Leg 20 - Montreal, QC to Mississauga, ON

Left Montreal at 5:45 am. I was taken aback when I went out this morning to pack my bike. I was blocked in on every side and unable to get out. I starting taking the cover off of my bike when a man appeared from one of the hotel doors. He asked me what I was doing. When I told him I was packing my bike to leave he looked relieved. He said he saw me on the hotel monitor camera and came out to investigate. I showed him that I was blocked in and he said he would call the hotel guest and have him move his car. Whew!

I was on the road by 5:45. My new rain pants are doing double duty. I put them on when it is cool in the morning. They add an extra layer of insulation and can be easily removed. Much better than long johns which require a private space to take off.

The predicted weather was lower to mid 60's the entire day with a 13 mph head wind. I don't mind the head wind as far as riding goes, but it does take a hit on gas mileage. If I am going 70 mph, I am eating gas as if I am going over 80. A big difference. The Goldwing handles the winds very well.

At one of the rest stops along the highway I met a couple of riders from Naples, FL, Warren and Kathy. They are Canadian citizens with a summer home in Naples. They were riding a couple of customized Harley Davidson Super Glides. Two very beautiful motorcycles.

They started their trip north a couple of weeks ago and were taking in the sights along the way. Their routine was to ride two days and then take a 'down' day.

They were also riding with their mascot, Nick, shown below in the photo.

Kathy and Warren (and Nick)

Nick was a Kris Krinkle present and they came up with the idea to bring it along on their ride, taking photos of sights along the way with Nick in the picture. Next Christmas they are going to present Nick to one of their riding friends along with a photo album of where Nick had traveled. The idea is to leave blank photo spots so the next riders could carry on the tradition.

We rode together for a short 60 miles when Kathy and Warren peeled off on their exit continuing their trip north to their home. Safe riding to Kathy and Warren (and Nick).

I arrived in Mississauga, ON around 3:15 hungry and ready for a nap. I checked into a motel and promptly got some pot roast and mash potatoes at a nearby restaurant. Comfort food was just what I needed.

Overall, 365 miles and 9 1/2 hours. I am just a short 500 miles from my brother's house in Villa Park, IL. I plan on splitting up the remaining miles into two days with the lion's share tomorrow. That way I can sleep in on Friday, miss the rush hour traffic and glide into Villa Park in the early afternoon.