Day 7 - Saturday, July 8, 2006

We stayed last night at Crowded to the Cross Victory Church in Revelstoke. We had arrived around 2:30 and picked out our "camping area". It was hot outside and arrangements were made for showers. I was beat, and just wanted to go to bed. The church folk cooked a great supper for us, a bbq, with lots of salads. Many from the church were in attendance as at 7:30 they would be holding their Friday night service. They had a band set up, and the music began. Unfortunately they didn't realize that we had cycled 106 km and had been up since 6 in the morning. At 9:00 most of us had departed the area and the band was playing to themselves...I was getting cranky due to being so tired. There were a number of us that were staying across town at another church, and our gear was already there. The hold up was that the minister, was playing in the band, and he was the bus driver!! We found a ride to the other church and quickly settled in to bed.

Were up and back over to the other church for breakfast. The church community again provided a lovely breakfast. We were on the road by 7:15, knowing that we had a full day ahead. The scenery was marvellous, as usual. The mountain ranges around here are lush, full of forest and trees. As we pass along, I can hear birds singing, all along. Quite a feat to hear along with the constant whirr of traffic going by. The rivers were rushing, full of white waves but the colour of the water was so clear and refreshing looking. The weather was perfect not too hot and comfortable for climbing the hills. And climbing we did. Up to the Rogers Pass....where we had lunch. Scenery again changing. Snow capped mountains as we are up high and the mountain ranges are becoming more rugged, rocky and high. No trees. Coming down from Rogers Pass was something else. We had 7 tunnels to go through, and man that was a bit hairy and scarey. Transport trucks whizzing by and most of the tunnels were lit so we could see quite well. The descent was steep down....and the pavement a little choppy at times. We came to construction about 30 km before Golden, which slowed us up somewhat. We arrived in Golden around 3:00 BC time, although the Golden is on Alberta time. We are staying at Karen Purcell's home and she is a physiotherapist. As I write this she is tending to Jim's knee. We have had showers here, she is doing our laundry and I am using her computer to post this blog. Amazing and friendly people all over.

We did have a fright during the ride earlier this morning. As the week progressed we seemed to find riders who travel at the same speed and Bob and I hooked up with Neil. His wife, Carol, is also on the tour, but she is a faster rider so is in the lead pack. We were traveling along and Neil decided to try to snap a photo while cycling. NOT RECOMMENDED! Bob was in the lead and I was in the middle and the next thing Iheard the crash...and smack. A sound you don't want to hear! By the time I got stopped and turned around Neil was running down the road picking up pieces of his bike and camera. Apparently he had hit the cement barrier with his bike, did an endo and his shoulder landed on the top of the cement barrier. He is a very strong individual and was up before I saw him down. John J was travelling behind and saw the whole thing unfold. He was shaken. Neil had some great road rash starting and was more concerned about his bike. The mechanic van arrived and had him back on the road to continue. He did the 156 km today!!! Amazing.

The Lutheran and Anglican church provided dinner for us and will do breakfast in the morning and also have made sandwiches for lunch. Great support all along and we are most appreciative.

We have the bikes now loaded on the vans because of road construction heading out of Golden. We will be transported for 10 km to get beyond the construction as I have heard that it is really hard to get by.

Tomorrow we head on to Canmore, which will be another 150 km day. I am really looking forward to having Monday as our rest day!! I hope to catch up on some sleep and just play tourist, having the day to myself.

I can read my "comments" when I get to a computer, so please feel free to post to it. I have started to describe the group in yesterday's blog, but you will have to wait for Jean to get it up so you can read about it. When I get to Canmore, I hope to have more time to tell you more about all the wonderful people on board. Right now, I just want to sleep...... I have travelled 850 km since Sunday.