Tuesday, Sept 8, 2009

I woke up early (a new theme for this tour) and was packed and loaded within 15 minutes. It was very cold out- only 2 degrees- but the sun was already shining brightly through the Rockies. After a quick breakfast I was back on the Trans Canada with apprehension by 8:30am. This was my last day on tour and my last in the mountains for another year.

I was in no mood for sightseeing today, I had a full day of riding ahead of me and I did not want to be on the highway much past dark. I cruised past Lake Louise and Banff, stopped quickly in Canmore for fuel, sped through Cochrane to avoid Calgary traffic, and finally took a break once I reached Drumheller. This is also where I stopped for a quick lunch and some water.

I had spent the entire morning riding as quickly as I could, and the mountains that were all around me for the past 20 days were now just a memory, and golden fields were now the only scenery I was to enjoy. I was amazed at the sky, however. I seemed to forget how big the prairie skies are. It really did feel good to be back in familiar surroundings.

Anybody who has travelled between Calgary and Saskatoon will tell you how monotonous and painful that ride is. I plodded on until I reached Hanna, at which point I realized that I had only gone half way! I summoned all of my energy and kept on going, stopping every 100km for a short break for water and to break up the trip somewhat.

Several hours later, I found myself outside Saskatoon at 8:30- exactly 12 hours from the time I first set out in BC this morning! It was very good to be home, and as I approached the city I knew that the holiday was over. Tomorrow would be a full day of work, and I would be back to my usual routine (although I really don’t seem to have a routine anymore!).

As the sun set on the prairie horizon behind me, so too did the sun set on the Little Miss Sunshine Tour 2009. I sighed knowing that I would not be back on the open road for another year, but I was happy in the knowledge that I had great memories, pictures, stories, and new wines to enjoy all winter.