Off at 8:20 from Newport on the rail/trail headed north. Five and a half miles later I arrived at the border crossing, answered all the questions correctly, packed my passport and pedalled into Canada. The trail continued for two hours with me free of roaring trucks, cars and lousy shoulders. The trails can get monotonous but it is nice to cruise along surrounded by nature. The trail ended in Ayer’s Cliff where also I was able to get some food. Moving on what I thought was a continuation of trail brought me to a dead end. I back tracked and spent the next hour figuring out which road to take. Finally, the local library pointed the way out of town in the right direction. The remainder of the ride consisted of the same old lousy shoulders, loud vehicles, moderate hills (two walkers) and a stiff headwind. Upon reaching the outskirts of Sherbrook/Lenoxville I miraculously found a bike trail. There may be a national rail/trail made up of many local trails but the signs are non existent. Velo verte 3 is what I want to be on but without proper signage what is the use. In France I went through the same drill with their velo routes. Is it the French culture which is lacking a bit of common sense? Once in Lenoxville I was told the local Bishop University put up riders like me. After consulting the police I found the institution and checked in minutes before the rain began. Nice digs and a cafeteria in the next building. The girl who checked me in hopefully has correctly laid out the route tomorrow, rail/trails the whole way to Quebec. I know the route will no doubt be laden with wrong turns do to poor signage. Rain is forecast so the rain gear is ready. I can hardly wait.
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