What strikes fear in the heart of this cyclist? Birds - Day 17 - Regina to Whitewood, SK - 174.47km

Today was a beautiful day for a ride through the prairies... except for the wind which was constantly in my face - this sounds familiar doesn't it? The good thing was I still managed a 5:30pm arrival in Whitewood (leaving early is a good thing). That being said - within the last 10km of the ride I was attacked by birds... dive-bombed would be more accurate, however the attack made me pick up my pace. I immediately thought of Tippi Hedren and Alfred Hitchcock, especially when I realized that it wasn't just one bird, but four of them - and each took their turn dive-bombing me. Not sure what type of birds they were, I suppose I was too scared. I figure everyone would enjoy that story.

The other pics in this post made me chuckle... Enjoy.

Tomorrow I leave Saskatchewan and enter Manitoba... 3 provinces DONE! Saskatchewan has been an amazing part of the country and I will be sad to leave.

Total distance traveled today : 174.47km
Distance to date: 2208.85km

Fast Furious Winds at my Face - Day 16 - Craik to Regina

Today I experienced some of the strongest winds I've ever encountered while on a bicycle... they were ruthless. Constantly in my face I trudged along at a meager 15km/h (willing them to change direction - but no such luck). I will never post the my speed in this blog again as I think that I may have cursed myself into a bit of bad luck.

Also, after about 25km the front left pannier of my bicycle broke off. Let's just say I was none to pleased. Had a wee moment of frustration at the side of the road (although I was thankful that it happened on a wide paved stretch of highway - small blessings). I looked at the situation and realized that the bolt attaching the pannier to the bicycle had snapped (not a good thing, and it wasn't even overloaded). I realized that I had three options: 1) sit and cry (least productive and likely I would've become dehydrated as the wind and sun would make moisture disappear before leaving my tear ducts. 2) carry the pannier in my left-hand while cycling (awkward and heavy to do especially in the wind, so not a viable option). 3) use DUCT tape... Ron my friend from Calgary had given me duct tape before I left and well... once I fixed the pannier with it I sent him a "Thank you" text, as without it who knows how much I would've struggled. The adventure then continued.

Anyway, arrived at Kathy and Evanna's by 6:30pm - ate a wonderful meal with them and they truly made me feel comfortable in their home. Decided that I will stay for two nights and then head further East and meet up with the Trans-Canada (after my detour).

Sun-kissed and wind burned - glad to be in another big city where I can have my bicycle looked at and made well.

Despite everything that happened yesterday, I'm in good spirits and ready for the next part of this journey... hopefully all will be good as I continue across more prairies. I am figuring 2 more nights in Saskatchewan and then into Manitoba, but then again things could change...

Distance traveled today: 114.95km
Total Distance traveled: 2034.38km

Sunny, windy day with some clouds.

Fast Flat Prairies - Saskatoon to Craik Regional Campground - 141.25 - Day 15

It seems the kinder people are the more difficult it is for me to leave a place. After zipping up to Saskatoon from Calgary and going distances I've never even thought possible for a day of cycling, let alone back to back rides... it was great to rest and relax with Joyce and Nikki in beautiful Saskatoon. Saskatoon is very similar to Hamilton... a university, the blue collar working town as many are employed in the mines. A beautiful waterfront (along the South Saskatchewan River: the one that is flooding the province further sourth, a jazz festival (not so sure if Hamilton has one anymore), and a bit of a skyline.

While I was in Saskatoon, I learned how to say "Saskatchewan," the way the locals say it - unfortunately I didn't do it that well... I also toured the city a bit on my bicycle and went to the Bike Doctor (bicycle shop) where the owner said I've been lucky especially considering the fact that I hadn't been carrying a spare tire (the entire duration of my trip to both NZ and for the past 1777.78km)... of course now I have an extra - so more weight to pedal...

