Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Everyday for 7 Weeks–Day 24–Prince George to Hope

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

After yesterday's long ride, I wasn't in the riding mood initially this morning. The weather or road didn't really help change that opinion either. It was warmer, so I didn't wear my thermal underwear for the first time since I crossed into Canada. yay!

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

I rode south on BC-97 towards Cache Creek which was my original destination. The road wasn't very exciting at first. It was more of the same from yesterday on BC-16. The only difference was this road had a lot more traffic.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

It started to rain about an hour after I left Prince George. I had been watching the rain clouds get closer and closer. I was hoping the road would turn around them, but no such luck. A stiff southern wind was blowing the rain right at me. I rode in denial for the first twenty or thirty minutes hoping it would end. It didn't, so I pulled over and put on my rain gear. My coat and pants were keeping me dry, but the swamp cooler effect was making me cold.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

An hour after I put the rain gear on, it stopped raining, so I took it off. When I stopped for lunch, it started again. The covered picnic table was already in use, so I ate lunch in a covered bridge at a small historic site. It worked well as it had high sides to block the wind. There was an ok view of a lake as well. I put my rain gear back on, and continued to ride. The rain quit about twenty minutes later.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

By now, riding into the wind the whole day with rain gear tugging on me was starting to wear me out. I thought for sure I would stop in Cache Creek, but when I arrived around 3pm, it was 75F and sunny. It just seemed to early to stop. The scenery started to get better as well. It reminded me of southern Colorado or northern Arizona. Large brown hills sparsely covered with evergreens and small shrubs. I had entered Fraser Canyon.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

The canyon sucked me in, and I found it hard to stop riding. The scenery improved dramatically as did the road. The traffic however got worse. Large RVs pulling even bigger trailers were having trouble staying on their side of the road much less being within 20kph of the speed limit. The twisty canyon road was too much for their drivers. There weren't many passing opportunities, but one by one each of us made it past.

Squint and you can see me in the trailer’s reflection:

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

As I headed south, the canyon turned from brown to green. The temperature dropped as well. I enjoyed the lush green scenery of the southern end much more than the brown on the north side.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

The southern end also had several tunnels that were fun to ride through. I had heard they didn't have lights, but all were well lit.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

Which made for a cool photo:

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

By the time I made it to Hope the air was very wet, and little clouds hung around the large hills. It was trying very hard to rain again. I rode past the totem poles in Hope, and had planned to visit them once I found a place to stay. The innkeeper was the most friendly guy. He even tried to help me carry my bags. I don't think that has ever happened before.

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

After the bike was unpacked, it started to properly rain. Bah. I wasn't in the mood for walking around in the rain after spending most of the day riding in it. I opted for a large cup of tea and a hot bath instead. Fraser Canyon was great. I’m glad I had the chance to see it. Thanks for the tip Richard!

I'm looking forward to Vancouver tomorrow - the meetups, the food, and some time off the bike.

 

I missed my own tulips blooming, so I was happy to find these today:

Everyday for 7 Weeks - Day 24 - Prince George to Hope

   

Day 24 Full Flickr Album (110pics)

 

Video: Fraser Canyon (will be live when finished uploading in a couple hours).

 

Today’s Route:


View Larger Map

14 comments:

  1. I was amazed that you made it all the way to Hope after yesterday's long ride. Especially with all the traffic on that section. It is a really boring road until you get to Fraser Canyon. I rarely stay in Prince George so we always end up staying around Cache Creek or Clinton. Hope is a nice place and I've always enjoyed it there. Plus it's near the border and I feel like I can really relax and slow down. Have fun in Vancouver! Say hello to everyone.

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    1. I understand why you dont stay there. It smells! But it just worked out it was a convienient stop after stewart.

      I felt the same relaxed feeling in Hope. Good vibes there. Enjoying the relaxing time.

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  2. BTW, I really like the first photo. Nice effect.

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    1. Thanks! I didnt think the road would get better. Forgot about the canyon, so started to get creative with the camera.

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  3. I agree, the first photo is eye-catching....how does one achieve this effect?

    dom


    Redleg's Rides

    Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner

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    1. I did that one in camera with the selective color option. Also easily done in photoshop or gimp with a filter of the same name.

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  4. I think the rain stopping was directly related to you putting on your rain gear.

    At least you were able to ride the Fraser Canyon and had a hot bath and tea waiting for you. And you could stop and smell the tulips.

    I really like that first pic. Creative.

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    1. Gotta make time to smell the flowers. I forced myself off the bike since i wasnt having fun and tried to find some fun :-)

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  5. Wow, more great photos and the ultimate reflection shot. You are getting close, say hello to everyone in Vancouver for us, are you still planning to come our way? You are more than welcome to an airbed in the spare room or the sofa, a hot bath and a garage for your bike if you need a rest and a meal.

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    1. Thanks! We are looking forward to meeting you both. Sent an email to trobaritz yesterday with dates; we accept your offer. Lemme know if she didnt get it. Can resend.

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  6. The photo reflection in the trailer is very cool!

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    1. i wish i would have had the camera in photo mode instead of video, so i could make it a bit bigger. I do like it though. the drive was horrible, but the shiny view made it sort of tolerable. hehe.

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  7. Cool pictures, nice catch with the reflection, was that with the Hero?

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