It's All Fun Until.....

Today was a shorter route and one big climb.  We entered Canada in the middle of the climb.  But, we woke up to wet pavement and had intermittent rain throughout the day.  Word was there was heavy rain during the night.  I didn't hear it, so I guess that means I'm sleeping well on the road.



Shortly after leaving Colville this was our view on the route --



23 miles into the ride one of the riders wet down crossing a set of railroad tracks.  Tracks can be difficult to cross on a bike under good conditions, because of the spacing in the tracks a bike wheel can actually get caught.  Today the tracks were wet and the back wheel slid out from under the rider when she went to ride across.  Walking across is always encouraged, but unless they're wet or really bad most cyclists don't follow that advice.  

The good news is the rider was not riding alone and the SAG vehicle had just passed and was still within view of the accident, so there was a lot of immediate help. There was no immediate vehicle traffic. A trip to the hospital determined no broken bones.  

The logistics of the day and crossing into Canada were adjusted in order to transport the rider back to Colville to the hospital.  Everyone was flexible and a team effort kept everyone moving forward now supported by only the van and trailer, which usually goes almost immediately to the next destination.  The rider is back with the group this evening.

We are in Trail, British Columbia this evening.  No difficulties for anyone crossing the border.  Riders went across on bikes and support vehicles followed.

Riders reported sightings of a cougar and a bear while en route today.  The final 5 miles today was a 9% descent into Trail.  It was unfortunately a little damp, so speeds weren't quite what they could have been.  It's a little unsettled on a bike when there are truck runaway lanes.

The forecast is for storms tomorrow morning.  The exact time of departure is TBD at this time.  I am in the SAG tomorrow.  We'll hope it's a little quieter than the past two days.  We be in Nelson, British Columbia for the next two nights.

Canadian Wildflowers