Day 2 Anarchist Summit

Day 2

By Alan Milnes, Kelowna, BC

Breaking with tradition, our ride captain Julio polled riders last night about what ride they wanted to do today – climb out of Osoyoos and up Anarchist Mountain or drive back to Penticton and ride into Oliver for the outstanding breakfast in Oliver and presentation of a donation. A hearty and large breakfast was provided by a dedicated staff of 6 at the Osoyoos Legion. After the obligatory photo op on the front steps of the legion featuring the staff who so graciously fed us, the Anarchist riders, 11 strong, and two support vehicles were off for the summit. The weather was overcast, without wind and a pleasant 7 Celsius as we climbed the 18 kilometers up a 6 to 7 percent grade to the top. Settling into a steady rhythm allowed riders to chat and share stories on the way UP. The ride into Rock Creek was spectacular featuring long, fast downhills, good shoulders and lots of laughing, screaming, yelling. High fives all around was followed by lunch, provided by the Osoyoos Subway, and was a very welcome pleasure at the rest stop in Rock Creek, out of the cold and wind and in a quiet park beside Rock Creek.

We left Rock Creek headed for our next stop in Greenwood and quickly found ourselves faced with a stiff headwind. Dirk and Kurt took command, establishing a pace line of riders which worked well over approximately 30 km, allowing all of us to share in the work of pulling the group along. Eventually our first group which had been in Oliver reunited with the Anarchist group and we rode into the smallest city in BC, Greenwood. We were met in Greenwood at the Deadwood Junction Café with big smiles, welcomes and the famous energy bars and sliced oranges. The Legion of Greenwood made a fabulous donation of $1000.00 to Cops for Kids.

From Greenwood we were on our way as one large group to Grand Forks to overnight at the Ramada and a feast at the 50’s Diner Grand Forks. The downhill into Grand Forks travelling east is legendary for its length and grade and all riders took advantage of gravity to achieve speeds well in excess of 55km/hour. The Elks Club of Grand Forks presented a wonderful donation to Cops for Kids of $500.00 to local boys Derrick Francis and James Moore.

When the day was all said and done those who climbed the Anarchist had ridden 124 km and climbed 1748 metres, expending on average 2000-2500 calories each. Dinner was, needless to say, thoroughly enjoyed. The riders are being exceptionally well cared for by our support team of Courtney, Julio, Ken, Gevan, Allen and Jesse. Big thanks and hugs to each of them. We are pedaling to raise funds to support all the children and their families in need but the support crew is making it all a pleasure to do so!