Day 4, May 28, Cache Creek-Kamloops, 85 km

So what else is new; the temperature is cool with a forecast of showers during the day. From 97 it's a left turn onto the TransCanada (1) and steady climb out of Cache Creek. For the desert part of BC, it is surprisingly lush this year. As we crossed innumerable streams, we knew why. They have had a lot of rain recently and the streams are full and muddy. The road is busier now but it is easier to ride. The hills are not as steep, and there is a paved shoulder all the way. About 10, we got hungry and ate our lunch. There were several nice long runs that got us going over 40 kph; of course that meant making climbs to get them. The open country is very pretty although I could imagine what the heat must be like in the middle of summer. After crossing the Thompson River at Savona, we had great views across Kamloops Lake. The lake was mirror smooth and reflected the barren hills perfectly. About an hour put of Kamloops, it started to rain; after that it was get hot- take off the jacket and get cold- put on the jacket. At Kamloops, we stopped at Costco to pick up some supplies and add to our lunch. Called and talked to Shirley to let her know that we had arrived. After that we went to the Visitor's Bureau and got motel information, and the directions to a bike shop. We picked up brake shoes for Kanji's bike and road to Valleyview to sign in at the most easterly motel, TransCanada Motel ($60). Kanji lubricated the brake cable on Susie's bike, and changed the brake shoes on his. Shortly after Danny, Shirley, Shelley, Devon and Mya arrived. We went to the Oriental Garden for dinner; a great meal of Japanese and Chinese style food. The we got some ice cream and went back to the room for dessert and talk. Mya entertained us with her energy. We plan to get up early have breakfast and then head off in our own directions.


Day 5, May 29, Kamloops-Salmon Arm-Sicamous km 469, 137 km today.

Danny knocked on the door at 6, so he, Shirley, Susie and Kanji went for breakfast at Harold's Family Restaurant. We had their special of 4 French toast, two eggs, two sausages, and bacon. With all the food last night Kanji had to get Susie to help finish breakfast. After returning to the motel, we packed and said our goodbyes. It was raining and about 12 on leaving; eventually the rain stopped for a while. The road to Chase was perfect- flat smooth- which allowed us to make good time. We arrived in Salmon Arm at about 2 so we decided to continue on to Sicamous. The ride to Sicamous was up and down but generally very good; the traffic was steady but considerate. Susies bike started to act up along the way. A dose of chain oil help one problem but she started to have difficulty shift her front derailleur into low. Kanji spent about an hour getting instructions from the internet, and then adjusting it. He had to raise the unit, adjust the stop screws and let out the cable a bit. After showers we went for food and then back to have a rest.