Tour BC 2007 - Day 9

Day 9 - July 21



Osoyoos to Penticton

This was the last day of the ride and most of us were glad that it was
relatively flat and a short day. This was the day that we officially
stopped at some vineyards.

Breakfast was orange juice, two pancakes (although you could have
seconds), and a hash brown casserole with melted cheddar cheese and about a
teaspoon of finely diced ham. There was much talk at the table about
the lack of protein and fruit for breakfast. Danelle gave out door
prizes and I won one for having the right answer to one of the daily
quizzes. It is a case that can either velcro on a belt or the bike and is
just the right size for the camera. Had I had it when Michel and I saw
the black bear, I might have gotten a picture.

After a late (8:15 AM) breakfast, we got on the road, riding through
Osoyoos and along the eastern side to the Jackson Triggs Winery rest
stop. They were not equipped to handle 120 riders and entourage with one
public bathroom. After eating a few cookies and a nectarine, I got back
on my bike and rode to the lunch stop, seven miles down the road.

Having already looked at the profile for the day I knew that there
would be 12 hills. When we turned off for the lunch winery, we crossed a
cattle guard and immediately began climbing. This was hill #7. The
road would wind its way up, and stopped at the top of the hill.

Lunch was at the Wild Goose Winery. There were canned juices, full sub
sandwiches, and a wide assortment of cookies. Tables were outside the
winery with large umbrellas. It was a very relaxed atmosphere.

At lunch, Dave, from Olympia, and I were discussing the route. I said
that I found it to be so challenging that I probably would not be back.
He is a Tour BC vet, but acknowledged that he also felt that this
tour was almost too challenging.

Then it was mostly a downhill, tailwind ride into Penticton. There
were runners on the roads. Penticton hosts an Ironman competition, and
many people come to train here. And even though it was noon, these
runners were training.

At the finish, it was time to say good-bye. I thanked Danelle for
putting up with me and she thanked me for taking her suggestions (to ride
with Al part of the way). I also thanked Ambulance Al for putting up
with me.

The staff was anxious for all the riders to get in because they were
driving back to Vancouver today. The vans have to be back by midnight.
That also included one of the rental trucks.

I was anxious to check into the motel, take a shower, hang up my damp
rain fly over the shower rod, and alternately get in the hot tub and
then the pool.

Fifteen of us got together for dinner at The Dream Cafe in downtown
Penticton. I had chicken and prawns. The prawns were very small, but the
dinner was good. Afterwards we said good-bye, which was bittersweet
for me because I don't plan to ride this tour again.

3.46.29 riding hours; 42.10 miles; 11.1 av mph

Tomorrow: pack up, check out, get book on hikes in BC. I plan to camp
at Bear Creek Provincial Park on Lake Okanagan.

Nikii who is somewhere in British Columbia