h2oxtc

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 ...

h2oxtc

The riding and views just get better.

Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01724 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

It's not every day that you can take a picture of your bike next to a mule deer.

Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01725 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

They don't put these signs on just any road. Yes, I'm still riding up.

Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01727 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

Looking uphill from the runaway lane.

Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01729 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

I thought the mule deer was cool, but this was waaay cooler.

Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01731 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

I was tempted to stop ... but surely the top of the mountain has to be around the next corner (ha ha)

Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01732 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

Yup, still climbing.

Okanagan-Similkameen A-20140531-01733 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

DESTINATION ... and proof for the non-believers

IMG-20140531-01736 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

Whooeee!! 11 miles downhill. Average speed 29.8 mph, Max speed 41.8 mph.

IMG-20140531-01738 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

Post ride recovery. It was a great day with perfect weather. Now what I am going to ride tomorrow?

Osoyoos-20140531-01739 by h2oxtc, on Flickr

Dudelsack 

The source of the optical distortion of the spokes is apparently because digital cameras basically scan from left to right, and do it slow enough to generate that kind of effect.

Or it could be because you have monster power.

doctor j

Beautiful ride. Thanks for having us along.

-=(8)=-

Thanks for taking time to post these pictures. Looks like a fabulous day!
The best posts on BF are ones like this. I really enjoy living vicariously through other peoples travels
Very nice.

dalameda

Wow! Gorgeous scenery and road! Two things I learned today 1) Canada has a desert 2)I want to ride somewhere where the speed signs are in kmh, so it feels like I am going faster!

OldsCOOL

What gearing were you using most of the time? Gorgeous scenery!

Louis Le Tour

I've got a friend at work who'se going to be VERY interested in that Big Foot sighting!!

spdracr39

Great ride thanks for posting !!

h2oxtc

My Kona disc road bike has a compact 50/34 with a 12-30. On this bike I'll typically ride an 8% grade with the 24 at a decent cadence. It's give or take the same gearing as my other road bikes with a 39-27 as the lowest gear.

RamAlaRag 

Thanks for sharing! Looks like some fun.

What was the total mileage for it all?

h2oxtc

The hill is pretty much 11 miles up to the summit (and 11 down). Add to that wherever distance from where you start, for me it was about a mile to the bottom from where we were staying. For the hill loving cyclists, you can also ride the west side of the valley to the top of Richter Pass.

SKunKWerKs

sweet ride, good pics

h2oxtc

I didn't know that. Very interesting. Thanks.

LAJ

Nice ride. Thank you for sharing.

RamAlaRag 

It makes me want to go cycling in Canada!

h2oxtc

Washington has pretty spectacular scenery as well, however you're welcome to come visit Canada anytime!

RamAlaRag 

Yes it does, that is true. I have been wanting to cycle around British Columbia for a while.