Cape Breton Highlands National Park is cold and damp this morning, the kind of see-your-breath cold that calls for a late start. I’m the last one to hit the road at 8:40.
A few long, gradual hills at the start serve as a gentle warmup for what’s to come.
Just 11 km in, I come to the first major climb of the day: French Mountain at 455 metres. It goes on for 5 km with one switchback after another, and then it flattens out nicely at the top.
Mackenzie Mountain comes next with a summit of 372 metres. Since we’re already so high, the climb is barely noticeable but the descent sure is! With so many dangerous turns I do my best to keep my speed under 65 km/h. I can smell the rubber from my brake pads on every curve.
A flatter section through Pleasant Bay gives me a chance to catch my breath before the toughest climb of all – North Mountain at 445 metres.
On the way there, I see this very old looking shelter at the side of the road and feel compelled to stop.
North Mountain is a 4 km climb at 13% grade. I churn the pedals in my easiest gear for 28 minutes before I reach the top, averaging about 8 km/h.
It is absolutely grueling. What a relief it is to reach the top, and once again, the descent is the best part.
A long climb out of the valley takes me within 10 km of the campground, which turns out to have quite a view of its own.
Tomorrow we’ll be heading south to Baddeck.
Lynn's Bike Ride 
Beautiful!
Lynn was the last to leave camp at 8:40, must have been a type o. Great pics, stay strong.
Hi Lynn: I am enjoying your blog; thanks for the great photos. I thought North Mtn was the toughest climb of the trip but the scenery was well worth the effort. Best wishes, John
Wow. Awesome photos and ride.