Tour BC 2007 - Day 4

Day 4 - July 16



I heard people rustling outside at 4:15 AM. Then the train went by at
4:30. I woke up at 5:30, with what I thought sufficient time to get to
breakfast when it opened at 6:45. But, I miscalculated how long it
would take me to pack up, get my water, and bike up to the church.
Breakfast was pancakes, fried potatoes, sausage links, and scrambled eggs. It
was very good.

Then I got on the road headed for Revelstoke. The sun was out and
heating up fast. There was a slight uphill and downhill within the first 12
miles.

The first water stop was at Mara Provincial Park on Lake Okanagan. The
mosquitoes were out in force, and most people were grabbing snacks -
mixed berry bar crumb cookies, water, and leaving.

Roughly 10 miles later I stopped at a dairy for a mango and cream
single scoop (but in reality three scoops) ice cream cone.

That's where I joined John Gatsby. He had been riding with "the girls"
- four women who are long time friends (two live in Nova Scotia and
flew out for the ride; the other two live in BC). However, the girls made
many stops - especially waterfalls and lakes for cooling off swims.

John and I rode to the lunch stop at Craigellachie Rest Area where the
golden spike (railroad) was put in place joining the Atlantic Ocean to the
Pacific. Lunch was chicken wraps from Subway and boxed juice. John and I
were planning to take naps before continuing on, but again the mosquitoes
made us get back on the bikes.

The afternoon had many long climbs, mostly in the sun. John rode ahead
and I lagged behind taking shade breaks. On one such break John Bates,
married to Danelle and driving the SAG wagon, offered me a ride to the next
water stop, which I readily accepted.

This water stop was located at Three Valley Gap, a tourist attraction
popular with coach tours. The stop had fresh watermelon and fresh
cherries.

After resting, I got back on the bike, riding uphill for about 6 miles,
and then descending into Revelstoke. We crossed the Columbia River on
the wooden walkway, because it was a one lane bridge controlled by a
traffic light.

Our campsite was superb. We were camped on the river at Centennial
Park. Showers were at the Rec Center and dinner next door. This was
located a short walk uphill. Dinner was rice, a stir fry of mixed
vegetables, baked turkey, and a choice of chocolate or vanilla whipped cream
cake.

7.20.19 hours ridden; 79.43 mi.; Av. mph 10.7
Tomorrow: breakfast is at 7 AM.

Nikii who is somewhere in British Columbia