WS06 Eureka to Fernie, B.C.

Eureka is about 7 miles south of the Canadian border so we’re in Canada pretty quickly this morning.  But the border crossing in not what today’s story is about.

It’s about misery. This was not a good day. Brenda says it’s the worst day she remembers in 12 years of cycling:

• Has she forgotten all of the rainy days crossing the Pyrenees? Especially the day the front came through and the temperature dropped?
• Or the day in Ireland, self-contained, when it was raining so hard we couldn’t see the road?
• Or the 103 degree Hotter ‘N Hell?

But she’s right, this was a miserable day. Temperature in the 40’s again but also it’s raining. All day. To make matters worse, the temperature drops during the day.  And there is no place for shelter; the “Dairy Bar” at mile 30 has outdoor eating only (see photo).  But bad turns to worse when we turn east on Highway 3.  The shoulder, to the right of the rumble strips is very narrow.  And the road surface (of the shoulder) is poor at best. It’s a bumpy ride but you dare not get on the road because – there are thousands of cars passing us. It seems like there is one every 10 seconds. Did everyone in Fernie leave town on Friday and are now returning home? So there you are: cold, wet, terrible traffic and terrible road surface. Is it no wonder most people only rode part way and accepted a ride in the van? I think there were only 6 of the 18 who rode the entire distance. I was one of them. Are the 5 of us brave or foolish?

Today’s route, elevation profile and more photos are at: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/95909

Photo at right is after the first 30 miles.  While we’re stopped I’m cold – but warm up somewhat once we’re moving again. Brenda doesn’t warm up until she gets to the motel. By the way, we’re at a very nice place tonight (Park Place Lodge); best of the trip so far.