Day 11 – Sicamous to Canyon Hot Springs. Having started to wish that the heat, though lovely and summery, would break, this morning it obliged. I was sent scurrying about collecting valuables in the downpour and setting up under the campground gazebo to wait out the worst of it. Once it quietened down, I was on my way again, towards the mighty Rockies. 
- Today’s Distance (miles): 65
- Time in saddle: 5h 51
- Max/min temp (°c): 29°/14°
- Climb/descend (feet) : 4,952 / 1,356
- Calories used: 2,989
- Cafe time: 3h
After a few miles I passed the spot where in 1885 the final spike in the Cross-Canada rail network was hammered in. Amazing that no one has taken the hammer. The gift shop had Thomas the Tank Engine books which made me think of home, but also I had a bit of an inner flinch “Oh no, not that tune stuck in my head, please no”. As it turned out I was spared, a dodged musical bullet. I did pick up two new stickers for my uke though.
An unusually poetic offering from the Dept of Recreation & Conservation
(I thought I’d kicked the habit of pulling this stupid face, but apparently not. Sorry family, and everyone else)
Brant had warned me this morning about the miles of road construction going on. Funny that we call it “roadworks” and Canadians say “construction”. So much more positive, and true. They mostly re-lay the whole surface, rather our miserable habit of patching up faults, and on a bike you’re waved through at the stop signs, to cycle for many happy miles all alone on a perfect new surface. I always get into a state of euphoria zipping along these sections, or even crawling up a hill, knowing that no vehicle will suddenly appear behind me (they alternate down just one lane and we cyclists are trusted to use the fresh stuff). The people controlling the start and finish of each section are often women, again something that you would very rarely see in the UK. I always get such friendly waves and shout-outs from the construction crews. Even the guy carefully driving his roller right at the edge looks up and says “Hi!”, “How y’doin?” or “Good job, man!”
I followed a really long descent on this surface to the river bridge that leads into Revelstoke.
I stopped for lunch here at an A&W burger place, where they serve root beer in pint glasses, free refills. This is my second pint. I tried calling home (no luck), and decided to wait for around 20 minutes to catch the first Exit Poll from the General Election in the UK. I remember thinking how nice it was to be sitting still for a bit, and 2 seconds later I was fast asleep. The restaurant was so peaceful and no-one disturbed me, so I dozed for several minutes before opening my eyes and thinking “Where on earth am I?”! Time to get moving.
If I’d known the weather that was awaiting me for the last 22 miles of my day, I think I might have stayed in Revelstoke, or perhaps just slept at the A&W. As I climbed the first hill out of town, the rain started in earnest and kept up non-stop. I was travelling through Mt Revelstoke National Park, but when the stunning views appeared, I was in no shape to stop and take snaps, which is a shame. After an hour or so I decided that a management-level decision was called for, and camping was abandoned. Management felt that given the new business environment vis-a-vis it raining so much, the priority was to try to find a motel or cabin at Canyon Hot Springs. This thought kept me going through hill after hill, with rain coming down the hills like a river, and I mused on how happy I was with the current top-down structure of CrossingCanada2017.wordress.com
I’m now writing this in the cosy cafe of this cabins & camping (accidental collection of Cs!) resort, and chatting mid-typing to Agnes, the Korean owner of this place. She has two kids at University in Victoria and Calgary and runs this place with a merry and positive attitude, smiling all the time and full of interest in her customers. I’ve got the heater on full in the cabin to dry out my clothes, and when I’m done here I’m going to have a quick supper then come back up to use the (included) Hot Springs pool, where I’m planning a hot-tub muscle therapy session!
Home sweet home for tonight:
Update – Agnes (below with her friend’s son) just said “Ben – you want some soup?” Then served it to me and said “no charge”. That kind of gesture is so touching after a long day. I was telling Agnes about my many concert tours to Seoul, where she’s from, and about the amazing eating. I asked her if she missed kimchi? “No! I’ve got it! If you come for breakfast tomorrow, $13.99, eggs and bacon, maybe I’ll bring you some kimchi!”
I’m sure you’ll understand the lack of signage today since I didn’t want to take my phone out in the downpour. I did manage to see one Sign That Was Funny during a lull:
The gorge has been there for millions of years, but Crazy Creek have created a “new” experience, walking! And they’ve come with the idea of charging us for the pleasure.
“What Is It, Sam?” I can tell you what it is, it’s blurry. Sorry. Any ideas?
I thought I’d escaped the lure of this song when cycling, but no, it’s back: Shut Up & Dance With Me, and I can’t even remember who it’s by. Over and over again, as the rain poured. I think its a rhythm thing and certain songs fit to your pace and just get stuck.
One last update – no hot tub session tonight, it’s raining so hard again. I may get up tomorrow morning before kimchi.
