Day 37: Bloomfield to Kingston

After writing my blog post yesterday I chatted more with Rick.

He started the bike shop in 1990, that’s 35 years ago! Longer than I’ve been in the US. He was told by many people to start more bike shops since he was so successful with this one, but he turned down the opportunity. The reason is that Rick knows what is enough. The bike shop sits on the property that Rick owns so there’s no rent. Rick doesn’t have to answer to anyone but himself. Rick is the Mexican fisherman who refused to buy more boats just to have more power and money. He and I stood on the same side with regard to capitalism and consumerism. Rick even told me a story about his childhood friend who worked and worked then ended up with lots of money and bad health. What’s the point of having loads of money and no health? Again, people like Rick and KT are part of my tribe because we see things similarly.

Rick made a delicious pasta dish for dinner and we talked more about bicycles. Rick advised me to buy a Pinion gearbox bicycle in Germany when I get there because it’s cheaper. Also a steel or titanium bicycle is better for touring than an aluminum one because they are stronger. I might get one if anything happens to my bike while I cycle in Europe.

Rick and KT didn't want to be photographed so there are no pictures of them.

Last night, I slept well overall except I was awaken by the rain in the morning. After a cup of coffee and a muffin made by KT, I bid farewell to Rick and got on the road around 7:30. 

The misty rain soon made my shorts, shoes, and rain jacket wet. I passed by the town of Picton before arriving at the ferry terminal in Glenora. I just missed the 8:30 ferry to Adolphustown by three minutes so I had to wait about thirty minutes for the next ferry. The good news is that it’s free.

Once I reached Adolphustown, I rode on Highway 33 the entire time to Kingston. On the way, I had two slices of pizza at Mike’s Pizza and More in Bath around 11 AM.

I arrived at my Warmshowers host’s place around 1:15 PM and rode 42.6 miles for the day.

My host is Guy. He made some coffee and we chatted about some sights in Kingston, including Fort Henry and the Rideau Canal. I don’t think I’ll have time to visit Fort Henry, but I will be riding on the Rideau Canal Trail tomorrow.

I took a shower and did laundry. Later in the day, we will go out to dinner with Guy’s friends. Right now, I just want to relax and be grateful that I’m indoors and dry.

Downtown Picton

On the ferry

Nice to see some bicycle decorations.

Riding on Highway 33 next to the lake

Passed by some power generation plants

Rested here for a bit

Looking out to Amherst Island

My Warmshowers host Guy