Waking up, I could hear the rain still falling as it tip-tapped on the metal of the air conditioning unit. It was forecast to ease as the morning progressed so saw little use in rushing out and made the most of the warmth and dryness of the motel room. The skies to the north eventually began to brighten up so rolled out about 10am and made the push for the border.

 

The final stretch of US soil was fairly unassuming, as was the border station itself which resembled more of a toll booth. I had all the usual questions about how long I’d be in Canada etc. but showing up on a bike seemed to slightly confuse the border agent who even asked me questions about my ‘vehicle’ - which was strange given the number of cyclists that pass through this crossing. 

 

Safely into Canada the route took a classic ACA meander to avoid a section of highway. But at least the dirt roads remained rideable despite all the rain. I’d then criss-cross various bits of highway before getting on a proper service road running parallel to the Elk River, which took me up to Fernie Mountain Resort where I’d arranged to stay with Reuben. 

 

Despite only meeting once (which we worked out was at least 15 years ago) he was incredibly welcoming and generous. Showered and with laundry on, he asked if I wanted to go up the mountain for a tour. Not only this, I got to ride in one of the ATVs I’d seen people using throughout the trip - even if he did have to sweet talk the security guy to let us borrow it. Drove up to the top of the chair lifts for some amazing views over town and surrounding mountains before heading back to his for dinner.  

 

Really nice to chat about his life in Canada and the things he’s done and places he’s explored. He’s done a very similar trip to the rest of my ride, but on his motorbike. So I was able to get some intel on things along that route.