July 8, 2025
The Bicycle Station - CANADA (Baynes Lake)
I lay around in my tent for as long as I could this morning, knowing it was going to be a short ride day. When I couldn't stand it any longer (0615), I got up and made coffee on the TBS' very nice wee kitchen, and ate some fresh huckleberries from the fridge. Yum!
Sharing the site with me were 4 SoBo riders, and it was clear they were all still a little anxious about this big ride they had committed to. Well, except for the guy finishing in Whitefish, who played me a recording of his misbehaving gear hub. He may still be walking to Whitefish as I write this!
I chatted with a guy from Seattle, and he described Eureka as half redneck and half hipster. I was hoping for a breakfast with espresso, so listened carefully to his description.
On a more political note he said the current state of affairs was planned and being implemented since the Reagan administration, so a very long game. An interesting chat.
Jax cafe did not have an espresso machine, but did make me a reasonable eggs bennie. I collected crackers and cheese from the market and then it was my last 15km on US roads.
Total distance in USA: 4274 km / 2654 miles
The border crossing took about 20 minutes - there was a queue - I got my passport stamped, and rode into Canada.
The day had turned warm, and I had a tailwind. On a long down hill one of my rear spokes broke. As this is the wheel taking all the weight, I pondered the likely impact of one less spoke.
After arriving in Baynes Lake, I called a bike shop in Fernie for advice and to book the patient in for tomorrow. The mechanic advised that the highway ride should not cause any damage, but be careful in the road tunnel!
So, Fernie for breakfast it is, and I already have the address of a coffee roaster.
Today's ride: 70 km (43 miles)
Total: 4,308 km (2,675 miles)
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