Photo: Jocelyn De La Rosa

DNF on Dam 600
"Two Dam Far" 600
Ride Dates: June 3-4, 2023
by Bob Koen

My experience went like this...

The early part of the ride was wonderful. Cool temps, good roads. Very nice riding along the east side of Skaha Lake and again on the quiet road on the west side of the Okanogan River between Oroville and Tonasket. But by the time I got to Tonasket it was hot and the headwinds had started. I loaded up on water at Tonasket but was out of water and quite parched by the time I got to Omak another 38 kms down the road.

The next stretch would be 64 kms with no services, into the wind and with some significant climbs. There would have been a chance to get water at the end of that stretch if I could ride fast enough (which was doubtful). Otherwise, it was another 27 kms to Coulee City. I didn't think it was wise to continue under those circumstances so I pulled the plug. Instead, I chose to carry on down to Brewster where I had a room reserved. That was 50 kms straight down Hwy 97 as opposed to 175 kms to get there by the brevet route. I figured that riding back on Sunday would involve some significant tailwinds so it would make for a pleasant training ride.

At this point I was in a DQ in Omak. I found out later that Jacques was probably there at the same time in the McDonalds across the street and Rick was also likely there in a nearby Subway. We never found each other however. When I came out of the DQ to get ready to ride on I was greeted by an amazing sight. There was a whirlwind event going on in the parking lot about 50 feet from where I was. The wind was swirling rapidly around and a whole bunch of loose trash was caught up in it. It was like a mini tornado but not nearly as strong. In a very short time it had moved away. So I got on my bike and rode on. By the time I got to Brewster 50 easy kms down the road (but into the wind) I was out of water and very thirsty again.

I got to Brewster around 7 pm and checked in to the motel. A very short time later Jocelyn turned up. He rested for maybe an hour and then carried on. I went for Mexican dinner and a margarita then got a very good sleep. In the wee hours Gary Sparks turned up. We left together the next morning and rode for most of the morning. However, the wind had now switched to the north so we had a headwind rather than the expected calm followed by a tailwind. The wind never let up all day long. So instead of having a pleasant ride home it was something of a slog. Eventually Gary pulled away and managed to finish the ride after catching up to Jacques who had ridden through the night. Chapeau to those two!

Barry had offered to come get me, but I had said "nah! no need for that. This will be a cruise to get home". Well that didn't turn out to be true and so I accepted the offer and he and Rick picked me up just south of Penticton on Sunday evening. On our way back to Kelowna we caught up to Gary and Jacques and stopped to wish them well and arrange for them to come over to Barry's for dinner afterwards. A substantial amount of food and drink was then consumed in a jovial atmosphere of camaraderie and good cheer.

This is a really good ride and should be done again. If so it would be great to have some support for the section from Omak to Coulee City and on to Brewster. Strong, experienced randonneurs can obviously do this unsupported but having someone out there with extra water could be a real difference maker for everyone.

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June 8, 2023