Todays ride was picture perfect - winds were from behind and helped me average about 32km/h (well above my usual average of 25km/h). Of course I had a late start from Saskatoon as I really didn't want to leave, I think my body goes into slow motion when my brain starts to think about the journey ahead and leaving the comforts of a beautiful home. Thanks again to Joyce and Nikki for putting me up or rather putting up with me for the past 3 nights, the steak, the salmon and your hospitality (will never be beat). You were AWESOME and you truly made me feel more than welcome in your home. Can't wait to eat the granola and the muffins tonight and tomorrow (obviously they will be gone by the time I post this to the net).

The prairies continued to be long and straight (with a few curves along the way). I was lucky enough to photograph a young fox (as you can see in the pics with todays post).
Camping has brought on a completely different element. Setting up a tent, dealing with rain and how to dry things and also being proactive when it comes to mosquitos.
Highlights:
- sun, warmth and a refreshing rain upon arrival at the campsite
- seeing the fox
- realization that I'm in the 3rd province on my trip across 10 and that Manitoba will be quite quick as it is narrow - then I'll be home to Ontario.
- low points - saying goodbye to Joyce and Nikki - although it wasn't a tearful goodbye I was definitely quite emotional by the time I reached Preston Ave (where I had to stop and control my emotions)
- having to fix my front pannier... hopefully I've tightened it enough to ensure that I'll make it to Regina

Distance travelled: 141.65
Distance to date: 1919.43

Being chased - Day 14 - Rosetown to Saskatoon 118.61km

Waking up in Rosetown to the sound of a major thunderstorm at 5am, made me quite grateful that I was cozy, safe and dry in a queen sized bed at a B & B called the Shady Porch (http://www.bbcanada.com/11522.html). The breakfast was AMAZING and the hosts were wonderful - made me feel great to be in Saskatchewan.

Anyway, left a bit later than anticipated. The sun was out and the winds were a bit nasty - not blowing completely in my face but enough to make me quickly realize that the journey wasn't going to be an easy one.

The prairies seem to go on forever, quite beautiful - hence the photos that I've included today. After about 45km - I was getting into a monotonous funk... the speaker on my bicycle needs new batteries and therefore music wasn't keeping me motivated, and the silence combined with the wind was BRUTAL. I was probably traveling at around 18km/h not my fastest (but I blame the wind and three long previous days). Then across the highway two dogs sprang to their feet and started barking wildly and gave chase... they ran after me for a good 500m or more - my adrenaline was pumping and I quickly made it up to 35km/h til they were well behind me...sigh. The first time being chased in the land where you can "watch your dog runaway for days". Or watch them run after you for days - sadly I don't have a picture of that.

Then the weather started looking NASTY behind me and sure enough a storm was brewing... more motivation as the sky turned greenish black and I could see that rain was imminent and or occurring not that far behind. The plan was to arrive in Saskatoon and stay with Joyce Wilson (Heather's sister whom I've known from the Bike Rally for 7 years). As I entered Saskatoon I was still quite dry... the winds picked up more... and by the time I arrived the storm was literally just above my head. Pulling up to her house just as the skies opened up, perfect timing.

It was great to see Joyce and meet Nikki and celebrate my journey thus far with some wine and beer and oodles of yummy food. Glad that I ended up coming north to this part of a beautiful relatively flat province.

Highlights:
- spending the evening with Joyce and Nikki
- seeing a deer while cycling
- wind kept the mosquito population at bay...
- arriving in Saskatoon

Distance traveled: 118.61km
Distance to date: 1777.78km

So many prairies - Day 13 - Oyen, Alberta to Rosetown, Saskatchewan

I never thought that I'd be missing the mountains, trees, or lakes. The prairies although beautiful in their own right are definitely a bit mind numbing after about 10 minutes of cycling in them... so just imagine what an 8 hour day feels like (and this is only day 2 of riding through them). Patricia from the Netherlands had told me that on her journey across the country she was amazed by them and said we have "so many prairies" she was right.

