Day 3: Springhill, NS to Dieppe, NB

One of the best things about doing this trip is stepping outside my zone of familiarity. While I was traveling around Europe and China, I would sleep on benches, and this time, I slept behind an old abandoned building in the middle of nowhere. I woke up to a very cold morning, yet did my best to wake up and get going. I guess this is what it’s like for people with chronic pain — the conditions are hard, but the only positive choice they have really is to get going.

My bike’s chains got messed up, and I couldn’t cycle at all. I went to the side of the road and hitch hiked to Amherst, NS — there was this very kind man who let me in his vehicle.

Frances sent me a list of two bicycle shops in Amherst, and, I went to the one at the top of the list: the Bicycle Specialist. It turns out that my bike wasn’t in the best shape at all, and Basil, the bike specialist himself, really did his best to fix it and make sure that it is in top-notch condition. He really is an expert — after this, I felt like I was flying — cycling has never felt this good!

I cycled along the highway, and it feels so different — I felt as if I was just soaring along. Cycling along the highway is allowed in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, but not in Quebec, so I took this opportunity!

Cycling on the highway!

A few hours later, I saw the sign “New Brunswick,” and I let out a huge sigh of relief. This is a turning point in my trip — New Brunswick, here I come!

In Sackville, NB — happy to see a bit of civilization 🙂

I cycled a bit more, and then saw this:

It’s like being in an obstacle course

How in the world am I supposed to go through?!?!

So I waited a bit more, and this kind man let me on his pickup truck. Watch this epic story unfold on this video:

Finally, I arrived in Dieppe, NB, around 6 pm. This is the earliest that I arrived ahead of my schedule, and I think this is in due part because of my bike being in such wonderful shape.

Finally arrived in Dieppe, NB!

I was then welcomed by my hosts: Robby Kilborn and his partner Sheri Gallant (and their two lovely dogs). They are such a wonderful couple, and I spent the rest of the evening talking to them. It was wonderful being able to take a shower after two days, having some warm soup, and sleeping on a bed. These are the things we take for granted when we’re in such a comfortable state of living, but boy, these seemingly little things can really make one happy.

Robby and Sheri’s dogs, too cute to be true

Day three is done! The first two days were excessively difficult… I was tired, I am still tired, but I am very eager to continue. Ultimately, this is all about pacing, having the right mindset, and taking it one step at a time.