On Equipment
Clip-less Pedals. Before embarking on a major bike trip, learn how to “pop” out of your clip-less pedals by practicing next to a mattress. Bruising and abrasions are the result of learning this technique on tarmac.
Uses for a tarp. Strung between bicycles, it can generate relief from sun.
When changing bicycle tires always check the inside of the tire. After changing one tire, they next one went flat the next day. Turns out there was a staple poking into the tire. What’s the chance of that happening?
On Preparation
Start with get-acquainted trips. If you want to jump on the cycling bandwagon, start by small, “get acquainted” trips to get the feel of your bicycle and the new muscles you will be exercising. Starting with a significant trip can turn you off cycling for the rest of your life.
Cycle uphill a lot. To prepare for the Coquahalla — cycle uphill for 5 hours at a time.
On Planning
Book ahead. If you face a long day to the next destination, book ahead. On two of their longest days in BC, they found difficulty getting a place to stay.
On Cycling
The art of drafting. Loretta follows Marvin when they cycle. This because she doesn’t fully trust him when he is behind her — he follows too close. So she follows Marv and doesn’t get too close. She has had to adjust this pattern in the face of prairie winds. They spell each other off, with one riding close behind the other. While a major adjustment for Loretta, the one following gets a break from the wind and the exhausting pace.
My bet is they’ll use this technique increasingly, even when not facing winds.
On chaffing. We received a question from an avid cycler who plans to cross Canada next summer. He asked about a malady plaguing him this year: chaffing “between the top of my legs and my nether regions.” I queried Loretta. She had three words of advice, having faced this to some degree herself.
- Use Vaseline.
- Do not wear undershorts under you biking shorts (“undershorts” were her words, I guess it’s more polite than saying “underwear” and more appropriate than “panties”).
- There is a new style of seat that has a “V” cut from it, which reportedly provides more “freedom” and more comfort (at least for men).
Taking breaks. Loretta and Marvin stop for breaks where they bodies tell them “enough is enough.” When they do take their breaks, they don’t ride their bikes. They don’t tour the town by bicycle, they don’t ride to the restaurant, they don’t go for leisurely rides around the park. (Well, I’m sure they’ve broken the rules periodically, but you get the point.
On Safety
Traffic. Marv writes, “One soon finds that most 99% of motorists are considerate often cutting a wide berth around you. It seems that the narrower the road the wider the berth they cut. However, those other 1% still seem to believe the road was meant for them. Why, I wondered with three lanes in which to drive his truck, did the huge truck have to drive a foot and a half from Loretta who was pushing her bike along a barrier. Why does the beat old rust bucket driven by a bearded, long hair blast his horn when I am a foot over the white line.”
Crossings. Walk all crossings. This is mandatory for those few drivers who do not acknowledge cyclists.
Fatigue. Recognize this is a potential safety hazard. Marv says, “I was so tired at one point, I could not move my leg to release my foot from the pedal.” Both too much sun and chilly weather contribute to this.
Water. Make sure there is ample water! Never know when you’ll face 75 klicks in grueling heat in an uninhabited area.
Downhill. While downhill sounds great, they generally brake a lot, not trusting themselves with the speed. In fact, usually the downhill follows a big climb, and their fatigue makes them even more cautious, meaning more braking, meaning sore hands.
On What’s Cool to See, Hear or Experience
Coquahalla. Marv writes, “Biking the Coquahalla is worth the effort just to see the little things and hear the sounds when the din of traffic lets up. The view points are endless. The sound of the creeks finding their way among the rocks, the vistas of rock, snow and water, being able to observe the river slip from a torrent to a trickle as we ascended made the pain of the ride worthwhile.”
Chapters Viewpoint Restaurant in Kamloops has a great view, large menu and the food is excellent (especially after a grueling day cycling).
Thompson River. Beautiful scenery along the Thompson. Loretta writes, “at times [we] were at the same level as the river. The river is very high and threatening at times. The most phenomenal scenes were the angry creeks that ran through culverts under the road and down to the river.”
The trains add something special. When they blow their horns, the echo remains in the valley for many seconds. While cycling in the valley, they even got a special toot from a passing train.
Glacier Mountain Lodge in Blue River is new and wonderfully appointed with a lovely central area where we can pick up a continental breakfast.
Of Blue River (at 2660 feet, higher than Jasper) Loretta writes, “We are surrounded by hills but are close to the top of them and level with the snow line. Backing the eastern area (Monashee Mountain Range) are taller more rugged snow capped mountains and a glacier. A true vision of beauty.”
Interesting Facts About Cycling Long Trips
Food and water never tasted so good.
A bath never felt so good.
A hill is longer going up than down.
The wind is always against you.
Never believe a non-cyclist about whether or not the road is hilly.
Don’t be so goal oriented you pass up a novel experience. They rode by a ranch in an effort to get to Kamloops, which was described by a camper they later met as a very unique place.
When following a river that flows down at 12 miles an hour, you’re probably not on a flat road, despite what locals may say.