I leave the gas station parking lot eager to catch up to my truck driver buddy. Though I temporarily up the pace a little, I never do catch up to him. If he’s driving near the limit, my extra speed is not enough to make up the twelve-minute head start he had before getting to the turn-off. No big deal, I reason. I’ll just take the detour at Crystal Falls and eventually catch up.

As I ride, I assimilate the road information and considerations that Rae-Lynn had shared. The rain maintains its intensity and the winds are moderate. I begin evaluating the on-road conditions and what the temperature seems to be doing. By the time I get to Crystal Falls I’m having second thoughts.

The road I’m on is a known quantity. The present temperature is not far from freezing. Roads to the north could be subject to worse/colder weather. A few degrees cooler could make all the difference. This could bring snow and freezing rain. At the detour, I decide that I prefer the devil I know to the devil I don’t.

It’s now past 3am. As Rte 2 turns southbound, visibility is poor and the temperature is falling somewhat. The road looks very shiny and I’m no longer confident that traction is reliable. I’m riding very smoothly and become a little circumspect in the way I approach curves and sweepers.

I can feel the temperature lowering, but other than visual and tactile cues, I have no way of knowing how close it is to freezing point. While on straight parts of the road, I occasionally roll on gently to sample traction.

So far, each town I’ve passed has been zipped up for the night. Not only are there no accommodations available, but there is nowhere I can stop under shelter and light. My present preoccupation is still with the temperature. If it dips much more it will turn to freezing rain or snow.

It’s pouring as I come across a nice-looking Resort-Inn and stop. As I walk into the well-carpeted lobby I’m just dripping. Inside it is total quiet, not a soul is stirring. There are overstuffed leather sofas and some embers are still smoldering in the main fireplace.

Slowly I take my outer layer off and walk across the hall to the check-in desk and ring the bell. As I half-expected, nobody comes. I guess they just don’t answer after a certain time at night.

I go back to the main lobby and then walk around exploring, looking for the men’s room. I walk into the back veranda where guests have breakfast in the morning and look around. Nothing. I open the side door leading to the rear garden and am met with the pounding of the driving rain. Without a helmet and earplugs on, it sounds much louder. Quite a contrast with the quietness that I was just becoming accustomed to. I now turn my thoughts back to the task at hand.

I consider the possibility of maybe just curling up in a corner or on a sofa and snoozing for a couple of hours in this warm, dry, and inviting place. I could be up at 5am and leave possibly refreshed.

On the other hand, the temperature could continue dipping with things freezing up ie sleet. Then I’d be stuck here for a while. I could also wake up feeling groggy.

Hmmm. . . Right now I still feel fresh, not tired at all. I suit up and walk outside, where my faithful ride companion tonight – pouring rain – has been patiently waiting for me. I’m off.

Bruno
Montreal, Canada