Final day, final push. I woke up feeling tired and uninspired but knew that there was a chance I could make it home and end the trip today. A lot would have to go right, starting with an early start....After I hit the snooze button for the fourth time that early start didn't seem like it was going to happen. I grabbed breakfast at the little cabin cafe place (weak coffee, poor omelette) then hit the road. I knew according to Google it would take about 5 hours of riding to get to the ferry. I had precisely 6 until the ferry departed which meant I would need to pedal like the wind and take short breaks. I mounted up for one last ride. One last ride.
My legs are weak but the energy gel is starting to kick in. I am gaining speed and momentum, it's going okay. My plan was to just straight ride for one hour before taking a short break and another energy gel. Caffeine and time in the saddle was going to be my path to the finish line.
After an hour, my pace is above 14 mph. After two hours my pace is above 15 mph. After three hours, my pace is holding above 15 mph even though there is a headwind. I'm feeling tired but strong. My legs are crystal. It's getting close to 2pm and I'm still not at the boat. I keep expecting it around the next corner but it keeps not being there. I'm tired but keep pushing on yelling "GRIT" whenever I need a boost. Finally, after rolling hills for what felt like miles, I pull into the harbor. Boom.
There were a bunch of other people on tours, none quite as ambitious as mine, but lots of people with panniers. Had a couple chats and swapped some stories then settled into a hotdog and beer on the boat. After that, a short ride out of Sidney to the BC ferries and a ride home. Great trip!
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