I suppose the trick to cycling across the prairies is to appreciate the rolling hills, the long straight roads, wide shoulders, and wildlife. Something that I didn't realize was that the prairies aren't as flat as I had always imagined... they are like any farm land - vast and varied.

Today, I suppose cycling into Saskatchewan made me realize that I'm doing really well with the journey so far, especially after meeting some more cyclists who didn't seem to be enjoying their travels. I guess a bit of schadenfreude... or maybe just a sense of personal pride at my accomplishment thus far.

Highlights:
- seeing two antelope run across highway 7 (one actually stumbled) - definitely not deer as they had a different gate and a local confirmed that I'd be more apt to see one in Sask.
- once again hearing the prairie dogs chattering at the side of the road - I did try to take a pic of them as you can see in today's post.
- watching a mouse run across the road - the things you see when you are silently cycling down the road
- seeing signs with "Point of Interest" only to learn that the "point" is a rock - mind you one that was left from the retreat of glaciers and used by caribou but still is it wrong that I thought it would be something more?
- leaving Alberta - not that I didn't enjoy it...
- ice cream a DQ
- learning how to open/spray and rub in bug repellent while cycling so that when I stop I'm not eaten alive by the mosquitoes

Distance traveled today: 177.21km
Distance to date: 1659.17km

The Prairie Post - Day 12 - Drumheller to Oyen 185.09km

Started with the BIG climb out of Drumheller - okay not as bad as what the Rockies were but still it was a hill. Thought the day was going to be miserable as the wind was in my face, but soon that changed and I had a good tailwind for the majority of the day.

Seeing huge storm clouds surrounding me in every direction I was truly lucky the sun kept following me, and I stayed dry. Seeing bolts of lightning off in the distance is always a fun experience (that was a bit of sarcasm btw). The plan was to camp tonight - however that changed when I looked at the sky and the forecast.

Today's highlights:
- cycling 185.09km - the longest distance I've ever covered in one day... and still feeling good afterward
- hearing prairie dogs chattering at the side of the road as I zoom past
- leaving Drumheller and meeting a group of people who offered to take a picture of me and T1 (I know that is a lame name for my bike - just like Tom Hanks in that movie...I should have a "name the bike contest"... where everyone has to pay $5.00 to give a name suggestion and the money goes to charity obviously). Hence the picture above.
- passing the Buffalo sign - made me think that I was in Hamilton...
- seeing that I am 190km north of Medicine Hat
- getting a message from Joyce Wilson (sister of Heather Wilson) and being invited to crash at her place when I go to Saskatoon
- seeing the sign about "Hanna" being the home of Nickelback...made me smile
- NOT a highlight - mosquitoes are BRUTAL I have to not only worry about sun cream but also bug spray application otherwise I'm eaten alive when I stop for snacks.

Total distance to date: 1481.96km

Day 11 - Leaving Calgary... to Drumheller

Just a really quick post for today as I need to hit the road... yesterday I cycled 143.87km and made it to Drumheller... part of the dinosaur trail. Although Drumheller wasn't initially the direction I was planning to take, I think that I made a good decision in coming this way as the rain seems to still be falling in the south prairies and sink holes have been created along the Trans-Canada.

Leaving Calgary was a bit like leaving home as I thoroughly enjoyed staying with Ron (a new friend from LGHEI) and a city that still seems to have such a youthful feel with so many opportunities. I met some of his friends after having said goodbye to Andy.

Total distance to date: 1296.87km

Sun, Storms and Stunning Scenary -Day 10 - Lake Louise to Calgary

Woke up early and saw that the weather was fine, blue skies and some cloud over the Rockies. Also took note of the temperature, a warm 5 degrees, made me think twice about the long journey out of the mountains... but I managed to do it.

