The B.C. Review

June 2nd, 2019/The B.C. Review

   You’ve  lived up to your name, Super Natural British Columbia. The scenery
was exceptional. What made B.C. even better was the people. I met too many to list, many of them never exchanged names. There was a late night meal cooked by a couple I met the first day out in Victoria. Much to my surprise we met again at Marble Canyon. The food was amazing not to mention the beer! I was invited at Steelhead Prov Park to join a family interested in hearing about my adventure. Horn honking as I climbed up over the Duffy Lake Road.
 To cross the province I gained 10800 meters (lost a few inches around my middle) and rode 875 KM to reach the Alberta border, a milestone.
 There were sections, although short in length were challenging on the bike. The Sea to Sky, climbing out of Squamish, for safety I opted to push in sections. Pemberton to Lillooet is narrow and windy but there was little traffic, the scenery was amazing. Highway 5 had a pretty decent shoulder but when the passing lanes appeared the shoulder typically disappeared. An over zealous road worker decided in one section to carve a two foot wide rumble strip rite up against the cement barrier. I was left with two options, rumble strip or left of the white line, either choice wasn't brilliant. Through Mount Robson again was a decent shoulder.
 The motoring public for the most part were respectful giving me a wide berth. There is always the rebels who hold their lane regardless. At times its nerve racking and then once in awhile down rite frightening. I wish bikes were better respected by “ALL” the motoring public.
Weather's a game changer. The worst was the section thru Squamish and Whistler, I was met with rain, wind for much of the day. But as George Harrison said, “All things must pass”. Sure enough it did as I was warmed by the morning sun the following day as I rode through the Pemberton Valley.
 As a cyclist you witness first hand the trash ejected by I assume passing motorists, defiantly not me. The ditches are littered, with well you name it, it’s all there. People travel to these natural areas to enjoy yet they leave their crap behind. Shame on all that do!
 The hills or I should say mountains and there were some mothers! I’m sure I would have blown out both knee caps had I attempted to peddle the Duffy Lake Road, I need a lower Granny Gear for those monsters. Each mountain pass came with its rewards, I have no regrets the views were amazing. 
 I encountered three black bears in total, one coyote, lots of deer. Cows and horses would typically watch as I passed by, not sure why.
Camping-B.C. was beyond expectation, its camping at its best. The truth be told I love camping, always have even as a kid. Regardless of weather (which will change) it never fails to impress.
 I can’t say there’s been a day so far that I’ve been reluctant to spin the pedals. When the big screen plays out front  I’m always up for the movie. It’s a nomadic life style this cycle touring and eventually its time to say goodbye. You’ve provided me with memorable moments, you are after all my home province and I shall return. I’m left with one parting question for you Alberta, what adventures do you have in store for me?