Well it was a rather intresting go and I am really happy with how the whole excursion turned out.
I orginally was planning on just riding the pavement to Hope as the Urbs (Surry, Langley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack) trails are connectors and add alot of time to the ride. So I got off the ferry and for whatever reason went straight for the trail. It was all fine however my attentiveness was low and nap skills way off constant gps corrections made the trip to Hope rather cumbersome, very beautiful, and I did it anyway!
The Trail from Hope on to me is what's it's all about, becoming part of history most intresting. Train trestles, tunnels, signs and information kiosks along the way make it a trip back it time.
The people it's quite intresting how many people I got to meet with the Trail in common, all brief encounters as maybe I've not learnt to slow down yet.
What the trail did for me, gave me a chance to reflect, a chance to get healthier, freedom from the world and peopley things and such. I'd put in a closer with the energy that connects us all, as to define my beings, emotional, physical, mental and spiritual selfs more intrinsically.
I finished the ride, I would/will do it again, maybe as the Epic1000 who knows, that would be fun to race it.
Truly one of the greatest times of my life!
1475 kms 12 days, total enjoyment rain and shine
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Saturday, July 27, 2019
The Great Divide
Waking and getting on the road at Kookanusa was a task, climbing the bank going to toss a pannier up to the upper ledge must and have it roll all the way back down, wat steeper than the picture looked. I had also left the bike locked to the tree half way up to make my morning life easy.
After getting on the road and figuring out the trail which I I managed to go off course and catching back upto it in Elko, after a brief stop for a awesome Veggie burger and a cone. The ride yo Fernie went well mostly on the trail till the technical section or easy out road parted, my home withing each I chose to depart the Great Trail for a round on the highway.
A brief couple stops in Sparwood, some higher octane coffee and a quick hello to a friend with a message and one stop on the side of the road for hug from my oldest son on his way home from work. Yes I dumped my luggage in his truck but chose to ride to the border aka The Continental Great Divide and a few kms more to hug Mom!
After getting on the road and figuring out the trail which I I managed to go off course and catching back upto it in Elko, after a brief stop for a awesome Veggie burger and a cone. The ride yo Fernie went well mostly on the trail till the technical section or easy out road parted, my home withing each I chose to depart the Great Trail for a round on the highway.
A brief couple stops in Sparwood, some higher octane coffee and a quick hello to a friend with a message and one stop on the side of the road for hug from my oldest son on his way home from work. Yes I dumped my luggage in his truck but chose to ride to the border aka The Continental Great Divide and a few kms more to hug Mom!
Hotel Kimberly and a Pizza
So the ride down from Grey creek had a little surprise for me, an apparent error, when confirming with a passing truck the driver informed me my distance was off by about 40kms, I was hoping for a early night and kinda beaten from the previous 12 hours.
Thankfully it was mostly downhill for the day but the latter part was uphill into Kimberly and a hotel again, as I had decided.
If your ever in Kimberly and need a place to stay Hotel Kimberly is clean, maintained very well, a lot of heart going on here by the owners and staff, I'd give them the highest rating. I've only been to Kimberly once as a teen on a party summer cruise, so nice to be able to take in some sights and experiences, I went for pizza in the Platzel and was served by the owner and this place has it going on, ski town mountian bike mecca and a reasonably priced pizza in the middle of it. Really well done up place again the owner puts her heart into it, as do the staff.
A hotel room is great for drying out tents, gear and clothes and my poor tents been getting put away wet so it was nice to hang up as with my other stuff.
It's amazing the sleeps I get when I am active, and now sleep I understand as being when the body does mist of its healing, and I love that part. Sleep is very important to me these days.
A yummy continental breakfast and off I went via the market for fruit, there the cashier directed me to the trails and I enjoyed a whole day of low elevation gain riding out to Kookanusa where I set up camp on the site of the lake down the bank from the bridge, secluded and I wont go down that bike again it was to steep and loose.
Thankfully it was mostly downhill for the day but the latter part was uphill into Kimberly and a hotel again, as I had decided.
If your ever in Kimberly and need a place to stay Hotel Kimberly is clean, maintained very well, a lot of heart going on here by the owners and staff, I'd give them the highest rating. I've only been to Kimberly once as a teen on a party summer cruise, so nice to be able to take in some sights and experiences, I went for pizza in the Platzel and was served by the owner and this place has it going on, ski town mountian bike mecca and a reasonably priced pizza in the middle of it. Really well done up place again the owner puts her heart into it, as do the staff.
