Tuesday, June 21 - First Day of Summer! Kimberley - Cranbrook, BC
Before I start today's entry, I would like to take you back a couple of days when Jen and I walked into town. Along the path that follows the rail line, we looked back at the Skimmerhorn mountains. Pretty impressive vertical cliffs!
All in all a most excellent day for me, but very tiring for Jen.
I really appreciated Jen spending a few of her energy tokens to shadow me in the van during my bike ride on the trail.
Thanks sweetheart!
See you next time.
Just out of curiosity, before I started up the grade, I turned my phone's timer on. I was not surprised when I reached the parking lot, and Jen, just about 8 minutes later. Quite a difference from 3 years ago when I arrived at the top and promptly poured a jug of cold water over my head. Needless to say, I am very impressed with my "new" bike!
After my ride, we stopped for coffee at Hot Shots cafe. Highly recommended - we've been here before.
Then another quick stop and we were on our way back to Creston, but...
We had to go back through Yahk and if you remember...
Yes! Two Scoop Steve!
Well we could not not stop. Here's our two single scoop orders.
On the downhill portion from Kimberley, I didn't use the battery, but when I got onto the flats (it's more open terrain) after Marysville, the wind picked up. Of course, it was blowing from the south so I was pedalling right into it.
Jen was following me in the van. We met on the flats south of Marysville at about the 11km mark. After a 5 minute break, I headed off. Jen was going to meet me at the parking lot by Wycliffe Rd at the top of the climb.
Well, what can I say about my Swytch kit?!
At power level 3 (out of 5), I "motored" up the grade, passing 3 people riding their e-bikes like they were standing still. No, I was not showing off! On the contrary. An e-bike that you buy from a bike shop can weigh anywhere from 60-70 lbs. My Swytch kit adds just over 7 lbs to my old Marin bike. I can pedal my bike quite easily with the battery off.
Just a note: A couple of years ago I tried a friend's e-bike with the battery turned OFF. It was quite strenuous. Doable, but very tiring. So I was not surprised that I easily passed those riders on their heavy e-bikes.
The only difference today is that I will be riding my old Marin bike with my new Swytch kit which makes my bike an e-bike! I'm quite keen to experience the difference riding the trail, especially the 5km, 200' climb from the St Marys river bridge to the parking by Wycliffe Road.
Here's the elevation chart from the North Star website. Before you pick on me, yes, I am cheating as it is mostly downhill from Kimberley. I told Jen the next time in Cranbrook (who knows?!), I will ride the trail in both directions.
In town, we chuckled at these informative displays in a storefront.
Okay, enough frivolity.
Today is my day to repeat my ride of 3 years ago on the North Star Rails 2 Trails between Kimberley and Cranbrook.
