We met at Lock 17 just after 10 AM. Jeff was surrounded by Goldwings.
After a long leisurely breakfast during which many war stores were told and world problems solved, we headed out into the sunny and relatively warm day. It was 6 degrees when we departed from Orleans and eventually rose to a balmy 13 degrees.
The route took us through scenic Merrickville to Smiths Falls and Perth. The day was so calm, the rivers and ponds looked like mirrors.
We then planned to travel through the Lanark Highlands to Calabogie and Pakenham. However even though we just finished breakfast, we couldn't pass the ice cream in Balderson.
Looks like something or somebody got their attention in the above photo. Sorry guys, I lost the next photo. It was an occupied cute convertible.
It was a great scenic ride via the rolling hills and sunny skies. As we approached Calabogie a diversion to the Calabogie Motorsport (Race)Track was in order even though it would be closed for the season. As we approached, the gate was open and a couple of vehicles were parked in front. We approached the people standing by the vehicles and chatted them up. We learned there were many racing programs both competition and ride your own. They have Ninja 600cc bikes and gear for rent as well as a fleet of Mustangs which can be self driven after some instruction from their staff. Some days, they allow you to take your own vehicle for laps around the track.
The course is 5.05 KM with 20 turns (up to 6 degree banks) and elevation of 65 feet during the course. We should plan a ride there next year to partake in one of their programs or attend a race.
As we were about to depart, I casually stated " we will take a spin around the track and then head home". The race instructor replied "If you want to, come over to the office to sign a waiver and I will lead you around the track". It didn't take long to make a decision. As he was preparing the forms for signature, he inquired of the date. I looked at my watch and it was the 13th. I then realized it was Saturday rather than Friday so I signed up.
Within minutes, we were following the instructor's vehicle into the first turn. I was surprised at the number of very tight turns with banking and elevation. The instructor directed us to follow his line into each turn since most of them were blind. Good idea since we couldn't see if the exit of the turn would go right or left. After cautiously make one lap, we headed into the second lap with more knowledge and on one straight stretch, I was close to 160KM. The straight stretches are not that long and you have to break very hard going into the turns which can bring you back to 20 KM. We were all pumped after the two laps and had to dissipate the adrenalin prior to going back on the road to Calabogie through the 60 KM speed zone. It was a random thrill of a life time that was not planned. Sometimes these things just happen. Enjoy the moment.
As we headed for our next destination, Scoops, in Pakenham for our second ice cream of the day, I checked my GPS to see my recorded highest speed. It was registered at 155 KM. We arrived to our disappointment at Scoops which was closed for the season. While planning our next stop at the nearest Tim Hortons, Ron N. checked his GPS for top speed which he proudly declared was recorded at 154.9KM. I couldn't help myself and showed mine at 155. It's a guy thing.
The next stop was Timmies in Carleton Place where we rehashed our adventure over coffee/hot chocolate and some calorie-wise donuts. Jeff and Ron N. departed to their Carleton Place homes while Steve and I returned to Orleans.
It was a bonus ride day for November, unplanned but one of the best of the year. Sometimes things just happen.
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