A hotel room is great for drying out tents, gear and clothes and my poor tents been getting put away wet so it was nice to hang up as with my other stuff.
It's amazing the sleeps I get when I am active, and now sleep I understand as being when the body does mist of its healing, and I love that part. Sleep is very important to me these days.
A yummy continental breakfast and off I went via the market for fruit, there the cashier directed me to the trails and I enjoyed a whole day of low elevation gain riding out to Kookanusa where I set up camp on the site of the lake down the bank from the bridge, secluded and I wont go down that bike again it was to steep and loose.
Lake Kookanusa.
Trying to get up that bank near beat me in the morning.
To Grey's Creek Pass and beyond!
I've been previously calling its Grant's Pass which is wrong.
The ride outa Nelson to the Harrop ferry for me was just o.k. having driven the route many times and the actual trail here is a water passage. Rather hot day I bought water at the ferry and there is a little bakery right at the terminal that everyone should experience, and a great source of carbs.
After the ferry and a 20 k or so ride I managed a couple k up the pass and set up camp.
Tonight practicing faith I learnt a new calm. A storm came in and the hot day brought clouds thunder and lightning with it. By lights out the lightning came close I was concerned more about welders flash lol. Some of the brightest and loudest had only a 3 count between. And the rain was amazing, more amazing was my tent for keeping the cloud burst out.
Packing up camp, the tent once again put away wet. Ate my favorite Steel cut oat, chia, dehydrated cherry breaky and off I went. O.K. it wasnt like that but I did manage to get to the top of my highest climb in shortest distance. I even got asked if I wanted a ride by a 4x4 guy 5km from the top, said I wasnt gona cheat. 17kms of 16 to 20% grade and cloud cold wet. I loved every moment of it, got yo ths yo cooked Annie's, layered everything I had on for the descent. Definitely questioned my navagational skills here and was about to find out my destination was 40km further than I thought when I asked a guy in a truck which way to go at a T intersection
I rode into Kimberly a lil beaten just before sun down.
The ride outa Nelson to the Harrop ferry for me was just o.k. having driven the route many times and the actual trail here is a water passage. Rather hot day I bought water at the ferry and there is a little bakery right at the terminal that everyone should experience, and a great source of carbs.
After the ferry and a 20 k or so ride I managed a couple k up the pass and set up camp.
Tonight practicing faith I learnt a new calm. A storm came in and the hot day brought clouds thunder and lightning with it. By lights out the lightning came close I was concerned more about welders flash lol. Some of the brightest and loudest had only a 3 count between. And the rain was amazing, more amazing was my tent for keeping the cloud burst out.
Packing up camp, the tent once again put away wet. Ate my favorite Steel cut oat, chia, dehydrated cherry breaky and off I went. O.K. it wasnt like that but I did manage to get to the top of my highest climb in shortest distance. I even got asked if I wanted a ride by a 4x4 guy 5km from the top, said I wasnt gona cheat. 17kms of 16 to 20% grade and cloud cold wet. I loved every moment of it, got yo ths yo cooked Annie's, layered everything I had on for the descent. Definitely questioned my navagational skills here and was about to find out my destination was 40km further than I thought when I asked a guy in a truck which way to go at a T intersection
I rode into Kimberly a lil beaten just before sun down.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
A pinch flat n tire day
After buying new tubes in Grandforks, I managed two more pinch flats coming into Castlegar. Thee are several bike shops in Nelson so I figured I would shop ther, no so easy for my bike is a skinny tired cross over, finding trail tires no so easy I was to find. After stopping in at my old sponsors they directed me to a new and used bike store tucked in a corner off main street, I didnt get the name of the place but it was amazing tons and tons of cycle gear, and a new tire for me. Which I promptly flattened with a nail 3 blocks away. Coincidentally the tech Eric would ride by, we laughed as I changed the flat. I could not find the name of the store on google but it's a hidden treasure for sure.
