Climbing Mountains | Cycling Across Canada, BC Ep.5 | Allison Pass, EC Manning Park
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- Опубліковано 17 вер 2024
- Allison Pass, EC Manning Park, BC, was the first mountain I climbed while on my cross-Canada bicycle tour. It was a physical and mental challenge that left me depleted, but also showed me that it is possible and achievable, even if I wasn't physically ready for it at the moment. In this video, I share it all, the good, the bad and the ugly. It was important for me to capture all my physical and emotional struggles as all too often we just see the end result, the elation of reaching the summit. But the struggles of climbing mountains are real and need to be shared as well.
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Never too Late - @n2l_xcanada (IG)
Rico - @ricoslongwalk (IG) | www.ricoslongwalk.com
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Hi, this is Robin from the Rolling Pin Bakery in Hope BC. I've been watching your travels since we met in Hope. You are a strong woman and you've got this! Stay safe and happy travels.
Hello Robin! Thanks for watching. That bakery was a special stop for me!
I know it was a bad moment for you there. But documenting that…one of the best bits of footage I’ve ever seen on UA-cam.
Thank you. I thought it was important to show as climbing mountains at the beginning of any tour, is just plain hard.
I just wanted to say, I can't believe how strong you are to be able to do such a climb AND accept being vulnerable and showing your progress to us. These are no easy tasks and it shows that we are more capable than we thing we are. You are an inspiration and I definitely want to walk in your footsteps some day.
Thank you very much. It was important for me to capture the reality of this first climb. I wanted to show all the emotions, because the day was an up and down journey (on so many levels).
So inspiring! I love the fact that you just decided take as many breaks as you needed, and your attitude was completely positive. BRAVO!
Oh thank you. We have our own strategies, don't we. I had to do whatever worked.
I feel your pain. Thanks for being so open and honest about your tough day.
Thank you.
Oh Agnieszka, my heart hurt for you in that very emotional moment. As you reviewed this footage it must be so rewarding to see how far you have come! Way to go!
Thank you! Yes, that's exactly been the experience. It's amazing to see how far I've come and how much stronger I am now. But I'm stronger because of those experiences.
I like your videos, even though the kind of touring you do is very different from the kind I like to do. Self-support is probably very rewarding in many ways, but I just can't bring myself to attempt it--I don't have the courage. Lugging a tent, bedding, food, pots, pans, appliances...it'd kill me for sure. Today I finished up a 2-day trip across the State of Washington, and did it in my typical fashion, carrying only a smallish rear trunk bag with a change of clothes and a few of the usual maintenance tools, phone, charging brick, gel packs, etc. Traveling light and booking a hotel for the night, I managed a couple of 150-mile days that were pure bliss. When I reached my destination, I chucked the bike into the back of a rental truck, pointed it in the opposite direction, and here I am--feet up, showered, beer in hand, watching you suffer. :) Seriously, though, YUGE respect for all you do. I learn a lot from watching your channel. I bought my first "real" touring bike after watching your reviews of the Kona. It should get here in a few weeks, and who knows...I might try loading it up and dipping my toe in the self-support world. Thanks!
I'm not sure how I missed this comment. I'd like to say right off the bat that you do not have to feel compelled to change the way you travel by bike. If what you're doing works for you - then that's perfect! There's really no right or wrong way, just do what works for you, and as long as you enjoy it, it's the right way to do it.
You are an inspiration. So dedicated and strong!
Oh goodness. Thank you.
It's easy to show the highs. And very brave to show the lows. ❤️
That highway is why I don’t want to bike across Canada.
Last week I did a long bike ride on a lake. I overdid it, ran out of food and water and energy. I walked my bike but still felt like falling over. It was awful and for the first time I worried about not being able to get off the lake. I’d freeze to death if I didn’t though so I had no choice but to keep going. I did think about flagging down a passing snowmobile but by that point I was only a km from shore so figured I could at least make that distance (then 700 m to my house from there). But I didn’t go cycling again for five days. I felt burned out. I couldn’t imagine having to cycle again the next day. I’m in awe of your perseverance.
Hwy 3 is one option out of Hope, but you wouldn't have to take it if you rode across Canada.
