Ride on, Highway Cat !!: DAY 1: SX4, Dash 8, Surly Long Haul Trucker...

Tues. July 19, 2016

Drive to YVR (25 km), Fly to YXC (535km by crow), bike to Lazy Bear Lodge (15 km)

Well, I must say that this morning didn't start out as I would have liked. I stayed up super late the night before and woke up tired as hell and somewhat hung over. My friend (and driver) Tanya and I were chatting, eating pizza and having some "wobbly pops" as time ticked the night away...

Even though we were both toast, it was really great to have help getting set up at the airport. Of coarse there was the usual "rigumroll" associated with bike box protocol. Despite my efforts to become an expert on the Air Canada baggage specifications, I found myself angry and confused yet again. After paying extra fees that didn't add up to me, it was time to see my favourite people in the airport. The BST, (Baggage Security Trolls). These humanoids are good at what they do. Unfortunately, they lack the synapses required to access the common sense area of the noodle. Having a home made bicycle crate designed to allow easy inspection was lost on these life forms.

Anyway, after almost losing my passport in the security check line up, I found my way to gate 38.
It was a very long trek. I have never been to this wing of YVR. It was a strange feeling to board my "Dash 8" aircraft from the tarmac. A 737 it wasn't.
I was excited about the flight as I took my window seat.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end...
BOOM!! A large female human plopped into the seat next to me. Like "Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind" I would have gladly accepted a "Seat Encroachment Fee". (maybe 20%)

Anyway, the airport was small and quiet which I enjoyed. Also had tons of space to set up Shirley and gear but had problems filling my water bottles. Weird. Anyway, the 15 km ride to the town of Cranbrook was a bit scary. The access road from the airport was nice, but a downhill section of the 95 S. was a bit crazy. Just bad timing.

The Lazy Bear Motel was OK.
Cool owner. I wondered why I had so much extra time. I assumed that I was on Mountain time. My friend Kerry texted me in confirmation of this. I used the extra hour to drink more beer. Ha ha.