Brook to Gap

By Kurt Grabinsky, Revelstoke

After a beautiful evening and some team time shared at the Elizabeth Lake Lodge’s new outdoor gas fireplace, the Cops for Kids riders all awoke early from their restful sleep. The owners and their wonderful children met us as we were preparing to go. They sent us on our way, happy to be a part of the Cops for Kids charitable fundraiser.

A short drive by the team led us to the ABC family restaurant in Cranbrook, where a wonderful breakfast buffet was the sustenance needed to send the riders on their way.

The entourage then stopped at Fort Steele, a historic location for the Northwest Mounted Police. Fort Steele, established in 1864, was the first posting west of the Rocky Mountains. Various buildings were visited as well as a quick visit with the horses on site.  Brian and Dale set up a great back drop for the photo shoot. We look forward to seeing the results. Sadly some of the hay and other material on the ground was brought into the bus, which led to some finger pointing for the sources of the odour.

The team travelled by the various donated vehicles, north along Highway 95 to the community of Golden, 200 km north. A fuel up session was commenced of pulled pork and fries at the Fire Pit, exactly what the team needed on a long travel day. After some more photos, the team jumped on their bikes for a short ride back into downtown Golden to meet an amazing young woman at the IGA. Several members of the Golden Detachment and Trans-Canada East Traffic Services were present to provide some donations. Natalia was in a ski accident in 2016 and has now been a recipient of a grant which aids her mobility, and she let us all know she is going to College this winter.

The team then loaded up and travelled to Revelstoke where another short bike ride brought the Cops for Kids team to the Swiss Chalet Motel. Eric Scarcella offered the riders, support team and community supporters an amazing treat. In attendance was another family with a young man Azlan who has been provided another set of orthotics which improves his abilities. He and his family thoroughly enjoyed the Modern Bakery cupcakes, fruit and juice along with the riders.

The team then bused to the Three Valley Gap, just west of Revelstoke. George Bell and his family treated the Cops for Kids riders and support staff with an informative tour of the historic building, antiques, trains and classic automobiles. Then an amazing dinner and a great stay at their establishment along the Trans-Canada Highway. Tonight we will sleep with the soothing sounds of the hum of the evening highway traffic, haunting sound of the train horns, and the creek and lake.

We appreciate all the donations of food, shelter, transportation and photography that our various supporters have provided. This has been a well-travelled day on the eastern portion of our trip through southern BC.