Glacier Trip - Day 4 - Aug 21
September 21st, 2005
We were told that breakfast started at 6:30 and that we had a bit of an early start, so all of us where camped out waiting for the restaurant to open. Much to the surprise of our trip leaders. Guess we gave them a little shock. I just wanted to make sure that I had plenty of time for a good breakfast and to get all packed up.
We did a little hike around the lake to meet up with the van and get fitted for our new bikes. After a bit of adjusting, we were off. It took a little bit to get used to the bike. But once I did, wow was it nice. Now I want one at home. *snicker*
We did about 13 miles over rolling hills along quiet highways. Then turned left and for our first uphill. 5 miles of uphill. As would become the norm … there was the van with snacks and water refills. Woo hoo. A girl could get used to this. As luck would have it, I discovered that Joanne and Liz were similar in speed to me so a new little riding group was formed. Off to the big hill. This was quite a change for me. The rolling hills were a snap, but this uphill was pretty taxing. I was having a little trouble keeping my heartrate / breathing down. So … I decided to take lots of “scenic” rests. This put me at the back of the pack, but it was nice to be able to get all the way up the hill to the lookout without having a wheezing attack.
At the scenic overlook, there was the van again. I had decided on the long uphill that I would quit for the day at the top. Putting my ride at just under 20 miles. Joanne had different plan. *snicker* She convinced me to ride the next segment which was mostly downhill with just a 2 mile uphill before the Canada border. I am really glad I did it. It was still quite a bit of work, but the views were again great. AND …. have you ever crossed the border into Canada wearing bike clothes and on a bike? It was really a hoot. “Do you have any firearms?” That was the funniest thing of the entire day. Where did they think I would have it hidden? In my spandex shorts? Maybe under my lycra shimmel? I know that they have to ask, but it just really hit my funny bone.
From there we had a spectular and thrilling downhill ride to the park where lunch was being served. That was probably the fastest I had ever gone on a bike. And a bike I had only ridden for a few hours at that.
Joanne and I decided that we would take the short option at the lunch stop and ride in the van to the end of our journey for the day. I’m very glad we did since there was another long uphill to another overview and then a nice downhill, followed by a stretch right into a big headwind. Bill indicated that the headwind was nothing like it seemed in the van.
Our lodging - Prince of Wales. It is a truly beautiful lodge with a truly magnificent view. To top it off, our entire area of the floor was Backroads guests. =) If only Joanne had talked louder … we could have figured out what she truly thought of us. *snicker*