Texas Gates at the entrance of Lake Louise - designed to keep wildlife in the area (or out of the area) were not fun to go across... essentially these are cattle stops with huge spaces between them and I had to cross three of them to get to where I was headed. Even walking across them was tricky because I felt as though my tire would slide through the grate and my bike would be toast, obviously I managed though.

I had decided to take the scenic route from Lake Louise to Banff using the Bow River Parkway (Hwy 1A) - This was a good move as once again wildlife was out and about. I saw an elk, and about 13 deer over the course of the entire day. Good times. Cycling was smooth sailing all the way out of Banff National Park - stopping for lunch in Canmore (with Mike...LOL).

As the mountains became foothills I noticed that the sky was turning NASTY. Well actually it turned black, and thought for certain that I would get wet on the ride, so I stopped and prepped for the worst, but once again lucked out as I only received a few drops and a small shower. Watching lightning from a distance was cool - I'm just grateful that the storm was heading North and I was heading South East.

The highest point of the day was at Scott Hill (elevation 1450m) and from there I had an awesome cruise down into Calgary...averaging about 30km/h for most of the day - with the exception being the climb up the big hill.

Seeing the Calgary sign and knowing that I would be meeting up with Andy Moonsammy (workmate/friend) at Canada Olympic Park I was quite pleased with my efforts as I arrived in Calgary by 4:38pm.

I have now cycled 1153km.

Hello Alberta - See you later BC! Day 9 - Golden to Lake Louise

It's funny, you'd think coming up with something witty, engaging and interesting would be easy - especially after a day of cycling when your mind does nothing but think about, well... everything. Then again...I did just complete 969.51km over the past 9 days... and oh what a journey.

The highlights from today:
- seeing 2 more bears - the picture in this post is mine... thanks to a good zoom on my cam - trust me I wasn't even close to it.
- spotting a white tailed deer
- crossing into Alberta and leaving British Columbia
- seeing more snow covered mountains everywhere
- knowing that from here on in... the journey will be downhill (for the most part)
- hearing that snow is in the forecast (this made me laugh)

Anyway, tomorrow I will be taking a MUCH deserved and needed day off from cycling. Staying at the hostel in Lake Louise. Probably will go hiking - you know I can't stay still.

Thank you for reading this blog... I appreciate your comments, and encouragement.
Peace and bicycle grease (from Alberta).

Wilderness Adventure - National Parks and Bears - Day 8 - Revelstoke to Golden

Cycling in the mountains is very ummm... what's the word... interesting! (I bet you thought I was going to say hard). It's interesting in so many ways - you never know what the next curve will take you past, what wildlife you'll encounter, and the weather changes quickly (similar to all Alpine areas of the world). But if you want my honest opinion it is also challenging climbing some of these passes.

Leaving Revelstoke I had a big hunch that the weather was going to be a mixed bag. Lots of dark clouds were about, but the sun seemed to follow me - maybe the universe finally realizes that this is supposed to be my year of perpetual sunshine? Anyway, today I went through two national parks: Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park.

I had a few light sun showers in the morning, but didn't experience the nasty weather til I was much closer to Golden, and after Rogers Pass (1330m). Suzanne you would've been proud of me - I saw the major storm in the valley and stayed at the top of the mountain and watched the rainstorm move around the mountains below. That did mean that I cycled on wet asphalt... but not in torrential downpours, I'm sure I'll encounter that at some point on the trip.

Highlights of the day:
- seeing a mother and her two cubs at the side of the road, thankfully a couple in a pickup truck saw them and warned me - heck they offered to put my bike in there truck and drive me past - I should've taken them up on it - then I would've had a picture or two... but instead I did as I had read in the cycling books. Cross the road and have a car drive slowly between the bears and yourself. So thanks goes out to the pickup truck
- seeing another bear (it was all by himself) and I was travelling about 30km/h so all was good there, the bear actually was frightened and ran into the bush after he looked at me roar past.
- cycling through 7 tunnels - who knew. Only one was really dark and a bit scary
- Lowest point of the day... having to do a detour into Golden because of a transport crash on the trans-Canada... adding about 10 extra kilometres to a LONG day.

