New Map - another bridge to cross.

Prince Edward Island is on the list!

There is a danger in buying maps. A simple event like taking Christy to the bookstore leads to the purchase of a Canadian map. When you buy a map you run the risk of finding new goals and destinations. Unfolding the newly purchased map on the kitchen table reveals a bridge from Nova Scotia to Price Edward Island. Oh boy – so many miles and this time, time.

The route is starting to take shape or at least the first day. Pete and I will head north on I-77 to just past the Virginia boarder. From there we will jump on the Blue Ridge Parkway, connect with the Skyline Drive. The Skyline Drive will take us to just outside Washington, DC where we will connect with I-64 and then I-81 into Pennsylvania. Depending what time we start this will be a good first days ride.

Our route will take us west of New York City. Both of us have ‘been there, done that’ and the idea of riding a bike in all that traffic has no appeal to either of us. Once we cross into New York State we will start to move northeast. Bar Harbor on the coast of Maine will be a good rest day.

From Bar Harbor it gets fuzzy. Pete’s brother is doing a sculpture locally so Pete may stay longer in Bar Harbor. My plans are to rest and head for ‘Oh Canada’. Something about crossing an international boarder on the bike has a strange appeal. Some people ride to the local bar, I am in search of oysters on Prince Edward Island.

I have no idea how long I will stay on PEI or Nova Scotia. The maps show less than 2,000 miles back to Charlotte which can easily be done in 48 hours if I Iron Butt it home (although already a member I have set a 2007 objective to complete another long endurance ride). Or a slow ride along the Canadian coast to Negara Falls, past the Pittsburgh office and into Charlotte would make another nice loop.

Who knows? 2 weeks, full gas tank, American Express and a tent.