Day 5 - Grand Forks to Trail 130.9 km

Submitted by Stan Shaw

Hi everyone, this is a very quick note to say, we've made it in Grand Forks. Everyone is safe, and we've had a wonderful time so far. I loved Kitty's brief account.  I'll write more soon, as I have a ton of photos to share, and some very interesting information I learned about Cystic Fibrosis, which will be part of my account.  However, right now, I need to get some rest.

Stan at the top of Paulson Summit, after his first ascent up the mountain.  My eyes are a bit swollen from road debris as the latter third of this massive climb was under road construction.  Feeling GREAT, though!

Like many riders, I"m feeling stronger each day.  It's remarkable what the human body can achieve, even at my age, soon to be 54 (in August!).  But I cannot help but be grateful for health and strength to do this incredible ride, and for the privilege of riding for Roman, Madison and Hailey (click on the link to learn about them), who I think of often.   Someday, I hope, with the possibilities of research that can not only save their lives, but improve their quality of life as well, perhaps they can do a ride like this some day.  I can dream of this, knowing what Margaret Benson, who also has Cystic Fbrosis, did only last Sunday with her husband Brian, in conquering Allison Pass on Manning Park.  If you have not read about it, here's the link to our Journal account.  With your help to support Cystic Fibrosis research, we can give these kids the best chance they have of achieving their own dreams, and experiencing adventures that will, no doubt be every bit as wonderful as this ride is for us.

<--Our route today, plotted by my bike's Garmin GPS.  The team's distance was about105km, but I did a bit more, making my total distance 130.9 km today. Calories consumed on the ride 4,657. You can imagine how hungry I was tonight! For details, click here.  

My personal elevation profile.  The steep rise, starting at 26 km outside of Christina Lake is the ascent up Paulson Pass, a massive climb. 


But, wait... there's TWO identical peaks in that profile! - ?? .  The reason is, I went partway back down the mountain (at around 58 km) after achieving the climb as one of the lead riders, then rode up again with several others in the group. My Garmin GPS faithfully plotted the result.  


Here's a more representative elevation profile of the route our team did, from my journal last year.

Jill and Bob Payne, on reaching Nancy Green Summit, the second major peak of the ride (at just under 80 km).  It's been so great to have them riding with us this year-->  

On arriving in Trail, we were taken out for a lovely dinner by the local Kinsmen association.  The support we received from these wonderful people is so appreciated.

<--Sunset in Trail. Those clouds look ominous.  I hope that doesn't mean rain tomorrow.




There's more to come tomorrow night, after we reach Creston!!!   For now, however, I simply must get some rest.  We have a hard climb tomorrow on our way to Creston,  one of the most difficult of the entire tour.  Please think of us.  


- Stan


Would you like to sponsor a favorite rider? Click on their name anywhere on this journal to open their "bio" on the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation GearUp4CF web site, click on the button "Sponsor this Rider", and you will join our team!