As a brand new member of the CCCTS, I joined my wife, Terry Chalmers, on the Shuswap Hub and Spoke. I had a vague idea of what was entailed in hub and spokes from Terry’s renditions of previous rides, and did my best to get my office legs, and behind, into shape the week before the hub and spoke. Perhaps I should have trained a bit longer as I found the folks on the rides to be in both excellent condition and good humour.

Having spent little time in the Shuswap region I didn’t know what to expect in terms of scenery or road conditions. Of course I didn’t have anything to compare it to as a new Club member, so every moment was a learning experience, from check-in procedures through happy hour, to the 9 AM rally around the leaders to hear the prospects for the day’s ride. The leaders had every detail nailed down perfectly, and the members, without hesitation, cheerfully pitched in here and there to assist. It was this harmonious interaction among the 24 members that I observed and immediately enjoyed more than anything over the following five days.

The leaders, Jeanetta and George Zorn, proudly from Salmon Arm, along with route hosts Pat Danforth and Roger Beardmore, enthusiastically guided the riders through the most beautiful farmland in the province of British Columbia. The early autumn colours were accented by magnificent low hills and equally stunning mountains off in the distance. The sun shone on us every day but one, and that day proved equally as rewarding through the display of stratus fractus clouds hanging in great festoons around the tops of the hills. Fortunately there was little rain to endure and the rain actually highlighted the fall colours even more.

I have learned that being on a bicycle in such an environment rewards you often through sight, smell and sound. Hearing woodpeckers calling to their mate or smelling freshly turned hay can only make you smile. At one bridge crossing over the Salmon River we stopped to observe a few migrating salmon that could only be described as one of nature’s most incredible phenomenon. Pretty cool!

The routes were perfect for every type and capability of rider. Some were looped upwards to 85 km, whereas others were a nice 32 km out and back. Something for everyone was the theme, and all were encouraged. For the most part the roads were in great shape with very little traffic and the hills were about 2% with the odd 4-6% grade for short distances, although one six percent hill got me, though host Pat, with long strong legs, had little trouble. Here is where I learned to eat and drink more often, and if I ignored that basic function, it would be at my peril.

The group enjoyed the quaint facilities at the Sorrento Lodge. Some used the camping area to nestle into among the trees and well-kept grassy areas. Others bunked in the Richardson lodge, of pan-abode® construction, with quaint rooms that joined with a large living area where people would gather for coffee and conversations. The cafeteria style dining provided all meals for those who preferred to stay close, as the town of Sorrento offered few other dining choices. I enjoyed getting to know people during mealtime. Of course, what would a social be without “happy hour”? Our hosts laid out wonderful appetizers and between bites we shared our day’s adventures.Each evening there were presentations and guest speakers of local interests. The first night we learned of the importance of the Shuswap’s flora from Bonnie Thomas, daughter of famed First Nations ethno-botanist Dr Mary Thomas. Next evening local historian, Dave Harper, presented fascinating hydrological/geological events that shaped the current Shuswap land- and water-scapes. The speaker also displayed fantastic photos taken from turn-of-the-20 th century 12 cm to 18cm glass photographic plates that had more detail and clarity than many of today’s digitals. The third evening had amateur ornithologist, Roger Beardsmore (former National Parks Director), present the natural history of many of the local birds accompanied by his still photographic shots of trumpeter swans, warblers, etc., and including Turdus migratorious (test question for the evening – give the common name?). Many of the birds were visible on our rides.

As I close off this brief inscription of the Shuswap hub and spoke, I must pay tribute to the leaders for the wonderful event they organized and so caringly hosted. Having included evening speakers was rare for Club events, and one other tour and H & S organizers might want to emulate. The Club members also should be recognized for their enthusiasm and kind care for each other. As a new member, I could not have been in a more caring group of people and I look forward to many more CCCTS rides.

Calvin Bergenstein