Hello Saskatchewan...Goodbye Alberta....

Monday, May 31

Medicine Hat to Maple Creek

Two important things happened today. We had to say goodbye to our companion since the beginning of our trip, Hwy #3, and we said hello to Saskatchewan!

On the road by 8:10 and onto the Trans Canada Hwy for the first time. Riding in Medicine Hat was quite easy (unlike Lethbridge) except at kilometre 13 we were just hitting the eastern edge. It is one drawn out city considering it only has a population of 56000. It was a quick pack of the campsite this morning or I probably should say, a quick move to the picnic shelter. It started to lightly rain at 6:00 am. For the first couple of hours we rode in a drizzle so we were being sprayed by trucks. We had the perfect tail wind today so riding, despite the cold and wet, was great! In Walsh (Alberta - Saskatchewan border) while having lunch we met 3 ladies who were returning to Lethbridge from Saskatoon after competing in a half marathon yesterday. One of them rode across Canada with the Tour de Canada bike tour 4 summers ago. Small world! And how could I not mention the incredible Saskatoon Berry Pie I had for lunch. Quite good! We rode through Alberta's and Saskatchewan's Badlands today. Thousands of acres of ranch land up into the hills, yet we really did not see many cattle. (One wonders if it had something to do with the 1000's of acres we could not see)?

Southern Alberta.... What can be said about a province that really did not want to let us cross it. Unfortunately our memories will always be dominated by the lousy weather. But there were positives. It is relatively flat. The roads were even better than BC for riding bicycles as the paved shoulders were even wider. The 'Truckers' were incredible. If they could possibly give us room they did. The people that we met, just like in BC, were really good to us. The scenery, though nothing like BC, had its moments. Cropland, irrigation systems, ranch land, rivers, and how could we forget the Frank Slide of the Crowsnest area? One regret is that we will be unable to investigate the Waterton Lakes National Park and the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Everything we read makes us want to someday spend some time there.

We are set up in the Eagle Valley Park Campground which is located just before the turnoff to Maple Creek. Nice treed campground...good thing since it is extremely windy!

Daily Distance = 96.53 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 45 minutes. Average Speed = 20.21 km. Maximum Speed = 50.97 km. Wildlife Sightings = Pronghorns (type of antelope), Pintails, Avocets, Canvas Backs, Horned Grebe, Shovellers and Blue Winged Teals by the dozen.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

2 Provinces down hopefully 8 more to go!!!

Escape From Bow Island....

Sunday, May 30

Bow Island to Medicine Hat

Finally at 8:10 we were able to make our 'escape from Bow Island'. Kind of ironic since we had watched The Great Escape on television the first night in Bow Island. The cloud cover was heavy and it was 4 degrees but the wind was blowing out of the west and pushing us along. The first 30 km you would have thought that we were in the prairies it was so flat. Irrigation systems and cropland. We again crossed the St. Mary Irrigation Canal. It is actually only 312km long not 375 km as I said a few days ago. Then the landscape began to change as we entered the Cypress Region...'Canada's Badlands'. This is cattle country as we witnessed by the numerous 'outside feedlots'. The land became quite rolling as we entered Medicine Hat...'The Gas City'.

Riding was fun today as the wind assisted us. Too bad that once you leave Medicine Hat there are no towns, therefore, no places to stay for close to 100km. We really were unprepared to try a 160km day when it was so cold and the sky was threatening.

We are camping at the Gas City Campground in Medicine Hat. Yes we are actually camping tonight! Just about forgot how to set up the tent! This is a nice little campground on the top of a hill and it has trees...something we have not seen in a while. It also has a picnic shelter and laundry facilities in case anyone else is ever adventurous enough (or maybe dumb enough) to try what we are doing. When we arrived we were told that we are about the 8th group of individuals who have been through so far attempting the cross country trip. One was on a moped (smart guy) and another was roller blading across Canada. Maybe that could be my next adventure...I used to know how to skate...Sue says maybe with my next wife!!!

Daily Distance = 62.00km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 6 minutes. Average Speed = 19.93km. Maximum Speed = 52.42 km on the flats. Wildlife Sightings = Deer, Avocets, Horned Larks, Shovellers by the dozen.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Learning to Dance in the Snow....

Saturday, May 29

Bow Island to Bow Island

An unexpected snowfall has us 'hunkered down' in our hotel for an 'unplanned' day off. A nasty surprise! Looking out the window this morning I did a 'double take'! Was it really possible that the ground was white? Then the sound of a snowplow going by on the Hwy confirmed that I was not hallucinating! We had a significant amount of snow on the ground, it was snowing extremely hard, and the temperature was -1. Thank goodness the weather was lousy yesterday so we were 'holed up' in a hotel and not in our tent!!! By noon the snow was starting to melt and by 2:00 it has changed over to rain. Still not nice out. Our scheduled ride to Medicine Hat has been delayed for a day. We are catching up on the local news. We have read the Medicine Hat News and The 40-Mile County Commentator and Sue has just found an advertisement to an all-inclusive trip to Puerto Vallarta for $498...maybe we could ship the bikes home and fly to the sunny south...Calgary Airport is not that far! We are planning our own 'Stanley Cup Party' for tonight. Life is not all that bad!!!

Daily Distance = for the first time on this adventure the bicycles have not moved.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Agriculture and Ducks....

Friday, May 28

Taber to Bow Island

On the road by 8:10 to a 'drizzly and cold' start. Compared to yesterday it was a beautiful day! With the wind in the Northwest cycling was much easier than the past 2 days.

