Our first morning in Canada, our last morning on PAC Tourıs Ridge of the Rockies.
This last day dawned wet: the last morning of eating an open-air breakfast; packing, unpacking, and repacking for the day; making final checks to hopefully avoid flats or other problems. We all procrastinate, even though we know we have only this day. We have no climbs or even big hills to contend with, only cold, rain, and our own self-imposed mental stress to get to the end 125 miles away (should we ride hard and fast to finish early and get out of the weather, slow to savor the last day, or fast and slow to break the monotony and be with different friends?).
As we leave Cardston in light rain, the land opens up in wide, wet prairie. Itıs like an expanse of green sea and we are bobbing along this thin gray raft among endless rolling waves of grain and sparkling yellow rape seed. There are no big climbs and breathless descents; so we pass the time appreciating the unique names we pass: Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump, Crowsnest, Belly River, Oldman River, Stand Off.
After the second snack stop, the rain gradually quit, but Canada was not about to let us go gently. A nagging headwind replaced the cool drizzle. We had gone only 40 miles and still had 85 left. When they could, many groups formed alliances to take turns at the front. This last headwind seemed a cruel final hurdle. And several felt the Ridge of the Rockies had given them their moneyıs worth, so the vans had more than a few bikes on their racks. But many were determined to continue. The wind rose and fell erratically with each turn and rise and hillock we passed. This flat last day meant mostly relief and introspection and a final mental challenge.
From mid-afternoon to nearly 6 p.m., we arrived at the hotel in Okotoks (a little south of Calgary) as we arrived in El Paso more than 19 days ago in dribs and drabs. Many got cheers and applause and hearty congratulations for their perseverance. We still had work to do getting our bikes packed, but the elation of being here gave us plenty of energy for this task.
Now, sadly for most, the Ridge of the Rockies was over. All that was left was the final banquet, presided over by Mistress of Ceremonies Susan who brought laughter and memories when she spoke about each person as she handed out engraved plaques. Even for those who have several of these keepsakes, each one is unique; for each PAC Tour is unique, made that way by the chemistry of rider and crew; route and weather; and each personıs own hopes, desires, goals, and nature. And, for the past 19 days, riders and crew shared of themselves and many bonds were formed. For my own part, all I can say to each one is danke sehr, bedankt, dank u, arigato ki o tsukete kudasai, thanks.
Cardston to Okotoks...... 116 miles directly into the wind....
Leaving Cardston in the rain..no surprise...
Riding to the first sag through cattle dung....no surprise
Wind kicking up by the 20 mile point.........no surprise
Winding gusting to 20 mph ........no surprise
Great Lunch...... at the school house in Nanton.....no surprise
more head winds into the motel.......no surprise.....
wonderful bike packing with a hose.......no surprise
Good food and drink at the banquet......no surprise
Great entertainment by Susan at the plaque distribution........no wonder...
Happy trails to all ...... no surprise...
Wim and Nancy had a group up to Banff...leaving the Okotoks motel in Wim's movie star coach and taking a driving tour around Banff National Park..... Wim and Nancy hosted a fine party.... with steaks, chicken kabobs and shrimp on the grill...many salads and wonderful mud pie for desert..... Frinfrock at 3 pieces of the pie.... About 30 riders and crew were here.... Simply a wonderful time..
This morning I am sitting in the kitchen with Nancy cutting up the reminder of the pac tour sag fruit and I am reading the mail... and wim is reading the paper talking about his and Nancy's Tuesday morning Tee Time....
Time marches on...