Zoom meeting update - June 24th 8:00 pm
Link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86507435059?pwd=VGNrRmFTR3orWkZicGVSamN6RnlhQT09
Event Description:
The Kettle Valley Railway a defunct railway that is now a popular cycling trail. The steepest grade on this trail is not more than 2.2 degrees. Day 1 would be 30 kilometers long. Day 2, 22 kilometers and Day 3, 50 kilometers, (which takes us on all 18 famous trestle bridges of Myra Canyon.) Day 4, 50 kilometers down to Naramata then a wine tour for those interested.)
To learn more visit https://hikebiketravel.com/biking-the-kettle-valley-railway/.
I have had this trip planned for years but have not actually done it, although I have day cycled some of the Myra Canyon trestles a couple times and can attest to their beauty. If you have any questions please email me at dstefura@telus.net.
4 days of cycling the Kettle Valley Railway Trail from Beaverdell to Naramata cycling through the fabulous Myra Canyon. Camping at campsites each night along the way. Self-guided, self-supplied and self-catered. (We have a shuttle driver who will carry our supplies from campsite to campsite).
If you missed the expression of interest in this trip, and want to go, please contact Donna at the email listed below. If there is space, we will fit you in. Our shuttle driver has limited room.
1. Highland Cabins in Beaverdell
Are available for our dates. Highland Cabins - Indoor Lodging in Beaverdell (Business.Site). You can call and reserve a cabin or RV spot. You may want to arrange some cabin sharing - we can help with that.
The first cabin has two bedrooms - one with a queen and one with two double beds. There is a hide-a-bed in the living area. Donna and Paul have reserved this and can take on 2 extra people in the second room and perhaps one person on the sofa pullout.
The second cabin is two bedrooms with, I think, a double bed in one and two single beds in the other.
The third, fourth and fifth cabins have one bedroom with a queen bed.
2. Book your hotel in Penticton for one or two nights as per your schedule. Donna is recommending The Slumber Lodge.
Address: 274 Lakeshore Drive W, Penticton, BC V2A 1B8 / Telephone (250) 492-4008
Currently has lots of availability at a good rate for September 18th and 19th. Right on the water. Willing to have our cars parked there. Free cancellation with advance notice. Book away!
We will leave it up to you to decide based on your budget. Obviously, the RVers may not wish to stay in a motel.
3) Arrange potential carpools to get to Beaverdell and eventually back to Calgary if you want to do that - it is nice to share the ride. Fewer cars are better, but bikes and equipment should go with the vehicle the owners are riding in. Also, keep in mind some may have different schedules as far as adding on days before or after or may have to get to other destinations.
The Week Prior to Departure- ensure your camping gear is in order and your bike is tuned up and ensure spare tubes etc. Get your menu for camping and food decided. Confirm any carpooling locations and confirm reservations. Donna will collect email and phone numbers so we can stay in touch once we are on the road.
We will have a shuttle driver to move the camping equipment and food from one camp spot to the next, so you only need to carry day supplies on your bike. Thanks to Bob and his RV and trailer. It is still important to pack light if possible.
Wednesday, September 13th - Travel to Beaverdell. Stay in Highland Cabins or camping spot.
Thursday, September 14th - Keep bikes and camping gear in Beaverdell. One driver in each vehicle drives to Penticton to drop off cars. Other people have a day at leisure to explore Beaverdell. Pool back to Beaverdell with Bob. Overnight in Beaverdell.
Friday, September 15th - Load camping gear in Bob's RV or Trailer. Set out for Arlington Lakevia bike. Estimated 30 to 34 kilometers - uphill grade. Meet Bob at Arlington Lake and set up camp.
Saturday, September 16th - Break camp - load gear to the trailer and then bike to Hydraulic Lake (Myra) to camp – estimated 24 kilometers - uphill grade.
Sunday, September 17th - Break camp. Load gear. Bike through Myra trestles and bike on to Chute Lake. Approximately, 50 kilometers but a level or downhill grade. Camp at Chute Lake. Donna has booked a couple of RV size sites for us
Monday, September 18th - Break Camp, load trailer. Bike on to Penticton - about 30 kilometers, but downhill - maybe stop at a few wineries. Arrive at the hotel of choice where cars are - unload gear from the trailer and into individual cars. Stay at the hotel overnight.
Tuesday, September 19th - You can head for home, or a day at leisure, or go on the wine tour (TBA). Those that stay for the wine tour can stay overnight in Penticton one more night.
Wednesday, September 20th- Head for home to Calgary or where ever your wanderlust takes you.
Shared Costs- to be determined and paid. Cost of RV sites for camping in Chute Lake, and shared site costs in other campgrounds along the way? Share of gas / costs for Bob for being our shuttle person. These costs are not yet determined. You may also have to share costs with another person for some of the room stays pre and post trip.
Your Own Costs-Travel to and from the trip - if carpool, expected to share costs. This would be gas, food, etc.
Accommodation at Beaverdell - either cabin or RV site / may be shared cabins, so you may have to work that out with your roomies.
Hotel in Penticton. one or two nights. Your food, supplies and equipment for the trip. Wine.
Expected Supplies - A mountain or hybrid bike in good repair for the trip. Helmet. Bike repair material - Extra tubes etc.
John, will bring a small repair kit and a small pump for the trail and a larger repair kit, pump and bike stand for camp. If a repair is too serious, the cyclists may have to ride with Bob and try to get a repair in Kelowna or Penticton, depending on where we are.
First Aid Kit - we will try to have one bigger one. Don't forget lip balm and sunscreen - not sure if bug repellant needed. Bear spray?
Your camping supplies - Tent (could share), sleeping bag and pad (pillow). You can expect quite cool temperatures at higher elevations, Cooker and fuel. Unless someone wants to bring a small BBQ and fuel, and Bob is willing to cart it along. There is no refrigeration, so food must be suitable – 3 to 4 days’ worth.
Water and water filter or straw. There may not be water along the way other than streams which would need to be filtered.
A headlamp is useful / toilet paper. Hand sanitizer. Clothing - be prepared for all temperatures - layers with the rainproof outer layer, a good hat, maybe even light gloves, Backpack to carry your day's supply of snacks, water and extra clothing, etc.