Trip
Reports
Bike
Trip - TCT Across BC:
1.Vancouver
Island
2.West Vancouver
to Coquitlam
3.Coquitlam to
Albion Ferry
4.Albion Ferry to
Cultus Lake
5.Keith Wilson
Bridge to Hope
6.Hope to Princeton
7.Princeton to
Penticton
8.Penticton to
Creston
9.Creston to Alberta
border
7.
Princeton to Penticton (July 13 - 14, 2001)
Day 1 - July 13, 2001
The section between Princeton and Penticton was pleasant to ride. Along
the way I caught glimpses of deer, yellow-bellied marmots, ground squirrels,
chipmunks, snakes, toads, and numerous varieties of bird (including hummingbird).
The terrain consisted of arid grasslands and forested hillsides. There
were Engelmann spruce, Ponderosa pine, and striking stands of Aspen. The
weather for the weekend was ideal for cycling. Clouds circled overhead,
but with the exception of a light sprinkle, I never had to ride in the
rain. I rode with day gear, as Christine was joining me along the trail
each evening. For the day I always carried a first aid kit, 4 extra liters
of water, bike repair kit, rain gear, food, emergency items (knife, fire
starting material, etc.)
Princeton (8) to Bankier {Roxy's Bed&Breakfast
& (13)}: 4.5 hours
(#8 refers to checkpoint in guidebook)
The bike ride from Princeton to Bankier was quite pleasant. The grade
is a steady 2% uphill climb. The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) rail bed
that I followed was well marked. The surface was hard packed gravel most
of the way. As I approached Link Lake near Bankier the surface became
soft for a short section. Along the way I crossed a few bridges and passed
through a very cool tunnel. Most of the gates indicating private farms
were very easy to pass through. They were modern, latch gates that allowed
me to remain on my bike. The gate simply shut behind me. This certainly
saved me time.
I recommend carrying water along this section. There are a few ponds,
though I would not trust them because of all the cattle in the area. The
lakes that I passed were far off the trail. I did cross a few creeks,
but again, it is better to have some extra water with you. I like to use
a 4-liter dromedary that fits into my pannier.
A short distance after passing chain lake (difficult to see from trail)
I crossed the Penticton / Summerland Road. The surface is soft just before
reaching this road. About 100 meters pass the road I came to Roxy's Bed
and Breakfast (250-295-3337 / email: roxys@nethop.net) This makes a great
place to stay the night. Rick was very friendly and makes an awesome breakfast!!
There are three cabins and areas to pitch your tent. You can enjoy a relaxing
bath or shower followed by a nap in the hammock. I should mention that
Rick is selling his place, but hopefully the new owner will continue what
Rick has started here.
Across the road from Roxy's is the 3 Lakes General Store and 'hub' of
Bankier. They offer a small country store, café, and public telephone.
We dined there and were entertained by Lenny 's stories. Lenny is the
self appointed mayor. What I remember most about this store is the fact
that it was being run (at least that night) by a boy of 12 years old.
He was running back and forth between the store and café taking
orders, selling chips, scooping ice cream, clearing tables. If you want
to get the 'skinny' on this little town, this is the place to hang out.
A short distance pass Roxy's is Link Lake and Osprey Lake. Both offer
opportunities for fishing, swimming or just plain lounging.
Day 2 - July 14, 2001
Bankier {Roxy's Bed&Breakfast & (13)} to
Penticton (22): 7 hours
The East end of Osprey Lake marks the highest elevation point between
Princeton and Summerland. From this point onward, I enjoyed a 2% downhill
ride most of the way to Penticton. Along the way there are a few detours
to get around unfinished trestles, but the trail is always well marked.
I still recommend carrying 3 to 4 liters of water for this section. East
of Osprey Lake is Thirsk Lake which offers picturesque free campsites.
At Fauler Station (19) you can stay the night at Joyce Parsons brand new
Trout Creek Campsite. It is next to her home. Right now it is still being
built, but she can offer places to pitch your tent. In the future she
has plans to off food, etc at this location. Joyce is actively involved
with the KVR and TCT in her area. Email Joyce at d&jparsons@telus.net
or contact her by telephone at 250-494-4130.
At Faulder Station I decided to cycle along the rail line (still in place)
that leads to the Rodeo Grounds. Having done this I would recommend you
follow the advice of the guidebook and detour off the KVR onto the road.
The route I chose was easy to follow of course but very slow going. It
is overgrown in places, the edge of the rail bed I rode on was soft, and
I was constantly crossing the tracks to find a better place to ride.
At the Rodeo grounds you need to pay attention. Enter the main grounds
and immediately turn left. Follow the perimeter of the fence and you will
pick up a TCT sign within 100 meters. The section between the Rodeo Grounds
and Summerland is TCT signed, though usually just at intersecting trails.
When you are cycling through the Rodeo Grounds on your way to Summerland
you will have the fence immediately to your left. To the left of the fence
is an irrigation flume running towards Summerland. To the left of the
flume is another fence and on the other side of this fence is the active
KVR.
This section of trail is the slowest. The surface is soft and pock marked
by the many horses that use it. At one point you will come to a small
trail that leads down to a TCT gazebo. From this vantage point you will
have a sweeping vista of the valley below.
I was glad to be back on a hard packed surface when I left the Summerland
Trail. The remaining Summerland-Penticton Trail is a series of mostly
paved roadways leading into Pencticton. Highway 97 running alongside the
magnificent Okanagan Lake has a wide shoulder for riding. The rock formations
opposite the highway are quite breathtaking and you will find your ride
into Pencticton goes by quickly. I finished the day by reaching the Visitor's
Information Centre that supplies free maps of the KVR (part of the TCT)
leading out of town, plus information on things to do in the area.
PICS
Erris Tunnel
Roxys Bed and Breakfast
Tiny birds nesting
in a train car.
Rail bed east of Faulder
Station.