Distance travelled to date: 880km (once again this is approximate... funny how I forget to look at this when I'm cold and all I want to shower.

*** Please note the picture of the bears was found on the internet... I do have enough sense to NOT stop and get the camera out ~ just thought I'd put everyone at ease.

Revelling in the Beauty of the Mountains - Day 7 - Salmon Arm to Revelstoke

It's funny how things seem to happen to me at the right time. Today, I left Salmon Arm - a bit worried about money, feeling a bit sore - perhaps I'm pushing my limits, and overall just feeling a bit overwhelmed. Have I thought this through far enough?

That's when I met Sarah. Sarah was cycling and out for a training ride, (she is training for an IRONMAN), we ended up cycling together for about 15km. While riding she mentioned a website called warmshowers.org - a website made for cyclists looking for accommodation while cycle touring (free accommodation). Well... let's just say I've joined and will likely have a few places to stay on my way across the country. This meeting was definitely kismet.

Highlights today and a correction:
- cycling with Sarah
- seeing snow capped mountains in every direction upon arriving at Revelstoke
- meeting other cyclists at the Samesun Backpackers hostel
- yummy pasta dinner
- wind at my back

* correction yesterday I said today was the day I'd be cycling into the Rockies... it turns out I was incorrect. I'm currently surrounded by the Columbia Mountains Ranges. Rockies are next after I go through Glacier Provincial Park.

I think my luck with the weather is about to change tomorrow... fingers crossed that the rain won't move in until after I make it over Rogers Pass (1327m), stay tuned...

Distance travelled to date: 724km (approximately, as once again bike is in lockup and I can't remember the actual reading - I will update that tomorrow).

Kamloops to Salmon Arm - Day 6

Finally the trip has turned onto Highway #1 - and I guess I'm officially heading East. Today I think I saw a Rock Marmot at the side of the road - it was scampering up the rocks of all things... it was very frightened by me... but I guess I too was a bit frightened by sudden movement in the bushes. Sorry that I didn't get a photo...really though... what am I supposed to do have my camera at the ready every cycling moment? LOL!

Picture perfect weather for cycling today - mind you the wind was sometimes in my face... I guess that is to be expected from time to time.

Tomorrow I will finally see the Rocky Mountains. Looking forward to the climb - believe it or not?

Distance travelled to date: 630.99km

Getting Loopy in Kamloops - Day 5 - Merritt to Kamloops

Another spectacular day in BC. Weather was just perfect, Sun was out with only a few clouds and traveling along highway 5A was a good move, not much traffic and very picturesque as I was cycling beside lakes and hills (most of the day). Only two big climbs, one to get to Kamloops area and the other to get to my accommodation in Kamloops (called Top of the World B&B - owners are Keith and Eadie). Eadie was impressed by my efforts and she was kind enough to make us some iced tea and sit out on the back deck. Anyway the pic is of the sunset from the B & B.

Distance traveled to date : 511.78km

Day 4 - From Hope to Merritt

Day started with rain and thick fog on the mountains. Very reminiscent of the weather I had while cycling the wet West Coast of New Zealand. There are 3 ways out of Hope, highways 1, 3, or 5. Initially the plan was to take the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1), however after speaking with locals I learned that that road is narrow and has numerous tunnels - although this is the flat route. So I opted for the wider highway, the steeper route... Hwy 5 - Yellowhead.

Anyway, experienced some firsts today... cycling past areas where you are warned about the gradient of the road, where chains are required to be put on tires in the winter months, and even cycled through a snowshed (a rather large tunnel). Made it to 1244m (4081ft) at the Coquihalla Summit.

The climb, although tough allowed for an amazing descent... probably cycled about 20 - 25km in 30 minutes because of the winds, my strong legs (hehehe) and gravity.

