June 3, 2021 - (Harrison Hot Springs, BC) With spring in the air amidst the new reality of Covid cabin fever, a quick escape from the routine was in order. With limited time, resources, combined with inclement weather and a regional travel ban looming on the horizon, the clock was ticking when the arrival of Moustache’s Samedi 27 XRoad FS 3 saved the day.
This comfortable and versatile e-bike is ready to take on any kind of ride for the city or country boy/girl in you. Equipped with a Bosch Performance Line CX e-drive system includes a 250-watt motor with 85 Nm of MTB-climbing torque, along with a 500Wh downtube integrated battery.
With five levels of assist, this powerful electric motor has more than enough punch to get the job done. I added clipless pedals to help maximize my cadence for motor efficiency and to provide a small helping hand in the dreaded chance I drained the battery and had to pedal unassisted. The bottom line and key for a successful adventure was battery conservation.
The 6061 aluminum full suspension frame houses a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain, and comes complete with lights, fenders and as luck would have it, a stock QL-3 lowrider rack perfect for my Ortlieb rear panniers. Although the low top tube prevented a large water bottle being carried, it did allow for easy mounting and dismounting of the bike, a feature that was much appreciated when carrying a heavy load.
The specs and style of this e-bike dictated that a combination of pavement and gravel with overnight camping would be the ideal planned get-away. With transportation in hand, I checked out Bosch’s on-line range calculator to assess my options for an overnight adventure. The calculator takes into account motor and battery specs, weather, road conditions, tire type, predicted cadence and speed along with the total weight of bike, rider and gear.
The data gave me 111 km in Eco mode and 72 km in Tour mode, meaning the more I could pedal my total 122 kg in Eco mode, the farther my destination could be. I chose Harrison Hot Springs as my get-away as it lies within my Covid-restricted travel region, and at 90km, fit within my distance budget and had a campsite with vacancy.
This resort town sits in the eastern portion of B.C.’s Fraser Valley on the shores of Harrison Lake in Harrison River Valley, and is known for its natural hot springs. I know it well as it was a regular cycling destination in my youth and most recently was the site of an annual family get-away.
My route would follow the mighty Fraser River up-stream along the well-travelled Hwy 7. Heading out at high noon would give me enough time to cover the sub 4-hour journey. Feeling fresh with some zip in my legs, I was able to cruise the majority of the first 50km in Eco mode, only moving into Tour mode to assist up a few short climbs.
Passing through the small historic communities of Hatzic, Dewdney and Deroche, I was amazed at how efficiently the Samedi 27 XRoad FS 3 cruised along and how the full suspension, that includes Moustache’s own Magic Grip Control rear shock with 100mm of travel, nicely smoothed out the ride.
Just beyond Deroche the road edge narrowed with the pavement in disrepair. An increase in fast-moving, long-weekend traffic forced me to ride the fine line between road and gravel shoulder. The stock Hutchinson Python 27.5 x 2.10 inch tires confidently took the pothole hits and the mountain tread allowed me to ride the gravel shoulder with confidence when needed.
At kilometre 60 I passed the Sasquatch Inn and the turn-off up to the Chehalis River and Sasquatch Mountain Ski Resort. Local legend claims that the mythical Sasquatch roams these forests, with many documented sightings and Sasquatch seekers visiting the region. The name comes from the local Sts’ailes First Nation’s word “Sa:sq’ets,” meaning hairy face, with the creature featuring on the band’s symbol. As local to the region, this myth is embedded in my subconscious and I always feel the presence of the furry beast when I pass through the area.
With 20 km to go I was on the home stretch, and although ample battery range was showing, there was still the last, and steepest climb ahead. Harrison Highlands, with grades ranging in the mid teens, required Sport mode for most of the climb. It was amazing how effortlessly the Bosch Performance Line CX motor’s 85 Nm of torque assisted me up the steep slope, especially when I had to get going again after an untimely stop. Once off the mountain there were only flat roads ahead, but I greedily kept it in Tour and Sport mode to speed me to my destination.
Prior to its settlement, the hot springs were regularly visited by the Coast Salish first nations. In 1889, a resort was built at the site, around the time of the arrival of the CP Rail line just a short carriage ride away.
Harrison Hot Springs Resort continues today at its original location and continues to attract visitors from around the world. A truly special place, it’s nestled between steep, densely treed hillsides with an awe-inspiring view of the snow capped coast mountain at the lake’s North end.
The region offers many outdoor activities, and the town was bustling with people enjoying a long weekend retreat from the latest pandemic norms. Indoor dining had just been banned, but the resourceful eating establishments had patios and outdoor tents set-up to accommodate the hungry masses.
My accommodation was at The Harrison Springs Camping and RV park on the outskirts of town. As luck would have it, my camp site came complete with 30-amp RV power and for a $20 deposit I got a plug adaptor for an overnight recharge. Note to self: next time remember to bring an adaptor.
The public hot springs were unfortunately closed due to Covid so there was no chance for a relaxing soak, but a welcoming food and beverage stop at a local pub got high marks for some tasty refueling. Then with the help of my Bosch Purion activated AXA Blueline front light, I navigated back to camp to get rested up for the next day’s return ride.
With a full battery, and clear morning skies, I set off on my return ride. The legs were not quite as fresh as on the previous day, and I sensed that the 90 km trek home was going to be a real challenge. I found that Eco mode was not quite doing the trick and tapped into Tour mode more often. With rain heading my way I pointed the Moustache to the west and kept things churning.
While passing through Hatzic Prairie, I took the opportunity to ride sections of the gravel dyke which paralleled the road. This was a nice reprieve from the traffic and allowed beautiful views of Nicomen Slough with sites of an occasional bald eagle peering down on me from the trees above and swans foraging in the barren fields.
By the time I arrived in Mission, my battery levels were low, the oncoming storm had arrived, and my caffeine levels were depleted. It was time to pivot. With nothing left to lose, I grabbed a coffee at a local cafe to recharge myself before continuing for my final 30 km through the rain and headwinds. It was nice to know that the stock fenders on the Samedi 27 would help protect me from much of the road muck the rain would create.
Upon arrival in my hometown of Maple Ridge I took a gravel connecting path to help shorten the distance home, but as luck would have it, at 4 km from my destination the battery died. If you’ve never pedalled a 100 pounds of bike and gear without assist, you may be in for a real reality check. Clipless pedals didn’t help much and any incline, short as it may be, felt like pedaling in deep mud with flat tires. Through sheer determination and embracing the adventure, I reached the end of my trip.
Touring on an e-bike is a real game changer and is sure to open up many doors for a variety of riders. The Moustache Samedi 27 XRoad FS 3 is an able and versatile companion that can take you and your gear to a variety of on, or off-road, destinations in full-suspension comfort. The array of possibilities is truly inspiring and this is a remarkable e-bike that yearns for any adventure and beyond – read our test report here & more on the Samedi here..
More about Harrison Hot Springs Resort here.
More about Harrison River Valley Tourism here.