Yesterday we had been pondering what crops were grown in the area and today we discovered that the two major crops are sugar beets (Rogers Sugar) and potatoes, both grown in a 'huge' way. The last couple of days John Deere was dominant but through this area Case-IH is 'King'. Everything is irrigated here and we passed through the small town of Burdett which has a claim to fame that it had the 1st 'irrigation pivot' in Canada. This spring and particularly today, the irrigation systems were sitting under water. All the locals are complaining that they are really late getting their crops in and we saw guys actually pumping water 'from' their fields rather than 'on to' them. We had Southern Alberta pegged as ranch land but here the dirt farmer is dominant.

At 11:00 we stopped for our second breakfast in Grassy Lake at the 'Dew Drop In', a Mexican Mennonite Restaurant. The breakfast was a Mexican version of bacon and eggs. Burritos, salsa, and beans served with your breakfast and 'oh so good'! It appears like the area has a large Mexican Mennonite population as we passed a large Mennonite school. (And by the way, what is with these names...Grassy Lake with not a lake in sight...Bow Island...don't you have to have bodies of water to have an island)?

As we cycled today we stopped numerous times to see ducks in the ditches and fields. It was fun to be able to take the time to 'stop and smell the roses'!!!

We are staying in the Bow Island Lodge (the only lake is in the parking lot). In 1905 natural gas was discovered here, the first in Alberta, and for years this supplied Lethbridge and Calgary. Production stopped in 1996.

Daily Distance = 63.84 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 8 minutes. Average Speed = 15.41 km. Maximum Speed = 32.26 km. Present temperature = 4 degrees and pouring rain with a forecast low for the start of the ride tomorrow 1 degree and raining. Wildlife Sightings = Red Winged Blackbirds, Yellow Headed Blackbird, Eastern Kingbird, Blue Winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Red Headed Duck, Coots, Gadwall, Shovellers by the dozen.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

Learning to Dance in the Rain....

Thursday, May 27

Lethbridge to Taber

On the road by 8:10 with 'all' of our rain gear on. 7 degrees and raining hard as we made our way out of 'cycling unfriendly' Lethbridge. It is difficult to enjoy the scenery under such circumstances. It appears that the Taber area is mostly cropland. Alfalfa, wheat, potatoes were visible to us through the haze. We passed by a very large McCain's plant but are unsure what is being produced there. (Sorry Mary Lou)! Taber is also the sweetcorn capital of Canada and is the headquarters of Frito-Lay Canada. One wonders if a lot of potatoes are grown here?

It was kind of ironic that everything is irrigated in this area. 375 km long irrigation canal and today all the farmland was flooded. That could well be because of the 50 mm of rainfall overnight and the 75 mm that fell today and by the time this storm clears out. (Hopefully by tomorrow morning)!!!

Many things were tested today: our rain gear, our layering of clothing, our abilities to ride in 40km winds, and certainly our ability to persevere. It really was hard to stay positive and yet while stopped for 'hot chocolate' a couple of times we were inspired by the local people's interest in what we were trying to accomplish. (Maybe they all just thought we were nuts, who knows)!!!

We are staying at the Heritage Inn. Again not camping, but as we entered Taber looking like 'drowned rats' in the 'pouring' 4 degree weather, we felt a warm dry room might be prudent. Southern Alberta weather is certainly not hospitable.

Daily Distance = 54.00 km in the pouring rain. Time on the bikes = a wet 4 hours 40 minutes. Average Speed = a blistering 11.52 km. Maximum Speed = 20.35 km. Wildlife Sightings = wildlife are not dumb enough to be out in weather like this except for the Shovellers.

Kevin = 3 Sue = 0.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning to dance in the rain".

Which Way Are The Prevailing Winds Supposed to Blow????

Wednesday, May 26

Fort Macleod to Lethbridge

On the road by 7:10 to a darkening sky. Today was dominated by ranch land on one side of the highway and cropland on the other side. Big John Deere tractors dominated the landscape and I mean 'big' ones. First 10km went by easily and then we found out what 'Prairie Winds' are all about. For the next 45 km we fought strong head winds. (Whatever happened to my pledge that the winds would always be in our backs)? Are the prevailing winds in Canada not supposed to blow from the west? Well, not today! The winds were strong enough that the 'Granny Gear' was dominant again today. Slow going and hard work. To add insult to injury it is a gradual climb from Fort Macleod to Lethbridge.

We had heard about the Lethbridge Hill from some people yesterday. The Lethbridge Hill is a huge gully where the highway plunges down into the Oldman River Valley and then begins to climb for almost 5 km out of it. Throw in lanes merging on and off and you have a nightmare for bicyclists! Hwy 3 through this area is anything 'but' bicycle friendly. The shoulders at times disappeared and their was an awful lot of traffic...definitely too much for cycling.

Our goal today was to have got well past Lethbridge. By the time we had fought the winds, climbed up into Lethbridge and got rained on, we were 'toast'.

We are staying at the Pepper Tree Inn. I know another Motel...but by the time we arrived it was starting to rain. The weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow (come to think of it for the next 3 days) leaves a whole lot to be desired. Up to 40mm of rain is predicted. We plan on riding anyway! At least our gear will start off dry.

Daily Distance = 55.16 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 30 minutes. Average Speed = 12.28 km. Maximum Speed = 33.07 km. Wildlife Sightings = Shovellers, Blue Winged Teal.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.

Big Sky....

