Kamloops to Salmon Arm - 110km

Riding time 3 hours 25 min

Average Speed - 32km/hr

Average Temp - 36 degrees

After three tough days of hills, heat, and big distances, all of us were in the mood for an easier day. With the last stage measuring 170-kilometers, the 110 kilometer trip to Salmon Arm seemed like a leisurely spin. Adam’s uncle Michel escorted us out along frontage road for the first 25 kilometers, letting us avoid the busiest part of highway, and things just got better from there. Once on the Trans-Canada, the whole group settled into a rhythm, and we made quick work of the day’s stage. There is something about a “neutral” day to take away any heat-stroke, dehydration, and fatigue induced grumpiness, and everyone had big smiles on their faces the entire day.

We were all excited to finish this particular stage early, as our hotel is a spectacular one. For the second year in a row, the Prestige Inn has set us up with some amazing rooms, and the view from the pool is brilliant. More importantly, we were treated to a welcoming party consisting of Lorraine, along with her husband and grandkids, who had made signs with white and blue balloons for our arrival. After some relaxing/goofing off by the pool, we concluded that 40 is not the new 30 - it’s the new 11 - and met up with the Salmon Arm support group at the beach for a potluck dinner and some more cooling off in the water. Last year Salmon Arm really rolled out the red carpet for us and this year was no different.

Afterwards, we spent the rest of the evening hanging out, swapping stories and grape-based drinks until bed. Exactly what we all needed.