Earlier in the day leaving Castlegar I bumped into a cyclist named Richard a 65year old who had justcompeted in the Epic1000, super cool conversation and alot of cycling doors were shown to be, truly opening my eyes to another world of people in cycle touring over a coffee between Castlegar and Nelson. Very grateful for this inspirational encounter.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
To Farron and beyond
Gerry and Gina from Regina, our paths crossed twice, they were riding sections, alot of people ride sections and some ride the downhill sections, I've not met anyone doing the whole province yet. I met a fella named Richard who had run the Epic1000 a few weeks ago, it was on my light day so the conversation was much appreciated and a few more doors of life open.
Lunch and one of the picnic table shelters just before the Paulson bridge, I was expecting this climb to be much harder, two pinch flats on the downhill left me thinking I shoulda bought that new tire instead of just a tube.
Farron, a place with history, nothing but artifacts now. Peter Verigan and 8 others were murdered in a train explosion, some people wanted to end the doukabor movement and it worked. Early 1900s
Super great day, made real good time, will tire up in Nelson tomorrow. Happy Trails
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Grand forks hotel night
Well staying at a hotel tonight I was gona wait till tomorrow, especially after the pinch flats, I dont know why I dont really like to stop riding, so flats really suck and I'm not the race mode flat repair guy I used to be, I rush tube repairs I forget to check for multiple leaks, I dont sand enough, I dont let the glue dry, I got 4 pinch flats right before grand forks, the local bike shop hopefully open tomorrow is a bike shop and many take Mondays off, we shall see.
It's been a rewarding experience with all the sights and scenes and the little things along the way, I am no longer traveling the TCT it's taking me. I've never been through so many tunnels, seen so many I couldn't pass through, rock slides take them or the route out, the coquhalla is an area were you leave the rail bed due to collapse or avalanche, its cut into cliff walls throught them (Othello tunnels are a engineering miracle from Avatar movies). Some of the tunnels up high look so majestic, oh and the being up high "I do not like." I walk on the inside so can only give a opinion for a upward line of sight, batted down with clouds and drizzle.
The Trestles they are amazing, amazing and many and everywhere along the way, a placard read 1946, post war re investing in infant structures and employment, at the coquhalla summit a bridge used to replace a 1946 version that didnt survive and as new as the one was I'd say maybe one or two others never survived but the very original approach to one of the orginal bridges is still there, I noticed it by accident as the section prior to the rivers edge area was covered from landslide, I noticed the rock work then I realized it was done by pre modern (cat and excavator) road work, but placed rock work. My phone was dead it was raining no pictures.
It's so cool all the stuff, vendors, tourists peoples and creatures chipmunks that climb up my leg, deer that cross the river at first light, a bear that moves along when told move along nothing to see here just move along nothing to smell here, it works. He was about 500m outside of a very public tourist spot, not sure if he knows peopley.
The deer crossing the river when I woke up outside princeton (mind blotch might change princeton after I look at a map. But the deer 3 buck, looked in velvet in the sun rays crossing the river at first light everything covered in dew and wet from the night before.
Doing all this in the rain, think about how easy it would be to become Hypothermic, and dont let that happen, have a back up plan and be mindful of your surroundings, that's a whole nutha area. Its been a magnificent trip so far, lotsa fun, lots memories, family stuff memories, spiritually extreme I guess. Bedtime g night hotel with large veg pizza 3/4 gone beside me and a long climb 20km away this is it.
It's been a rewarding experience with all the sights and scenes and the little things along the way, I am no longer traveling the TCT it's taking me. I've never been through so many tunnels, seen so many I couldn't pass through, rock slides take them or the route out, the coquhalla is an area were you leave the rail bed due to collapse or avalanche, its cut into cliff walls throught them (Othello tunnels are a engineering miracle from Avatar movies). Some of the tunnels up high look so majestic, oh and the being up high "I do not like." I walk on the inside so can only give a opinion for a upward line of sight, batted down with clouds and drizzle.
The Trestles they are amazing, amazing and many and everywhere along the way, a placard read 1946, post war re investing in infant structures and employment, at the coquhalla summit a bridge used to replace a 1946 version that didnt survive and as new as the one was I'd say maybe one or two others never survived but the very original approach to one of the orginal bridges is still there, I noticed it by accident as the section prior to the rivers edge area was covered from landslide, I noticed the rock work then I realized it was done by pre modern (cat and excavator) road work, but placed rock work. My phone was dead it was raining no pictures.
