Day 8, The Great Reunion

Hello from Drumheller
Dat 8 began as al our days, 0400 start to prepare and 0500 start in the rain and temperature 5 degrees. Exactly as we have come to expect, so we are very good at getting the right layers and water proofing to some degree. Today the plan was from Cochrane to Morrin. There are several options for roads and we chose 567 to9, then north on 21 to avoid construction and east on 27 to Morrin. Good climbs, then more level but not as sick as yesterday. Then some long climbs and wind pushing us along like a great propeller. As is our custom in skiing and cycling we each follow our individual pace rather than trying to draft. Yes, we know there is a 15% return from drafting but this works better for us. At each stop we arrive within a very few minutes of each other, and Bob's your uncle.
Today at second stop no Tom, 15 minutes still no Tom, this after a long stretch of bucking a head wind. Mechanical problems, wrong turn, accident, professional worriers at there best. Retrace steps, no tracks, have faith, he wil call if a problem and procede. Checking every 15 minutes an hour goes by, then 90 minutes, ok this needs some thought, accident he would cal, mechanical problems he can handle well, wrong turn, well the GPS should be helpful. Therefore reach Morrin and expect to see an impish grin waiting at ease. Not so, less than 200 meters later there he is eating a sandwhich and chatting with Jenny. GPS had plotted a different route. Best possible answer.
The early prairies roll a ittle, and some deep river valleys that make for great downhil runs. The expanse is easily 5-10 km, and the farms look ike litte oasis of green and trees in these county sized fields, School buses really are needed here, and picking up the scholars is a dirty job judging by the buses. Yesterday saw a Hummer decked out to the tune of a hundred large. Covered in dirt because the ranch roads go on for miles don't you know. The owner was quick to point out that is was also pratical in the winter. Do you think he winters here, he had no calluses and no chewing tobacco. Probably not.
Drumheler has lots of od bones for all of you fans, our crew at moment is more interested in rest. The town has the amazing land formations that allowed the preservation. Seems a great place for a 2 day stop to learn, or perhaps a year or two.
Several different species of deer sen today, coyote, and prairie dogs. ots of birds, and early in day we can here them, ater the traffic overwhelms them.
Hugh farms, small towns, and not much else visible from the roads. Roads run laser straight for km's and only bend when there are deep river beds and a curving approach is needed. Shoulders not as good and pavement varies frm excelent to terrible, ie Ontario standard.
New binolculars, a birthday gift from Val and Tom extent the vista, but the land overwhelms the glasses. Great birthday parth last night with the Alberta connection arriving from afar. Tony, Bonnie and Braden from Red Deer and Teady from Edmonton, bearing a fantistic cake, on the red bullet, and then with Tony. Chocolate with choclate icing, and fully decorated with roads, motorcycle, signs and all the trimmings, most important tasted great. Seconds for certain. Thanks Teady.
We are feeling more con fident as our strength and stamina is tested and found adequate. Tom is amused to find the calluses disappearing from his hands. Guess where they are appearing. The plan is gradualy increase the daily distance as comfort and conditions allow. Our shedule is only a guide and we don't hesitate to modify our goals. Without Vaerie we are all a little lost. No one to our negotiations but I listened carefully and am attempting.
Rain, cool and windy tomorrow and this should be perfect for us. Al this time to think allows me to design all types of exotic, read physical, holidays for our gang. Get ready kids, crazy grandpa wil expose you to all types of chalenges. Karyn has strong memories when I talk about challenges, her immediate response will likely remain you caught me once, not again.
Time on a bike passes quickly, concentration to avoid disasters, but a little time available to examine random ideas, opportunities, experiences, plans, the terrain being covered, decisions and more. A rare opportunity for busy people and it is a mixed blessing sometimes.
Secret key to success in this type of endeavor, chocolate, more chocoate, and then something like chocolate milk. Shocked are you? Well I never was conventional in my interpretation of the science. Just giv"er. RRM