Quiet weekend in Smithers. Talked with Phil Wood this morning (Monday) and they are investigating possibilities. Will update below about the hub as I know more. Today is British Columbia day, a public holiday with shops closed – so seeing what sorts out before going to McBike and Sports tomorrow on whether to take Plan A (fix existing hub) or Plan B (build replacement 36-spoke wheel).

UPDATE: Thanks to Phil Wood, they have sent a hub cassette here to Smithers. I have a UPS tracking number and an expected Friday delivery. Hopefully McBike can get things installed and after that I’ll be back on the road again. A bit of delay, though Smithers is a nice place to have that delay. Will look for different items here including perhaps renting a mountain bike and riding back to cover the missing 17km link.

A relaxing weekend and if I have to be stopped, then Smithers is a rather nice town to wait. I am two blocks off the main street with little shops. Below are some more photos of the town. Of course at some point frustrating to not be able to proceed, but have to give things time to sort out.

Here is the alpenhorn guy at entrance to Main Street. Smithers is in a valley with some tall peaks to the west and some shops on Main have an alpine theme.

Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, laundromat, McDonalds, traffic lights, etc. This is largest town since Whitehorse.

McBike and Sport. A pretty complete and full-sized bike shop. Have my bike there for a tuneup and to help replace the hub.

Town library at end of Main with mountains in the background.

Mural describing the months of the year from perspective of Smithers.

Saturday morning is farmers market. By far the longest line was for a bakery with good bread and other goods.

Local coffee place that opens early.

Local scenery. Look close and you can see the train.