Across the water to Vancouver

After two long, hard days on the Island, we decided that the best option was to get to Vancouver for a half day's rest at Pat's house in North Delta. Our big decision the night before was what ferry to take off Saltspring the next day. We were exhausted, but had to get some repairs done in the city, buy a new pump (the one I had sucked and was the cause of a few broken pins), and rest and relax at Pat's place. There was also a chance of meeting CTV for some media, so we decided that earlier was better and went on little sleep to the 6am ferry to Tsawwassen.

The ride to Pat's from the ferry was a short 30km ride, a nice warmup before resting for the day. We took the time to stretch out, eat, and make use of a complimentary pass to the Sungod Aquatic Centre near Pat's place. It was phenomenal. We're not going to get anything like this for a long time, as we climb through the mountains towards Calgary, so we're taking advantage. I'd love to talk more, but there's steak and wine waiting for us in the kitchen. Tomorrow we keep on to Hope, where we'll start rising into the Rockies along the Transcanada.

Like I said, we're taking advantage of the Cuthberts hospitality while we can. We won't see a nice bed and good food like we're having for quite a while.
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

A trying day to Saltspring

After a tough first day to Port Alberni, we assumed that the trip to Saltspring Island would be significantly easier, despite the 140km distance.

Boy were we wrong.

The road might have been easier, but problems throughout the day delayed us significantly. We were expecting to catch the 4:30pm ferry out of Crofton and have a nice relaxing evening at Brian's grandparents. Instead, we scrambled to catch the latest ferry out at 8:10pm, making it in the nick of time, and avoiding having to knock on doors to beg for lawnspace.

We got on the road at 7:30am, after a good stay in Port Alberni. Our first problems started when we took a few minutes to check our tire pressure. Some of them were a bit low, but it shouldn't take long, right? Wrong. I ended up snapping a pin and had to replace the tube entirely. It was a sign of things to come.

Following a 411m climb out of Port Alberni, we proceeded to use up about 8-9 tubes over the course of the day. Mike burned through all but two of them, obviously something wrong with his bike, but we had no choice with no bike shops around (we're getting it checked out tomorrow). This forced us to continually push back our expected ferry arrival...and we thought the last ferry out of Crofton was at 7:10.

It came to a point where we had to push really hard for about 60 km trying to catch the 7:10 ferry. When we were finally on the road there, still with about 15km to go, we realized that we would need to have our strongest legs gun it all the way there, trying to plead to stall the ferry so that the others could get on when they caught up. Having not carried a trailer thus far in the two days and feeling up to it, I took off and sped away, all but sprinting full out to get there.

I told myself that I would keep the hard pace up until 7:15pm, hoping to catch some good fortune. Despite my best efforts, the ferry was not marked, so I completely blew past the turn, going about 5km past Crofton. Exhausted, and realizing I was in the completely wrong spot, I called the others to discover they were at the ferry...and that the last one was actually at 8:10!

Now exhausted, out of water and snacks, and stiffening up after the stop, I had 35 minutes to backtrack, take the correct turnoff, and continue to the ferry. It was excruciating, but I managed to make it with 10 minutes to spare and we got on. Thank goodness the boys had some snacks and chocolate milk waiting...lifesaver.

We're heading into Vancouver tomorrow, a short ride, with a stay at Pat's house for the night. Hopefully it's less eventful than today was!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Moving Muscles Ride in Tofino on A-Channel News

Wet and wild first day to Port Alberni

Hey everyone,

We knew the road from Tofino to Port Alberni was going to be a killer, but we're happy to report that we came away with a solid time for our first day, on a REALLY tough road.

It was an emotional morning for us and our families as we set off. We first went to the docks where A-Channel took some video and did some interviews. They also followed us for the morning, and we'll be on the news at 6:30, so watch if you can! The firefighters escorted us out of town, and people were honking in support the whole way along. It ws great, and thanks to Dave Sprague for following us along through the tough stretches I'll describe.

