Today I left my home in Vancouver for Victoria B.C. My good friends Andrew and Colleen happened to be driving to Tsawassen. They planned to cycle onto the ferry and visit friends in Sydney so I joined them for part of their trip. Today was a perfect day for a ferry ride. Andrew and Colleen accompanied me as far as Sydney via the "Lochside Bicycle Route" which leads from Schwartz Bay to Victoria.

I cycled around Victoria for a bit, went to Mel's house for a shower and stretch, I'll be spending the night here. I’m a little nervous about the prospect of riding across the Country, but surprisingly I don’t feel too bad!

The Big Day, a festive gathering of about 25 assembled around noon at mile zero. I was thrilled with so many people showing up to support me! Had a brief encounter with the "CH News" cameraman who asked me a few questions.

I was sent off with cheers and waves. I began the journey with 2 lifetime friends Hanne and Bill. We rode through town and onto the "Galloping Goose" trail. We joined the Lochside trail shortly thereafter. The Lochside trail is a beautiful route winding through country roads and farmland along the Saanich Peninsula. Hanna and Bill accompanied me as far as Sydney. I was in high spirits when I said goodbye to them. It was about 15 years ago when I was introduced to cycling as a favorite pastime; Hanne and Bill escorted myself, Ian and Paul (their two sons) on many adventures in the logging roads of Campbell River. In addition to the accompaniment of Hanne and Bill today I was accompanied by the cool Pacific Ocean breeze, which I am sure to be missing greatly in the coming weeks.

From Sydney I continued to Schwartz Bay where I caught the 4PM sailing to Tsawassen. I spent my time reading and observing the busloads of tourists. I will do my best in the coming weeks to provide the reader with a good impression of my experiences. I'll try to keep it interesting. I cannot guarantee anything though; for by the time I complete this voyage you may be reading the musings of a madman!

From Tsawassen I pedaled hard to make it to the George Massey tunnel shuttle service in time for the 630PM "sailing". This was difficult with the strong headwinds. The ride through Richmond via No. 5 road was uneventful and I arrived at home in Kitsalano before 8PM.

Had a bit of a late start today (I hope this doesn't become a habit). I left home around 9AM and cycled towards Chromos Molecular Systems for a visit with my friends and former co-workers. On my way (via Broadway) I noticed that there was a line-up of people waiting for Toys-R-Us to open... Strange.

I had a great reception at Chromos, tasty cinnamon twists and coffee. It's hard to believe that I won't be seeing these guys for a few months I'll miss them. I’ll also miss the coffee, an endless supply streamed from the lunchroom.

As it is only my second day I'm a little anxious to get on the road so after a brief visit I'm on my way. Everyone saw me out the door and waved goodbye. Their good cheers gave me the energy and enthusiasm I needed to get through the day.

I cycled non-stop to Mission, had a break for food. I stopped again at about 20km west of Agassiz (Kipling Farm). Lougheed Hwy was great especially after Mission, light traffic and nice scenery. From Kipling farm I cycled to Brio Springs, a roadside spring, where I drank and refilled my water bottles. From here I had a kilometer or so of downhill where I reached my top speed (75k) given the weight on my bike (me + bike + 60lbs gear) this wasn't too tough.

When I arrived in Harrison Hotsprings I went down the main street to a lakefront park where I sat down for a half hour before calling John and Kelly who had offered to have me for a night. After my brief rest on the grass, I rode down to John and Kelly’s house. Although I’d never met them John, Kelly and their daughter Natisha brought me into their home, fed me and put me up for the night in a nice warm bed!

I Left Harrison Hot Springs around 8AM bearing good tidings, a full tummy, and gifts of fresh fruit! Soon after leaving, I was joined by two old acquaintances: Pain and Suffering. You see yesterday I was pushed along by strong tailwinds. Today the grass on the roadside is curled over, its tips pointed towards me as if to say "go back you fool" all I could do was smile back at them and keep pedaling. Pain and Suffering accompanied me throughout the day. I did have a break in Hope. A stop at a grocery store for some food and drink gave me a little hope until the folks at the tourist info center gave me a sheet showing a profile of the hills that lay ahead…

Pain and Suffering

I can laugh about these two;

they have joined me numerous times

for me, they've joined me upon

open invitations during days like today

when I push my body

to meet physical challenges

Not to be compared to those

who have suffered unwillingly

from debilitating disease

Before I continued on the Hope-Princeton Hwy I bought food and had a bit to eat. I climbed up past the Hope Slide, couldn't be bothered to cycle up to the viewpoint, and on to the west gate of Manning Park. At the west gate, I leaned my bike against the sign (signifying my entrance into Manning Park and made my way to a picnic table. As I walked across the parking lot I noticed my parents driving by. Luckily they saw my bright colored clothes and pulled over! I was pleased to see them and happy for their support, my Mom (Jane), Dad (Stu) and Sister (Krista). They will be supporting me as far as Medicine Hat Alberta. We ate lunch after which I handed off most of my heavy luggage.

