Pedalling to the Pub
As Fall is very definitely turning into Winter, I am reminded that I have not done my annual pilgrimage home to family in Cape Breton. Instead, I leafed through old photos, and travelled back in my memories to some of my favourite times and places.
One highlight of my time in Cape Breton has always been biking the “Celtic Shores Coastal Trail”, a 92 km multi-use trail stretching from Port Hastings to Inverness on the west coast of Cape Breton Island. The trail is a converted railway bed, from when the steam engined trains transported coal from the mines. The trail makes for a beautiful ride, meandering along the coast, sometimes inland following rivers and hillsides, and down beside lakes and valleys. The inclines are mostly very gradual, which has always made me marvel at the ingenuity and engineering that went into the construction of this rail route. What a legacy for us to enjoy, now!
The part of the trail between Mabou and Glendyer Station is an easy, flat and scenic ride alongside the Mabou River. Part way along, is a look-off sign acknowledging the rich music traditions in the area and the popularity of Ceilidhs, along with music notation to “The Red Shoes” reel. So now that I am at home with my harp, I’ve been giving it a play! Here’s an audio file and the sheet music for you to listen and play along to!
“The Red Shoes” is a reel, composed in 1936 by fiddler and composer, Dan R. MacDonald. The piece was named after a local shoemaker stained a pair of shoes a bright crimson “Sherman-Williams” paint colour - inspiring both the reels’ name, and the naming of the Pub in honour of the composer.
“The Red Shoe Pub”
Crucial to a well planned bike ride, is ensuring proper refreshment along the way. Fortunately, “The Red Shoe Pub” is close off the trail, and even if you need to push your bike up the hill from the bridge, the proprietors, the Rankin Sisters, along with the good company of my parents, always promise good cheer!
N.B. One might wonder what happened to the other shoe, either getting to or leaving the pub!
“Pedalling to the Pub”
Finally, as an end to this part of “my trip”, is a sketch I made of the pub, along with my little green bike, and an original composition called, “Pedalling to the Pub.” I hope you enjoy both as much as my father enjoys his rides there!
Below, you will find an audio file for “Pedalling to the Pub”. Please contact me if you would like a copy of the sheet music.