It's so cool all the stuff, vendors, tourists peoples and creatures chipmunks that climb up my leg, deer that cross the river at first light, a bear that moves along when told move along nothing to see here just move along nothing to smell here, it works. He was about 500m outside of a very public tourist spot, not sure if he knows peopley.
The deer crossing the river when I woke up outside princeton (mind blotch might change princeton after I look at a map. But the deer 3 buck, looked in velvet in the sun rays crossing the river at first light everything covered in dew and wet from the night before.
Doing all this in the rain, think about how easy it would be to become Hypothermic, and dont let that happen, have a back up plan and be mindful of your surroundings, that's a whole nutha area. Its been a magnificent trip so far, lotsa fun, lots memories, family stuff memories, spiritually extreme I guess. Bedtime g night hotel with large veg pizza 3/4 gone beside me and a long climb 20km away this is it.
Rock Creek recharge
I am having problems with my devices and their charge and waiting to charge them. I'd rather be on the bike. As well up loading pictures is being a trick.
Anyway the trip itself still amazing, Sunday the 21st stayed at the Big Dipper campsite as my perfered choice was bear scat followed by no trespassing signs, the night before was just off the trail, this morning I did not wake to rain and was able to dry my gear out a bit, as well a swim to clean up, chaffing and pressure sore are minimal and muscle seem better by the day, or at least they do in the mornings. I'm starting to meet more people too. And sometimes stopping to chat aka giving my a break, it's the best thing ever just being mobile for the day and get.
Pictures to follow when I find some better upload speeds if I do . Lol
Anyway the trip itself still amazing, Sunday the 21st stayed at the Big Dipper campsite as my perfered choice was bear scat followed by no trespassing signs, the night before was just off the trail, this morning I did not wake to rain and was able to dry my gear out a bit, as well a swim to clean up, chaffing and pressure sore are minimal and muscle seem better by the day, or at least they do in the mornings. I'm starting to meet more people too. And sometimes stopping to chat aka giving my a break, it's the best thing ever just being mobile for the day and get.
Pictures to follow when I find some better upload speeds if I do . Lol
Myra Canyon Threstle befor the park
Views of the canyon, 17 or 18 threstle to skirt around it
This was leaving Penticton, a slither climb, pretty much a all day thing and some the next. All rail grade so not tough just lots.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Chute lake
Waking up with a slight drizzle, pretty much has been every morning so far, the cooler temps are great for cycling and the rain goes away, todays trek is to Myra falls then Grand forks. The climbs keep getting longer and the downhills shorter and more to come. Gona go easy to save myself for Grants pass in 3 days. Have such s great time, I've not bumped into may other travelers, they most lkk.
Friday, July 19, 2019
Summerland for a recharge
I woke up to a dead battery in my Garmin, not sure what I did wrong recharging it, recharging batteries on a trip like this is mind boggling boring, I gotta pedal.
The ride from Princeton to Summerland is a trudge, at one point I felt broken when I came across a TRAIL CLOSED sign, I only sorta remembered reading about, after 90k and a long day it was also a place to set up camp, not exactly where I was hopi g but at the level of tired I was it just didnt matter
The ride from Princeton to Summerland is a trudge, at one point I felt broken when I came across a TRAIL CLOSED sign, I only sorta remembered reading about, after 90k and a long day it was also a place to set up camp, not exactly where I was hopi g but at the level of tired I was it just didnt matter
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Princeton
The trail here is so amazing, the views and scenery on a overcast day going up the pass is so consuming I forget I am riding uphill.
Othello Tunnels, not able to describe with words the beauty seen here in the most unique way.?
I'm more into pedalling than taking pictures the most spectacular beauty can not be described but can been seen for yourself. Trans Canada Trail.
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
TCH the urbs
Well I figured I'd be well past Hope but taking the time to ride the connector trails has added alot of mileage, I dont like riding or being in the cities, they are just to peoply. Most of the trails were well managed but the urban routes were not well enough marked for my day dreaming mind. So constant gps checking was time consuming. I was able to load the bag from the Great Trails app to my google maps which saved a bunch but still required checking.
Il be out of cell range for the next 3 days, into the wild.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Starting here
Actually waiting a B.C. Ferry's wondering why I waited so long to have the should I stay or should I go, everything has bin awesome to this point so it feels natural.
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