After a short break I was back on the road, I stopped to speak to a German tourist walking alone along the road with no car in sight. He asked me what I was doing - I told him about my trip and he gave me a donation, a handshake and a smile. His enthusiasm was all I needed to get up and over Allison Pass. At the top of the Pass, my dad was waiting, he had taken his bike off of the back of the camper, together we rode down the long hill to Manning Park headquarters where Mom and Krista awaited our arrival. We spent the night in a campground near the park headquarters.

Last night was rough, hoodlums in a neighboring camp living their beer commercial dreams kept me from getting a good night’s sleep. I continued cycling along the Skagit River, despite hilly terrain the ride was pretty agreeable. A cool breeze and occasional shade kept me from overheating on the tough climb. I reached the top of Sunday Summit around 1030AM.

Just prior to the summit a car pulled off to the side. I didn’t recognize the vehicle and I wasn't sure who was inside. Out popped my cousin Quentin. It was great to see him and he was excited about my progress. After a short chat Quentin got back into his car and I onto my bike. We met again in Princeton along with my parents and Krista where we had a bite to eat.

Strong tailwinds sped my progress to Wolf Creek. I rode up the gravel road to the cabin belonging to my Great Aunt. 'The gang', my cousin Carmen, her 2-month-old baby Emma, Cousin Quentin, Mom, Dad and Krista greeted me! Carmen and Emma are visiting from Ottawa. It was neat to see such a tiny baby. Everyone was impressed at how quickly I made the trip from Princeton but my speed was largely attributable to strong tailwinds.

Today was a 'gentle' day, short distance, downhills, and tailwinds. Tomorrow will be easy as well as I will only cycle the short distance from here to Keremeos.

Everyone slept in a bit this morning. We had a large lumberjack style breakfast at the Wolfe Creek cabin. I rode from Wolf Creek to Keremeos, where my Auntie Marilyn and Uncle Maurice have a fruit stand! Be sure to stop by for the best fruit in the Okanogan (Parson's Fruit stand) look for the old tractors and other antiques outside. The winds were very favorable today and I made decent time to Keremeos. I stopped briefly at Bromley Rock for a quick dip in this beautiful swimming hole on the Smilkameen River. The highway follows the Smilkameen all the way from the town of Princeton through the tiny town of Hedley to Keremeos. We had a nice dinner accompanied by Aunty Bert, Uncle Maurice and Aunty Marylin, Mom, Dad and Krista. Diner was followed by 2L of ice cream (for me).

I left Keremeos around 7:30AM, said goodbye to my Uncle Maurice who was already out on his tractor preparing to open his fruit stand. The ride to Osoyoos was pleasant, when I arrived I thought of my friend Matty so I had a can of Coke in his honor (Matty is a big Coca-Cola advocate and has family here in Osoyoos!).

After a short break on the waterfront for some snacks I started up Anarchist Mountain ugh. I reached the main climb around 10AM. The weather was nice and I made decent time to the final viewpoint. I felt a bit deceived as the hill kept going for at least another 10 kilometers after the viewpoint. I would have liked to photograph the summit sign but there was a dead doe lying in front, it’s legs pointed straight up in the air. I met the "support team" near Rock Creek at a roadside coffee ice cream gift shop. We met again at the Johnson Creek campground for a bite to eat. The cycling continued on ‘til I reached Greenwood. After having dinner and setting up camp we wondered the town and found an ice cream shop where my dad treated me to an ice cream cone. Greenwood is an interesting little town; it used to be a mining town, now I’m not sure what people do there.

I left Greenwood around 8:30AM and cycled to Grand Forks. I thought of my Grandmother and my Uncle Sandy as they spent their childhood here. In Grand Forks, I met my parents at the tourist information center. Unable to get any useful information we went to a bike shop to discuss using part of the Kettle Valley Railway (K.V.R.) to bypass one of the big summits. The bike shop owner thought that my tires should be ok; he mentioned that it did get ‘a little rough’ towards the end (this section of the K.V.R. had originally been suggested by my friend Andrew, see day 0). I decided to go for it. I pushed on to Christina Lake after a having a pastry from a local bakery.

I climbed to the Paulson crossing (at 87 kilometers) where the highway crosses over the KVR (approx 1100m elevation). I had a brief visit with the support team, and cycled on down a side road that lead to the rail bed. Everything was going great! From here I was at the highest vertical point of the day. I was faced with about 60 kilometers of gradual descent into Castlegar. Cruising down the rail grade I was like a steam engine with a load of ore charging down the tracks. Motoring along at 30 kilometers an hour, my helmet and glasses bounced around, my bike rattled like an old railcar, I was 'all smiles' until I reached the 1st tunnel.

