The night is my kriptonite! I've pushed through the night before in the past with no sleep, and I wanted to see if I get through this one with only dirt naps and one big push. I brought minimal gear. Only an emergency bivy for sleep. Pack weighed 12.5 pounds and that was carrying 2L of water with electrolytes in it. I knew there would be spots to get water, but I didn't know how many and where. I was blessed with very mild weather for this time of year in Ontario. Without these conditions, I wouldn't have done it in this fashion.
I got started at 7AM. Logistically, an easy day. 100 miles and I return to my car. Very easy terrain being mostly rail trail. But 100 miles is 100 miles. I felt great early on. I had to do a reroute in Orillia due to construction. It didn't affect much at all really. Just a couple blocks difference and no extra distance added on. The stretch between Orillia and Barrie is long and straight. I hiked probably 95% or more of this whole loop. My running was more of a shuffle to break up the monotony and use some different muscles. My 2nd and last reroute I had to make was in Barrie. I hit more construction and the sidewalks were also closed. So once again, I had to decide how to reroute. This one did add on some distance, but I had to do what I had to do. Eventually got back on course and kept on rolling. I stopped at this spring to refill my bottle and camel up some. Delicious! I got to the 61 mile mark before I decided to try and close my eyes for a bit. I chose a bench which would be warmer than the ground. I really didn't sleep well and was chilly. I did however feel like it helped a bit and took the edge off. My next destinations were Penetanguishene and Midland. It was very late and no one was out. It was beautiful along the water with all the lights. I decided to sneak in one more nap before the sun rose. This nap was better and on another bench. OK, no more sleeping now. Time to get back to my car. One more rail trail section to go. I passed through Coldwater and was getting close. Had some light rain most of this morning as well. I felt pretty bad the last 10 miles or so. Combination of little sleep, one big push with no real recovery for my legs, the unsupported aspect was eventually was taking its tole. I made it to the end and proceeded to hop in my car, crank the heat and fall asleep.
I'm very glad I got to finally do this cool loop in my county. Most people gravel bike it. That's probably smarter haha. I give credit to all those people who can do big pushes with little or no sleep. It is not my strength. Give me a few hours rack and my body can recover and I will fell much better. So longer thru hiking is more of my thing. But it was nice to get out of my comfort zone and do this. I leaned a few skills which I an take with me for future projects. So...on to the next one:)