The Finale in Newfoundland

It is fitting that Bryan started his final day of riding with a tough headwind out of Port-aux-Basques for the first 18 km. That changed quickly however when he got further inland. The evergreens, bent and gnarled, show the strain of the prevailing winds. Bryan, on the other hand, looks and feels great. By 5:00 pm, he had completed 150km just outside of Stephenville.

Meanwhile, I had gone into Corner Brook to pick up a shipping box for his faithful Cannondale. When we met up, we loaded the bike and continued into Stephenville for the ceremonial dipping of the tire into the ocean.
With 6657 kilometres completed, this cross-Canada bike tour is officially ended. A bitter-sweet moment to be sure. We celebrated with supper and a walk along the ocean.

We also talked to a clerk who had worked at that store for 40 years, including when Stephenville was a US air base. In the heyday, 34 employees worked where now only 4 are at that store. It was also fitting that the trip should end by sharing stories, small town style. She sent us on our way with the familiar good wishes and a thanks for stopping by.

The bike packed, we catch the ferry again for North Sydney tomorrow and head for home. One more entry to write...this trip by the numbers.