Tuesday, May 25

Blairmore to Fort Macleod

A very cold night last night as it was -2 as we got up. Rather 'chilly' in the tent! 0 degrees when we began to ride at 7:40. Today was a transition day. We left the mountains behind. Again a little bit sad to see the mountains gradually disappear. However, Alberta brings a whole new set of experiences. Day 1 conclusions: Alberta is all about 'big'. Big pickup trucks, big shoulders on the roads, big wind turbine developments, big ranches, and 'big sky'. After riding for 34 km we stopped at the Mill View Restaurant (not a mill in sight) for our second breakfast. The restaurant had some locals in it , one gentleman being a rancher who had spent the weekend branding calves. Even the 'Big Breakfast' that I ordered lived up to everything being big. 3 pieces of ham, 3 pieces of bacon, 3 sausages, 2 eggs, hash browns and toast. What a great breakfast for touring cyclists!!!

Today we saw a huge yard (feed lot) full of horses. Conservative estimate would be a 1000. We think it was a horse auction business. They were feeding them just like a cattle feed lot.

The foothills of the Rockies are a quite a change for us. Finally some 'flat' riding. Our fear of bad winds never materialized today. The Pincher Creek area has a huge number of wind turbines, the first in Canada (1983). The wind most days blows up to 80 km. We lucked out at least for today! The ride was really good.

We are staying at the Red Coat Inn Motel in Fort Macleod partly because the campgrounds are about 5 km outside of town and not in our direction and partly because we screwed up. (We actually missed the fact that most of the campgrounds were on Hwy 2 towards Calgary until we were well past the turnoff).

Daily Distance = 94.75 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 18 minutes. Average Speed = 17.84 km. Maximum Speed = 46.24 km. Wildlife Sightings = Magpie, Western Meadowlark, Coots, Red Headed Duck, Yellow Headed Blackbird, Kestrel.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.

British Columbia Reflections....

Today was a day off to do chores, regenerate, do some 'tourist' stuff, and reflect upon what we experienced in BC.

Top 3 things we liked about BC: #1 Scenery, #2 Scenery, #3 Scenery!!! What more can be said. Trying to list the highlights is almost impossible. Each day brought a new experience. Manning Park, though extremely difficult to ride through, was one of the #1 highlights. The Lower Okanagan, Keremeos and Osoyoos sitting in Canada's only desert, ranks high. The numerous river valleys with their ranch land and mountain vistas can only be seen to be appreciated. Then the majestic Rockies (that everyone believes are the only mountains in BC...do we have 'news' for you) have their rock face tops towering over everything. Scenery, scenery, and more scenery!!!

If their is a downside to our experience it was that the provincial park campgrounds have no services a must for touring cyclists!

Riding in BC is difficult but quite nice. Obviously the BC government understands that paving the shoulders of their roads, in the long term, saves money and lives. BC actually promotes cycling on their highways. What is wrong with Ontario? The drivers seem to be much more courteous to bikes and even 'big rigs' give you lots of space. On a scale of 1 to 10; BC drivers rate a 9+.

The people we have met have been extremely friendly and seem to understand what tourism dollars are all about. Highway #3, the Crowsnest Highway, has rest stops every 50 to 70 km. Ontario over the last 25 years has removed all of theirs! BC has been a pleasure to visit and cycle across!

Today we visited the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre. In 1903 the small mining town of Frank was hit by a rock slide when the side of Turtle Mountain let go. 90 people were killed under the rubble. The town was rebuilt and coal was mined until 1960. Well worth the visit!

Daily Distance = 18.50 km. Time on the bikes = 1 hour 26 minutes. Average Speed = 12.66 km. Maximum Speed = 34.21 km. Wildlife Sightings = Red Breasted Nuthatch.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.

Goodbye British Columbia...Hello Alberta....

Sunday, May 23

Fernie to Blairmore, Alberta

On the road by 8:10. Fernie was a typical ski town. Not that much happening now that ski season is over. Our ride was nice to Sparwood where we had our obligatory picture taking with the 'largest truck in the world'. Sparwood is a mining town and has been since the late 1800's. The big truck was used for a period of time to move earth to get at the coal. Coal mining has certainly changed in the last 100 years. It has gone from digging tunnels and coal by hand to the style today where they cut off the top of the mountains, take the coal out, and rebuild the top of the mountain with slag. Obviously quite a few mine sites still operating.

After Sparwood we did a gradual climb to the Crowsnest Pass aided by a 'tail wind'. Again some stunning views! The wind that I said I wanted the whole trip was sure a pleasure today. (I guess one tail wind in 2 weeks + is not bad!). It literally blew us from the Crowsnest Pass all the way to Blairmore!

The feeling when we passed from BC to Alberta is hard to describe; elation, relief, disappointment, a sense of accomplishment. Take your pick. They all apply! One province down...nine more to go!!!

We are staying at the Lost Lemon Campground and RV Park in Blairmore, Alberta (can't get over that we have left BC behind except for the memories). We are going to take tomorrow off as we want to visit the Frank Slide and maybe the Bellevue Underground Mine.

Daily Distance=73.61 km. Time on bikes=5 hours 8 minutes. Average speed=14.33 km. Maximun speed=59.34 km.

Wildlife sightings=deer, elk, red tailed hawk, bald eagle.

Kevin=2 Sue=0

Mountain Views, Valley Views...Pictures Can Never Tell the Story....

Saturday, May 22

Cranbrook to Fernie

Last night was the coldest of our trip. The tent fly and grass were white with frost. The water bottles were "slushy" to try to make coffee with. Tested our "layering" of clothes.

On the road by 7:40 and all bundled up. Today was all about views. The mountain peaks were never ending. Our necks were getting sore from "gawking". Then we came upon one of the most beautiful river valleys imaginable. The Kootenay River with its green, lush, cattle grazing land was spectacular. Around every curve another vista. Wow!!!

