Day 25 - Regina to Melville

147.76 km - Total so far 2,229.5 km -

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/5161095 (Part 1 - very fast and fun)

http://ridewithgps.com/trips/5161096 (Part 2 - very slow and NOT fun)

We left Regina at 7 am under perfect conditions, sunny, 9 degrees and winds from the WNW at 27 kph. At first, we were on Hwy 1 which runs due EAST so the wind did not offer that big an advantage but once we turned onto Hwy 10, we had the wind to our back. We were able to reach Fort Qu'Appelle 70 km away in 3 hours 5 minutes. That is the fastest we have pedaled since the trip started. We had our second breakfast and did a little walkabout. After 1:30 hours, we got back on the bike heading for Melville.

Our turtles visiting with a Saskatchewan cousin.  Hélène Helenstill flashing her 70 km in 3:05 hours grin.  

A selfie of the entire team all still grinning from the morning ride.

Fort Qu'Applle main street with typical angle parking and the ever present murals

Qu'Appelle River Valley

Ski hill near Fort Qu'Appelle

First order of business, climb the hill out of the Qu'Appelle River Valley. Halfway up the hill, to our left, we noticed 3 Proghorns. If you think these guys came move quickly on the flat, you should see them run up a hill. They were so fast, that Hélène could not manage to get a clear picture. That is unusual as she can whip out that camra in a flash.

As we climb the hill, we noticed that the wind was now in our face when less than 2 hours ago it was to our back. While we were having breakfast in the village, the wind turned around 180 degrees. We were now looking at strong headwinds for the next 74 or so km. It took us almost 6 hours to get to Melville and it was our most challenging day to date. Climbing Allison Pass was a lot easier as once in a while the climb levelled out but this afternoon, there was no break from the wind, it was relentless. I checked with Environment Canada once we got to Melville and the winds this afternoon were 27 kph with gusts to 43 kph. No wonder, at times, it felt like we could not make any forward progress.

A lot more lush green rolling hills and many more trees

Tonight is our last night in Saskatchewan. We are hoping that the winds will be in our favour tomorrow as we head to Russell, Manitoba.

91.81 miles - Total so far 1,385.19 miles