Total distance to date is 415.38km

Mission to Hope - Day 3

Rain, rain, go away...

Another chilly day in BC, hopefully the sun will be back tomorrow. The good thing about today was that I realized that I am not the only cyclist traveling alone. I met a guy from the UK today and he's heading roughly the same way... except he's hoping to head to Edmonton. Anyway, I'll likely see him on the road tomorrow as I believe he's heading the same way up BC Hwy5... It will be good to ride with someone - but then again my bike sound system worked well for today. I will keep everyone posted.

Anyway, Hope is always a good thing!

Things I learned about HOPE, British Columbia
1) Rambo First Blood was filmed here
2) It is the chainsaw carving capital - but of what? the province, the country, the world
3) It is home to the oldest church in BC
4) Really friendly people live here
5) Hope was created initially as Fort Hope - by the Hudson's Bay Company to act as a transfer point for the fur trade.

Anyway, why I shared those little factoids... no clue:)

Day 2 - the Importance of Tires

What a day... Woke up early, not realizing that I had a huge gash in my tire... must've happened enroute to the University of British Columbia. Anyway, thankfully UBC has a bike co-op, that sells tires and let's you use their tools etc...

Anyway, so instead of leaving early I left late and only made it as far as Mission, BC, not to Hope as was initially planned. The good news is I have two new tires and a new chain.

Rainy and grey day.... about 16 degrees.
Total of 61km travelled.

Day 1 - Victoria to Vancouver (via Nanaimo)

Greetings from Beautiful British Columbia!

Hopefully having a netbook on this trip will give me the opportunity to keep better connected and allow you (the readers) to share in my Cross Canada Cycling experience. So far things have been pretty amazing. Right from my arrival in Vancouver - where I took public transit (from the airport) to get to the University of British Columbia - not an easy feet when you are carrying a bicycle in a box and all of your gear... but I did make it to the campus for less than $10.00 Canadian. Had Mountain Equipment Co-ops help in assembling my bicycle (which was ready and built same day).

The first few days were all about exploring Vancouver, going out at night and mingling with the locals - and I did meet some interesting people... but I suppose that is what happens when you are on your YEAR OF PERPETUAL SUNSHINE. Which reminds me - I saw a church named Our Lady of Perpetual Help and chuckled to myself - perhaps I will have to try to snap a shot of that before I leave Vancity heading east.

Highlights thus far:

- putting my bike on the front of a bus so that I could make it to the ferry terminal - who knew that bikes weren't allowed on the road to Tsawwassen.

- seeing a deer on the front lawn on Vancouver Island just outside of Sidney

- eating a nanaimo bar in Nanaimo, BC - I know... easy to please

- ferry ride back to Horseshoe Bay, North Vancouver and meeting up with a cyclist who showed me an awesome way back to Stanley Park and downtown, via the Lions Gate Bridge. Meeting him helped my confidence as he cycled to Calgary on his fixed gear bicycle - twice with only a backpack, in his words - I look better prepared - and considering I managed to keep up with him and hold my own while cycling... more confidence was built.

- Word to the wise - don't forget your towel when you go to the shower - despite how tired you may be...

- biggest highlight - was leaving Victoria - not because it was awful... but because I went to "Mile 0" on the Trans-Canada. There is a statue there in remembrance of Terry Fox with beautiful quotes - "Somewhere the hurting must stop," "I believe in miracles, I have to." "Dreams are made possible if you try." Although I was alone at "Mile 0" I thought of so many people and the quotes and statue of Terry Fox made me quite emotional. Thoughts of my family and friends who I know are cheering me on from all over the world made me have a sense of excitement, yet calmness.... if that makes any sense. The with tears in my eyes I started my journey.

- Day 1 complete - 149.53km - Victoria to Vancouver (via Nanaimo and North Vancouver), sun/then overcast about 22 degrees at the warmest.