After three grueling days I have made it to Quebec, a city celebrating its 400th anniversary this summer! The last couple days have been straining, both mentally and physically (mostly mentally) but I'm here now and ready to take a bit of time off. Also, I have passed the 1000 km mark. I am staying in a hostel located right in the old part of the city, which is awesome. The streets are narrow and steep, reminiscent of the old Italian cities I saw this Christmas. The hostel itself is very nice as well, though I got shafted to the top bunk.
Leaving Montreal was very confusing, as it is a difficult city to navigate out of. However, it is well designed for bikers, as there are tons of bike lanes all through the city. In fact, it has twice been named the most bike-friendly city in Canada. My goal to reach Trois Rivieres that day was way too ambitious, and I fell about 40 km short. However, 115 aint bad, and it was my longest day to boot. As i rode through the city the next day, I was glad I hadn't stayed there for the night: that place stinks! I mean this in the literal sense, it was the worst smelling city I have ever had the displeasure of riding through, and I used to live in Hamilton! It was as if someone was burning rotten fish, then throwing salt water on top if it, while standing next to a giant fan. Also, I think there was some rendering fat involved. I got out of there as quick as possible, which was difficult as I was now riding into the strongest headwind I have encountered thus far. This was the mentally straining part. Its hard to understand the toll heavy wind has on a bikers morale without experiencing it, but I can now say I have much greater sympathy for Sisyphus, as it truly felt like I was pushing a rock up hill only to have it roll back down at the top. No matter how hard one pedals, it doesnt feel like you are getting anywhere. By the end, I was literally cursing the sky and ready to quit. Defeated, I rolled into a motel in St. Anne-des-Perades, aka Nowhere. After a few phone calls from Chris Henry, Jamie MacDonald and my always-encouraging family, I fell asleep questioning my ability to continue this journey.
Nevertheless, this morning rose bright and, well, windy. However, the wind was less direct and less powerful, and I was able to make decent progress. Rolling into Donnaconna (which sounds Italian to me), I saw over a massive hill the most beautiful sight I had seen in days: the golden arches of McDonalds! Sitting down to a calorie rich lunch boosted my mind and body, and this afternoon I finally made it to Quebec city and the hostel I had reserved. Tommorow I will explore the old city, and maybe even go see a production of Les Miserables (i wonder if its in French?). After that, I continue up Quebec, though on the other side of the river, toward Riviers-du-Loup, where i turn 90 degrees for New Brunswick.

More things I have learned
1. Hubris: its not just for the Greeks- looking back now, its strange to think I pictured this trip as simple. My recent experience has certainly humbled me to the size of our country, and the amount of effort it takes to cross it. I am continually having to reevaluate my abilities each day, and accept the challenges I am faced with.
2. After a long day, any motel is a good motel- I dont care how many people have been killed on that bed, Im sleeping on it.
3. I still hate the wind- Colbert is wrong, bears are not the number 1 threat to America, wind is.
4. My family and friends are ridiculously supportive- thanks to everyone who has called, messaged, emailed, etc. Its awesome knowing so many people are interested in what Im doing.
5. Nick Ellens has his work cut out for him- my buddy Nick is biking across the entire continent, through the US, for a total of 6000 km, as part of a big charity ride. Good luck man, you're a braver soul than I.