June 21 - Day 18 - Nothing could be finer than to be in old Regina.......in the morning

Knowing we had a relatively short ride facing us today, we took the time in the morning to give the bikes a badly needed clean and lube, after the afternoon ride in the rain yesterday.  Sid and I literally hosed each other down after getting off the bikes yesterday as we were covered in muddy spray and gravel from the roads.  The bikes didn't look any better either.  With that completed, and a bright sunny day unfolding before us, we left Wakamoe Valley, and set out for Regina.

I don't know if I have ever seen such a long, flat, straight road, as the one we travelled on today.  Perhaps in a car, but never on my bike.  It was endless, going on for miles and miles with no turns, no elevation change, and hardly anything of interest roadside.  Best we could do was take a distant picture of a HUGE potash plant north of the highway, and neighbouring equally large gas plant.  We couldn't even find any cows to yell at.  The only highlight for me was Sid taking the lead in the puncture category........he now leads 4-3.  

Sorry, really hard to see, but this thing was massive

The downtown area of Regina is quite far north of Highway 1, Trans Canada, so we didn't even get a decent picture.  We clocked 76km today, still in good time, but we didn't really push after our century ride yesterday, and were most happy to arrive at Home Suites Hotel (great hotel) on the east side of town, and received a nice surprise when checking in.  Our new kit's have finally tracked us down.  Our sponsor Champion System, had ordered new riding jerseys, shorts, etc for us, but they could not be ready for our departure to BC.........we ordered too late........and after a bit of screwing around, and being sent to a few different locations, we got it right, and it is Christmas in Regina in June.  You are getting a sneak preview of how we will be looking in pictures until we finish the ride.........these are for illustration purposes only........we could look prettier if we wanted to.

Hugh is wearing the long sleeve jersey with raglan sleeve, stand up collar, and full zip front, coordinated with some dead sexy knicker length riding pants.....reading glasses optional........while Sid is sporting the standard biker look (pissed off), with the short sleeve jersey, standard length shorts.......I think they are fabulous darlings!   Actually a really superb job by Champion......they fit great, feel great, and look great.  We will be proud to wear them and represent our sponsors on the road for the balance of the trip.  Thanks Sean for everything.

A well travelled box

Downstairs at Home Suites Hotel.......very comfy, and an awesome coffee machine.......I am three double lattes in, and doing my best not to bounce off the walls.

We stopped in this place for a snack, and only a few of you will know why I had to take this picture......an old friend from west Texas used to complement my cooking by saying in that drawl, "Hugh that was restaurant quality"

There was one frozen pizza on the shelf and nothing else.

This picture is for my grand daughter Stella who is following my blog with her Mum. 

Stella, every time I go out in the rain, it get's worse.  What should I do?

On that note I will sign off for the day, and hopefully get an early night in bed.  Another good ride tomorrow we hope.......raining big outside right now, but the wind is blowing east.  Time to check the forecast and look at our route.  All the best everyone........Hugh

LYJ