bicyclebeekThe final days have been a gentle unwinding, free of rude motorists, maniacal visitors, red ants, transvestites, precarious passages, or any grotesque or outlandish phenomena of any sort. For the most part I’ve been avoiding people in general, enjoying my final days of cycling and nights of fresh air and solitude before I’m enveloped by the rush and flurry of the city.
My route has taken me from Golden through Roger’s Pass to Revelstoke, where I camped in the bushes on the edge of town. From Revelstoke I cycled along winding lakeside roads to Vernon. There I stopped to enjoy three days of R &R with my Dad. I scouted out the city and surrounding area by bicycle and on foot. I appreciated the relax time to allow my overworked legs to recover before setting my sights south to higway three. My Dad escorted me on beautiful back roads to Kelowna, then left me to dice it up with highway traffic on my own. I powered through a 180 kilometer stretch, past Keremeos to a small town called Hedley, where I pitched my tent on a ridge above the highway. I was visited by a couple deer shortly before dark, and enjoyed a quiet night free of interuption. Another long day west from Hedley, over Allison Pass, and I was back in the Fraser Valley!
I camped in Hope and celebrated with the winning combination of pizza and beer, a real meal. In the world of food, there are limitless possibilites, medleys and mixes, mishmashes and minglings on measureless menus, but pizza and beer will never betray. I pledge allegiance to the pleasure of pizza, saucy and substantial.
The following day, fully satisfied, I blasted in to Chilliwack to visit my grandparents. We passed the evening catching up, and I was treated to a fantastic dinner at a nearby restaurant. As well I enjoyed a comfortable night’s sleep in a proper bed, and a great breakfast to start my day and grant me the energy to pedal my way into Langley. And here I am.
I’m now back in Greater Vancouver, visiting family while slowly working my way back into Burnaby. Thanks to all the family that have graciously provided food, shelter, and company on this final stretch of my trip!
I’ve been having a bit of trouble trying to post photos lately, but I hope to figure this out soon. I’ll post some pictures on this site as soon as possible for all those who wish to view them.
5 Comments so far
Leave a comment
You did it! Amazing! All the way around North America…holy cow dude. I know I sound like an idiot, but really. You should be so proud.
Comment by Erika September 25, 2009 @ 10:45 amIn the words of Ty Pennington:
Comment by tim September 29, 2009 @ 4:51 pm“I guess there is just one thing left to say. Welcome Home Derek, Welcome Home.”
CONGRATS!!!!!
Comment by rob September 29, 2009 @ 7:06 pmHELLO DEREK GOOD TO SEE THAT YOU MADE IT HOME . I ENJOYED VISITING WITH YOU IN LOUISIANA.I AM SURE YOU WILL BE GLAD TO REST AND VISIT WITH YOUR FAMILY. I HOPE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE WILL BE AS MUCH FUN AS THIS ONE WAS. GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE.
Comment by GARY HAVENS September 29, 2009 @ 9:37 pmHey
Comment by hanlie October 16, 2009 @ 10:16 amFaarking well done man that is so amazing! Glad you made it home ok. It’s another challenge to adapt to normal life, I tell you. And finding another adventure that wouldn’t be too much of a joke against this one is going to be difficult. One option offcourse is the freedom challenge in South Africa *hint hint*