Your experience was A LOT more scary than mine. It's amazing that you got home safely and have a story to tell as a result. Adequate fueling is so important and I find that experiences such as the one you and I had, remind us to eat and eat well!
@@WheelsonaBike Not as scary as when I fell through the ice last year into a pressure crack and was treading water for five minutes trying to get out (I couldn't as now my backpack and clothing were soaked and I was too heavy). As I rolled to start stripping off clothing so I would weigh less and maybe could pull myself out my legs hit the underwater portion of the ice and I was able to push myself far enough up the slope of the pressure crack that I could grab the top and roll the rest of the way out of the water. Despite a prolonged dunking in the water and a 3 km bike ride back across the ice towards home, I didn't get cold. Too much adrenalin probably.
This is adventure of a different level. Amazing that you were able to get yourself out and cycle back home. Incredible.
Hey Agnieszka, This is the first of your videos I've watched, you've blown me away. Very powerful. I can't wait to view more episodes. Also awesome bike and set up. I'm envious.
Thank you! I'm glad you found the channel and the video. Hope you continue watching the upcoming episodes from the trip.
That sure looked like a difficult day, a real struggle, but you made it! That's awesome!
Thank you!
Well you are not afraid to tell like it is on your bike rides, that takes a lot of bravery on your part and you are a strong woman to challenge yourself. Brava... 👌👌😊😊
Thank you. I think showcasing the good along the challenging is important. It's be easy to just show the great, but that's not what touring is, it's a combination of many things.
Wow, such a roller coaster from excitement and optimism at the beginning of the day to the lows of forelorness and exhaustion. Even commuting home just 20km lare at night after not eating for only 8 hours (I had intended to pick up a Chinese takeaway but it had already closed) I know how my energy levels had crashed recently and with it my whole mood and positivity. Snacks are vital for cycling and even emergency full ration meals for the day even though you don't intend to have to use them. Always better looking at it than looking for it is my motto.
That's why I have so much stuff on my bike, in my car, my house and outside in the sheds. Just in case,
What... who, me, minimalist??? Don't be ridiculous!
That was a great lesson to learn. I totally underestimated how much I needed to eat and the impact food would have on my performance and my mood. I learned and I learned quickly.
during your toughest times you kept going. I hope when I take my trip that I remember the times it was tough for you and you kept on going. Thanks for posting the hard parts.
Thank you! Yes, there are always tough parts in any ride, and we always have a choice. We can keep going or just stop. Or pause. I used to tell myself "this is tough, but I can do tough things" and sometimes I'd cry through it. Type 2 fun at its best!
Yes. What Rick Urbanowski said. Bad moment but you documented it and as a result it makes your UA-cam video's fantastic. Great commitment, perseverance and sticking to it mentality. Congratulations on cycling UP to manning park. I've driven it before and it can't be easy to cycle up there.
Thank you very much for the kind words. I'm glad to have shared this very difficult, yet amazing experience as authentically and truthfully as possible.
Hello from Greece Athens.Your videos is great. I bought a Kona sutra two weeks ago and I am very excited. Keep going ...and have a safe trip.
Enjoy the bike. I just met another Kona sutra rider yesterday and we all seem to love our bikes. It's a great bike and I hope it serves you well.
Good for you, wish I could do this, stay safe and thanks for all the info, updates and pictures.
Thank you.
pray for you to get better soon.you are a strong woman.i will wait for your uploads. take it easy.
Thank you!
Oh Agnieszka thanks for your bravery showing us the whole story warts and all. I swear I could hear Lael Wilcox, Lee Craigie, Emily Chappell and Julianna Buhring, and Elly Blue cheering as you made it!! A protective barrier would be nice eh? I agree about the garbage! When I was a teen in Toronto, and I saw someone littering, I would rush up and say "Excuse me, you dropped this!" If they were still clueless I would say, ift hey didn't take it back I would say "Oh, I get it, you are too feeble to do it, so I'll just put it in the garbage can for you!" That might get me assaulted today! Thanks for sharing the FULL spectrum! Roll On!
Thanks Geoffrey! I appreciate the kind comment and the cheering squad! Love Lael Wilcox but am not familiar with the others. Will look them up. Yes, approaching people who drop garbage in Toronto may not be wise these days...
i got emotional too.were all with you.ride safe!regards from Japan
Thank you so much for watching! I appreciate it.
