Days 1-3: Canmore to Kananaskis to Elkford to Sparwood (some rerouting)

Miles: 49, 53, 28

After three days we are starting to remember the rhythm of bike touring. Wake up, pack up, eat, ride. Stop, take photos, eat, ride. I'm enjoying the food, riding, and company so far.

The group has an average age over 50 but my roommate on the first night was around my age - Florian (Flo) from Germany is a strong rider and has done lots of bike trips around Europe in the past. There are a few others from the US and the UK as well. About half the group is Dutch - despite the flatness of their country they have been first to camp every day!

 

The landscape has changed every day - from the sheer peaks of Alberta to long ridges and valleys in British Columbia.  The riding has ranged from wide, loose gravel highways to unimproved dirt roads (like Boulder gravel) to doubletrack to flowy bermed singletrack. Today we had a long stint on a smooth road they must have paved just for us.

The first day was a long stretch on a loose gravel highway. The few cars that passed kicked up long clouds of dust that we could see from a half mile away. The day ended on paved bike path, although we had to reroute around eight grizzly bears in the area!  There were rumors that a bear visited our campsite that night and pushed at tents.

Yesterday was better - we climbed over Elk Pass in the morning on doubletrack at 18%. Although the pass was steep it brought warmth into our bodies.

Today we rode mostly singletrack and paved roads. On the smooth, flowy trail I had a blast chasing and passing all the roadies.

We are camping in Sparwood today which is home of the largest truck in the world! The golf course also has espresso approved by the Europeans on the trip so Florian and I made an afternoon coffee run.

I am feeling good so far. My legs and bike are working perfectly. Tomorrow is another short day followed by a few 50-70 days until we leave Canada. I'm excited to see Montana and Idaho!