This morning, yet another biker in the campground to chat with over a cup of coffee. Chris is riding a motorcycle from Vancouver to Regina. He has a Suzuki, V-Strom, 1000cc that he loves. It has 3 mounted compartments, a barrel bag he places in front and a square bag behind him (sometimes I dream of a powered-cycle; hills, headwinds, aches, pains, etc usually bring these thoughts into focus). Maybe next time! Oops, Betty just said NOT to include her on any more mega-trips.
Today we started in Swift Current, only about 2 miles from our campsite. As in other days this week, I am headed north on Saskatchewan Highway 4. Traffic is heavier than usual, lotsa trucks. There is a four foot shoulder and most vehicles give me a wide berth. A 10 mph quartering head wind out of the NE is most apparent on level ridges and on downhill runs, when going uphill the wind is mostly blocked by the terrain. Yesterday’s knee pain is not yet apparent, I deliberately rested a lot last evening. Sightings today include the usual ducks, a few Canada geese, a large reddish hawk with ruffled feathers on the back and a white spot on the back of its head and a road-runner, Beep-beep. Large tractors and other farm equipment are starting to prepare fields for spring planting. Most of these huge tractors have 12 big tires, 3 on each side in the front and same in the rear. They till a swath about 30 feet wide and when on the highway we all stay well clear. Toward the end of today’s ride the highway descended abruptly into South Saskatchewan River valley. I alternated using first the rear then the front brakes to help slow to a somewhat controllable pace. Later, I checked the odometer for max speed; 37 mph; glad I have new tires.
Actually, I have a new bike. About 10 days ago, as we visited with Betty’s relatives in Iowa, I was outfitted by Keith and Paul at the Cresco Bike Shop. These guys helped me choose the type road bike that could best meet the needs of this trip. I ended up with a Jamis Elite, 105 Shimano gear cluster with low climbing gears. I like it! So far I have not needed to use the lowest 2 or 3 gears, I’m saving them for the Rockies.
Betty met me at mile 35 for the day and whisked me back to the RV for tacos. Brendan & I made sure we left nothing…this makes dishwashing easier 🙂