Today was a bit of a challenge in many ways.  Not only was it another 500+km day, but this is a technical ride.  Lots of twistess, with tight corners and roads that are crowned the wrong way and add to this the ever present dry oppressive heat of the lower interior of BC.   It is a gorgeous ride – but one that can prove to be a bit demanding for those who aren’t prepared to spend that much time and distance in the saddle.

The Sun Beach motel proved to be a real find.  Right on the lake.  It’s own private beach.  Clean – affordable – close to amenities it should not be set aside when looking for accommodations in Osooyos in the summer.

We left the motel, and had breakfast at Smitty’s in town.  Our plan was to be on the road by 7:30am.  And our plans were successful.

Traveling on Hwy 3 east, we went through mountains, plains, heat – heat and more heat.  But it was worth it.  The gorgeous scenery always makes me marvel at the country I live in.  High mountians.  Deep Valleys.  All gorgeous.  And the ever changing scenery of the Crowsnest area always keeps your head swiveling.  Leaving the heat of the Osooyos area – we headed east on the highway and pushed through mountain pass after river bottom after mountain pass.  I found myself constantly reaching for another gear and the poor little 650 was straining on some of the hill climbs.  But we paid for the heat of the Osooyos area.  Come through the roads and winding into Fernie, the wind was frigid.  We all thought it was just us until at our stop at the Three Sisters Travelodge in Fernie we looked up and realized the wind was coming off mountains that still had snow on them.  No wonder the temperature dropped so much!

After a great meal at the Riverside Bistro – we hit the sack early as it was a  very early departure.  There was some debate as to what routes to take – but after some talk, the route was chosen and all headed to bed well satisfied and tired after so much fresh air.

Start mileage:  32497.5

End mileage: 33059.1