Montreal cyclists thank strangers after bikes break down in Cape Breton

LaureneLessardandHoangThi KinNguyendidn't get very far in their quest to cycle the Cabot Trail after touching down in Sydney, N.S.

The travellers from Montreal were onlyon the highway between the airport and the city when their bikes sustained damage that threatened their journey.

"We were basically in the middle of nowhere for us, lost in a city we don't know,"Lessardsaid Monday in Sydney.

"All the worst things that could happen, happened in one day."

With a flat tire and a damaged sprocket, the 27-year-old cyclists badly needed help. That's when strangers came to their rescue, offering a place to stay and to fix their bikes.

Kay Sampsonof theWintering Harbour Neighbourhood Association said the cyclists pitched a tent in a Sydney park that it operates one that's not meant for camping.

"So of course when we noticed the tent, we had to look into it," said Sampson. "Since they were in that situation, it was agreeable that they would stay."

The cyclists were offered breakfast, a place to shower and repairs for their bikes, said Nguyen.

'Surprisingly amazing'

Lessard said they are not used to that kind of treatment from strangers.

"It's surprisingly amazing," she said."It really doesn't happen much where we are from."

But Sampsonsaid her groupdidn't do anything unusual.

"It gives us a great feeling and that's what ... Cape Breton is all about," said Sampson. "It's about being kind and welcoming."

Trip continues

As the cyclists gear up their bikes to continue the trip, Lessard saidthey're grateful to everyone

"Thanks to a lot of people, it's not that bad after all," she said.

"We are still having fun. I think that's the good part."