Another cold & damp day. It wasn't raining but the weather in Hope and along that route tends to be "misty" all the time - so the air is slightly damp unless there's a strong sun shining. Today was more or less a repeat of yesterday, only colder - so no sun to burn off the fog.
I woke up at 07:30 but stayed in bed 'til after 09:00, and didn't hit the road proper 'til nearly 11:00. Breakfast @ Timmy's and I was on my way. Due to the chill I was wearing arm and knee warmers as well as a gillet. Rolling out of Hope is uphill - annoyingly so. You climb a false flat or mild climb for a while, descend for a brief spell and then climb until you get to the base of Hope Slide - about a 6km climb. Last year I had real problems that started with this climb, and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was a little apprehensive about the day. This is probably one of the toughest days of the tour. Not only due to the profile, but also because of where it comes. Early enough that there's no time to have built up some fitness, but after a solid Day 1 that leaves some fatigue in the legs and body. As I remembered later in the day, my butt hasn't had time to acclimate to the long days either. :p There's a massive difference between riding for 3-5hrs and 6-9. Regardless of the pace or intensity, the long days take their toll...
I was working my way up Hope Slide with no sign of last year's issues. Gillet wide open, dripping sweat like crazy, but still feeling a bit chilly due to the weather if that makes any sense... It's a weird sensation. Still, my legs felt okay and while not "on", I was making it up just fine. Made the summit and skipped my planned stop due to the wind and cold. About 150m later I had to pull over to put on a jacket - it was COLD. The road rolls downhill slightly from there for a bit, through "Sunshine Valley" - a gross misnomer if there ever was one. I've driven this route countless times and it's NEVER been sunny. Somehow the 55 odd km to the Manning Park resort seems to stretch out forever from this point. The road isn't killer steep or hard - though there is an "official" summit along the way, but for some reason it's an ass-kicker. And leg, and back, and body in general. While not suffering brutally like last year I was questioning whether I'd make it over Sunday Summit (past Manning, on the way to Princeton). I was definitely struggling.
Slogging up the road, I saw something weird on the side of the road - on the right side of the safety barriers. When I got closer I saw that it was a cyclist - bike leaning against the concrete barrier, lying down (on the safe side) taking a nap. I woke him up to make sure that he was okay, and he seemed to be in a bad way. He had a bunch of food with him, and water - but looked cold. He insisted that he didn't need help though, so I told him where a couple of campsites were located near the Manning Lodge and encouraged him to get rolling. I stopped to take some pictures not too far up the road and noticed that he was back on his bike - so that's a good thing. If he had stayed like that he could have gone hypothermic even though he was still "okay" when I talked to him.
Made the summit and just the sight of the gates was a significant pick me up. From there I knew it was mostly downhill (with only 2 small rises) to the lodge where there's a restaurant and gift shop. I wasn't out of water but my 3 bottles were pretty much done. Pulled into the lodge restaurant for a forgettable meal (coffee & a pretty sad burger) and was on my way again with newly filled bottles. While stopping at Manning was tempting - especially as my legs were pretty toasted, it was too early in the day and the sun had finally come out. Princeton isn't that far, and there's only one "official" pass to climb (though there are a LOT of hills that aren't officially "passes").
Flirting with disaster for a moment, I discovered that swatting at mosquitoes while doing ~6.5kph uphill might not be the best idea - but I was moving slowly enough and there was no wind, so they were getting a very good opportunity to feast. After a while they disappeared so I wonder if there's an altitude above which they can't/don't go? Whatever the case may be, they went away as I went higher. The sun was shining but it was still plenty cold. I had removed my jacked after the Manning stop as I wanted to dry out a bit in the sun - but I had to put the jacket on within an hour or so. For the rest of the way it was the same routine - unzip while climbing, zip up while descending - lather/rinse/repeat. I was making pretty decent time, and really enjoying the sunshine. My legs were pretty much fried and my R ankle started to bother me (it seems to be the same thing as last year only on the other side). My low back was getting sore, and my neck as well. There's just no adequate way to prep for the long days in advance... My butt was getting pretty sore as well. Even with a new tub of Assos, I might have to treat post-ride with the "gold standard" anyway. :p
Rolled into Princeton by 20:20, and found a place to crash. Who am I kidding - feeling this beat up there was no way I was camping. Tomorrow's "short easy day" to Penticton should do me some good, as will a few days spent off the bike (more or less). I've got 600mg of Advil in me and a healthy slathering of Tiger Balm on my legs. A good night's sleep and I should be good to go in the AM.
Stats:
Total Ride Time: 7:45
Total Elapsed Time: ~9:10
Distance: 137km
Avg Speed: 17.5kph
Max Speed: 65.9kph
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