Another early morning and I set off out of the picturesque town of north Hatley, but not before stopping in at jays place for a hearty breakfast and some strong coffee for another big day that lye ahead. I climbed out of North Hatley on the road and was headed for Magog. The route is a combination of road and trail and once again signage is good but you have to pay close attention. I worked my way around a very complex but scenic route until I finally regained the trail that follows around the Lake, unfortunately this section is quite average for views and it is not until you reach the town of Magog, you even see the Lake.

I was meeting James Clarke of the Trans Canada Trail Foundation. James co ordinates the Discovery Trails Program sponsored by the Stephen R. Bronfman Foundation. I have been incredibly impressed, as I have crossed the country with these interpretative signs. The signage adds an extra dimension to the Trans Canada Trail and is often used in conjunction with other trail infrastructure enhancing the experience significantly. The Trans Canada Trail Foundation distributes these to the provincial organizations and aids them in their installation. I met James in Magog and for the first time on this trip other than a short morning ride with PJ Fernadez my biking buddy from Deer Lake; I would be riding with someone. We pulled out of Magog and headed toward impressive Mount Orford and the Provincial Park for thirty-five kilometers of excellent trail riding. Hillier than other trails I have come across, but in perfect condition, this area is fantastic for mountain biking. We had a great time cruising through this single-track area and popped out on the other side. We traveled on road way and on some more section of trail until we finally reached Windsor and would be making the final run into the town of Granby. The trail into Granby is in excellent shape and once again very well used. I had now traveled over one hundred and twenty kilometers and would have twenty more to go.

Just as we started out I saw two young people on bikes and said hello. Yannick and Kim were part of the Trail Patrol System used by the organization that looks after the trail in this area. They were part of a ten-person team. I was fascinated to find out that they are simply there to assist any of the trail users that may experience problems. Equipped to service and support they are ready to handle any issues trail users might experience, including first aid.

I was getting tired; it has been a long couple of days, and weeks for that matter. I was in serious need of a break and James pulled me into Granby, and that was it, the trail toward Farnam and Montreal would have to wait. I threw out the anchor and would be shutting down the power for a well-deserved three-day break off the bike in Montreal.

Tommy