Spanish Banks Beach, Vancouver, Mile 0
Any place will do in a pinch.
Having a break at the Big E cafe on the way to Hope.
The old railway tunnels for the Kettle Valley Railway Line. A series of 5 tunnels through the mountains.
We are each assigned a crew to cook with. This was our first supper and the following morning we did breakfast. Terri,Ray and Tom are my crew. There is one member missing, Vic, he was in the shower.
The guys get to load the truck. That is my tent bag.
Going up the Coquihalla Highway
The snow sheds for vehicles. We went on the outside on a gravel trail.
We made it to the top.
Merritt is the Country Western Capital of Canada. They have a lot of buildings with murals of famous people.
A mural of Tim McGraw.
Our Campground for the rest day.We are currently in Merritt, British Columbia, the Country Western Capital of Canada. We are on a rest day but for a rest day it has been very busy. Laundry and getting organized after a few days on the road can be quite time consuming. It is very hot 29 and they say we will have this weather for the next several days. At least biking creates a bit of a breeze. This town reminds us of an old western town and while we did not partake in any celebrations at Rotary Park, Terry and I donned our Canada Day hats when we went for breakfast and shopping.
To get into Merritt we had a very long climb up the Coquihalla Highway for about 15km at about a grade of 7 which isn't terribly steep but it was very long. The summit is 1200m. All of the group were able to make the climb and as far as we know no one had to walk it but we all took breaks on the way up to take some breath taking pictures.
Our first day out leaving Vancouver was full of excitement. Pictures at Mile zero (a different mile zero than Victoria) and everyone was keen to be on the road. The ride out of Vancouver went through residential streets and several steep hills. Once out of the city proper the scenery has been amazing. I forgot how beautiful the mountains were. And yes we can still see snow atop some of them. Terry and I have had no bike issues but one of the riders had her first flat.
Great write up and pictures, Holly. Sounds like you guys are really enjoying it and the country looks so beautiful.Keep up the good work and it must be all downhill from there, eh?
ReplyDeleteDon
Hi Holly and Terri,
ReplyDeleteYou are going to love the next segment to Golden. Lots of nice farm land, and lake shores. I took the Canyon Creek road option to Pritchard and highly recommend it. It is a hard pack road, but easy to ride. There is a farm with Llamas (or Alpacas) along the route and it cuts off some distance and traffic.
Pritchard to Mara is beautiful, and likewise Mara to Albert Canyon. Albert Canyon to Golden is exciting on account of your second hill climb over Rogers Pass.
I wish I was with you!
Peter
I am enjoying the ride along with you Theresa and Holly.
ReplyDeleteI envy you with the cooler temps. I wish I was riding along side too.
We are experiencing high 90's and over 100 degress temps with a heat index along with humidex many days well over 103, here in Louisiana. We have had .3 inches of rain for June.
All I can say, even though it is cool temps, keep hydrated.
Love ya sis.
Have a great ride. I hope you keep getting good weather.
Gemma
Mural of Tim Mcgraw?? Didn't know he made it that far north considering he is from Start, La.
ReplyDeleteWatching for your updates. Stay safe ladies.