The road less travelled: Cycling Revelstoke to CMH Monashees

In Summer

Photo: Daniel Stewart | Tourism Revelstoke

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Words by Morgan Dinsdale | Posted July 11, 2016

The stunning Columbia River near Revelstoke flows alongside Beth Purser as she pedals toward the old mining community of Mica Creek. Travelling north on Big Bend Highway, Highway 23, vivid green forests rise from everywhere into the mountains. She breathes in the fresh mountain air with every pedal rotation of the 140km journey from Revelstoke to her old home, CMH Monashees Lodge. Arriving at the lodge, she makes her way down to Lake Revelstoke soaking in the serene beauty and tranquility under snow-capped peaks.

Photo by Beth Purser

Beth has enjoyed riding this road less travelled for many years. “When I worked at the Monashees as a massage therapist I fell in love with this road. It’s stunning. You’re in total wilderness,” she says. “You’re more likely to see a bear than a car in the fall.”

In September Beth will ride it again, this time sharing the experience with a group of cyclists as part of her newest retreat, a weekend of cycling to and from the luxurious lodge, accompanied by pampering, yoga and 5-star cuisine. A certified massage therapist, yoga teacher and ACMG hiking guide, Beth has for many years created active nature retreats that highlight the beauty of British Columbia.

CMH Monashees Lodge
CMH Monashees Lodge

This fall’s retreat will blend her passions for cycling and yoga. The three-day retreat begins and ends with car-supported rides between Revelstoke and the Monashees, a good challenge for any cyclist. With the Columbia River home to countless species and teeming with wildlife it will be like pedaling through a forest, heaven on wheels. Once at the lodge massage and soaking in the rooftop hot tub await, accompanied by mouth-watering, locally sourced meals with yoga playing yin to cycling’s yang.

A passionate yoga teacher, Beth’s a believer that getting people onto their mats will only enhance their experience upon stepping off.

“Yoga is a nice compliment to cycling, it helps you stretch out sore muscles and settles your mind after a long day in the saddle,” she says of the yoga classes she will conduct throughout the weekend. “The retreat is a chance to ride in a beautiful hidden patch of British Columbia, and there’s nothing quite like relaxing into the backcountry surrounding the CMH Monashees Lodge to re-center and reconnect.”

“Cycling has allowed me to see this beautiful part of B.C in such a unique way,” she says as she gets ready to ride back to Revelstoke, the long summer days providing plenty of time for her to make it home before dark. “I hope those who join me in September will fall in love with the beauty of the Big Bend Highway and the Monashees Lodge just as much as I have.”

Walking uphill from the Revelstoke Lake shoreline, she pauses to take in the sights and sounds of summer around her. Crickets chirping, wind blowing through the trees, the lodge is quiet this time of year – peaceful. It would seem her love and appreciation for this place has only deepened over the years. Riding here will always be coming home.

Beth Purser’s Cycling, Yoga & Spa Retreat from Revelstoke, B.C. to CMH Monashees Lodge takes place September 9-11, 2016. Click here for more info.