Into the Rockies

Heading towards the foothills of the Rockies.

This morning began with an amazing mountain breakfast featuring a ham and egg scramble and a huge pancake. Fresh food has been a recurring theme on this ride, and we truly appreciate it. Riding during harvest season is definitely a bonus! The breakfast was perfect for our nearly 50-mile journey to Revelstoke.

Clicking off the distances...

We knew that most of today’s ride would be along the busy Trans-Canada Highway 1, but we were pleasantly surprised by the wide shoulder and the considerate drivers, who mostly gave us plenty of space when passing. Highway riding isn't our favorite, but it can be hard to avoid on long-distance tours. Although it can be a bit unnerving at times, Canada’s roads are designed and maintained with cyclists in mind, making highway riding here less daunting than what we experienced while crossing the USA.

Riding along side the Trans-Canadian Railway

The ride to Revelstoke was beautiful, and as we progressed into the Rocky Mountains, we were both awestruck. It felt as if we were being closed-in by mountains as the highway meandered alongside the river and the Canadian Pacific Railway, which connects Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Vancouver, British Columbia. The railway was built between 1881 and 1886. It’s interesting to think about cycling this same railway last spring on our ride from Montreal to Halifax. The railway is a remarkable achievement, comparable to the transcontinental railroad in the USA. We’ve been riding through mountainous areas throughout this journey, but upon reaching the Rockies, it becomes clear how distinctive this mountain range is. Today’s ride reminded me of cycling through the Andes in Patagonia.

Crossing the Columbia River

We arrived in Revelstoke, crossed the glacial waters of the Columbia River (the same river that passes through our home in Portland, Oregon), and headed to our hotel downtown. As we crossed the river, the Revelstoke Ski Area emerged in the mountains above, and I knew this would be a place we’d have to return to in winter for what would undoubtedly be an incredible ski trip.

Tomorrow, we ride from Revelstoke to Golden. It’s just shy of 100 miles with over 6,000 feet of climbing over Roger’s Pass along the Trans-Canada Highway 1. We plan to head out early, knowing we have about eight hours of riding ahead. Please wish us luck—we’re going to need it! :). 

Until Tomorrow