It was Wednesday morning and anticipating our run to Sauble Beach, I inhaled my Rice Krispies and was yanking on the choke by 7:30 am. It was a cool morning, about 12 deg. C, and I was layered for the run. There was a blue sky with a scattering of clouds and the bike savoured the cool air as I tore down River Rd. to Scott's place, no use trying to sneak up on him.... he could hear my bike and knew the sound from miles away.



We were both looking forward to the day in the saddle, and were soon on hwy 6 south heading north towards the 403. I didn't realize how many cars there are in an early morning commute down the 403 escarpment. It was stop and go for most of the way but we were soon blasting back up the mountain towards Clappison Corners and we stayed on hwy 6 all the way into Guelph were we had our first stopover at the Speed River park. The picture below was taken of Scott as he stands proudly beside his tourer, an '85 Yamaha Venture Royale at the Speed River park.
















Guelph is a very nice city, lots of old buildings in the city core that are in wonderful shape. It has a clean appearance, but unfortunately, stoplights every 50 feet. Makes it easy to get split up, which did happen .... but nothing too bad.


We were soon back on 6 north scooting through Arthur and Mount Forest, but then we ran into the dreaded road repairs. Too bad because we were making good time! These road repairs were the worse kind, first we got the "grooved pavement" crap were that big machine has come along and chewed off the first inch or so of asphalt, creating the road that steers for you.... a special treat on a motorcycle!! Then we came into gravel, dirt or "groovy road" again on each of our little construction adventures, but first we would come upon streetlights set up on the roadway, where we would sit and wait while the people coming from the other direction passed on by. Had time for a banana at one stop and chance to change some clothes at another.











The above picture was taken as we approached Owen Sound, it was at a roadside picnic area. Just a small little area but quite scenic with a small lake and dam. I thought it was on the Saugeen River, but we passed that picnic area about 20 minutes later, and I must admit it looked even better. Maybe next time.... ;)


Owen Sound has really expanded since I last went through there, Power Centers, fast food places etc., but I remembered the hill you come down as you roll into town giving you a nice view of Georgian Bay.


Shortly we were turning left at Hepworth and heading into Sauble Beach. The same as Grand Bend, it is a small tourist drag with beach stores, restaurants and bars. And of course, the famous Sauble Beach sign below.



















We had lunch at Bob's Bar B Que, a burger and I had a chicken pot pie that was quite good. I noticed that most of the places had $8 or $9 burgers. Seems to be the new norm, over-priced burgers with a scattering of warmed up fries. I realize it isnt a 12 month season in these tourist places, but like everyone else, if I feel gouged I won't be back. Whatever happened to the mom and pop places with the great count of home made food? I actually overheard Bob (the dam owner of the place) joking about "Carving off the salmonella" back in the kitchen, leaves you with a nice warm feeling ;)

I had Scott take the customary "under the sign" photo, and an hour after arriving in Sauble, we were back in the saddle and heading south down Reg Rd 13. Nice ride down here, twisty turns, pine forests on one side and cottages on Lake Huron on the other side.