September 26, 2019
Vancouver, BC

It feels like the trip is done already – being back in Vancouver, hanging out with old friends and roomies, walking the old haunts – and although technically there are a few more kms to go, I started my summary reflections.

Things I could have left behind:
– water bladder (September isn’t hot enough that I needed the extra water carrying capacity)
– a few sets of socks and underwear (inevitably my bike shorts were the laundry limiting factor)
– about a week’s worth of dehydrated dinners (in classic Alice fashion, I consistently packed more food than needed)
– paper map of BC (I was able to pick up much more useful local maps at info centres along the way)
– book (I made it only 50 pages into Lands of Lost Borders by Kate Harris, and the book had been somewhat mutilated by life in the pannier)

Things I forgot/could’ve used/would consider leveling up:
– more zap straps
– lip balm
– small, easy-to-wring-out cloth for wiping off excess moisture, grime, etc.
– sturdier front rack system
– If riding through more urban centres in warm weather, I’d consider a handlebar mount or a cycling top with secure pockets at the back to make it easier to access phone for navigation (currently unless I’m wearing my coat, this requires stopping and fishing the phone out of a pannier.)

Other gear related observations:
– No clothing, no matter how fancy, will keep you dry when you’re climbing hills in the rain.
– A reflective vest is worth wearing (I had several drivers comment on how visible I was and very few close passes)
– One battery pack was plenty to keep my phone and headphones charged. I never got below 50% charge on the battery pack.
– 1GB of data was adequate for my needs. I was overly careful (mobile data off most of the time), and had wifi access every few days.
– Two sweaters was a good choice for the time of year. It was cold at higher elevations, especially as it got near the end of the month. I narrowly missed being snowed on (by 2 days) in Manning Park.
– Hiking boots would’ve been overkill if I hadn’t recently sprained an ankle. But, several times I appreciated their warmth and waterproofness.
– Would recommend due to excellent performance: Ortlieb panniers, marathon tires, surly steel frame, MSR tent, talon sleeping bag, and whisperlite stove, among others.

Non-gear observations:
– Tenting solo is relatively expensive (somewhat galling to be charged the same as the entire family in the RV next door), but overall cycle touring is still a pretty cheap way to travel (it’s hard to spend too much money when you’re in the saddle most of the day!).
– Budget of 50-100km/day and 1 rest day per week for BC riding conditions allows for time for some side trips and exploration. Inevitably, there are always more side trips that are just too far off the route.

Side trips to go back for:
– Jasper: climb some peaks with views, hike/snowshoe and then soak at Miette hot springs, dark sky gazing, lots of options for interesting looking multi-day hikes
– Icefield Parkway: more hikes (e.g. Nigel peak, Mistaya Canyon, Bow Summit and Peyto Lake out to the hut, bow glacier falls), guided glacier tour, again multiple options for overnight hikes
– Give Kootenay National park another shot when it’s not raining
– Fairmont hot springs: check out the hot springs – not sure if you can access the natural ones here; just down the road looks like you can hike up in the Hoodoos
– Moyie Lake (provincial park)
– Creston: farms, wineries
– Rossland: funky town
– Lockhart Beach park
– Pilot Bay park, lighthouse hike/walk
– Crawford Bay cafe, artisans
– Nelson: more hangout time, mountain biking, lake time, snow play, good coffee and beer, would be a fun “home base” spot for exploring
– Kaslo
– Boating on Kootenay Lake
– Zipline near Kokanee provincial park
– Valhalla provincial park: multi day backcountry hikes or paddles
– Cascade falls (one near Christina Lake, another in Mission)
– Grand forks (hang out, eateries, wildlife/taxidermy museum)
– Osoyoos: go back in sun for wine tasting and beach/lake time
– Cawston and Keremeos: return in season with space to take home fruit!
– Manning Park: snowshoeing or hiking galore with access to the pool/sauna nearby; if cycling stay at the horse corral instead of lightening lake
– Harrison Hot Springs: possibly stay at the resort to check out the private access only pools; boating in Lake (paddle to Sasquatch park on east side of the lake)
– Mission: lots of trails through Fraser River park, apparently can walk all the way to the Abbey
– Golden Ears park: a few good options for shorter multi-day hikes

Okay, that’s plenty of ideas to be getting on with!

Alice