Summers are just too beautiful here on the Sunshine Coast to go away! Fall and winter, a different matter.
As the fall rains start, getting away for at least a few days can be refreshing. Strapping the bikes on the back of the car and heading into the Penticton BC area to sample the famous Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a simple, fun holiday.
We warmed up the first day riding the length of Skaha lake, both directions, and exploring Penticton. 60 kilometres was hardly a strain (I do have an e-bike, but my wife was on her heavy regular Liv bike), as the terrain around the lake was quite flat.
We then had a day of hiking, follow by moving to our very comfortable Naramata Airbnb. The next morning we went to a more wilderness section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail, and, in fact, we only saw a three other people during then entire 50 kilometre trip. The trail was excellent: spectacular views, cool tunnels, fresh air, no vehicles, a gentle grade: perfect!
We had been mildly concerned about going in mid-November, but this proved, at least this year, to be perfect timing. No snow, no ice, no crowds, and very fresh air to keep you peddling hard to warm up! It was a little too fresh coming back down, but nothing a Baileys coffee at the local pub couldn't put right, followed by a sampler of spirits at a local distillery (Legends, highly recommend for the spirits and the food!).
Below, a few pics from the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.
 |
A Gentle Incline, Kettle Valley Rail Trail near Naramata, BC
(my 2020 Turbo Vado 3.0) |
 |
| Tunnel on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail |
 |
| Giant Ponderosa Pine, Kettle Valley Rail Trail |
 |
| View From the Kettle Valley Rail Trail |
 |
| View on the Return, Kettle Valley Rail Trail |
 |
| Warming Up, Legend Distilling, Naramata, BC |
