A thunder and lightning storm overnight means I have a wet tent to put away. Now that the heatwave is behind us, there’s no pressure to leave early and I get to sleep in. By 7:15 I’m back on Highway 1 yet again.
Rogers Pass is not as difficult as Coquihalla Pass, but it’s still a solid climb. The scenery gets more and more beautiful as I approach the summit.
The descent that follows is great fun and goes on for about 10 km, including more tunnels.
With 50 km behind me and 68 km to go, I’m feeling really worn out. If my stomach had a fuel gauge, it would be flashing E right now. There’s absolutely nowhere to stop for water on this route so I have three bottles, but that means there isn’t much room left in my bag for food.
The next 25 km includes one long hill after another. Many of them seem more difficult than Rogers Pass, but perhaps that’s because I don’t have much left in my legs. I’m feeling weak and achy and I really want to get off the bike, but stopping won’t get me to camp any faster.
After 75 km I start to wonder how I’m going to make it to Golden on my remaining water supply. I’ve brought as much water as I carry so from here on I’m pedalling on faith.
At the top of the next hill there’s a woman standing next to a Honda Civic. It seems an odd place to be parked, out in the middle of nowhere, but since she’s right there I ask her if she has any water. Marie-Andrée, as it turns out, is a cyclist herself. She offers me something better, two bottles of Propel electrolyte water (grape flavoured, my favourite) and it’s exactly what I need to get through the ride. When I see a cross hanging from her rearview mirror, it’s obvious who sent her.
The road flattens out as I get closer to Golden. With 95 km done I’m already thinking about what I’m going to make for dinner when I see a flash of lightning up ahead. About a minute later a light rain begins and it continues for the next 14 km.
The rain stops with less than 10 km to go and I find my way to the campground at 1:45. We’re in a different time zone than we were this morning. At 2:00 there’s a loud clap of thunder and it rains really hard for the next 90 minutes.
When the sun returns I get my tent set up. We have a rest day tomorrow so I get to enjoy this view two nights in a row.
Lynn's Bike Ride 
I’m so thankful God sent your Angel to help you out! The feeling of being so hungry must have been very difficult! So glad you have a day to rest and recover a bit. Is there much food provided for you today, or do you need to find somewhere to get some? Not much longer and you’ll be at your brothers! I’m sure it’ll be an Immense relief to get there! We’re enjoying the views – is such a beautiful part of our country! God bless and remember, we’re praying for you!
Thanks Brenda! On rest days we handle our own meals, but there’s a grocery store down the street so I’m all set.
PTL for the Honda Lady with the grape electrolyte water (the best flavour). Also thanking the Lord for cooler temperatures. Very exciting to read your daily blog. Praying for you.
Thanks for your support, Wendy! Grape is the best flavour indeed.
Those are beautiful photos! Glad you made it to Golden safely and can enjoy a nice rest. That’s awesome that the heat wave has passed, it should make the rest of the trip way much more enjoyable. Have fun!
Thanks Tom! It’s looking like we have a fair amount of rain coming this week. Hopefully I can still get some good photos.