The Allure of Cycling the Kettle Valley Trail - Adventure Beckons

A mid-life crisis adventure

I had cycled a lot in my thirties but with a busy family life, my bicycle had fallen into disuse. Approaching 50, I was suddenly having a mid-life crisis. Some people go out and buy themselves a sports car—I bought myself a mountain bike and joined a club that rode off-road. The outings were nothing too drastic but challenging and great fun. This new interest led to the discovery of the Kettle Valley Trail. In 2000, I thoroughly enjoyed an organized one week tour (with lodge accommodation) from Beaverdell to Coley Creek. I was charmed, I yearned to return for more adventure. Going in an organized group was a good introduction but I was determined to see the whole of the trail and do it self-supported. I planned on riding from Castlegar to Hope at a leisurely pace in the summer of 2002.

Adventure beckons

My family began to realize this was not just a whim. I bought a book entitled "Bear Aware" and read cycling magazines. My son referred to me as a "Tree Hugger". My non-athletic husband kidded me about my lack of camping skills, so I spent 2 weeks wilderness camping in the Grand Canyon. I worked out with weights at the gym a couple of times a week and although riding flatland city trails, I tried to ride as often as I could. I bought a Bob trailer and started hauling around 40 pounds of dog kibble in my yellow Bob bag. (Much to my family's horror!) I registered for a "get to know your bike" session and spent a few days attending a course designed to introduce enthusiasts to mountain bike touring. I was sure I was prepared.

I convinced a friend to join me. Although she didn't have mountain bike experience, Marie-Jacques (M.J.) was an energetic gal in her early thirties. An avid urban cyclist, she rode her bike 8 months of the year. Our plans took shape. My family began to worry. "You're a grandmother for heaven's sake! Can't you do something normal?" But this "Gamma" was determined! Thus began our adventure...

We flew to Kelowna and rented a van which we would drop off in Castlegar. The drive gave us a nice overview of some of the territory we would soon be retracing by bike — wild, mature forest. At the campground in Castlegar, we set up what looked like a base camp expedition site. Two bike boxes, two Bob trailer boxes, luggage and assorted bike bags. The very accommodating couple at the campground let us use one of the picnic shelters in the open area towards the river. We were very grateful as it was an extremely hot day and we were able to work in the shade.

Assembling the bikes and trailers seemed like the easy part of the preparations (with my newly acquired mechanical skills!). Sorting out the equipment was another story. Although we thought we had been selective in what we brought—we seemed to have sooo much stuff. A large supply of freeze dried meals (which are hard to find in the area) and other groceries which we had just purchased. How was it going to fit in those little yellow Bob bags? We became ruthless, pitching questionable items into the Bob boxes which we were shipping to our trip endpoint and we donated our excess food to other campers.

Finally, we were ready. We each had a front handle bar bag for camera, etc.; an insulated bag strapped to the top of our back rack which carried the fuel canister, a 4 liter water pouch and other sundries (such as bear spray!); and our Bob bags. I carried my tent poles and pegs rolled inside a tarp held securely on top of the Bob bag by the large cinch strap. We also had a jangling pair of bear bells.

We were ready for adventure...

"Gamma" flatland training

On this training outing, I had taken a wrong turn and ended up on a very muddy trail. There I was... up to my ankles in mud, my Bob trailer wheel got so caked with the thick sandy stuff that I had to remove it and scrape the mud off while being eaten alive by mosquitos. I laughed at myself. All I kept thinking was... Kettle Valley here I come!

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