Day 5: Grand Forks to Trail

Still smiling, though our backsides aren't.

We’re finally past the halfway mark to Banff and to be honest, I have to admit that it is a sad revelation.  When else in my life would I be able to dedicate my life to cycling, raising financial  support and awareness for CF, meeting a cast of diverse personalities and simply spending time taking in the land, nature and the beauty of BC that is greatly under appreciated by Vancouverites?  Don’t you ever wonder what’s beyond the normal grind, our enclosed circle of friends and the same walls that constantly surround us?  Even more, have you had a chance to consider what kind of an impact you could have if you were just given an opportunity to let yourself loose from the barriers that we’ve set up around ourselves?  I don’t underestimate what you or others have accomplished but these are all thoughts that have been swimming in my mind in the past few days and to be honest I’ve never felt more freedom to realize my ambitions than I have during this trip.

Setting off toward Christina Lake

Paulson Summit

Today’s ride began as a very warm descent to Christina Lake, an absolutely vast and beautiful stretch of water surrounded by trees just beyond Grand Forks.  I felt good today and the energy and mindset was quickly put to test in the upcoming tough climbs, the first to Paulson Summit (1535 meters) and the second to Nancy Greene Summit (1575 meters).  The first climb to Paulson summit was surrounded by a wonderful landscape of dense trees that seemed to last forever.  The route itself was hedged by rocky cliff sides which reminded me of the Sea to Sky Highway.  The grade was tough and consistent and the combination of the steep climbs and the sun on our backs forced us to dig deep [into our pockets for energy gels].  At the peak, determined Tom, whose knee swelled to unnatural proportions because of the steepness of the slope, promptly urinated at the base of the summit sign and took off down the road; yes, he absolutely owned the summit.  After reaching the peak (we just took photos), we descended into Nancy Greene park and fueled up on a quick lunch.

Myself, Martina and Rebecca wondering if Nancy Greene would approve

Back on the highway, we pushed our way to the peak of Nancy Greene Summit which was probably challenging because of our daily afternoon-induced fatigue and began our long descent from 1500 meters, through Rossland and eventually just past Trail.  The descent into Trail has quickly surpassed the descent into Princeton as the most exhilarating  moment of the ride so far.  A descent on a 10% grade, weaving along a thin shoulder while being flanked by trucks, cars and “rush hour” traffic is a must-try experience.  It only takes 5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 kph on a bike down a 10% grade.  In the evening we were treated to a massive meal at a nearby restaurant by the local Kinsmen and Kinettes.  Beef ribs, the perfect food after a long day of riding.

Ride Statistics:

Total Distance: 110.00  km (somehow)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: approx. 1300 m
Average Speed: Approx. 19.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 72.4 kph
Total Time Spent: 5:33:14

Rebecca climbing up some long dreadful hill

Yes, the views are vast, green and much better than this photo

Looks like a lion or Optimus Prime or something not good for cyclists

Guess it's only O.K.

Another beautiful end to a day.

It seems that the general consensus of the riders is that tomorrow’s ride to Creston is THE ride of the trip.  We will be ascending and descending Kootenay Pass, also known as the Salmo-Creston, which will be the highest point of our trip and quite possibly one of the highest altitudes I’ve ever been to.  It is known as the highest pass open year-round and may possibly be the toughest challenge of the journey to Banff.  I’m sure you will be able to identify the peak of the Salmo-Creston below.  As before: if it looks like it would be painful to sit on, it will definitely make it painful to sit.

Day 6 elevation map: the Salmo-Creston.

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