Cycling Across Canada – Kicking back in Kamloops

Kicking back in Kamloops is just what my body needed as I cycled across Canada.  I had already cycled over 400 kms and I hurt from head to toe!

photo courtesy of Tourism Kamloops

I booked into the old Kamloops Courthouse, built in 1909.  At the time of my trip, it was a Hosteling International Youth Hostel, having opened its doors to tourists in 1992.  Apparently this was short lived as an internet search showed that it is now a Cultural Centre.  Truly a shame as it had wonderful common areas including the lounge and dining rooms which were old court rooms.  Looks like the Sun Peaks International Hostel is still open at the ski hill.  I never made it out there to check it out.

With domestic duties out of the way (clean clothes and groceries always high on the list of priorities) – it was time to relax.  I headed out to have a massage – work the kinks and climbs out of my legs – could have stayed there all day!  Another pledge to myself – regular massages.  (Funny enough – even though I pledged this to myself, this was the only massage I took advantage of for my entire trip!)

Next stop – the Indian Reserve Museum – Secwepemc Native Heritage Park, but it wasn’t meant to be.  Closed!  Heard it was excellent – unfortunately, didn’t have time to go back.

I missed my chance to go in - photo courtesy of http://www.secwepemcmuseum.com

Searing temperatures and the need to kick back and rest, it was time to hit the movie theatres – or should I say, time to enjoy some air conditioning!  I was not prepared for the heat in town.  At least riding my bike generated my own natural fan to keep me cool!

Thankfully, I ran into a couple of guys from Toronto who were also cycling across Canada.  A little help in the mechanical department was in order – and my brakes were back to functioning properly!  They may never know how grateful I was for their help – what a difference!

I never ran into my new found friends again, but was thrilled to hear that there were a number of people doing exactly what I was doing – pedal to the highway across Canada.  I had been riding completely on my own and was looking forward to running into other cyclists.  I also learned that there are organized tours that go coast to coast.  If riding alone isn’t for you – check them out – Tour du Canada.  I never ran into their group, but heard about them at campsites along the way.

Kicking back in Kamloops was great – but the need to hit the road kept my stop short.  It was only one day of rest before continuing to cycle.