Day 63, taking our bikes for a walk!

Day 63, September 7th, 27.06km and 500m climb, Beaverdam campground to Wise River.

This morning we woke to slightly clearer skies and a warmer morning. There was a bit of ash on things but nothing too bad so it was all on. Today we tackled Fleecer Ridge. From the campground it was a 10km climb to the top of the ridge with a wee push for the last 300m for me. Gordon managed to ride it all with a few stops to catch his breath. We were at around 2300m ASL so a bit of an effort but we are well acclimatized now so not too bad. From the top it was a kilometer or so down with the last 500m or so a push down, or to rephrase that, 500m of controlling the bikes as they descended by themselves with us walking next to them. The photos don't do justice to how steep it actually was! 

Anyway, Fleecer Ridge negotiated, it was a nice 15km downhill to Wise River. We stopped here to refresh and had a chat with a few riders passing through in both directions. Two on their way up Fleecer Ridge as part of a race. By the time we'd mucked around it was 31 degrees, the smoke had come down again and we decided to stay. The Wise River Club has camping out the back for $10 pp with fresh towels, soap and a shower. There is also a pub so we had dinner too. All very luxurious! Our decision to stop was also partly strategic as the forecast is for much cooler temperatures tomorrow and a tail wind, it also sets us up for the next few days a little better between food and water stops. Hopefully that works out!