Today is the final day of the ride! We had a very long day but great scenery along the way. A few of the posse riders left first thing in the morning as they were now heading to their final destination – home. There were still all the rented bikes and a few more heading back towards Antwerp. Almost every stop we were starting to say goodbye to people as they made a different turn in the road.
One of the last stops we had before saying goodbye to Barbara, Stephan and Kris we had to put the proper riding gear on to ensure we were legal in Belgium. Three quarter helmet, long sleeves, gloves, pants and riding boots all must be worn in Belgium or it is against the law. Thankfully it was starting to cool down a bit and my jacket was bearable but glad I don’t have to wear long sleeves all the time and the helmet too – I miss my half helmet at home!
We made a left at the bottom of the hill and started to head up another a bike pulled off to the side of the road – broken down bike! Some stopped to see what was going on and I noticed our sweepers also stopped so I scooted up to the front (always fun!) to let the leaders know what was going on and why we lost half of the group. We pulled off and waited a bit but no one came and then decided to go ahead until we got to a gas station. Once we arrived at the gas station and filled up we knew that the fuel pump had gone on the bike and that they had made arrangements to have the Antwerp dealer pick it up tomorrow and the guys were doubling up and would catch up with us shortly! Well it was 7:00 by the time they got to us and we still had 150 km to go!
We said our final goodbyes to a few more people including some of the posse team and a great friend Dicky and headed off down the road again until each of them pulled off heading towards their destinations. We arrived at the gas station around the corner from the dealer to fill up and one more bike (John and Cindy’s bike) would not start after filling up! Everyone got back to the dealer including their bike as it was pushed down the road as the last posse bike to arrive – LOL. I tried taking pictures but with my camera and not knowing where I am taking pictures they did not turn out!!
After parking the bikes in the garage at the dealer and taking a final picture of one dirty bike we said goodbye! Thankfully Margo and Luc offered to drive a few of us to our destinations for the night which was awesome and above and beyond! I headed to the train station which is absolutely beautiful and caught a train to Brussels for my final night. It was 11:00 pm when I arrived in Brussels and then walked to my hotel about a block or so away from the station while pulling my suitcases and still in my biking boots! Quite a site I must have been!
After registering and showering I headed back out to the Brussels square for something to eat for supper. I found a great outdoor cafe and had a chicken salad and a final beer before hitting the pillow.
Thursday morning was quick up and packed headed to the airport. I thought I would have had time to complete my blog while at the airport but by the time you get through all the customs, security and lineups everywhere I didn’t even have time to sit down before they were calling for the seating of the plane. I sat beside a gentleman that was going to Canada on a tour of the western provinces starting in Calgary. He was planning on a trip with Dutch people so he could practice his language skills in hopes of getting better at it. Interesting sort of guy a vacation as well as a learning experience all in one!
I slept a few different times on the flight and felt rested arriving in Montreal. It was a good thing as I was off to the races again from picking up my luggage to going through customs and then dropping my luggage off again and then through security again! WOW! Again no time before getting called to finally sit on the final plane to Ottawa. It was surprising to see the girl that I met on my flight over to Brussels also boarding the same flight to Ottawa and we asked each other how are vacations were – very nice to see a friendly face again! It was a quick up and down flight and then pick my luggage up and meet Paul at the car. Wonderful to see him and I was full of stories. I am sure he thought I was crazy but he was happy to see me and that is all that matters. We stopped in Arnprior on the way home for one of my favourite meals at the Prior which happened to be on special for Thursday nights!
It is good to be home! Thank you all for following along with me I had an absolute blast – hope you did too!
