Day 13: right back where we started from in Campbell River 

Total trip distance: 810 kilometers
Total ascent: 11,784 meters – or 38,661 feet
10 stiches….
7 flat tires…. 
6 bears….. 
1 hike…
1 broken finger… 

I made a novel type of cookie last night which could only be described as flip over maple SOMA chocolate cookies. Apparently, they were actually really good (but what else would you expect when you put in 50$ worth of choco). Good night sleep with the smell of horse manure wafting in through the windows. Today dawned another Bluebird Day. Breakfast was bubble and squeak. We then got on the road with an awesome ride that took us along the ocean. The last 10 kilometers of the ride was hardcore mountain biking with loose chunky rock and super steep up, super steep down. Farid was driving today – and he and Will parked the vehicles and backtracked by bike so we could do the last 5 km as a team.  

We rolled into Campbell River with a tremendous feeling of accomplishment. What an awesome journey we’ve had on this ‘tree to sea’ adventure. I recommend it strongly if you’re interested in a tough grueling bike ride in exceptional West Coast surroundings. 

Rob and Will were a dynamic duo on this trip. Rob as a guide, through thick and thin, first aid, flat tire change and bear protection, singing on trail and just a generally awesome positive attitude. Look him up for an excellent biking adventure (Yamnuska). Will was like a leprechaun in camp. He always had the camp set up for us when we arrived, including the ‘doghouse’ where I stayed. He was also responsible for most of the menu/cooking – and the food was outstanding. Given that he is a ginger, he had a wicked sense of humour.

Tomorrow, we catch the ferry and head up to Squamish where we will move on to the next phase of our journey… hoping for good weather and the opportunity to do some climbing. Suneet continues to be missed on the journey. Apparently over the first 3 days of riding, she ended up getting a number of awesome nicknames. I think my favourite was as an uphill climber she was called Suneet slam. 

Travel day tomorrow, we’ll report in on arrival in Squamish.

Heather