I think today was the flattest day I’ve ever cycled. Kind of ironic that tomorrow will be the most vertical I’ve ever cycled!
The forecast called for rain today, so I got an early start. I made breakfast, got all packed up, and was off by 7.30am.
After a short trip back to the Lougheed Highway, i was back on route and needed to only go straight to make it to Hope. One of the nice things about being on the road early is the lack of cars/trucks. I managed to get a bunch of kilometres under my belt before the highway started to get busy.
Despite rain being in the forecast, this morning was beautiful. I rode alongside farmland bordered by mountains. As a native Calgarian I’m pretty familiar with flat farmland, but the stark contrast against the mountains was incredible. The combination of great views and flat terrain made for some very easy cycling.
Eventually the road broke from the farmland, and I found myself riding right next to the Harrison River. After a few twists and turns, there was a beautiful bend in the road that opened up a view of the river, and mountains in the background. It was so beautiful I immediately pulled off the road, waited for a break in traffic, and then stood in the middle of the road to snap a few pictures (don’t worry mom, I’m still alive).
Less than a kilometre after I was busy drooling over how beautiful my surroundings were, I ran into a section of road that was under construction. It sucked.
There was only one lane open, so traffic had to alternate. Being on a bike in this situation is like being the slowest person in gym class: everyone waits on you whether you like it or not (at least my high school gym class was like this). I hustled to keep up with cars (I didn’t), and finally made it to a spot I could pullover. Coincidentally, where I pulled over was right next to a sign that said I was approaching a steep (but short) hill. Because of the construction, there was no shoulder, so if cars wanted to pass me they’d have to do so in the lane of oncoming traffic. Not very ideal.
I waited for another round of alternating traffic to drive by, and then I jumped on my bike and pedalled like hell. I figured I could make it up the steepest part of the hill before any cars catch up to me, pull off on the side of the road and wait for everyone to pass, and then jump back on my bike. I must be quicker than I thought, because I never had cars catch up to me!