While fuel is a constant pre-occupation when touring on any motorcycle, it becomes doubly so when touring on a sport bike. My reserve light typically lights up at about 245 km (150mi). I had fueled up at Sault-Ste-Marie right on the outskirts of town and I calculated that I would have just enough to get to Wawa before my reserve light would come on. And that would have to do because there is nothing, nada, between these two cities except forest on one side and Lake Superior on the other.

Twelve kilometers from Wawa my reserve light goes off. I wick it down to doubly ensure that I have enough range. As I ride into town, I come across the town general store. These types of establishments always fascinate me and I like spending time in them. In a way, they are like a time warp machine. They bring you back to another era.

Typically you can buy food, clothing, boots, hunting and fishing tackle, supplies to build or fix any part of your house, really anything that you might need. Some, like the ones I’ve seen in Newfoundland, are strictly functional for serving their communities. Others, like this one, have a double vocation: Functional on the one hand and appealing to the tourist on the other.

I gas up and go back inside to get a lay of the land from the ladies regarding campsites available in the area. They are very friendly and helpful but after a little conversation, things are not looking good. It turns out that all campsites in the Wawa vicinity are closed for the season as they typically close by end September. In addition, there is likely no gas between Wawa and Thunder Bay (600km/372mi) after 11pm.

I’m standing in this store munching on something or other and letting sink in the fact that I’m stranded in Wawa and forced to use a motel room. In preparation for this trip, I had checked availability of campsites for cities such as Sudbury, the Soo, Thunder Bay, etc. But I had not expected to sleep over in Wawa. So here I am.

Other bad news: Most motels are showing no vacancy. Turns out that it is the start of hunting season in two days and hunters are showing up from everywhere. Most motels have been pre-booked. After some searching, I finally find a very decent accommodation on the outskirts of town. Having settled that requirement I search out a Subway to grab a bite and read the local newspaper.

All in all, I’m feeling good, the room is comfortable and I spend the rest of the night looking at maps and watching some TV. Sleep comes easily.

Daily Miles: 700km 434mi

Bruno
Montreal, Canada