June 29-30: And We're Off!

June 29: Evening Launch in Nelson
We started rainy but ended sunny over the first two days. We arrived in Nelson in the middle of a downpour, and had to try to reorganize our stuff in a friend's carport, barely shielded from the rain. Our spirits were a bit damp! We put our bikes together, loaded our stuff into the van and trailer, and set off for Lakeside Park. Here, in the shelter, we were warmed to be greeted by a group of about 50 supportive people (there despite the rain!), and a wonderful potluck spread out for us. Despite the intermittent rain, all who were there benefited greatly from speeches from a very impressive list of speakers, including Gord McAdams (City Councilor), Andy Shadrock (Regional District), Matt Lowe (Ecosociety) and Herb Hammond (Silva Forest Foundation). Corky Evans (MLA) attended as well, and was persuaded to also say a few words. The informal setting allowed some great discussion to take place as well. We then enjoyed the music of Alan Kirk (folk rock artist).

That night, we cycled on to the Kootenay Akido Dojo, where we were to spend the night. Our nerves were immediately calmed by the peaceful atmosphere of the dojo, with its tatami mats on the floor, and we all set out our sleeping bags and went to sleep.

June 30: Nelson Parade and on to Castlegar
Wheels for Change kicked off our tour in Nelson at 10:00 am with a parade down Baker St through the center of town. Enthusiasm was high in the sun after last night’s dreary weather. Lots of curious looks and smiles from the tourists and relatively patient behaviour from the motorists.

The parade finished at the local Saturday Market in Cottonwood Falls Park. It was a great little place to connect between producer and consumer instead of pursuing more globalization. We had a booth set up and collected sigend postcards addressed to all levels of government demanding action on climate change.

At 11:30 in spitting rain we set off toward Castlegar and enjoyed great views of the Kootenay river. We had a lovely stop in the Evergreen Health Food Store in Crescent Valley, who offered us a delicious lunch at a discount. Further on, we stopped to view a large hydro energy project on the outskirts of Castlegar.


In Castlegar, Mayor Lawrence Chernoff came to welcome us and talk about some innovative projects taking place, including an anti-idling bylaw, water conservation measures, and more. Then, we lounged on the grass at the Castlegar Aquatic Centre and had a dip in the pool before a great pasta dinner.

The last bit of biking for the night up to the Kinnaird Community Church quickly turned into a walk pushing our bikes up an long very steep hill. Our five kids (aged 7 to 12) had begged us to let them bicycle (we don't let them ride on the highways), so we told them they could come with us on this final leg. It turned out to be the hardest part of the day, and they felt tired but triumphant at the top. At the Kinnaird Community Church (converted from an old middle school) we had lots of room to spread out for sleep after a satisfying first day’s ride.