Day 21, 22
Craik to Regina
Distance: 131 km
Temp: Hot

This was our last ride day until our rest day, so we were all anxious to get it down so we could get on with the serious business of R and R.
The button-pusher/friend in our galley crew was booking a stay in a motel in Regina, so Lewis and I jumped at the idea, thinking that we well deserved a stay indoors, on a soft bed, with a clean shower that didn’t come with winking crawly things that rappel down the wall.
Luckily Tailwig decided to join us on our ride, making it a more expeditious journey than if his cousin Hedwig had been keeping us company; although it was still long enough to frustrate some (in this coming week we will be doing 903 km before our next rest day, with a daily average of 151 km whereas this week it was 138 km daily average.)

Anyhow, we eventually reached Regina.
If not a native of Regina, one cannot help but feel like you’re saying a naughty word every time you say it; numerous jokes have been made around camp, probably none of them original.
Seeing a town on the flat, bald prairie after so many days was somewhat surprising, especially as we were riding through the outskirts and had some tree cover; something we have not had since we left the Rockies.
The city/town (pop, 190,000) looks a lot like the outskirts of Scarborough; although I didn’t see all of the city, I am not so sure I want to.
We came across a Holiday Inn, which to us is like an oasis and savior since the camping has been hard going of late.
We booked and then headed off to get our stuff from the campsite, which was 6 km from the hotel, and about 15 km from the centre of town.
When we got to camp we saw the faces of those trickling in; disappointment, frustration and despair; we were to stay 15 km out of town on a rest day once again-the crowd was not pleased with the organizers.
I tried my best to empathize and nod my head in sympathy, but all I could think about was getting back to the hotel so I could roll around on the bed, watch the Tour Du France and have a nice, long shower, where I got to choose the temperature of the water for a change.
The hotel did not disappoint, and I have had to drag myself from the room for food and laundry, and later a trip downtown.

I went into town for a massage, and Lewis went to look around town, and came back waving a $100 bill, as he’d had a successful fifteen minute trip to the Regina Casino.

We are savoring every minute of being indoors and a clean bed, and will more than likely have a hard time going back to our little tent, homey as it is.

I must also give credit where it is due: Lewis has been taking the pics, except for a few taken by me on my bike. Otherwise, all other bike and scenery shots are taken by him.