Montreal R. hill

Overall, we did have a great time, irregardless of the hardships we faced a lot of the time... but this was good a character building  process. We did have many laughs, as we did the year before. Even during the tough days we had to laugh, either that or we would have all quit there and then. I'm just glad that Fabio and Jimmy were going through the same thing as me. As they kept going, so did I. I think whoever was in front, kept the momentum up throughout the day... and we all took turns doing that.

Now, regarding the dangers we encountered, in my personal opinion, the gravel/dump trucks were the worst. The drivers don't slow down or give you any room. I'm not saying they're all like that, as some were very respectful towards us, but the majority were absolutely hazardous.

Would I do another long distance trek like this again, Mmmmmm!!! not likely? I would say a two week journey at the most, that is unless my wife comes with me next time. I found it was a little too long to be away from home. I hope I'm not sounding too old now :)

It was a great trip looking back on it already and will probably seem even better months from now. I'm glad I did it, as the memories will live with me for years to come.

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JIM

Well, it’s over again, finally for sure. I said last year that I probably wouldn't do it again, but I had to complete the complete trip across Canada. The lure of the highway was still there. I did it, now it’s complete and off my Bucket list. 

It was tougher than last year, the weather, the terrain, the time-frame were all a factor this year. But the same positive things as last year were true this year, the people we met, the B and B’s, the scenic views, the roadside lunches, the campgrounds, friends stopping us on the road, and many more things I have forgotten.  I felt good physically this year, except for some saddle soreness just in the last week. Mentally there were some tough times, but I carried on and completed the task.

 I think in my mind during the first few days I knew we had wanted to get back by the end of September. I had doctor’s appointments, and because it wasn't going well, I got down on myself. After all as time went on it was going to get cooler... we were approaching fall. After a few days of this I had to change my attitude or it wasn't going to be a good trip for me or the Amigos’. I could always change my appointments. I had all the info with me. So I put it out of my mind and concentrated on the ride, and as the trip went on it got better, maybe not the weather but my attitude. The lure of the highway was once more front and center.

Jim at Casa da Vyncke

I had great support from Gene and Fabio, my family and my friends. The lessons I had learned from last year’s trip were applied this year. It went well. I have no complaints. Do I have thoughts, of course but too many to mention here, I could write a book, yes that’s an idea along with all the other books I would like to write about life. For now I will savor the end of the mission, and will have many memories and when I see one of the Amigo’s we will reminisce about that trip and have a good laugh all about the trip we had in the fall of 2013.

Cheers Jim.

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Might there be more... hmmmmmmm... we'll have to wait and see :)

The Three Amigos