Two Wheel Simplicity and the KVR

 2 Wheel Simplicity and the KVR

The Kettle River Bridge at the Prov. park

Warm weather forecasts and the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) have always been motivating factors in choosing our cycling destinations. Last winter we didn't get the riding in that we wanted while down south so we were wanting to get at it with a choice of options this spring.

We've always used cycling as part of our conditioning program for motorcycle trips of extended durations and since we are planning to send our motorcycle back over to Europe for some extended trips this will both allow us to get back in shape and enjoy a change of scenery and weather.

Now there are some E-bikes around the smaller trail head lengths. We get a sense from what we've seen that many of the people are expecting smooth  packed trails and aren't up for the actual riding of less than perfect trail conditions and less than 'in shape' riders. Our advice would be to be honest with yourself, know what your fitness level really is, and the range of your E Bike, as well as gauge the types of trail conditions you will encounter and ride within your limits. 

This time round we also wanted to catch some BC provincial park camping before the summer season gets crazy. Back in 2003 we did the KVR back country cycling, camping and cooking from Midway to Penticton in 3 days and were quite familiar with the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) of which the KVR is a part. This time we use our camping rig to get us around and select the provincial parks and sections of cycling trails we want to do. By the end we did over 170 kms. 

Here's how it went.

Rock Creek/Kettle River PP.(KRPP)

After a night of testing out one of the Hedley Recreation sites on the Crowsnest Pass, which was good by the way, we headed to Rock Creek and the  KRPP. BC's provincial park system since Covid has seen a huge increase in demand. So if you don't have reservations this is a park that has some very good 1st come 1st serve sites. Arrive before the weekend and you can be assured of getting a spot during weekend high demand times. 

The KVR here is part of our first 2003 trip where we started in Midway and we enjoyed the access to the Kettle River and it's bridge. Also it is 7.5 kms out of Rock Creek which is where the Gold Rush in Canada first started and headed north. The campground is great and the trails are fairly decent, some still with much loose sand and gravel and eroded stone. Back in '03 we were so attracted to the river access

Day Use PicnicArea

there we stopped in 33C heat and jumped in the water with our riding gear on.  This year as you can see the river is still very high and swift.Keep in mind a bonus to this location is that the old Rock Creek cafe has excellent soft ice cream cones. We're in!

So we build our distance and endurance in a 3 day segment package with 18 -21- and 25 km rides with varying terrain and surfaces, some with hill climbs that the KVR doesn't have, and paved  highway sections to increase distances to destinations,. There is a new Visitor Centre abour 2 kms east of the town, weirdly placed but a beautiful spot to get information.

Our second day ride saw us head north from the park, encountering a ford of Ed James Creek which was running high and our turn around point at Westbridge. Most E bikes didn't venture across the creek and returned to the campground.

Our last day there we rest as our plan is to do a larger and more difficult segment and change locations. We also head to the Golf Course for a good late lunch and enjoy a very nice warm afternoon with friends Carol and Glen who have a gorgeous 41 Ford truck, shortened and pulling a small Boler trailer.

McCulloch Station and Myra Canyon

So the Crown jewel of the KVR has  always been the Myra Canyon segment  as it's both an engineering marvel from the 1860's with it's labyrinth of trestles and tunnels and it's altitude (4180 ft) and views of Kelowna to Summerland. 

A few years back we had done a day excursion from Kekuli Bay to ride it in early June and found the back road to get up to the 'park' area to be quite a challenge for a vehicle so I looked for an alternate access in. It was also quite cool with snow up on the trail at that time. This year it was 19C when we rode it. If you come over Hwy 33 to Kelowna there is a high country gravel road in to Hydraulic Lake and a back country campground about 4 kms off the Hwy. For seniors the cost is $7.50 a night. Look up Hydraulic Lake campsite. The road in is well marked.

We arrive there by 10:00 am and set up the bikes for the ride in. Sandra has lunch made and ready to go. As it's cool we dress a bit warmer and ride the first part with our jackets on. I know we're in for a 40 km ride or so, in and back out. We're disappointed at the trail condition as we start as we are met with a series of ponds that have filled in the trail and we have to detour to the road for about 1.5 kms. More water filled pot holes will persist later on but at least we can ride through them or skirt them.

Next we start to encounter trees down across the trail. They have been cut somewhat but still the trunks range in diameter from 4 to 8 inches so we have to watch our speed. Over the 15 kms in, and of course back later we have to negotiate crossing about 20-25 trees without stopping. We really see the benefit of our 29" diameter wheels with 2.10" width and suspension for dealing with this. We rode with tire pressures a bit more than we could have which would have made the ride a bit more comfortable. Some of the riders suggested under 30 psi...  

Myra Station Sign Post

Our smiles became pretty big when we hit the Myra canyon segment. 

 The hustle and bustle of so many pedestrians and riders on the trail network on a Monday was surprising but everyone was cool about  sharing passage on some of the trestles where only the center of the trestle is covered for bikes to ride. Stunning scenery, snow still up on the peaks in the distance, and lots of people out enjoying this jewel of the Okanagan region made our day.

Myra Canyon ahead, and snow topped mtns! 4180 ft

The Famous curved trestle across the canyon

Rough and ready riding today!

Kekuli Bay

Next stop is our 3 days at Kekuli Bay provincial park about 12 kms south of Vernon on Lake Kalamalka. Daytime highs are in the mid-30's C with full sun and are just spectacular. We are near the top of the park with our reservation spot which is great for views but a challenge at the end of the day to cycle up after a long day ride. We do two days of riding there and each day we come back and actually are able to swim in the lake. June 6th! Amazing! On the second day of riding here my conditioning is feeling quite good and I 'draft' a group of three riders for several kms. and then stop and wait for Sandra to catch up. A short time later we end up catching up to the group who have stopped to rest and drink water. They begin to start up again and I'm able to pass them and sustain a lead on them as well as another slower group all the way back to the turn-off at Kekuli with leads of 1-2 mins for the faster group and 4 minutes for the slower ones. I'm pumped to be able to stick with a group in their late 40's. Looks like my muscle memory is back, and Sandra is killing it as well. In some later riding she is racing a kid up a steep climb and has closed the gap in our riding to just  1/2 a minute. We are seeing results! 

Omak and Rancho Chico

Sandra and I found this place a few years back on a recommendation from somewhere. We cross the border at Osoyoos and after some shopping in Omak we arrive at Rancho Chico's  at 11:30 am on Sunday. The place is almost full. I order the Chili Relleno/Enchilada platter and Sandra a Taco/Enchilada platter. The meals are great and plentiful. What I have always loved there is they do a cabbage salsa with taco chips and it is so good too! And after you are finished they bring out deep fried tortillas covered with a dollop of  strawberry ice cream covered in whipping cream and coated on top with strawberry sauce. You must stop here if you are on Hwy 97 in Omak. Main street 1/2 blk north of the traffic light. 

Birch Bay, Washington

Our last afternoon after finishing our re-supply of mexican foods and some shopping is at Birch Bay State Park. It is a warm 24C afternoon as we watch sailboats sail the Bay and kites flying on shore. What a beautiful end of the day and trip!