Wednesday, July 25: Of course, it’s another clear blue sky day as they tend to dawn around here from July through September! We make our way (about an hour’s drive) back to meet up with the others at Idabel Lake. It’s a gorgeous morning but have a feeling it’s going to get hot today. We will be cycling “the summit” of the trail past McCulloch Lake and on to Myra Canyon - the “jewel of the KVR” and a huge feat for Andrew McCulloch, chief engineer of the KVR which was built from 1910-1914. The trail hugs this horseshoe shaped canyon with tunnels and 18 trestle bridges that will enable us to get around it. But, before I get ahead of myself…let me introduce you to the “pack”. Stephannie is one of the other “lone wolves” who inspired me to put this trip together. Newly arrived from Saskatchewan with her husband Marcus, they now manage the beautiful Sandy Beach Resort in Naramata (most of our guests will enjoy at least one night on tour here). She mentioned how much she would love to ride the KVR and that her son and her best friend were coming to visit in July… Just days before Teresa had called, Frauke from Little Dipper had also mentioned how much she would love to ride one day…and this is really what clinched it. So we left bikes for them in Penticton to pick up at our working partners Hoodoo Adventures (more on them to come, but they have become fast friends and colleagues - if you are looking for a day trip, with or without a guide, by bike or kayak, please check them out - they also offer shuttles for the KVR and much much more.) Marcus drove Stephannie to the airport where they
Wednesday, July 25: Of course, it’s another clear blue sky day as they tend to dawn around here from July through September! We make our way (about an hour’s drive) back to meet up with the others at Idabel Lake. It’s a gorgeous morning but have a feeling it’s going to get hot today. We
Wednesday, July 26th: I meet Teresa at 9 AM - a little later today as we have a shorter (albeit uphill!) day today at Little Dipper and we wave farewell to Frauke. As we are in kind of a cruisy mode today, we opt to stop in Beaverdell and grab a coffee - you’ve just got to check out the Red Rock Garage. (and don't be put off by the motorcycle look - they welcome all kinds of bikers!) Homemade banana bread, one latte and one Tiger Chai Latte to go - awesome! just stop there if you are headed through Beaverdell - great place! (ps. any tips go to the BC Children’s hospital and Lisa the owner matches them - did I say already? great place!) Onward ho - back up to Arlington we go! a different morning up there - amazing how it changes - there is a good stiff breeze stirring up the lake - yes, it’s a headwind on our uphill day! ah well - such is life on a bike! Teresa and I are away - the air is cool, not at chilly as yesterday, but the headwind actually works in our favour today - it is a cool breeze all the way. Within minutes a couple pass us moving along at a good pace carrying panniers - they look too happy to stop so we all wave say good morning and carry on. We make it all of about 3 kilometres before the first photo stop - a stunning view out over the valley - not far away further north lies Big White - the local ski area - now also open during the summer months with a massive mountain bike range. Just as we are about to set off - hey! there’s someone
Wednesday, July 26th: I meet Teresa at 9 AM – a little later today as we have a shorter (albeit uphill!) day today at Little Dipper and we wave farewell to Frauke. As we are in kind of a cruisy mode today, we opt to stop in Beaverdell and grab a coffee – you’ve just
