Today was the longest day in terms of distance, so most of us got away quite early to avoid the sun. A group of us departed at 4.45am with the sun still 30 minutes from rising.
It was a beautiful clear day but as usual a very strong cross wind was blowing from the south. This made for a tough ride for the first 127km, where we then turned downwind for 30k. The final 25 k or so were again into a strong headwind.
We stopped at a bakery at Indian Head for buns and coffee. and again at Grenfell to refill water bottles where we sat in the shade of the tourism office beside the Trans Canada highway. Of course there were the normal 20km breaks where we stop for 5 minutes. We also had a couple of punctures, with both Angela and myself picking up fine steel shards from truck tires that blow out.
The last part of the ride was down the Qu'Appelle valley, a deeply incised valley into the surrounding prairies. A lake by the same name abuts the campground and has lots of holiday houses on the shores. The camp ground has good facilities and I've found myself a spot beneath the trees in the cool. I'm leaving the tent fly off tonight because the current temperature is 34 degrees.
I feel pretty good considering the distance. I'm having some saddle rash despite using the cream on my shorts from day 1. This is an occupational hazard!
Thursday 4 July
Crooked Lake to Binscarth - 127
Finally the wind has turned and is behind our backs. What a difference it makes to both pace and our spirits.
We followed Lake Qu'Appelle for about 30 km to start the day. There were beautiful views over the lake and adjacent escarpment.
We stopped off at about 60km to a country cafe and store. It was full of retired farmers drinking coffee and telling tales! I struck up a conversation with a group of them who were keen to hear about what we are doing - we are usually a talking point at whatever cafe we stop at.
In the town of Esterhazy our truck was parked by the road. Megan was trying to convince us that there was a stretch of gravel road about 35 k ahead that justified a diversion adding 30km to the days riding.
I refused to bite and Linda and I headed toward the gravel. It was nothing much, I guess as a city person Megan doesn't drive much on gravel.
As a result Linda and I arrived in camp 1 1/2 hours before our colleagues. Given that its 32 degrees at 3.30 pm we made the right call.
We also crossed into Manitoba today.
The campground has good grassed areas under trees and a swimming pool which I have availed myself of.
1 comment:
I am really impressed with the progress you are making. Hot head winds are tough riding. Of course you didn't expect much in the way of towns going through the prairies. Try zinc oxide cream on the rash. Works every time.
Post a Comment