And oh yes, there was that thing called riding. We had a major accomplishment today. We rode over "100 km" for the first time in our lives and we did it in the Rockies! Not an easy ride but certainly not our toughest.

Today we met a young guy who was riding his bike from Calgary to the Okanogan. He is hoping to find work in the vegetable and fruit industry. Personable young guy. Good luck to him.

We are staying in the Snow Valley Motel and RV Park. It has a hot tub for our weary legs.

Daily Distance = 101.19 km. Time on the bikes = 6 hours 33 minutes. Average Speed = 15.38 km. Maximum Speed = 42.14 km. Wildlife Sightings = Green Winged Teal, Ruddy Duck.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.

A day of "Firsts"....

Friday, May 21

Yahk to Cranbrook

On the road by 7:40 with lots of clothes and raingear on. 5 degrees and overcast to start. Today was all about "Firsts". We had our first experience riding in snow flurries. Yes I said snow!!! The temperature climbed to a "balmy" 6 degrees with a bitterly cold and strong wind. Thank goodness it was in our backs most of the time. The hills were not too bad and certainly ride-able. The roads were busy, dominated by dozens of cattle trucks.

We also changed time zones today from Pacific to Mountain. Now we are only 2 hours behind you "easterners"

A milestone was also passed today as we broke the 1000 km mark for our trip. Imagine 1000 km in the mountains! Cannot believe it ourselves!

Last but certainly not least, we began to enter the "majestic" Rockies with their snow capped peaks. (Even though they were hidden off and on with snow flurries)!

We are camping in downtown Cranbrook at the Mount Baker RV Park, a small but well maintained little park with friendly people. It is a bit windy however! Forecast for tonight is minus 1. Chilly! We are going to try for Fernie tomorrow. It is a bit further than we have been riding so we will see.

Daily Distance = 70.26 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 22 minutes. Average Speed = 15.76 km. Maximum Speed = 52.42km. Wildlife Sightings = spotted sandpiper, hooded merganser, deer.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.

A study in small town Canada....

Thursday, May 20

Creston to Yahk

Heavy rain overnight made for a slow pack up this morning. Good thing the Kozy RV Park had a Kozy Kitchen to be able to have coffee and oatmeal and pack up our bikes. 8 degrees and rain showers dominated our day, the first truly miserable weather day of our trip. The intention was to go to Moyie Lake Provincial Park, but the cold, wet, windy day made us alter our plans. We are in the small town of Yahk, population maybe 25. What makes this town unique is that people actually move here to get away from the hub-bub of city life. The owner of the motel we are staying in, the Cozy Quilt Motel, (yes we are again comfortably set up in a kitchenette motel room) moved here a couple of years ago from Edmonton to get away from their high paying, high stress jobs. It is a small motel 'literally' on the banks of the Moyie River with mountains surrounding it. Down the road from the motel is the Yahk Soap Company. The lady makes all the soap using goat's milk in the process from the goats that she raises that are allowed on the roof of the store entrance. Her husband runs Steve's Two Scoop Ice Cream along with a restaurant. A little further along is the Yahk Hotel still renting rooms out with the license issued in 1913. A really "unique" little town. This is the reason for our adventure. It is to experience small town Canada and meet the people!

As for the riding, it was a short day. Not as scenic because of the rain and low cloud cover but we have been assured BC's beauty will re-emerge tomorrow.

PS. To top the bad weather day off "IT IS SNOWING"!!!

Daily Distance = 41.25 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 5 minutes. Average Speed = 13.38 km. Maximum Speed = 40.70 km. Wildlife Sightings = hard to see anything when being sprayed by logging trucks.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.

Kootenay Lake... a hidden gem...no backseat to Lake Louise....

Wednesday, May 19

Crawford Bay to Creston

On the road by 7:10 with rain gear at the ready. Last nights storm did not materialize. Today's ride took us from Kootenay Bay all the way the full length of Lake Kootenay. Lake Kootenay is a real hidden gem. The views today were as magnificent as anything that Lake Louise could offer with less people! It is a tourist area but a very 'sleepy' one. On our right all day was the blue waters of Lake Kootenay with snow capped mountains in the background stretching to the waters edge. Really not describable and photos will never do it justice!

As for riding today it was actually a harder day than we might have expected. It was a winding road with a series of short but steep hills that we continued to face. You were either in 'Granny' or not pedaling at all. We stopped for a late breakfast in Boswell and were treated to a history of the area. It was a fruit growing area until the 1950's when the road came to the area. That spelled the end of apple production. Why? Well, the apples and other fruits used to go to market in Nelson by boat. When the road came through the boats quit running and the roads were so rough that the tender fruit could not make it to market without being crushed. Now isn't that progress!!!

We then stopped for an ice cream at the Sidar General Store, in business since 1913, and some of the stuff was circa 1913. We had our ears talked off by the owner. We then took the lower Wynndel Road to Creston so we could avoid some climbing. As a result, we biked through a hay growing area on reclaimed land at the south end of Lake Kootenay.

We are comfortably set up in a small campground in the middle of an orchard, the Kozy Campground and RV Park in Erikson.

Daily distance=82.84 km. Trip time=6 hours 1 minute. Average speed=13.78 km/hr. Maximum speed=55.56 km/hr. Wildlife sightings=osprey, deer, painted turtles.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 2 stumbles.

Reward for yesterday....

