It was good to learn last night that my tent is waterproof. After a night of rain, and cooking breakfast for the group (French toast which involved cracking 7 ½ dozen eggs) at the crack of dawn, the skies opened up once again and we rode in 55°F temperature and rain.
The ride up the north side of the Fraser River was spectacular, and somewhat challenging as the mileage on the cue sheet indicating when to turn was up to three miles off at times, as well it is evident that I have been away from Canada too long as I am unfamiliar with the language – apparently “veer right” means to turn right to stay on the same road. Despite the vagueness we managed to stay on the right roads and end up in the campsite damp, but quite early.
The last three miles of the ride were a climb up the Kettle Valley Railway tracks which had been converted into a bike trail, cut into the side of the Coquihalla canyon walls. The railway was built between 1913 and 1916, and the terrain was chosen in the 1880s, not because it was particularly well suited for a railway, but because it was far enough north of the US boarder that the Canadian Prime Minister, John A. MacDonald felt that it did not risk being captured by "the aggressive Americans".
The trail took us through four railway tunnels, and when in fresh air, cliffs to the left (uphill) and cliffs on the right (downhill) with an arboreal rainforest growing in them down in the canyon with raging torrents of the Coquihalla river below.
It was the longest time I have ever taken to ride such a short distance – not because the ride was difficult, but because the views required stopping every 100’ or so to get a picture, a video or just to drink in the scenery.
Tomorrow is a climbing day with long grades of 7% to 9% up the remainder of the Coquihalla canyon and top our first rest day. The forecast is for 70°F and sunny skies, so after two days of rain, we will finally get to see the mountain tops.
I am looking forward to getting to a Laundromat and getting everything dry once again.
Hi Bill: You may find veer means something different on different days. It will keep you guessing sometimes. Sorry about the rain you started out with. You will love the day tomorrow. A long slow climb up up the Coquihalla
ReplyDeletebut what a fantastic day ahead of you. The sun will make it even more spectacular. Have fun in Merritt on Canada Day.
Holly McAdam TdC 2009