The final push!

With the heat from the previous two days on my mind I decided more time riding in cool temperatures was needed. This meant an early rise before the sun really heated things up.

The big wheels (my 29er that is) rolled out of Whitbourne at just after 5am on the final day.

Hazy sunrise on the final day

Finally some real railway tracks to ride?

Tracks that lead to Avondale Station and another train!

I was beginning to ponder how so many towns (starting back in Port Aux Basques) still had rail units intact. Of course the fact the Newfoundland Railway was not compatible (narrow gauge versus wide gauge in mainland Canada) could explain why the Canadians didn't want the defunct Newfie trains!

You may be waiting some time for the next train (Waiting Room on the right).

A sunny and quiet morning at Holyrood Marina

Apparently some problems here meant the winter was less than pleasant for some.

Seagulls lined up, they won't appreciate my being in a hurry to get to St. John's

Quiet coastal stretches before the final hill

A splash of colour in Kelligrews

Manuels and the trail surface improves noticeably!

But wait! How does a bike fit through here? City Planners #$%^*!@

The final bridge, again with touches of the past reflecting in it's design

The final resting place for the engine that could (the black bike that is).

A little dusty but no worse for wear (well minus a few spokes)

Visiting Mile 0 for good measure

And a bird's eye view of St John's from Signal Hill (steepest climb of the lot)

The bike longingly looks eastward for more trail to ride (note the rider isn't doing the same)

Obligatory selfie with bike and Cabot Tower in the background

5 Days, 23 hours and 16 minutes (who's counting) after the fog lifted in Port Aux Basques I arrived to scorching St. John's. Total mileage on odometer was 944 kms, included some trips to the shops ;-)

Overall a great little ride. Will post some post ride thoughts tomorrow.

Elevation profile for the final day:

The last hill from Manuels to Mount Pearl came as a surprise but with the end near it was quickly gobbled up by the big wheels

The final push and a short day at 97 kms:

Whitbourne to St John's - 97 kms