Tuesday, May 18

Castlegar to Crawford Bay

On the road by 8:10. Today was a really nice ride, a reward for yesterday's tough day. From Castlegar to Nelson we followed the Kootenay River with its numerous power dams and huge lumber mills. (Eat your heart out Hallmans...they actually have yards filled with logs)! If there was any negative at all it was that we rode "off and on" in a light rain so we had our first test of our "raingear". Seemed to work! After a buffet lunch in Nelson, the perfect meal for touring cyclists, we started to follow the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. This area is absolutely beautiful. It reminded us of the shoreline north of Owen Sound. (The cottage sprawl was unfortunately just the same). The riding was a little more challenging with some short steep climbs. We just missed the 2:50 ferry crossing of Kootenay Lake so had a 35 minute crossing at 4:30. And imagine it was free!

Our plan was to get to Crawford Bay but we were met with a rather rude surprise after the ferry dock in Kootenay Bay, a 3 km "push of our bikes". We are again in a motel tonight, the Crawford Bay Inn. This seems to be a habit lately. A really bad storm, similar to the one last night, is forecast for the area with the possibility of 80 km winds. I guess it pays to be a "fairweather camper".

Daily Distance = 86.99 km. Time on the bikes = 6 hours 9 minutes. Average Speed = 14.15 km. Maximum Speed = 52.92 km. Wildlife Sightings = numerous ospreys sitting on their nests.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.

Oh where are you Ben, Joel, Hoss, Little Joe & Hopsing????

Monday, May 17

Christina Lake to Castlegar

On the road by 7:00 am and starting to climb. Today was a real test of our "willpower". 36.3 km of climbing. Not that bad until about km # 28 when we came to Paulson Bridge and then the climbing really began. Maybe I should say the "pushing of the bikes". For the next 6 km we pushed. A continuous 8% grade and we were already fatigued. One definitely has too much time to think when walking that far. I kept wondering where are Ben, Joel, Hoss, Little Joe and even Hopsing? (And maybe we could even throw in Candy)! Bonanza Pass was somewhere. And then we came upon "Paulson Summit" (elevation 1535 metres). Bonanza Pass was nowhere to be found just like the Bonanza characters! I guess it is "Bonanza Pass" and "Paulson Summit". Downhill to Castlegar from there!

We are again staying in a motel, The Flamingo. Castlegar is a small city so campgrounds are located outside of town and it appears all roads lead "up" out of here. We needed groceries so downtown was more to our liking. We have a room with a kitchenette so a gourmet dinner is in order.

Today was really difficult! But you know again very rewarding!!!

Daily Distance = 77.08 km. Time on the bikes = 6 hours 49 minutes. Average Speed = (first 36 km = 7 km) overall = 11.43 km. Maximum Speed = 44.10 km. Wildlife Sightings = deer, osprey

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.

Getting Ourselves Ready....For Another Big Climb....

Sunday, May 16

Grand Forks to Christina Lake

Got up to the unfortunate sound of raindrops on the tent so we decided to skip our "campsite coffee and porridge" for a big breakfast special at the Grand Forks Hotel.

Today was all about the "set-up for tomorrow". Christina Lake is the kickoff for another major climb. 1000 metres over 30 km so we decided a very short day was in order. We had a very liesurely ride along the Grandby River with the knowledge that today was a short ride. By 11:30 we were in Christina Lake. Christina Lake is a resort area with numerous motels and RV Park/Campgrounds. We are presently sitting in a laundromat as I do the blog. (Sure would be easier if clothes did not get stinky). We are going to stay in a motel tonight so we can get a very early start tomorrow. Seems that from a campground we are slower at packing up and departing. Tomorrow will be a 80 km "long hard day" with our destination Castlegar.

We met a couple today from London, Ontario (not bikers). She spent summers at the Klondike Campground outside of Grand Bend. Small world!!! We are staying at the Lakeview Motel. Nice little place with picnic tables and BBQ's for our use. We are watching game #1 of Philadelphia vs. Montreal. What happened there???

Daily Distance = 29.39 km. Time on the bikes = 2 hours 1 minute. Average Speed = 14.55 km. Maximum Speed = 42.15 km. Wildlife Sightings = deer in downtown Grand Forks and again along the Granby River, Western Kingbird and Bullock's Oriole a few days ago in Osoyoos, Lark Sparrows.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0

BC Riding Diet: One summit per day....

Saturday, May 15

Kettle River RV Park to Grand Falls

On the road by 8:10 am after a really nice stay at the Kettle River RV Park in the "yurt". The people there really made us feel at home. Thanks! Today started off with a nice ride through a valley accompanied by the Kettle River. It was nice to not have to stop every 15 km to pump up my tire as I changed the tube last night. We stopped in Greenwood for lunch at the Golden Eagle Bakery. (Highly recommend the cinamon buns with cream cheese). From Greenwood for the next 15 km, we climbed to Eholt Summit (elevation 1028 metres or 3341 feet for those "metrically challenged). The climbing probably was not that bad as the grades were managable but yesterday's "serious" climbing left our legs a little bit tired. To complicate matters we faced a moderate wind from the north-east today. (What ever happened to the prevailing westerlies?). After reaching Eholt Summit I made the offhand comment about how nice it would be to be able to "coast" the next 18 km to Grand Forks. And sure enough the next 15 km were covered without even a peddle stroke nor any braking required. I kid you not the wind kept our speed at a reasonable 35 km. What a pleasure!

We are presently camping at the Grand Forks Municipal Campground. Not that nice but the washrooms are really clean with free showers. Two nights in a row! I will leave the "rant" about the showers in campgrounds for another day!!!

Daily Distance = 69.49 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 5 minutes. Average Speed = 13.68 km. Maximum Speed = 43.29 km. Trip flats = Kevin = 1.

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0.

Persistence....Single Digit....

