Day two was a success. If you’re reading along in the shifting gears book you’re probably aware that we tackled Steven’s Pass today, After rolling out at around 7:30 myself and Nicolas Ellens rode a 36 kph pace for the first hour and a half to the bottom of the hill, checked out some sweet waterfalls en route, and then proceeded to gain ~4000 feet of elevation to the summit. It was probably the most elevation I’ve ever gained in a day and I’ll admit the last 3 kms of climbing was rather slow and tough. After regrouping at the top with about 15 riders we headed down off the other side at top speed (I maxed out at 75.1 kph today) and cruised down along a raging river into the town of Leavenworth. Three of us towed a pace line of 9 riders through the last hour at over 40 kph down the hill it was great. About the town… it’s all done up in Bavarian style so the discussion has been to head out in search of some German beers after dinner

The typical day here begins well before 6 am apparently! The problem this morning was that those who wanted to get on the road early were shaking the dew off of their rain flys and that isn’t the quietest of activities. After my first awakening at 5:15 I lasted another half our of pretend sleeping before giving up and crawling out of the tent. I was standing in line for breakfast when my alarm clock went off inside my pocket, that got a few laughs. After filling my 1 liter bowl with a mixture of mini wheats, cottage cheese, strawberries and milk (you only have to do the food line once when you get everything in one go) the day slowly got going. We agreed to meet in 10 minutes at the gate to get going. I took 20 minutes to get there and was the first one. The process needs some fine tuning yet obviously, by Utah I think we’ll have everything sorted and actually be able to get going when we say we’re going to get going.

Still waiting on photos… maybe later tonight. I guess that depends on what time we decide to leave to find that beer. I won’t be staying up very late, as I now know that I’m awake before 6am. Oh, and Happy Canada Day! More than half of the riders were wearing red and white under their safety vests today, even some of the American Contingent. We might fine some fireworks too depending on how much stuff actually gets done this evening. Obviously I should quit typing and start getting some of that stuff done.