I stopped at the tunnel entrance and peered in, darkness. The tunnel was about 1.5 kilometers long with a curve half way through. I could not see the other end. I searched through my bags for a light of some kind. Nothing. Hmm. I was at least 25 kilometers into the descent so there was absolutely no turning back! Before I entered the tunnel thunder crashed in the background and it started to pour with rain. Now things were getting spooky! I started on my way. Walking tentatively I crept along. Within a couple minutes I was surrounded by blackness there was NO light at the end of the tunnel. I turned my head in all directions and all I could see was blackness. I did not let go of my bike, nor did I change direction. So this is what its like to be blind! I did my best not to bump into the slimy walls but I could not avoid getting my feet wet as they plunged into cold, dank puddles up to my ankles. After about 5 long minutes of shuffling I could see a tiny light the size of a pinprick off in the distance. As I progressed the light grew. As the light grew so did my pace and soon I arrived at the end of the tunnel. By this time it was pouring rain. I mounted my bike and continued on... for a few minutes... then I my back wheel started to feel a little harder with every bump! Within moments I realized, a flat tire! Ugh, the sharp rocks had done a little damage to the sidewall of my tire. I thought to myself “No big deal” and quickly repaired the tire. After a few minutes, I was on my way again. Within 10 minutes, I was back on the side of the trail. This time a little less pleased. Profanities could be heard from a great distance. Snakebite flat (the tube had been pinched between the tire and rim). My problems did not end here. Over the next 10 kilometers I had a total of 8 flat tires. The combination of rainfall, constant stopping to perform repairs left me cold, wet, filthy dirty and frustrated. After the 6^th flat I cut the valve stem from a spare tube and used it to line and hopefully protect the inflated tube from another flat. This did not work and within a few minutes I was down again.

The final flat tire brought no profanity. I gave up on traditional repair methods and took about 3 tubes and stuffed them into the casing of the tire (in hopes of protecting my rim from damage!). In silence, I cycled, walked and ran the final 10k to Castlegar. Wondering all the time whether Alexander Mackenzie ever broke NINE paddles in one day.... I pulled into the campsite around 6:30PM where my parents were waiting worriedly for me. We stayed at Pass Creek Recreation Area where the proprietors gave us a free site for our cause. I slept soundly through the night.

After almost twelve hours of sleep, I left Castlegar around 9:20AM. My support team went to the local bike shop: Downtown Emporium Sports where Marnie made a pledge to my cause! I had replaced my rear tire with one that had been on my dad's bike, not perfect but it'll do. My rim is miraculously ok (touch wood). I met my parents again on the Climb out of Castlegar. They handed me a couple of new tubes. With the new tubes I decided to pump up my tires back up to eighty PSI.

Five kilometers up the hill my rear tire was flat. This was expected as the flat tube had five or six patches from the previous day! I continued up to Bombi Summit at twenty-four kilometers and 1214metres elevation. After a quick descent into Salmo I met the gang. We had lunch after which I decided to push on and climb to the top of Kootenay Pass the toughest climb yet, roughly twenty kilometers of 8% grade or more. Gritting my teeth, I did my best to maintain a rhythm and stay seated. Half way up had a powergel to accompany the loads of water I had been drinking. Had a few honks and waves, which helped me along.

At 3:30 PM I reached the summit at 1774 meters elevation. The summit boasted a beautiful alpine lake where my dad was fly-fishing. He caught a nice trout that we enjoyed later! After a few minutes of rest in our folding camp chair I decided to descend and push on the final 40-50k to Creston (home of the Columbia Brewing Co.). A great descent for the most part cruising at around 60k, on most of the flats I managed to keep my speed around 40k. We stayed at Pair-A-Dice Campground despite the ‘cheesy’ name it was a very clean comfortable place to stay.

After a few tough days of serious climbing my body is sore and tired. Today I traveled a relatively short distance over easy terrain, however it seemed quite difficult.

The roadside here is not that great, a wide section of it has a "rumble strip" about a foot 1/2 wide. On the inside of the rumble strip there is only about 8 inches of road for me to cycle on. I believe that this was put here so that drunk drivers could make it to town at night without nodding off behind the wheel. Once they arrive in town they can do greater damage in their drunken state! For me, the rumble strip does me no good.

Riding from Cranbrook was much the same as yesterday, no major hills and it seemed like a gradual descent. There will be more climbing tomorrow though.

Fernie is a pretty resort town. We wandered around town for a while. I spoke to the girls that run the youth center regarding web access. They were very gracious and tried setting me up on their computer to do my entries! In the end I was unable to download photos from my camera, so they set me up with free service from one of the local net cafes. Fernie appears to have some good skiing in the wintertime. Mountain Biking is pretty popular here too, but my bike is not equipped for such endeavors. Mountain biking didn’t seem like much fun at this point, as I’m still plagued with a sore bum.