05:00 Grand Rapids (MN)
00:15 Montreal | 1,810 km
The final day of this long journey!
Motivation: 110%. Physical condition: 110%. Weather: Perfect. BMW: Tires are tired, but ready for action!
Result: A high-speed departure toward Montreal, which awaits me peacefully 1,800 km away. Quickly, the rural scenery gives way to more urban areas. Unlike yesterday, the rhythm is broken up by numerous turns and route changes, forcing me to be more active on the bike: frequent overtaking, careful reading of curves, and constant monitoring of the GPS, which seems just as excited as I am by this journey’s end.
I arrive in Canada (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) in the late morning after being searched by customs… American customs! Yes, I am being searched to leave the USA. What stupidity. To think that last year, I crossed 15 borders in Europe without ever stopping. I suppose they believe it’s easy to transport a weapon of mass destruction on a motorcycle, or perhaps Bin Laden is hiding in my top case!
The entry into Canada, however, takes only ten seconds.
Happy to begin my final stretch (still 1,000 km to go), I let myself go a bit on the deserted sections.
Unfortunately, traffic becomes dense and roadwork slows my progress. I am even immobilized for 30 minutes near Sudbury. In the evening, the rain makes its appearance at the worst possible moment, just as darkness covers the coniferous forests.
The section between Petawawa and Montreal is no walk in the park. My apprehension toward the rain, justified by my bald tires and near-zero visibility, forces me to slow down considerably.
I am welcomed back to Montreal by the eternal road closures. We start with the 40, which is totally closed at the entrance to the island. But since I am no tourist here, I decide to bypass the whole mess via Highway 20. I know my city; you won’t make me lose another minute! My cozy bed (and my girlfriend) are waiting for me.
Naturally, the grand and majestic Ministry of Transportation, in its legendary capacity for planning, has also closed the 20, the only alternative route!
After several detours, a few creative infractions of the Highway Safety Code, and some heartfelt swearing, I finally find myself in front of my house. I am safe and sound, but I suddenly realize that the journey is over. To my surprise, I struggle to get off the bike. I take a few minutes to reflect before finding the courage to cut the ignition, putting a final point on this superb adventure in the Canadian West.
Distance traveled: 18,975 km (GPS) Final Odometer: 28,750 km