Oh my heart hurt when you cried. You are SO strong. We drove by Rico as well! And was fun to get a glimpse of N2L. Your enthusiasm is contagious Agnieszka, thank you for sharing your journey ❤
Oh, thank you. It was a really tough day, but it made me stronger as well. Rico was a delight. I shared a Campsite with him the next day and we had some good conversations.
Hello Agnieszka 😊First o all, thank you for documenting your whole trip for us! Such a tremendous achievement on its own, plus filming and editing... So much useful information! Thank you a lot. If you don't mind, I would like to get a piece if advice from you. I'm from Belgium, a beginner bike tourer (just a couple of thousands kilometers across England). Last couple of weeks I'm really thinking about coming to Canada somewhere in july, for three weeks or so, and ride from Vancouver eastwards. I was watching your and other cyclists' journeys in attempt to figure it out whether I should do my tour in Canada. The thing is, I'm extremely stressed by traffic noise, it's the worst thing for me while being on tour. I still can't really make a conclusion if it's the whole tour just loud, noisy and very-very busy on the roads the whole days through, like we see it in your video's or it's just seems like it. In videos of other cyclists it looks often so peaceful, calm en emty on the roads. I guess taking backroads, country roads etc, like I did in England would be just impossible due to lack of those in Canada. Sorry, for such a long comment. Travel safe! Greetings from Belgium.
Hello and thank you for your comment. Depending where you ride and what your bike setup is - the kind of bike you have and the tires, you can ride away from cars. If you have more of a trail riding, bikepacking, or a mountain bike setup, you can hop on parts of the Trans Canada Trail and there you'll be in the woods. I'm personally not comfortable riding in the wild by myself, but if you are, then there are options to keep off the highway. Note that it's not always possible to take the trail and sometimes the trail is the highway. The roads I took are considered "secondary", until I get to Manitoba - where I join the Trans Canada Highway - Hwy. 1, which is very busy.
But to be very frank - it's not possible to ride across Canada and stay away from car traffic. You can have peaceful and beautiful stretches, but then you will also have to ride along traffic. That's the reality.
Your on an epic journey, it will be hard, but hang in there. You will get it done. Greetings from west of Port Huron MI. Ed
Thank you for watching Ed.
Love watching your journey. Once you cross the rocky mountain know that the hardest part of your journey is done.
I'd argue that the Prairies were the hardest part of my journey. I'm just about done crossing them and they were much tougher than the Rockies for me. I much preferred the mountains.
Your dedication to your goal is remarkable, stay strong 👍🏼
Thank you.
Hi Agnieszka, the traffic was horrendous and so fast, the climb never ending, the emotions so high. Outstanding effort something to be proud off. Well Done and thank you for the brilliant video.
Thank you! Yes, the traffic was on a heavy side and the climb, well it was the longest climb I've done to date. But I did it and grew stronger as a result.
Someone said "It's hard to experience the highs in life without knowing what the lows feel like". I think you just found that out. Great job pushing through!
Exactly right! I wouldn't appreciate the highs if I didn't experience the lows.
Hills build good character! I start touring at 3am less traffic also I carry a small bag of empty beer cans to rattle and scare off the bears. Keep up the good work.
You're the second person I've "met" who's told me that they start riding that early. I recently met a cyclist at a warmshowers place that starts his rides at 4:30 am for the same reason. He also mentioned the wind is usually kinder in the morning.
Agnieszka , I remember the exact same route ( Hyw 3) starting from Hope B.C. Allison Pass , on my way up ,I met a couple also crossing Canada, ( they were from Granby, QC. ) Having started from Vancouver 3 days prior, my physical bike shape was non existing . I also remember vividly , my exhaustion arriving at Manning Parc Resort. I also remember sharing the last room available at the resort , with the couple I had met on Allison pass . Your video brought back many memories.
Amazing to hear that you had a somewhat of a similar experience. I think that unless you're in an exceptional physical (touring) condition, then this climb is a bit of a suffer fest.
Bonjour et bravo , car cette route est très très difficile , merci pour la jolie vidéo , je te souhaite une bonne continuation . A très bientôt .
