Rain, crosswinds, mysterious noises and did I mention rain?

9.9. The expected but nevertheless unwanted change in weather asked for a change of clothing (gear I mean). Rain gear is my least favourite set of motorcycle outfit. However, I am glad, I have it on board. The wet stuff isn't actually too bad, the crosswinds are much worse, and require highest concentration. Sometimes, when maneuvering the Honda around I am thinking, darn, this bike is a fat duck, I wish I was on a Vespa. Today, honest to the PTB I am glad that the Shadow is as chuff as it is. Because that Thunderbird is cruising like a champ, all wind gusts withstanding.

Taking a break from the rain in Rimouski at Poine au Père where the rest area provides a picnic table with a roof, I pull out my lunch and enjoy not getting wet for a change.

Another storm front is heading my way. The wind picks up again, and fat rain drops are hitting the roof. Better wait it out, or not because there is no change in weather forecasted.

In this mess there is not much to see or do, hence I decide to call it a day it Sainte-Anne-Des-Monts. The motel Beau Rivage is reasonably priced and clean and overlooks the bay of the village.

While unloading the bike I discover a lose thingy behind the exhaust, which likely caused the occasional rattling noise I overheard while riding.

It came completely off, and both nuts to keep the whatchamacallit in place where missing. Thanks to my recent French lessons I have the vocabulary at hand to explain the issue to the nice young man next door (a plumber by trade). He pulls the support somewhat in place, and it gets secured with wire. Then he refers me to nearest repair shop. I follow his directions, and there it is. Three blocks down the road I find a branch of Napa Autopro. The friendly mechanic takes care of it instantly. He needs less than a minute to assess the problem. He finds the right fitting nuts, and screws them on properly. Five minutes later I leave the shop with an extra pair of nuts which will from now on travel in the tool kit.

With the issue resolved I am free to go for a walk into town. It's about half a mile down the bay, and I am glad for the exercise. Meanwhile the weather has cleared up a bit, at least it's not raining anymore.

The town doesn't have much of an infrastructure, however, like in any other town in the area there is a fairly big church.

As a special treat I finally get to spot the sun, while she's setting. Hello again. Where have you been? Good to see you.

Besides the exhaust support coming lose, the Shadow has performed extremely well under these weather and road conditions. I am very proud of it (still keeping an eye on the air pressure on the front tire though).

Notes on luggage: I didn't bother using the rain cover on the sissybar luggage, as my clothing is packed in the waterproof Ortlieb backpack. However, although it had rained hard, the bag was holding tight. Humidy got inside, yes, but it wasn't dripping wet. Meanwhile the roll bag continues to be of good service for my grocery shopping. And by far the best piece of luggage so far are the saddle bags. They are perfectly shut and dry.