2015/18: Cycling from Lillooet to Pemberton

 

Stage 2015/18 [A040]

Lillooet - Pemberton (Highway 99)
⇨ 63 km
⇧ 1652 m (garmin edge 1000)

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Cycling from Smithers, British Columbia to Vancouver.  

Stage from Lillooet to Pembertaon following Highway 99.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
The Icefield Parkway with its high elevations was already challenging, but todays stage is the royal stage. With an elevation gain of 1650 m and a length of 100km without any catering facilities, the crossing of the coastal mountains will be a tough one. So we start early: we have breakfast at 6:00, replenish our water supplies and start at dawn.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
This morning we are not the only ones who got up early. Shortly behind Lillooet we meet a black bear having breakfast. Every cyclist is good adviced to familiarize himself with the recommended rules of behavior in an encounter with a bear before he meets one. In our case, the bear also seemed to be adequately informed about the usual behavioral rules, so man and bear moved peacefully in different directions.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
We cycle in a beautiful landscape with few cars around. However, the climbs with a slope of up to 12% are exhausting. Fortunately the steepest sections in the morning are all in the shade.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
We cycle up the mountain in narrow hairpin curves. In some places, we are observed by curious moose or even more curious squirrels.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
Somewhen the sun got us.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
Over time, the valley becomes narrower and the slope decreases.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
The lower the slope, the more we can enjoy the impressive landscape.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
Upon reaching Lake Duffey the mountain is defeated. From here it is only a few meters to the highest point of today's stage.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
From the shores of Duffey Lake we have an impressive view of the glaciers of the area.
 
Cycling from Lillooet to Pamberton. Highway 99 by bicycle.
Then it goes downhill steeply. On this section, there is a clear increase in car travel, as many tourists from Whistler make a day trip to this region. Especially in the narrow hairpin curves the traffic is rather unpleasant.
 
Beer of the day:.
Beer of the day: Blue Buck brewed by Phillips Brewery, Victoria, British Columbia.