13 July - As Bob struggles, Gary saves the day

Hope to Manning Park 70km (598km total).

Well today definitely lived up to the hype. There was no chance of a warm-up as the climb started right out of Hope which sits at 42m above sea level. 20km later it leveled out for a while at Sunshine Valley. I wasn't expecting much in the way of stores today so was pleasantly surprised when I stopped at the RV park there and found a small shop. The next 15km or so were rolling but the heat was already brutal, BC is currently in the middle of a heat wave with temps 8-10 degrees celcius above average. Then the climbing started again, I was pretty sure I would be walking at some stage today but decided that as long as I was above 5km/hr I would stay on the bike. Whilst Bob dragged painfully behind my relationship with my granny gear, who I have decided to call Gary grew considerably. I became adept at identifying shady spots on the side of the road to stop, however much I drank I was still thirsty (I was carrying an extra 3 liters of water today) but I was peeing and the small pleasure of a brief stop and taking off my helmet, gloves and shoes was more important than you can imagine. Although I got very close I did not walk, thanks in no small part to Gary. I am still finding it hard to eat enough during the day, partly due to the heat and relied on a variety of snacks (including for the first time goldfish, timbits and

Nutella wraps). 

Just when I was starting to feel nauseous and worried the up would never end I saw a small sign at the side of the road which every motorist was flying past, it read Allison Summit 1342m. 60km, 4.5hrs in the saddle at an ave of 12.9km/hr I had made it. For my Britiish friends that is like riding up Ben Nevis!! (and if I were to ride this 5500km from England, I would clear Europe and be well in Kazakstan!!).

Almost immediately it was downhill and 10km later I arrived at Manning Park Lodge. I treated myself to a (single) hostel room for $35, I think I had earned a bed. Again I was not expecting much in the way of amenities so a small onsite store with lemonade, choc milk and chips almost brought me to tears!! I was going to ride another day before taking a rest day but will probably stay here tomorrow instead, rest, go for a swim etc.

The only picture that mattered today.