US and Canada Tour

Roz and Stan's big trip for 2015

Sat 4 Jul 2015

Avalanche Creek to St. Mary (Going-to-the-Sun Highway)

Today:57km Total:2622km

Up at 4.30am to tackle the big mountain with the beautiful views that is the 'Going-to-the-Sun' highway.

The 'Going-to-the-Sun' highway was a massive climb (20km uphill at a 6% gradient) and I struggled a bit huffing and puffing as I made my way up. I was feeling pleased with myself for being able to haul my 46-year-old ass over this mountain until I heard a chirpy voice behind me say 'Good morning'.

Rapidly approaching from behind on her own bicycle was a little old lady riding along as if it were a stroll in the park. She stopped to chat a little. She was 73 years old and travelling with a group of 18 'mostly retired' people who were also riding up the pass today.

As I caught my breath a little she whizzed on up the hill. OK.

Well, as I huffed and puffed further up this beautiful mountain road, most of the other friendly 'mostly retired' people also passed me at speed without a care in the world. So much for feeling pleased with myself. (I found out later that 'Super-Gran' also passed Stan at speed so I felt a bit better.)

Stan got to the top only 25 minutes before me (It took me about 3.5 hours to do the 20km steep uphill part).

We later met up with Arlene (Super-Gran) and her friends and joined them at their social where I got a pic.

We met them a few times over the next few days (often when they passed us yet again) and got to know them better. Their group is called 'Bicycle Adventure Club' and Rick, their leader on this trip was very friendly and welcoming.