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.
