At Hobbs Giroday we recognize the importance of adventure, play, health and giving a little back to the community. With those things in mind, David and Kathy Hobbs, with a few friends, rode their road bikes from Jasper, Alberta in the Rockies to B.C.’s coastal town of Prince Rupert. They left on June 6th and arrives in Prince Rupert June 18, 2015.
This 1100 kilometre cycling journey carried the message across B.C. on its support van to be aware of and donate generously to the VGH/UBC Hospital Foundation as the primary trauma care centre for all residents of B.C.
We are also honoured and grateful to acknowledge support from Dueck on Marine, VGH Foundation, Mr. Mikes Steakhouse Casual and Bigsnit Media.
Updates and photos from our ride below (You can also check here for additional posts).
June 18 update: Prince Rupert – we’ve arrived!
Smithers is an beautiful town in a gorgeous setting. A little like the Swiss Alps, so I’m told.
A little piece of heaven before Terrace is the old town of Hazelton, about 5 kms off the highway. This is where the Skeena and Bulkley rivers meet. Historically Hazelton was a trading and mining town. Much of the heritage has been preserved.
We pedalled from Smithers to Terrace and Terrace to Prince Rupert over the last 3 days. The ride along the Skeena River before Prince Rupert is magnificent with excellent riding conditions and great scenery. The early part of the road leaving Terrace lacks a suitable shoulder for cyclists. Numerous large trucks highballing for Prince Rupert make the early stretch to be avoided. The balance of the ride more than makes up for the early challenges.
People driving remain friendly, for the most part, extending a friendly honk or wave.
After more than a 1000 kms the ocean was a friendly sight.
It is amazing how far you can cycle in a day or a week and yet it does not seem that bad. Some days we had to retrace steps in our vehicle and the driving seemed longer than the cycling. It may be that when you are cycling you are fully engaged physically and mentally, and therefor, time flies by.
Now that we have arrived in Prince Rupert we will put up cycling gear for a day and see some sights. Saturday is the ferry ride to Port Hardy and then home.
PS neither Kathy or I had a single flat or bike issue for the whole ride.
Thanks to our sponsors VGH/UBC, Mr. Mikes, Duecks, Rack Stop and BigSnit for all the support.
June 15 update: Smithers
Our last few days we have travelled past signposts labelled Lakes and Rivers to Rivers and Trails to Heritage Discovery. We have experienced head winds, tail winds, sunburns and rain. Road conditions have included, no shoulder, beautiful smooth wide shoulders and completely chopped up, half gravel shoulders. The riding takes a lot of concentration.
Our group comprises 3 couples and driver. Our good friends Bill and Lynn Weymark are the trip organizers, Tom and Sue Kelly are our Okanagan neighbours and Rick Zhorbac from Hinton Alberta has been our amazing driver/support person. The Weymark plan including the van, accommodations, route and opportunity to raise awareness for VGH/UBC Hospitals as the major trauma hospital for the province has been fabulous.
All their pre-planning has paid off. Both Tom and Sue have overcome health challenges and today all 6 of us road. Rick has been amazing. He has such a sense of humour and knowledge of the communities. He is our roadie, motoring ahead to set up a picnic lunch for us. He is a master at preparing ham, cheese, pickle and tomato sandwiches. They are welcome fuel to set us on our way. All picnics have been at picturesque rest stops along the highway.
This province of ours is gorgeous. From the sharp jagged peaks of the Rockies, to the raging rivers, tranquil streams, farmlands, ranch lands dense forest and shimmering deciduous groves. We have seen moose, elk, bear, and deer. Today we stopped to smell the wild roses at the side of the road. This tour makes us proud to be British Columbian.
June 11 update: near Prince George
Day 3 and 4 are now in the record book. Tete Jaune Cache to McBride and McBride to 90 kms shy of Prince George. Tomorrow we drive back to where we stopped today and finish the leg into Prince George.
Tete Jaune Cache is a beautiful spot on the Fraser River. The riding is through a spectacular valley lined with farms. The road is good for cycling and we have been blessed thus far with good weather. Traffic has not been to heavy. McBride is a quaint town but, seems economically challenged with many homes and businesses for sale.
As you leave McBride the valley narrows, the road winds and there are many hills and long straight stretches. Virtually no buildings on the side of the road. The greatest challenge was a high wind pushing us backwards as we headed towards Prince George. Day 4 was by far the toughest riding day so far because of the relentless easterly wind in your face gusting to 30 mph.
90 km more tomorrow back into Prince George and then off to Vanderhoof and points beyond. PR or Bust.
June 9 update: Tête Jaune Cache
Left from Moose Lake at 8:00 am heading west. Mount Robson, the Rockies highest peak was in fine form warranting a stop and a few photo ops. Blue sky and a clear vista of Mount Robson right to the top.
The Fraser River runs alongside highway 16 emanating from the Columbia ice fields.
Road conditions and weather perfect until lunchtime. We stopped at Terry Fox mountain for a
bite.
We reached our next destination Tête Jaune Cache in good time. Only 970 ks to go.
Off to McBride tomorrow. Better to ride early before the wind picks up in the afternoon blowing in our faces. – David and Kathy
June 8 update: Jasper, Alberta
Day1 was a gorgeous 60 k leg from Moose Lake east into Alberta arriving in Jasper Park and the comforts of Jasper Park Lodge.
The Canadian Rockies impress you on every turn in the road. Beautiful streams running everywhere. Friendly long haul drivers who move over as they rumble past.
I think the bright green vests and lights on our bikes make us quite visible. There was plenty of bike lane room and good pavement. One stretch was new pavement with no lines.
You certainly see things differently from a bike. We saw a moose and calf, as well, a bear.
Feeling good about the first day and only 1040 k to go.
June 6, 2015: We are off !
