Day 2

August 3, 2023

A little slower today:)

There was no rain overnight fortunately, so packing up was easy. I made a couple herbal teas and rolled out at 8:30, heady to Tim Hortons (the only place in Waterford that is open that “early”) for a sandwich breakfast and a farmer’s wrap for later.

The rail trail continued to Port Dover, where there are plenty of resupply options.
Then the route goes close to the lake on roads but doesn’t offer much of a view. There is a stretch of industrial like roads in Nanticoke that aren’t fun. But there look to be spots for wild camping there along the lake.
After those roads the route has a lovely ride along the lakefront. There are lots of small cottages and spots to stop at (not the ones posted private of course).

A free library being visited by Bernie Sanders

After that there is some road riding leading into Dunnville, some of which was being resurfaced with Chip-and-Tar as I was going through. This wasn’t too bad fortunately.

In Dunnville I shared a shady rest stop with Don from Toronto, who is a huge long distance cyclist. He has travelled all over the world on his bike, usually staying in each accommodation or his sailboat for a month or so.

Back in the road for a while. Some of the route here is along an old feeder canal. The road is on the left (North) but the official route is on a lesser road/path on the right. This is only rideable for the first few km. I went back into the road when the route went into the unused and overgrown section. I have ridden and hike-a-biked through it on a previous ride and it was no fun. Lots of overgrowth (ticks and other bugs!) and ATV/tractor puddles. This might be a rideable muddy option in early Spring before the weeds grow, otherwise avoid it. If you look at the finishers’ Strava files most have not gone through it. https://www.cannonball300.com/finishers.html

From there it is the interesting Welland Canal Trail to Lock 7 in Thorold.

Lock 7 in Thorold. The route goes to the mural here, and then away from the canal.

There is tiny bit of road in Thorold, and the Cannonball Mural, and then city paths through St Catharines. FYI: This is definitely not an area to wild camp. Too sketchy. And avoid at night.

The mural photo required for any FKT attempt.

The route ended here for me and I rode home for some back deck recovery and a shower.

This two day adventure took me a total of 31:50 hours over 342 km. It is an effort, but definitely reasonable two day ride for a recreationally fit person.

Today's ride: 170 km (106 miles)
Total: 342 km (212 miles)

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