Day 8 - Feeling Golden

Sid and I can't say enough about what a great day it was today.  We left Canyon Hot Springs a little later than expected, as we slept like logs after our time in the hot pools.  Either way, we knew that right out of the chute we were going to be into a 2km, 7 degree climb, with many more to follow on the way to the summit of Rogers Pass.  Definitely got the blood flowing, and we kept up the energy all the way to the top.  Cathy T. told me I was so lucky to be seeing Canada from a different perspective than most of us do, and I have to say she was spot on.  We could have stopped every 15 minutes of the ride to take pictures of the beautiful scenery, and amaaaazing waterfalls, but instead most will be memories except for these:

This was below a highway bridge blocked from view for anyone in a car

OK, so I know the compression socks make me look like a knob but they are essential equip.

Rockin the Creemore jerseys today, and enjoying a cold one as I write this, 

thanks again for the suds Mark

The authorities advised us not to ride through the tunnels below the summit, and even said walking them could be dicey, so we reluctantly took a 5km ride (all downhill) before starting to ride again.  Thinking the worst was behind us, we were very surprised when the climb up Heather Mountain reared its head, and proved to be as much a challenge as the summit, although not a along.   We just kept motoring along, tackling the climbs as they came at us, and enjoying the now more frequent downhill sections.  Made it to Golden in good time, but were pretty gassed as we were counting on some food along the way which never materialized........the summit was still closed, and there is nothing between it and Golden......pretty long haul on breakfast and bike food.

I have to say though that if any of you are considering a bicycle trip, BC has a lot to offer.  Today was like a new picture postcard around every corner.........you will see plenty of coasting when looking at the ride stats.......we were looking at the scenery........cheers all.......we knock off our first province tomorrow with a sporty little ride to Lake Louise, and crossed our first time zone this afternoon........talk at you from Alberta tomorrow.......thanks for all your well wishes.........Hugh

LYJ