Mission Control...
This is Eco1...
Happy to report we've arrived in Penticton!
With shower and laundry facilities at hand, we'll lose our backcountry ways in no time and be ready for our school presentation tomorrow in tip top shape.
The entrance to Penticton was the best - a long, steep downhill that went on and on. I tested this Econaut's piloting skills to the maz with high speed tight turns and a transport truck behind. Glad the EcoRocket isn't equipped with a speed-o-meter.
Riding through the mountains has so far been hours Of hard, boring labour on the climbs followed by moments of teeth-gritting terror on the high-speed down hills. At certain speeds the EcoRocket and EcoPod trailer get into a speed wobble that is very hard to control. Certain death can be only an instant away on some mountain roads without guard rails.
So far passing cars and trucks have given us plenty of room. It's amazing the number and variety of people who will wave or honk in support along the way. It's mostly smiles and laughs. The more laughs the better!
We met two fine gentlemen in Hedley, BC this afternoon who showed us an alternate route through the remaining Rockies which would avoid the deadly Kicking Horse Pass. It's the old wagon train route that cuts south at Revelstoke. We're seriously considering this alternate route as Kicking horse may be impassable on a velomobile.
Sorry for the lack of pictures, folks. I'll be sending them on to Rusty soon. And there's bears!
I'd just like to make a special mention of the top shelf team back at HQ. Skipper, Rusty, and Doc are the best team an Econaut could ever hope for. When the going gets tough on this Kids Can 2007 expedition across Canada, they go above and beyond everytime. Thanks, fellas.
That's all for now, Skipper. Hope all's well.
Signing off for the night, Mission Control...
This is Eco 1... Over and Out.
-- Major Dude
Sent from my BlackBerry device on the Rogers Wireless Network
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3 comments:
Consider that brake cables will wear and snap under mountain loads. Check for fraying where cables join or move. Your feet will not stop you on high speeds or in gravel, as well could get caught in a pot hole. Also, one broken brake cable will pull HARD in the opposite direction. Ejection may be required while under duress at high speeds, prepare emergency exit strategy.
Eco 1... This is Mission Control....
Roger your safe arrival at the Penticton docking station. Congratulations, Econauts!
Copy that on the Hedley, B.C. advice RE diverting to the Old Wagon Train route south of Revelstoke; although Kicking Horse Pass has excellent fair-trade coffee, Mission Control is in full support of any trajectory change which will enable Eco 1 to reach their next checkpoint with the utmost of safety and efficiency.
A special thanks goes out to any and all of those who honk and wave their support of the Econauts along the way. Especially the bears!
Rest well, Econauts. You've earned it!
Eco 1... This is Mission Control...
Over and OUT.
Thanks for the OK on considering the alternate route, Skipper. Need to think this one through. I understand it's beautiful country down there.
Kent,
Sorry for not responding earlier. All your points are well taken. We hope to visit a bike shop today for a tuning. We've already lost one bolt on the right front disk brake and the need to be monitored for tightening. The brake pads are a bit worn,but holding. We managed to adjust the back tire wobble beside the road (30 km west of the checkpoint). Had to because the tire began to wear against the rear derailer arm.
Did you know I glue old car tire rubber to the bottom of my golf shoes? Also, the ejection scenario is unlikely as it is very difficult to get out of the velomobile in the event of Emergency.
-- Major Dude
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