Friday, May 14

Osoyoos to Kettle River RV Park

On the road by 7:10 am. To our destination by 4:45 pm. A long hard day! "Persistence" truly was the order of the day. A 30.5 km climb with one section of 8 km at 8% grade truly tested our stamina and determination. With a combination of riding and pushing our bikes (mostly riding), we conquered "Antichrist", oops I mean Anarchist Mountain. (Even though the first term is probably a more accurate description. What is with these names anyway? Sunday Summit???). The climb consisted of a series of switchbacks as we climbed up out of Osoyoos. At 30.5 km we reached Anarchist Summit (elevation 1233 metres). Our average speed was "single digit" for this part of the ride. Once again the views were fantastic as we rode through more cattle country. Thank goodness the next 35 km was primarily downhill. (That does come with a price probably with more climbing in the near future).

We are camping at the Kettle River RV Park 8 km past Rock Creek. We are in a "Yurt" and are able to sleep in a real bed tonight for the cost of a campsite! We learned a valuable lesson today in that we should pay more attention to our own information and go with our plan. In Rock Creek some locals gave us a "bumb stear" that cost us an extra 8 km of riding. Just what we needed to finish an already long day!!!

We met up with another cross-Canada cyclist today, Doug a retired school superintendant, who had also just climbed Anarchist Mountain. He is on a Burnaby to Istanbull solo bike ride by way of Halifax. Not your conventional route! He said that he had been hearing about us for the past few days. This really is a "small fraternity".

Today's ride was another confidence booster just like the climb in Manning Park was a few days ago. We are actually beginning to think we "might" actually be able to do this.

Daily Distance = 69.44 km. Time on the bikes = 6 hours 30 minutes. Average speed = 10.88 km. Maximum Speed = 51.93 km. Wildlife Sightings = rattlesnake (alive in campground last night).

Kevin = 2 Sue = 0

A liesurely day off....

Thursday, May 13

NK'MIP Campground

We enjoyed a restful day today. Managed to do the obligatory things like buying groceries and doing some laundry. Took my bike to "Double O Bikes" and left it for the day. Unfortunately the bike shop was 5 km from our campsite so I walked back to the campground and later walked back to pick it up. Just what I needed on a day off, a 10 km hike!!! The bike shop said that the "pothole" I hit (yes BC has them just like Ontario) a few days ago knocked the back wheel out of whack. It is now all "trued up" and ready to "climb".

The day off was good for us "physically" but maybe not "mentally" as the campsite has a perfect view of Anarchist's switch backs. Oh well, tomorrow we face it bright and early!!!

Sue's Daily distance = 25.38 km. Kevin's distance on the bike = 10.91 km. Kevin's hiking distance = 10 km. Time on the bikes (Sue's) = 2 hours 21 minutes (Kevin's) = 50 minutes. Average Speed (Kevin) = 12.99 km. Maximum Speed = 28.86 km. Daily High Temperature = 28 degrees.

Kevin = 1 1/2. Sue = 1/2.

Up one side and down the other....

Wednesday, May 12

Keremeos to Osoyoos

On the road by 7:55 am for 5 minutes! We decided to have breakfast in Keremeos (highly recommend The Ranch Restaurant) because of a very strong wind that blew all night and this morning. Keeping a stove lit would have been impossible! On the road for real at 8:45. A Wiarton like hill met us as we climbed out of Keremeos.

The story of the day was "up one side and down the other". A series of sharp hills plagued us all day making for some challenging climbs. Again we were following the Similkameen River with it's incredible views as we traveled through cattle country. Yesterday we waited for cattle to be herded across Hwy 3 by a horse and rider and a Border Collie. Today we saw bulls being herded by a cowboy. (I guess quads have not found there way into BC ranching yet). The River then turned south and since we did not bring our passports we had to leave it behind.

A 7 km climb to Richter Pass (elevation 682 metres which did not even warrant a sign so we could celebrate) was at grades that we could actually ride all-be-it with frequent stops. Then came the 8 km drop into the resort town of Osoyoos at the southern end of the Okanogan Valley where we are camped. The NK'MIP RV Park and Campground will be our home for 2 nights with its hotub and incredible views of Lake Osoyoos. No you did not read that wrong. We have decided to give our legs a rest for a day before we tackle the Anarchist Mountain climb, the climb that is etched in our brains from our trip through here in 2008. 27 kilometer climb with the first 10 to 14 km (depending on who you talk to) a series of switchbacks. I am also going to see if I can have my back wheel looked at by the local bike shop as I have a spoke that continues to come loose.

Met a guy today at the Osoyoos Information place who was riding a fold up bike that was pulling a trailer. The trailer is actually a suitcase that the bike fits into. It just looked like an old time hard sided suitcase. He was heading off into the US and in August for a bike tour in France.

Daily Distance = 65.78 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 49 minutes. Average Speed = 13.63 km. Maximum Speed = 57.73 km. Wildlife Sightings = rattlesnake (dead on the road), California quail

Following the Similkameen River....

Tuesday, May 11.

On the road by 8:00 am. Had a fantastic ride today. It is hard to believe that you can ride for almost 70 km downhill! Suspect we will pay for that! The Similkameen River was our companion for the whole day today. The views were stunning, from grazing land, to mountain views, to spectacular river views. British Columbia is truly magnificent. Sure can tell by my attitude that today was a beautiful ride. (And we never pushed our bikes once!!!). We arrived in Keremeos, the "fruit stand capital of Canada", by 3:00 pm and are camping at the Eagle RV Park and Campground next door to some sheep. Keremeos is in a desert. Yes we have a desert in Canada! If irrigation is not used nothing grows. Unfortunately we are in the off-season so all the fruit stands are closed. We are set up to ride to Osoyoos tomorrow with another mountain pass to cross. Oh well, two days in a row of easy riding probably was a little bit optimistic.