There was an absolutely BRUTAL 40km stretch once we got past the Tofino-Ucluelet junction. 8-9% grade climb after 8-9% grade climb on a narrow winding road, with rain pouring down on us, huge trucks whiing by, and our optics completely fogged up. The worst was Hydro Hill. It was an unbelievably steep 80m climb that none of us made it up without walking at the end (though we tried hard). The steepest sections were 18%!!! Ridiculous. All the while, the videographer from A-Channel caught it on video...even when I lost my balance after unclipping to walk, and fell straight into a stream running alongside the road from all the rain. Everyone had a good laugh at that (hopefully he doesn't use that footage).

Following that brutal 40km stretch, even the longer climbs we had later seemed like (almost) nothing. We've all been told that stretch is one of the worst we'll see across the country, so it's nice to get through it so well on our first day. Loaded down with our gear and extra water and plenty of food due to the remoteness of the highway, we averaged 20km\hr on the day to log 115km...not too shabby at all.

Because we were wet, we thought about a hotel to dry everything out...but it was way too expensive and they wouldn't give us a deal. What more, this weirdo on drugs came up to us outside the hotel, talking complete gibberish, so we kept on going for another 5km to Sproat Lake Campground, where we've set up camp for the night, 15km short of Port Alberni (it was the closest campground around here). Tomorrow we'll be up early again for a long day to Saltspring Island to stay with Brian's grandparents, about a 140km day for us.

We're on our way!

Keith
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

It begins

Everyone,

We just got back from a great dinner at Shelter Restaurant in Tofino, loading up for the ride tomorrow. It's been a great few days with family and friends in Tofino, and we've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow. We're up early for an interview with A-Channel and another local paper before we take off from the Village Green in Tofino, with the fire truck leading us out of town! Thanks to Chris Ledger for doing us that favour.

May the wind be at our backs and the sun on our faces all the way to St. John's.

Keith
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Chilling in Tofino

Hey everyone!

Since Friday, Mike, Brian, Jon, and I have been in Tofino getting ready for the big day. Pat will be joining us on Monday. We stayed two nights in Green Point campground, and are now kicking our feet up at the Middle Beach Lodge in an unreal lodge overlooking the beach, thanks to a reduced rate they gave us. It is absolutely amazing!

A bunch of our family is here, and we owe a big thanks to Brian's Dad Dave and his grandparents John and Lois for shuttling us over here with all of our bikes and gear. My Mum brought all of our bike gear with the logos printed, and it all looks amazing. We will be the most stylish group of riders doing the trip this summer, no doubt.

We also got our hands on our Blackberries from Bell, and have not been able to put them down. These are Brian and Jon's first cell phones ever, and we're all pretty blown away by their capabilities. They will allow us to update our blog from anywhere!

The big day is coming and we're all nervous and excited to get on the road. We've got a tough first day to Port Alberni, but we'll be well-rested and ready for it. The Tofino firefighters will be escorting us out of town Tuesday morning when we leave, with our family there to watch! It's great having them here to share this with us.

Our webmaster is away right now, so the fundraising total won't be updated for a little while. We're up over $85,000!!! It's absolutely unreal.

We'll keep you updated, so keep on checking back!

Cheers,

Keith
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Almost ready to go!

Hi Everyone,

Brian and Jon arrived safely in Vancouver on Sunday and we have been busy gathering gear and getting prepared since the moment they arrived. We have been WAY busier then we were expecting to be; which could be a good thing since we are far too busy to be nervous. After three days of shopping, I think we finally have all of our equipment and gear...there are only a few errands left to do before we leave for Tofino on Friday morning. We are all looking forward to beginning our journey!

Last Saturday, Keith and I biked to Stanley Park to meet another group of cross-Canada cyclists who started their trip a few days earlier in Port Renfrew. They have called their ride the Typically Canadian Tibute Tour (http://www.typicallycanadian.com/) and are raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society while honoring "typical Canadians" who have struggled with Cancer. We are both following a similar route and timeline throughout the trip, but there is a chance we will cross paths or even meet up in St. John's. I love the idea behind their ride and wish them all the best as they make their way across the country!

Until next time,
Mike