I arrive at the UBC campus and check in to Gage residence just in time for the orientation session at 10. It’s a chance to get acquainted with the rest of the group and the day-to-day routine is explained in detail.
We learn all about campground covid etiquette, how to stay safe on some of the more precarious sections of road, and how to prepare meals out of the back of a truck. I’ve been assigned as one of the dinner cooks and I’m on duty every fourth day. Paul, our driver, handles the shopping and he lets us know what’s on the menu.
There are eleven of us altogether – nine men and two women. It’s a much smaller group this year since the international riders who had signed up previously are unable to cross the border. I’m the only one in the group who isn’t riding all the way to Newfoundland. It takes all summer for that, which is why this trip is popular with students, teachers and recent retirees.
I reassemble my bike during the lunch break. It seems to have made it through the airport unscathed.
In the afternoon session we get to see the truck where our camping gear and food is stored and the trailer where we’ll keep everything else. This trip is capped at 20 participants to match the number of shelves in the trailer, but with less than a dozen of us this year there will be no shortage of space.
Tomorrow we ride to Fort Langley, a relatively easy way to kick things off.
Lynn's Bike Ride 
Wow! It really sounds like an exciting trip! I’m just glad it’s you, not me! lol. Seriously tho, we’ll continue praying for you regularly! We’ll also be watching for your daily updates! May God be your guide and keep you safe! It’ll be over before you know it! God bless, Barry and Brenda
Thank you both for your support! I’m excited to get started.
Wow that’s a lot of gear! 🙂 Glad we could have such a fun visit and that your bike is in great shape. Good luck with the start tomorrow, hope it’s an awesome and safe first day!
Thanks Tom – it was a quick but memorable visit! Centennial Beach is beautiful.