Update on the 4 person tandem bike. We heard today that they are on Hwy 3 at least one day ahead of us and gaining. We were told that yesterday when they went through Keremeos they were "hurting". They have to be in Calgary by May 20. Good luck! Their blog can be found at www.tandemtour.com (I think)!

Daily Distance = 74.51 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 18 minutes. Average Speed = 17.26 km. Maximum Speed = 56.19 km. Wildlife Sitings = deer, bald eagle, osprey.

Kevin = 1 Sue = 0

More down than up....

Monday , May 10.

Coldspring Campground to Princeton

We woke this morning to a brisk -1 C. I guess that is why the snow was still sitting beside our tent and the campground was not yet open for the year! Packed up and on the downhill road by 8:45. Five minutes later we came to Manning Park Lodge (We did not know that we were that close!) and stopped for.our 2nd breakfast. If nothing else by 10:00 we were well fueled. Today's ride was more downhill than up. 23 km of mostly downhill riding put us in a good frame of mind only to be challenged by some 8% and 9% grades for 2 to 3 km at a time. Crested Sunday Summit (elevation 1282 metres and therfore just a baby hill...a whole 59 metres less than yesterdays).and started into some nerve wracking downhill slopes at 7 to 9% with very poor shoulder and road conditions. By the time you had gone down 3 or 4 km your hands were numb from braking. We were forced to keep the speed around 30 km. We have decided to treat ourselves tonight and are staying at the Princeton Motel and are currently sitting in a laundromat as I am sure anyone in contact with us would say it was badly needed.

Update on the guy we came upon with the broken rack yesterday. My conclusion was probably right. We passed him (yes he had obviously passed us at some time) and he was carrying 3 clear garbage bags full of empty cans on his handle bars. I suspect he collects them for the deposit money!!!

Daily Distance = 72.31 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 7 minutes. Average Speed = 14.09 km. Maximum Speed = 52.92 km

Kevin = 1 Sue = 0

The day that did not want to end....

Sunday, May 9. Hope to Coldspring Campground (Manning Park)

We were up early this morning and on the road by 7:15. Good thing we did. It was a hard day! I will rephrase that "it was an extremely hard day"! Training in Southwestern Ontario or on turbo trainers cannot prepare you for the climbs on Hwy 3. The first 18 km to Sunshine Valley was uphill. And I mean no let up. 6 kilometres of this was at a 7% grade. Then we had a downhill where we were a little chilly and then the climbing started again. At times we walked and at other times our "Granny Gear" was our best friend. Through BC "Granny" will get a workout. By about 47 km we were ready for the day to end. If a suitable "gorilla campsite" (wilderness) had been found we would have stopped. We were forced to continue, however, as the shoulders were either rock face or cliffs. With some riding and some "pushing of the bikes" we made it to Allison Pass Summit (elevation of 1341 metres). After a celebration and picture taking, we coasted 7 km to Coldspring Campground in Manning Park. We are camped in a facility not yet open. There is snow beside our tent.

Met a biker today about 10 km outside of Hope who had his back rack break and he was trying to temporarily put it back on so he could continue. His destination was unclear to us. Seemed like he was just wandering. Another biker passed us hoping he would have a flat so that he would have an excuse to stop. Tough day!!!

Daily Distance = 67.65 km. Time on the bike (or pushing it) = 6 hours 58 minutes. Actual Time = 10 hours 45 minutes. Average Speed = 10.28 km. Maximum Speed = 52.42 km.

Kevin = 1 Sue = 0

First of many plan changes....

Saturday, May 8

We were packed up and on the road by 8:45. Hwy 7 again provided beautiful scenery and relatively flat terrain. However, the 4 months of sunshine, temperatures around 20 degrees, and a tailwind had a "hiccup". For much of the day we fought a headwind which at times made for some slow progress despite the flat terrain. Guess my "wish" was a little bit optimistic!!! Then came the first, but probably not the last, change of plans. The preferred destination was Sunshine Valley but with a few phone calls made from the tourist info place in Hope we found accomadation was non existant so we decided that the prudent thing to do was have a short day today in preparation for the mountains tomorrow. The good news is we only have 64 km to ride. The bad news is it is a very challenging ride to the first mountain pass in Manning Park to a campground where the services are not open until May 15. Knew there were going to be days like this!!! We are camping on the Coquihalla River (yes Sue is happy with the sound of the river flowing past) at the Coquihalla Campground in Hope.

It is always interesting the people you meet. Today we crossed paths with a tandem bike with 4 young men on it who yelled at us that they were on their way to Halifax. They had a trailer/truck supporting them. We also met an older gentleman in Hope who had cycled in France and Italy...and truly seemed to be envious of our trip.

Plan is to be up and on the road "early" or at least much earlier than the last 2 mornings.

Daily distance = a paltry 44.04 km. On the bikes = 3 hours 10 minutes. Average Speed = 13.85 km. Maximum Speed = 42.90 km. Slowest Speed probably about 7 km.

Kevin = 1 Sue = 0

It has actually begun....

Friday, May 7

The trip has begun for real. We were on the road by 8:35 am. after another official picture taking ceremony at our friends house in Maple Ridge. We would again like to thank Nancy, Gashaw, and Michael for "putting up with us" for 4 nights as we turned your house upside down. Your friendship and support has helped us to begin our adventure. Thanks so much.

