OH The Wetness

Man do I have a story from yesterday's ride. Where oh where to begin is the question at hand. I suppose at the beginning of the day would be suiting huh?

I woke up at 7:30 and pondered whether or not to try for Vancouver, but not wanting to get up I turned off my alarm and went back to sleep. I finally got up and going around 9:30. As I walked up to the shower/washroom I contemplated yet again whether I should push for the finish line. I still decided "Nah, whats the rush ride won't be there for another 7 days." I got cleaned up and walked back to camp and was like "Screw it I am finishing this thing today if I can get out of camp by 11." I packed camp up and was on the road by 10:45. I was just 3 miles down the road when I came to Deception Pass Bridge, which has sidewalks narrower than my bike so I had ride around in circles waiting for a break in traffic and then sprinted across the narrow two lane bridge, while trying to take in the view. On the other side I stopped I got off walked to the center of the bridge and enjoyed the view, and what a view it was. I took some pictures and then looked at my watch and knew that the site seeing was done for now.

I rode through some little dinky towns such as: Bay View, Edison and Bow and then was on Chuckanut Drive (SR 11), which was very windy and narrow with rock cliffs almost taking my head off at times. Finally, I was through and hit Bellingham, which was a mere 30 or so miles from camp and where I encountered a wetness that wouldn't leave me the rest of the day. To be honest I felt like that Care Bare that has the rain cloud over him all the time. So I suited up in the rain gear after stopping off at Subway and filling the engine up for the last little push.

Once out of Bellingham I rode through Ferndale on Mountain View Rd/Main St. heading for Blaine, which is at the boarder. About 6 miles does Mountain View Rd. I got my first flat ever. I quickly jumped off, knowing daylight was not on my side as it was 5. and I had 55 miles or so left. I got the bike upside down on the side of the road, took the tire off, found the little culprit, a piece of beer bottle, removed the tube and glass, put the new tube in reset the bead of the tire and pumped it up and was back riding all within 8-10 minutes. I was quite proud.

Once I hit Blaine was stopped by a very slow moving train for about 15 minutes, which was no fun sitting there getting poured on. I hit the boarder at 5:30 ran over to U.S. customs to make sure they would let me back in when I came through and then ran over to Canadian Customs where I had to wait for another 15 minutes before they let me go on my way. Once on my way and in Canada now it was 6:30ish and I had no idea where I was staying, so I just rode and rode. All the hostels I tried calling either didn't work or were full so I thought oh well and kept the pedals turning. I rode on some back roads avoiding the heavy traffic and finally hit Surryville, BC. Then I missed a turn somewhere or my map was road cause I couldn't find the bike path that led to the Alex F.... something bridge that took me to some island I can't pronounce or spell.

So there I am riding in New Westminster on the River Rd. heading N/NW towards Richmond, where I ride over another bridge hitting Vancouver at 10:02 pm. Once across the bridge the bike path ended, and according to the map it wasn't suppose to so I meandered my way through the city and stumbled upon a 24 hr McDonald's and I happily stopped to get something in my belly and to get out of the rain, especially after 106 miles worth of riding.

While I was taking my break I had realized I had no where to sleep and hadn't seen any hotels/motels. iPhone wasn't getting a signal either so I gave Dad a jingle and he got a hold of the American Backpackers Hostel at 347 W Pender St. This did me some good, as I had a place to sleep, but no idea where it was or how to get there and Dad was sent to a call so I got back on the bike and just headed north. After cruising through some lovely neighborhoods at wonderful hour of 11 pm I decided I better give Dad a call and figure out where to go before I ride away from it. I found out the the hostel was straight ahead of me another 3 miles and to my right 3 blocks. After figuring that out I was about to hang up when I swear my picture was taken by the stoplight and then my heart stopped at a huge clash. Dad asked what the heck that was and I concluded I was about 15-30 feet away from some lightning strike. The first I had heard on my whole trip. Dad thought I shouldn't ride across the bridge to the hostel, but I was like whatever I am done and going to go get in a warm shower. I rolled into the hostel at 11:35 paid my dues, took a warm shower and was not a wee bit tired so I just read.

I woke this morning and had to hunt for a bank to get some more cash to pay another $10 in Canadian for another night stay and I will see where I end up tonight. After finding the bank and paying my dues I read for a bit and then set out in search of the Vancouver Public Library, which is conveniently located like 5 blocks from the hostel.

So after almost 10 1/2 hours of riding and at least 120 miles, but my watch died at 110 miles or so last night, I am in Vancouver and I ended with a bang cause I started with a bang so I thought it only fitting. I think I made the ride it 22-23 days of actual riding I will check and confirm that later and let you know for sure. I am not sure what to do with myself while in the city as I know Derek and Matt are going to want to do some stuff when they get here, but what I am not sure.

Anyways I am done!! It was a great trip, despite the long day of rain yesterday. I have decided to do this again in some aspect in some way, but would like to share the next experience with others if possible. I am glad I went alone on this once, as it allowed me to set my own pace and my pace is not one many would like at times I think. Final mileage count I will have up tomorrow I think. Please feel free to send me any e-mail or comments as to what to do while here in VANCOUVER, and I am almost broke as well so if you feel so compelled to help me get back home that would be great too. If you do feel compelled let me know and I will let you know how you can help out. I will keep you posted on my excursions through Vancouver though.

Later.