INCIDENTSᐧOFᐧTRAVEL 
We have passed Canyon Hot Springs many, many times, but never stopped there – and never had to! Nice to have a first hand report. We may stop there one of these days, instead of doing the 11-hour drive in one stint. But Craigellachie is our usual lunch spot en route to Canmore. Very odd to see you there!
Another tremendous day of riding; mileage and elevation gain – amazing – total respect. Can’t believe your progress! We are nervous that you will get to Canmore before us.
Hoping for dry, coolish weather for your next few days. Good luck for Roger’s Pass.
Cheers, S
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Hi Stewart – a LOT of people stopped here last because the road got closed by an accident in both directions leaving families and truckers stranded. I was lucky to get in early. Thanks for the encouragement, as ever. I never tire of it! The next two days will be much slower I suspect, weather changeable. 7.30 now and I’m off!
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What a dinky title cabin, looks as if seven dwarves might come out whistling heigh ho heigh ho it’s off to work we go ( there’s a stuck song idea)
The flower looks like a delphinium/ larkspur/ foxglove just guessing
What with your blog and election results and French Open tennis and staying up all night and now the company of Sam and later Susie, we oldies are over excited. Xx
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I didn’t realise that you’re all together! I’ll FaceTime now!! Bx
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Or could it be lupine?
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Hello Ben,
Good luck with the hills ! Is there a tunnel option ? If not I offer you words from Jens Voigt.
“When my legs hurt, I say
“Shut up legs! Do what I tell you to do! ”
Look forward to reading about it.
JR
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Jake! Greetings, and welcome. No, it’s a TINA if you remember that Thatcher-era acronym. The hills aren’t nearly as steep as all those between your house and mine (chilterns!) but they go on for ever. Send my love to Hannah, Joe and Elsa. Bxx
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Hi Ben. Keep up the valiant energy and accomplishment. A reminder: if you ever have the opportunity, and you will, when you ask for any beer (brew) ask for beer from a local craft brewery… almost univerally without preservatives and whatever else of convenience… and you will be rewarded with clean effects and uplifting energy. We are with you. But you are doing the work. And you are having the adventure. Allez! M.
On 9 June 2017 at 00:13, Cycling Solo Across Canada Summer 2017 wrote:
> Ben Buckton – Crossing Canada 2017 posted: “Day 11 – Sicamous to Canyon > Hot Springs. Having started to wish that the heat, though lovely and > summery, would break, this morning it obliged. I was sent scurrying about > collecting valuables in the downpour and setting up under the campground > gazebo to w” >
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Thanks for the tip Morley – most of the bars just tell me to order the local IPA anyway, as just happened here in Golden. A fine pint or two of Okanagan Spring. Delicious after a day in the saddle. Thanks also for the words of encouragement, always greatly appreciated. Bx
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When it rains, just remember you could be playing Figaro in the open air instead!
Keep going!
Chris, Dave, Amanda, Nicoline, Philippa, Clare and all the rest of the Garsington crowd
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Hello everybody!! thanks for the message, which really made me laugh – all the way to the brewery restaurant. Lots of love to you all, from the Rockies town of Golden, where the operas of Mozart hold little sway. Bxxx
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Song to get stuck in your head while lying in your emergency motel room – Fugitive Motel by Elbow. What a tune.
I was being asked to help identify some plants at St Michael Steiner toddler group today and wished I could enlist the Bucton brain trust…
Hope the hung parliament has put a bit more spring in your pedal! Terrific progress you’re making (in all departments if we overlook the gurning!)
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If I can hang on to the campground wifi I’ll check out that track John. I do think you should have a listen to that thing that Ben Dawson suggested, can’t remember the name. It’s a whistling tune, NOTQUITEINTIME, and drives you bonkers in a nice way! I keep looking on the bbc website, but it’s such a dogs dinner of a result that no one seems to now how to report it. I do – it’s great. SO much better than could have been hoped. Except the pound’s now worth 5 Canadian cents probably!
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I just listened to Fugitive Motel – beautiful, major/minor, nice video, chilled. Thx john
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My pleasure! Thought it might feel appropriate. Sensational scenery on the latest blog! Meant to say (days ago) that my lot were all at lake Okanagan for a week last summer. Had a house there and had an amazing time.
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I’ll check Ben’s comments!
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I too think the flower is like a wild lupin but the leaf, if it is of the same plant, is more wild lathyrus. Sorry, that isn’t much help. However, I am still very much enjoying your blog. You’re doing great.
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Good point, maybe a vetch
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Aha – the second vote for wild lupin. I thought it was too small, as the lupins grow everywhere by the road and are “normal” sized. I could run a whole other blog just on the flora and fauna.
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I’m going to go along with Grandma’s vetch idea. Just been doing a BioBlitz in Cambridge, including an intense hour of plant IDing!
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How was it? Nice to have time?
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