Day 4: Manning Park to Princeton

With the climb behind me, today was a drop down into Princeton.

Manning Park gate

The day dawned very cool, but clear and wind free, so set out reasonably early.

Jane and Dennis were out before me, so I made it my daily challenge to see how quickly I could catch them.

They were making good ground today and it took until Mine Hill to catch them, They were stopped at a truck brake check area.

Beautiful

After the initial descent from Manning Park resort, through winding valleys and passes, the road soon kicked up again. The pass was being resurfaced, so a stop/go system was in place. The kind marshals let me go through on a "stop", giving me complete access to the road. I got to pick my line and was soon hurtling down the pass, only to see the severity of the climb out on the other side!

A quick change of gears later and I was soon spinning my way out.

This happened a few times, but before long I had reached the Sunday summit, altitude 1282m. 

By now the sun was beating down, 26C. 

Sweltering.

That was it, the top. Downhill to Princeton. 

I met Jane and Dennis and Annie in the Info centre in town, and found my way to the campsite, which was perfect.

Set right on the river, which was freezing and perfect for chilling beers, only a few sites were offered, and I had the pick of them.

Tent up, a quick dip in the river to soothe the muscles, then kick back and watch the river flow by, beer in hand.

A good day to be riding.

Distance: 68 km
Time: 3:24:52
Height gained/lost: 683m /-1283m
Calories: 2264

Camp for the night - Princeton

Day 3: Hope to Manning Park

I am glad I took yesterday off.

Today I feel 100% better and woke early, just in time to see Annie wheeling her bike out of the campsite.
Blue sky, no wind and cool air, today would be a good day on the bike.

Camp struck and my bike packed, I wheeled out just after Annie, and was soon spinning along the Crowsnest Highway, Highway 3.
I had looked at the route profile the night before and knew it was going to kick up shortly, but it sort of rose gently, throwing in some altitude at every big turn in the road.

Then the sun came out from behind the mountain. Crikey!
Who turned the heating up?

Hope Slide

I was roasting with sweat dripping from everywhere. I pulled in at the next pullout and stripped down, jacket off and cycling top zip down.

Must. Get. Cool.

Before long I reached the Hope Slide, a massive landslide that happened in January 1965, resulting in the highway being wiped out and having to be rebuilt, 55m above its original location.
The scarring is amazing, and the debris field immense.

As I pulled into Hope Slide, I passed two cycle tourers coming out, heading towards Manning Park. I waved and they went on their way.

After the Slide, it was a beautiful downhill cruise to Sunshine valley, where I filled up my already depleted water bottles!
I was inhaling water like air, and it wasn't quenching my thirst, what's going on?

This was my first true look at what Canadian mountains and forests and streams look like. Winding rivers alongside the road, dense forest and a beautiful valley to cycle down.
But this all soon fell away as the road kicked up. In style.

I got the little gear spinning and managed to get about a third of the way up the climb before a gravel-filled shoulder and speeding trucks forced me to walk.
Reaching the top, I saw the same 2 cyclists I had seen at Hope Slide, bikes perched on stands and them inhaling some big ones.
I introduced myself to them. They were Jane and Dennis Henderson, from PEI. Their blog is Splitcrow.ca. They are cycling from Vancouver to PEI.
I stayed and chatted with them for a bit before heading off up the hill.

Still smiling (pre mind games)

Not 5 minutes later the hunger pangs started again. Hmmm, time to find some shade and grab a feed.
Peanut butter and bread was the dish of the day, and it was delicious. I highly recommend it. Jane and Dennis stopped in the shade with me and had a bite too.
Three or four sarmies later, and a long drink of water, we were off again. Uphill.

Notice the trend?

The day got hotter, the road wider and steeper, and the breeze less and less help. The mind games started.
Brain: "Should I get off and walk?"
Kevin: No, cycling is twice as fast as walking.
Brain: "But your legs hurt and you're tired."
Kevin: OK, but just for a bit.

Kevin gets off and walks for a bit.

Even the shade had gone to find shade! It was boiling and we were suffering. I had to keep remembering to look around and take in the sights and sounds.
It was beautiful; snow-capped peaks, fluffy white clouds in a blue sky, and a searing sun.

Just as I thought I couldn't even push my bike anymore, a little sign  appeared on the side of the road.
Allison Pass Summit,  it said, Elevation 1342m.

Is this a very elaborate joke? Was this the top?
Oh my!

Energy came flooding back into my legs, from where I don't know, but I could pedal again.
The road tipped downhill and soon I was cruising. Cruising is a relative term in cycle touring.
The cruising I was doing was maybe 20-22km/h, but after going at 6-8km/h uphill, I was flying!
I even had the time to spot a bear at the summit.

The hostel

Manning Park resort soon appeared on the right, I pulled in and promptly booked a room in the hostel.
It was perfect. Again.
Showers and a bed. And I was the only one in. Bliss
What a simple fellow I am...

Dinner was the biggest burger I have ever eaten, and after dinner I had a long chat with Dennis, about the joys of the day.

I think we all slept well that night...

Manning Park, BC. What a climb!

Distance: 70 km
Time: 4:33:03
Height gained/lost: 1731m /-649m
Calories: 3057