Tour BC 2007 - Day 8

Day 8 - July 20



Grand Forks to Osoyoos

Danelle suggested that Ambulance Al drop me off at the top of the first
climb and I was very happy. The reason why she wanted me to get a
ride was that the window for lunch was 10:30 - 1:00. It is going to be at
Mary's, the caterer's ranch, about 11 km west of Midway, BC. Danelle
was concerned about whether I could climb 550 meters in 25 km and still
make it to lunch. I was concerned too. So, I put my bike and helmet
next to Al's van and then went to stand in line for breakfast. This
was at 7:20.

I was still in line when I saw my bike go by on top of the van. Al was
responding to a problem with a rider having chest pains, whom he took
to the hospital. In the meantime, I finally got breakfast of pancakes,
eggs over easy, and sausage links (The Elks were cooking), and then
just about everyone left camp. Finally, Bob, who drives the lunch truck,
came over and said I was riding with him.

We rode up to the first water stop. Al had not gotten there yet. We
hung around for about 15 minutes and then Bob needed to leave. So I got
back in the truck and off we went. We drove back down hill over the
first part of the route, and then turned around and headed for Mary's.
We tried to contact Al by radio, but although we could hear him, he
couldn't hear us.

We got to Mary's around 10:00, and I offered to help. She put me to
work cutting melons into thin wedges. Then I made some ham sandwiches.
Soon the riders arrived. Danelle and John arrived on their tandem and
she was concerned that I was not riding.

Not to worry. Al showed up, took my bike down and after a lunch of a
chicken salad sandwich, mixed vegies, and melon, I rode off.



There are a few ups and downs to get you warmed up for the climb 22 km
down the road. Then you start climbing. The first climb is 250 meters
in 5 km, then it "levels" out for 1 km, you climb 100 meters in 4 km,
then it's up and down for 5 km, then the steep climb to Anarchist
Summit is 333 meters in 8km. I was exhausted and out of water when I got to
the top.


Don, the photographer, was there with a water dispenser. I
filled up two water bottles and pedaled off.

A week earlier I had driven out to this area in search of a camp site.
Finding only private camping I returned to Osoyoos. So I knew what
reward lay ahead.

The first descent is 133 meters in 4 km, then there is a slight up
(which does not feel good), three times, and then I pulled over on the
shoulder. I put on my black hoodie, my long underwear bottoms, my rain
jacket, and long fingered gloves for the descent. It was chilly on top and
I didn't want to get chilled on the way down. I began my descent of
850 meters in 8 km. There were many places where the shoulder was
either non-existent or full of holes or gravel, several hairpin turns, and
one circular turn. Of course I had to put on my brakes to slow down.

I rolled into the campsite around 5 pm, knowing that I wasn't the last
person in.

I was taking a shower when the native dancers were performing. We had
a sit down dinner in the clubhouse. Tossed salad, choice of breads,
spaghetti with meatballs and sliced sausages, and a dessert of cake,
berries, and vanilla ice cream. We also were drinking so much water that
you would have thought we were dehydrated.

I am very tired and it is humid outside. Tomorrow is a short day and
I'm happy about that.

Av. speed 8.4; 4.18.07 hours riding time; 36.42 miles ridden


Nikii who is somewhere in British Columbia