Thank you for watching! It was a difficult one, but also one that taught me a lot.
@@WheelsonaBike Et oui , tu prend de l’expérience , c'est bien .
OMG what a tough day, glad that you got a nice place to sleep, easier than a tent after a long day of climbing, the traffic is mad , wishing you the best.
Thank you! Although I was really upset with myself for spending a huge amount of money on the suite, it was really for the best in hindsight.
You can do this. I believe in you! Be careful of the traffic. looks crazy.
Thank you! It was tough but I did climb that mountain. The traffic was a bit much.
Those difficult moments can be soul-crushing ... but you made it! Great that the hotel was there to have a real bed, warm water and a roof. Money well spent after that climb.
I agree. I was very hard on myself that day, but in hindsight it was a great decision.
Hello. Thank you for picking up that wrapper. I am sure the person who dropped it there was thinking what a beautiful area it was, so it is a mystery why they would leave it. Let's just hope they had the intention of putting into a trash can and it fell out of a pocket. Cheers.
It is the tough times that make the good times more worth it, and life on the road isn't always a wonderful adventure. Thanks for sharing.
One thing that I did wonder. How oftern and what are you eating. At the end of the day, were you angry or hangry (angry from low blood sugar)? At the begining you said you were fuelled on sugar. Sugar gives us a rush, and then we crash. I have recently been trying to eat something every hour, or hour and a half, a bannana or some peanut butter, or cold soaked oats as snacks between my meals. I also try to avoid sugary foods and drinks now. I don't eat a lot, just something. I found I have much more energy and I don't 'bonk'. If I forget to do this in the afternoon, usually because I am chasing the clock to get somewhere, I struggle in the later part of the day.
It is worth thinking about if you don't eat little and often already.
Great question. At this point I wasn't eating nearly enough and I will be realizing this in one od the upcoming videos. At this point in the tour I didn't have my nutrition figured out and I was just plain and simple not eating enough.
Tough day, I feel for you, this was raw video to watch, but excellent as a posting for folks wanting to do their own tours. Since the date is seven weeks ago, I hope the travail is in the past and you have gone on to new destinations along your journey.
Thank you. I was hoping to show the multitude of feelings one would go through on a climb when brand new to touring in the mountains. I wasn't physically ready for the climb, but I still did it. And it made me stronger and I'm much better for it!
I am always set to camp wherever i need to. Nice spot, by a stream, nice relaxed afternoon/evening. Good tent, good air mattress. Dinner and nature. The stress of a destination eliminated. Try it.
I have yet to become comfortable with wild camping, but I know it's all in my head at this point.
Even on a motorcycle, I preferred camping. It's about the trip, not the destination. Letting the trip become free form can make travelling entirely a different thing. Good luck, enjoy.
Hate to say this but there are more of those climbs to come. (You can do it girl :-) I rode that same highway years ago on my 750cc Honda motorcycle with camping gear and all, and that was tough enough (it snowed in Hope in July). I could never do it on a bicycle. Take your time and keep plenty of water and energy foods ready.
I'm already through the Rockies, I ended up riding the Icefields Parkway. The climbs got easier after this initial one. Not because they were necessarily easier but because I was just better prepared. Mountains are always a challenge, but a beautiful one.
I rode this yesterday. It was brutal! And I’m riding an Ebike. You’re tougher than me.
Brutal is a good assessment of that climb. An ebike would've maybe made it more enjoyable. But how did your battery last that long? Which ebike do you ride?
@@WheelsonaBike Specialized Creo. It’s a great bike, and I had two range extenders with me so I ended with juice leftover. Mind you, I was using full assist right at the start and consumed 25% of my battery within 10K. I had to better manage it to ensure I had it when I really needed it.
Someone I know also got this bike recently and is super happy with it. I got an ebike commuter, but it's not great for touring. What do you mean by range extenders? Extra batteries?
