Kamloops

Yesterday was a grueling day from Merritt on the 5A. It was recommended because it was flat with one major hill. Never believe a non-cyclist. But it was definitely scenic as we cycled alongside two lakes on rolling hills (sometimes steep enough grades to tire us out).

We began at 09:15 with 2 apples, 2 oranges and a few snack bars to go 98 kms. 20 or so kms out there was a golf course at Quilchena where we sat in the shade and had a soup and roll. Then we faced 75 kms with an unrelenting sun, no shade, and a breeze that never favored us. By 2:30, after many rests due to hear, we stopped by Stump Lake at a little boat launch area, made a little shade by stretching the tarp across our two standing bikes, spread the sleeping bag over the groups and crawled in hoping the bikes wouldn’t fall on us. It was still warm but enough of a relief that we could doze off for 20-30 minutes. From then on I kept noticing all ½ ton trucks with empty backs and wanting to get a lift but dad wanted to go for it. We ran out of water which was scary. When we went by an exit stating there was a ranch with guest accommodation I again wanted to try it. We were still about 25 kms from Kamloops, no water and weary. However, on we went.

We stopped at two houses for H2O but nobody home. Finally a third try even though’ it was a bit of a climb to the house, dad got our bottles refilled. H2O has never tasted so wonderful. Luckily, from then on we hit a fair amount of coasting and flat areas — until — a major killer hill with sun beating down. The grade was as steep as the steepest on Coquahalla and ¾ -1 mile long. We walked! Coasting for 10 kms into Kamloops should have been great but it was hard on the hands braking as too weary to trust ourselves. Finally, we reached the 1st motel Day’s Inn at 730 p.m. only to find that the town was fully booked due to ball games and other sports events. With their help we found another motel and cycled to it. 830 – we collapsed in a room which was awful but were promised a better room next day.