ASSINIBOIA — You've all heard of the Magnificent Seven and the Dirty Dozen. Who could ever forget these classic stories and iconic images from the big silver screen? I know this humble reporter can't. But have you ever heard of the Nifty Nine Riders? No? Well then, let's get 'rolling.' Time to give this story some 'wheels,' so to speak, and pray that they don't fall off.
The Nifty Nine Riders — a moniker quickly given for lack of a better name — is a dedicated group of hard-core cyclists whose greatest joy in life, perhaps, is exploring the beauty and mystery of Saskatchewan while spending precious time in the great outdoors. In the group, are two triathletes — an emergency room doctor and a young male nurse — a sports physiotherapist, a Mountie, a teacher, a retired banker, retired systems analyst, retired heavy duty mechanic, and a retired grocery store manager. Last year, they toured the Coronach, Big Beaver, Big Muddy country. This year, they returned to the southlands, arriving in Assiniboia on Sunday, May 15, to begin a four-day adventure in the heart of God's country. Some cyclists came from as far away as Prince Albert, Rosetown and Regina.
Eager to embark on their new adventure, the group wasted no time in striking out for Thomson Lake, some 54.2 kilometres away. There, they would spend their first night in total awe, watching the spectacular lunar eclipse.
Monday morning, they headed south to Wood Mountain regional park, a distance of 63.1 km, where they would spend their second night. This segment of the journey was tough, however, because they were bucking a strong wind and running dangerously low on water. Fortunately, a local area farmer came to the rescue with a kindly offer to replenish their dwindling water supply.
Tuesday morning, with a tailwind behind them and some warm sun, they would travel an easy 47.2 km to Rockglen, where they would spend their third night. Arriving in Rockglen in good time, they enjoyed a leisurely afternoon checking out the local museum, Kim Soo Goodtrack's Lakota Art gallery, eating, visiting with the locals and snacking at both the local cafes.
Refreshed and renewed after a good night's rest, the Nifty Nine Riders left Rockglen at 7:30 Wednesday morning to finish the last leg of their journey back to Assiniboia. This segment would prove to be the toughest of their four days on the road. Assiniboia is only 54.2 km north of Rockglen, but the group was headed directly into a cold, strong, northwest wind making the journey through the uplands extremely arduous. Not easily discouraged, and certainly not quitters, the riders finally arrived in Assiniboia — weary and worn, but all smiles — in time for a group photo and a satisfying drive back home.
In total, the cyclists travelled a total of 218.7 km here in the southlands of Saskatchewan. According to organizer, cyclist and sports physiotherapist Louise Ashcroft from Regina ... "the whole experience was simply wonderful! Watching the lunar eclipse at Thomson Lake, was, oh, sooooo cool. I have never seen anything like it!" She continued, "The trip from Wood Mountain to Rockglen was spectacular! The landscapes and wildlife we encountered were absolutely wonderful. We had a tailwind that day, so that really helped. And coasting down that long west hill into Rockglen from on top of the bench was absolutely breathtaking!" No pun intended.
Clarence Hildebrand, a strong rider and retired heavy-duty mechanic for the City of Prince Albert, agreed with Ashcroft: "That stretch from Wood Mountain to Rockglen was the best part of the entire journey!" He continued, "The hills and coulees everywhere were so nice and green. It was a pleasant surprise. Overall, the drivers were very courteous and careful around us and everyone we met was so pleasant and nice. I was totally impressed."
In conclusion, the Nifty Nine Riders are not only a group of tough, hearty souls, but they're part of a larger provincial body of cyclists called GASP, which stands for Great Annual Saskatchewan Pedal. GASP is a largely Saskatchewan organization, some 41 members strong, but includes several members from other parts of Canada as well — some as far away as Quebec.