Today was quite a nice ride along the Lougheed Hwy through flat agricultural lands bordering the Fraser River. We had a 3 km climb before Agassiz and then an exhilerating fast downhill until the road flattened out again. We are camping at the Pathfinder Motel, RV, and Campground in Agassiz with a pair of Holsteins next door quietly watching us. A 5 km ride to the grocery store and back means we will have a nice chicken stir fry with salad for dinner. Life really is "tough"!!! Our goal tomorrow is to get to the Sunshine Valley area just at the edge of Manning Provincial Park.

Daily Distance = 76.98 km. On the Bikes 4 hours 50 minutes. Average speed = 16.05 km. Maximum Speed= 64.36 km.

Kevin =1 Sue =0

Ready to go....

Thursday, May 6

Today was a day to "truly" get ready to start the ride. We took a 2 1/2 hour training ride around the Maple Ridge area once again. This was the day to make sure that the bikes were ready and to do some laundry. Who knows when laundry facilities will be available again!! Packing is in progress as I write this. Goals have been set for the first 3 days of our ride and believe it or not some of my nervousness seems to have been reduced. Just making the decision to begin has helped. We are actually going to do this. 2 1/2 years of planning and tomorrow we actually begin. St. Johns here we come....

Kevin =1. Sue =0

More training and last minute preparations....

Wednesday, May 5

Not much excitement today. Took 2 hours to ride 8.6 km. No it was not because of the hills!! We were on a last minute shopping trip. Grocery store, post office, bank, and a stop for lunch. Great training!! Rode back towards Vancouver and returned to Maple Ridge on a very busy Lougheed Hwy. (Collin I hit 46 kmh today). Think we will set out "for real" on the "adventure" on Friday morning.

Kevin = 1 Sue =0

Back to training....

Tuesday, May 4

In case anyone is confused, we are just following our plan. A few days in Maple Ridge for "training" before the real journey begins. We decided to ride from Maple Ridge to Mission on the Dewdney Trunk Road and return by way of the Lougheed Highway or Hwy. # 7. First 15 km seemed to take forever. Then we figured out why. We had been gradually climbing. 10 km downhill on curvy roads in about 10 minutes, pretty much riding the brakes the entire way. Never knew what might be around the next curve. Quite fun actually. Looking forward to those downhills in the mountains. But you know the climbs are still a concern!!! Tomorrow another training ride.

Kevin =1 Sue =0

And we are off.....

Monday, May 3, 2010

Via Rail surprised us with an early arrival at Vancouver. It took about an hour of work to get our bicycles and gear ready for riding. Thank you Via for putting up with our gear spread across the station. Off to our official "getting the tires wet" in English Bay. Thank you Amy for your patience waiting for us to arrive and for being our official photographer. Sure was nice to have a friendly face to see us off. With google maps and written instructions from a local cyclist in hand, we were headed for Maple Ridge. Gusty winds, tons of traffic and our limited maps made our first day an interesting one. Highlight of the day was probably riding across a major bridge with 4 lanes of traffic flying by in each direction. And they call this a bike route!!! Arrived at our good friends house in Maple Ridge at 5:30. Thanks Nancy, Gashaw, and Michael for use of your house for the next few days. It is really nice to have good friends like you.

Daily distance = 65.01 km. On the bikes = 4 hours 35 minutes. Average speed = 14.18 km. Maximum speed = 47.15 km.

Kevin = 1 Sue = 0

And then there were mountains...

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Another leisurely day on the train sitting mostly in the Park Car with its glassed walls and roof watching Alberta pass us by. Then the mountains appeared with their "majestic snow covered" peaks. Another few minutes of nervousness as the mind wandered to our coming climbs. A 45 minute stopover in Jasper allowed us to stretch our legs along the main street. Jasper was much quieter than other visits we have made to it. Numerous "bear" and "big-horned sheep" sitings today. The mountains with all their splendour continue to mess with my mind. Need to get riding!!!

Kevin=1 Sue=0

A Nasty Surprise....

Sunday May 2

Food on the train is really good....scenery through Northern Ontario leaves a little to be desired. Scrub trees and more scrub trees. Sorry to insult any arborists who might like poplar trees. Entering Manitoba was actually kind of nice. A 4 hour stop in Winnipeg left us with enough time to exercise our legs by explopring the forks of the Assiniboia and the Red Rivers and visit the "Forks Market" reminding us of the Granville Island Market but on a smaller scale.

A nasty surprise awaited us as we entered Saskatchewan. Snow!!! Yes, I said snow, and we are starting a bike ride in less than a week! A little bit more to play with our brains.

Due to abnormal freight traffic we have found ourselves 1 1/2 hours behind schedule arriving in Edmonton. But then again we will probably have to get used to being behind planned arrivals. Life has definitly "slowed to a crawl".

Kevin =1 Sue =0

A long slow ride....

Friday, April 30, 2010

After leaving home (and saying goodbye to the cats) we meandered our way to Orillia and had a leisurely dinner. Off to Washago to catch the train just before 1 a.m. Talk about service! The train stopped with the baggage car right at our luggage. Loaded the bikes and hockey bags and they then moved the train ahead to exactly our car so we could board. (You would think we were unable to walk!). Sleeping on the train was a little bit "iffy" as we were not used to the noises and the movement of the train in our "cozy" cabin for two. Meals are really quite good and everyone seemed to be friendly (even if most people think we are nuts). If you are not in a hurry, the train is a great way to travel. If you are an impatient person, take an airplane. (Yes, I realize, this is "the kettle calling the pot black."). Day 1 of the adventure....slow. Me wonders if this might just be a trend!!!

Kevin=1 Sue=0