Got started a little late after enjoying the company of that nice family at Musreau Lake, but still got out by 6:15 or so. The 50 mile ride into Grande Prairie had some nice downhill fun, but otherwise not too exciting. Besides, I was too interested in finding out what celebrations were going on for Canada Day in Grande Prairie. Took me a little while to find some Wi-Fi and figure out what was going on, but eventually discovered it all centered around Muskopee Park, or something like that. Sadly, I missed the parade, but I made it in plenty of time for hospital bed races.
They are insane as they sound. One team member climbed into the bed and 4 to 6 others are the pushers. 2 teams race the straight away. The costumes were quite something as well. Hopefully, I will have pictures shortly.
Anyway, the rest of the fair was small. Canadian flags were everywhere and in every form . . . Food trucks, free icies, free cake, and two stages with various acts. After wandering a bit, I found a nice shady spot near the larger stage to relax and check out some performances. There were some decent acts, but I mostly just wound up napping. For some reason, I had taken my bike lock key out and was twirling it around my pinkie. Round about six I decided it best I start on my the last planned 30 miles to Spring Lake Campground.
I had just gotten back to my loaded and locked bike when Sylvester came by on his bike.
"Hey, is that you bikepacking?"
"Yeah."
"Where are you coming from?"
"Montana"
"Where are you headed?"
" . . . Alaska"
"Wow. That's quite a trek. Where are you headed today?"
"Spring Lake Campground, about 30 miles from here"
"So, about 2 hours or so? . . . Hey, listen, if you decide you don't want to go any further today, I manage a hotel just up the road a little ways, the Paradise Inn and Suites."
"Oh." I said distracted digging through my pockets. I realized I did not have my key with me.
"Did you lose something?"
"Yeah, my bike lock key."
"Oh. Well, maybe you can cut it off. Well, if you feel l like it later, I'll give you a room for free."
"Oh, Wow! Thanks."
"I'm Sylvester. Good luck with the key."
"Gregg."
Well, somehow I managed to refind my siesta spot and my key and realized what Sylvester had offered. A bed and a shower would be great. Trail magic is alive even on the road! So, I got some directions from some bike cops and headed over.
"Yeah."
"Where are you coming from?"
"Montana"
"Where are you headed?"
" . . . Alaska"
"Wow. That's quite a trek. Where are you headed today?"
"Spring Lake Campground, about 30 miles from here"
"So, about 2 hours or so? . . . Hey, listen, if you decide you don't want to go any further today, I manage a hotel just up the road a little ways, the Paradise Inn and Suites."
"Oh." I said distracted digging through my pockets. I realized I did not have my key with me.
"Did you lose something?"
"Yeah, my bike lock key."
"Oh. Well, maybe you can cut it off. Well, if you feel l like it later, I'll give you a room for free."
"Oh, Wow! Thanks."
"I'm Sylvester. Good luck with the key."
"Gregg."
Well, somehow I managed to refind my siesta spot and my key and realized what Sylvester had offered. A bed and a shower would be great. Trail magic is alive even on the road! So, I got some directions from some bike cops and headed over.
Sylvester set me up with an amazing free room. The Paradise Inn & Suites is aptly named. You should definitely stay there if u are stopping in Grand Prairie, Alberta The free breakfast is nothing to sneeze at either. He invited me out to dinner and we had a great conversation about bicycling, adventure, and whatnot. And, we arranged to bike out together in the AM.
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