I woke up this morning and decided to ride up Anarchist Mountain. I don't know the history of it's name, but should Google it. As a ride, I think it has the potential to live up to it's name.
It's pretty much uphill for just over 11 miles with an average grade of 5.2%. My average speed uphill was blazing 8.7 mph.
The ride starts with views over the orchards and passes several fruit stands. In the distance is Anarchist Mountain.
IMG-20140531-01694 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
After climbing a few minutes the views back look out over Canada's official desert. I realize that it's a juxtaposition to have a desert located immediately beside a beautiful lake. The climbing continues ...
IMG-20140531-01695 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
30 minutes in the views over the valley get better and better. This photo with the curvy roads reminds me of one of the routes that Biker395 has posted several photos of.
IMG-20140531-01700 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
If you've ever wondered what the good 'ole US of A looks like from north of the 49, here's a look.
If there's an annoyance with riding this area, it's the text messages my phone receives when it connects to the US cell networks and then 5 minutes later another text message from the Canadian cell network, repeat.
Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01704 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
Road construction ahead ... hmmm, not sure what we're in for. Have you ever tried riding fast enough to get picked up by the speed reader boards? Usually they don't see me unless I'm riding down a hill at 30mph+. This board has clocked me at 19 kmh, or right about 12 mph.
Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01706 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
Now this is the kind of road construction I like to see, and ride on. Brand new asphalt, including the shoulder/bike lane. I think they just painted the lines last night as my tires were beginning to glow from riding over the white paint.
Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01707 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
Not sure what happened to this poor little guy. Didn't get run over. He/she almost looked like they were sleeping off a hangover from last nights party
Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01711 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
If you've spent as much money as you can on your bike(s) and still have some left over ... you take up astronomy and build your own observatory.
Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01713 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
As the elevation continues to climb the vegetation turns to a pine forest. Still loving this brand new asphalt.
Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01715 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
I thought this was a pretty cool photo effect. I don't know why the spokes appear warped. I assure you that it's not the power output of my cycling. And yes, I am riding my disc road bike.
Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01723 by
h2oxtc, on Flickr
Continued ...