@@WheelsonaBike yes, each extender adds 50% of the power of the primary battery
Wow, the Highway 3 is more brutal than I would have thought. My route was on the Coquihalla after I failing to find the KVR there (I don't think it's ridable). It's kind of horrifying to see how narrow and rough the shoulder is. You made it! That in itself is quite an accomplishment. I like how you picked up the wrapper. I gave up on this after wrapper number 14 or so in a 15 minute period, but stole some of the stickers of the McDonald's cups (shame on me). Great video. Amazing how you can pull this off while on tour. You're so very professional at this. But it's the best way. The footage I have from my tour is pretty low quality, but I still enjoy sharing the stories and use it on my channel. Those memories are priceless. Can't wait to see how it continues 😃
I think Coquihalla hwy also had a big climb. It's Hwy 5 right? The shoulder was good, then very narrow then became good again. It was inconsistent. The garbage was problematic and I also stopped picking it up, it'd be nice to do a cleanup there. Climb and pick up garbage! Thanks! I'm able to publish the films because I do the edits on my days off, and I enjoy editing! Also amazing to see how far I've come. Your videos are great! Super helpful and I enjoy the day by day updates.
@@WheelsonaBike Thanks again. Yes and yes, Coquihalla was brutal too. I thought i was the only one crazy enough, but actually met a cyclist from Japan 😁
Horrendous traffic! That alone would tear at my emotions! But you persevered and got to Manning Park! Well done and thx for showing the realities of a trip like this! Have been wondering how youve been doing a a little worried between posts..
Thank you! I don't know if you have an Instagram account, but I post much more often and more real time updates on there. I now have an every two weeks schedule on UA-cam.
I use a one gallon zip-lock bag to collect water. Then poor into the bag with the small opening. Ready to filter. It's a lot faster.
Yes, that would make a big difference. Thanks for the tip!
I totally understand your frustration with people littering, I'm really enjoying your adventures, stay safe🚵👍
It unfortunately got a lot worse elsewhere. People just throw their garbage out of car windows. I don't get it.
i like bicycle adventure touring
Your journey is Fantastic to say the least. Watchwd many of your videos lately. Very helpful. Thank you.
I wanted to ask : are your parents Romanians?
Also, the answer to your question is very simple: The reason people dump garbage outside their cars, is to keep the interior of their precious car clean at all time. Isn't that the way to go in Canada?
Thank you for watching and for following along with my ride across Canada! I appreciate it.
No, my parents are Polish - I'm Polish.
Re: garbage... Ugh... That's very telling, isn't it? Maybe they're not that clean afterall?
@@WheelsonaBike I was close . . . Your language skills are excellent.
I did what you do from Montreal to Vancouver by car and back 5 years ago. The trip of my life. On your bike is so much more adventurous and cheap. Hats off.
Where are you now ? I believe Hope BC was a few weeks ago.
And no, what you might have heard about this corrupt "country" is all rubbish unfortunately. This place is no different than any other commonwealth "country".
All about ego & service to self. They call it capitalism 🤣 Fortunately that evil system will soon be gone.
The world's a stage at the moment.
Have a beautiful night 🌙
It must be very scary having those motor cars and lorries going past you at a right rate of knots. STAY SAFE!!
It's scary, but I also just get used to it. Unless they come very close, then it becomes scary again. Thank you for watching!
Also... “There is no hill that never ends” -Masai (Tanzania/Kenya) proverb.
Love it and it is absolutely true.
“SUGAR POWERED!” 😂❤️
Yes! Absolutely.
Are you doiing a bicycletour? There are so many cars on the road. Are there no backroads so it's more relaxed to cycle? Stay strong. Also when you have bad moments, it will always come to a good end. Just take a short foodbreak and you feel the energie coming back.
Yes. I'm on a cross Canada tour. I've been on the road for two months now. There were no suitable back roads to climb over the mountain. Also, my bike is not setup for off roading.
Good
I have a lot of weight on my bicycle touring bike too. It's hard. Sometimes I only get 18 miles in a day. Other days I get 50miles. Depending on the hills
Yes and because we make the choices of carrying more stuff, we then deal with the consequences. But that's ok.
It's really terrible how narrow the shoulders are, even for cars. Is that highway a part of the trans canada trail? I've heard that a lot of that "trail" is just highway shoulder like that, which is pretty atrocious. But you're doing great! A great example for the rest of us just starting out 😅
No, that's not part of the Trans Canada Trail (I don't think) or Highway. The shoulders on the Trans Canada Highway sometimes aren't much better though. I'm in Ontario and seeing this first hand.
