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Thursday August 1        Cycling Day 24

  Prophet River (BC) to Sasquatch Crossing ( BC)

Distance:  (Km). 117

Time:  5:49

Average Speed: (Km/ hr). 20.2

Ascent:  (m). 1448

Heart Rate: (beats / min). 102

Cumulative Distance:   (km). 2663

Cumulative Ascent :  (m). 21,966

Punctures so far : 0

I must have slept pretty well last night. All the talk at breakfast was the 20 minute downpour at 2:30am. Never heard a bit of it as I slept soundly beneath the tall aspen trees of Prophet River.

At breakfast word was that the forecast wasn’t good for the day and most had rain gear on from the get-go. Well, I carry all rain gear every day in the pannier so I set out as normal.The first 5 km on the road was dry and calm but the sky ahead didn’t bode well. Heavy black clouds blocked our way and in time they opened and shed their load on us from 5 to 40 km a period of 2 hours. At times it turned to hail but not as large as those of last week. Lightning and thunder flashed and ripped over us - nowhere to hide but ploughing on. At least we were on rubber.

At 40 km the rain stopped but I was fairly soaked in spite of the rain gear. I think the coat is losing some of its waterproofness and I must try to rectify that in Fort St John on Saturday.

Behind

Ahead

Shadows started to appear on the road and then nice warm sunshine. At 60 km I stopped for a drink and a sandwich (currant bread and jam) that I brought from breakfast. Looking back and looking forward presented two contrasting scenarios. And the sky ahead looked promising.

Scenery was of the minor grade today and my preoccupation was to keep ploughing on through the conditions. Thankfully no wind. Taking photos was difficult as water drops always seemed to be on the lens. So not many today.

Lunch was at 71 km and just as I left the sky ahead looked bright apart from a large rain cloud to my left. I hoped the road would keep me to the right hand side of said cloud and stay dry. All looking good. I was slipping by unnoticed on the right but then the road swung to the left (straight into it) and then swung left again. Now I was hoping to slip by on the left. But all my dodging and weaving was for nought; it just poured down on me with the expected lightning and thunder accompaniment.

The route notes today advised us of a long climb starting at 92 km after crossing the Sikanni River. A 5 km climb, the first 2 km at 9%, then 1 km at 6% and finishing off with another 2 km at 9%. Fortunately no wind or rain during this. I was sure glad to get to the top and spot the notice that chains may be removed now.

The last 10 km into camp was glorious on a flat marble-smooth road (that way all day), in sunshine and the prospect of getting the tent up before further rain.

Camp is at Sasquatch Crossing. It’s not a river crossing, but where the Sasquatch crosses the road. As well as bears, we must keep an eye out for him. Hot showers were available and sunshine gave the opportunity to dry some sodden gear.

I suppose that after a month of cycling mainly free of rain that we can’t complain of just one. Could have been worse if we broke camp in the rain or set up camp in the rain or if it was accompanied with wind. Grateful for small mercies.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.