After a refreshing dip in the hot and warm pool last night
everyone in the camp was charged and they were all smiles. After we came back,
it started raining and it continued to rain this morning as well. Since we were
on galley crew we were cooking pancakes, oatmeal and usual grub for a take away
lunch. Everyone left camp early in anticipation of the numerous climbs and the
fact that we will be moving an hour ahead as we change time zones… on a bike…
exciting stuff.
We were sweeping and we had no particular rush in stressing
ourselves to go faster. I rode with Keith and Michael for most of the day. We
started climbing towards the Rogers pass as soon as we got out of camp and boy
it was endless… for almost 34 km. At about km 23, Michael spotted a black bear on
the rail tracks that ran parallel to the highway. It was just fascinating to
see a large creature like that in its natural surroundings, which we
unfortunately invaded with our advancements in technology. A few pictures later
we buzzed along high way 1 and I pulled in front alone, with music in my head
and chanting in my heart I headed for the top. At km 30 and around 11.30 am I
reached the summit and soon Keith and Michael followed. We took our pictures at
the top with signs and headed for indoors as it was freezing cold and once you
stop cycling, the sweat around body feels like air conditioning. I had a large
load of French fries and some hot water to cool me down and stripped out of
rain gear to let my body dry off from the sweat.
Just as I was munching on the fries, I read the cue sheet
that getting to Rogers pass was a warm up for the tougher set of (short) hills
that were about to come. We quickly wrapped things up and filled our water
bottles as this was our last stop to get refills, nothing from here on to
Golden. We set out at 12.20 pm and started the climbs. Before the climbs
though, there was the amazing descent back to the valley floor that raised my
hair and attention to a level not met before. It was a long descent for around
6 kms through 5 tunnels (some without any lights and some winding that lasted
500m+) and I reached speeds of around 65km/h … concentration was the best I had
since a long time. Then started the hills and we stopped for a few breaks at km
70 and then at 81.
The last stretch, Trevor and I did together for a bit and
then I got in my rhythm and did it on my own until Km 101. At that point the
terrain was a bit more flat and I was able to maintain speeds of 25km/h. I saw Keith and Michael and Trevor all of us
rode in to Golden together. We spotted a dairy queen and we stopped for an
ice-cream, I had Caramel milk shake (something something). Just as we got out, weather cleared up and
sun came out in its glory and we were met with some majestic views of kicking
Horse River with the Canadian Rockies in the background. The vista and panorama
took my breath away and with it all body ache from the climb.
We changed our clocks ahead and were into camp at 4.45pm
mountain time. Since my tent was still wet, I intended to get it dry before the
forecasted rain tomorrow (a rest day). We set up camp, sorted my clothes for
laundry and went for dinner (Penne salad, spaghetti with tomato sauce and fresh
fruit for dessert). We decided to do a camp fire and so Michael and I ran to
Sobeys to get some chips for some munching.
Everyone ended up having a late night and I went to bed around midnight.
 |
| 1st of the 9 tunnels on route today |
 |
| First bear encounter - 100 m away... and wish to keep it that way |
 |
| Enroute Rogers pass - cold, wet, rainy, gloomy, hilly... can't beat the view though |
 |
| First views as we came in closer to Golden, BC |