You are brave to climb those mountains with all that heavy traffic behind you on an empty stomach! Did you forget to bring a snack bag with you?
The traffic was what it was, I couldn't do anything about it. I had all the food in my bags. I just didn't stop to prep it. Lesson learned.
At one time or another every biker Bonks. When you are biking alone it is a real downer. It is not as bad if you have someone ridding with you. They can make sure you get feed and watered. The secret is to nibble all day long and keep hydrated. A cup of DIDO powdered whole milk with 28% milk fat, sold around the world by Nestle is a real booster upper. Cheese is concentrated energy, and gives you a long slow release of energy. Cut it into cubes and have it in your grub bag. If you eat all day your energy tank never gets below half fulll and you will not need to eat as much at supper.
Thank you for sharing tips that have worked for you. I'm not a cheese lover, so I've found other ways to keep myself nourished while on the road. But I learned the hard way...
Hello from Halifax. Well as a fellow long distance solo rider I must compliment you on your effort and first class videos. My wife likes the stretching routine and your courage. There is one very negative event in your video that I am surprised that no one has commented on and that is the "CLOWN" in the Dodge Ram pulling a bike trailer "Gassing You in Diesel Black Smoke Fumes". This has gotten to be a sporting event for the idiots. So if there is anyone who has watched this video and knows this IDIOT congratulate him, he gets first prize for CLOWN of the year!
Thank you for watching with your wife! I'm glsd you both enjoyed it. Yes, that was one of two trucks I caught doing that, that say. It's not happened since, but was a bit offputting because it was done on purpose. Luckily many others made up for that with their kindness.
Super video but have to say one thing. I used to be like you on my long rides. Needing to eat and drink frequently and cycling into the brick wall of no energy and wanting and needing to stop. That all ended for me when I changed my diet. Firstly to Keto and then to full Carnivore relying on FAT and protein. Now I do not have any lack of energy and literally can ride all day without food. You say at the end that you could not ride ten miles to a campsite. I have been like that before but that does not happen to me any more. You will see these long rides that you do or have done will become so much easier and enjoyable for you. The only thing that would stop me now on long run or very steep hill is saddle sores and they are gone since I up graded to B66. So check out Hi Fat Carnivore.
Thank you for sharing your dietary preferences. We all have our own and as I'm not a dietitian, I won't comment what's best. What you describe works for you, and that's excellent.
@@WheelsonaBike I still thin that sugaring your way to top of a hill, and you are not alone on this, is a super waste of time and very damaging to you long term health. Sugar is a pure toxin Look up Robert Lustig's Video on Sugar is Poison.
10:00 COUGH! - COUGH! - COUGH! Aarrgh...
Yeah, that was a horrible thing that driver pulled. One of two that day.
Stealth Camp? Maybe?
I wasn't comfortable with stealth camping. Aside from being illegal in most parts, I was not comfortable. But that's just me. Other had done it with no issue.
@@WheelsonaBike Hi. Stealth Camping in British Columbia and Alberta is illegal in Federal Parks, such as Banff, Jasper, etc.. It is NOT illegal on Crown Land, outside of Federal Parks. Also, Park Rangers, have told me on my tours, they bend the rules a little with respect to those on Bicycle Tours. They would much rather get you off the road at dusk, even if it is against the rules, than have you cycling in the dusk/dark. I was allowed to camp overnight at Britton Creek Rest Area on highway 5 - Coquihalla Highway [on the road to Merritt, different route than you took], because it was getting dark. On another tour, I camped at Lucerne Campground [on highway 16/Yellowhead] about 1 hour by bike from the Alberta border [you passed right by it on your tour!! , even though the campground was closed for the season [late October]. Anyway it is all a learning experience!
I am personally not comfortable wild camping, so I don't do it. When riding the Icefields Parkway, park attendants told me that I should just camp in campgrounds even if they are closed (many were still closed due to snow in June). I would've done that, but I wouldn't have wild camped. Personal preference.
So many bike journeys would be much more enjoyable if there were no cars, trucks etc
True.
Stop and eat
Yes! Easy isn't it!