Dwagenheim

Hey there,
I am in Banff, Alberta. Visiting for about a month and a half. I am wondering if there is anyone who wants to do some low key road riding. I am basically trying to get in better cycling shape, and am considering a near future 3 day tour to Jasper, weather depending.

If you are a regular rider and would like some company, or if you want to do some more riding and need the encouragement of a riding partner, let me know. I have a very free schedule as I am just here visiting with my girlfriend while she attends an internship.

Also, my girlfriend is looking for a bike, so if you know anyone who is trying to get rid of one, let us know.

For people not familiar with this area, Banff is amazing! I am so happy to be here.

Dave

v1k1ng1001

Banff is pretty amazing. You're lucky to have a month and a half there.

Machka 

I'm in central Alberta, about a 3 hour drive from Saskatchewan River Crossing, and a little bit more to Banff. I've spent a lot of time throughout my life in and around the Banff area.

My father and I are thinking of doing a ride from Nordegg to SRC this weekend.

BTW - if you are planning a 3 day tour from Jasper to Banff this year, while you are in Banff, go soon! You are already running the risk of snow. Nordegg had snow last weekend, in fact. I'd say that Thanksgiving (the weekend of October 8-10th) would be about the last weekend I'd want to do that tour ... unless some very unusual heatwave comes through. Also keep in mind that after the Thanksgiving weekend, a lot of stuff will be closed, and may not reopen until the ski season starts, or spring.

Have you cycled the Lake Minnewanka loop yet ... that's a nice one. How about out to Johnson's Canyon, Castle Junction, or Lake Louise on the old 1A (Bow Valley Parkway)?

Machka 

Looks like you'll be getting snow tonight.

It won't last ... yet. Give it a couple more weeks.

Have you been out cycling or hiking in the area?

Dwagenheim

So far, I've done the Minnewanka Loop, Sundance Canyon (Ride and Trail), and yesterday I did the Cascade Fire Road. That was pretty challenging. There were some large river rocks to navigate and the 14 km to the Warden's Cabin was mostly uphill. It made for a nice return, but I was pooped! I was also very alone and a little bear wary for the whole ride. I don't know if I will do the 3 day tour to Jasper. I would like to, but like you say, the foul weather is approaching, and weather is unpredictable during this time of the year, if not always. I might decide not to torture myself and just take the car with my girlfriend and some friends and do some hiking.
I will probably just do some riding every other day as weather permits. I am actually trying to do some climbing here as the Banff Centre has a nice training wall.

So far, I am pretty happy with what I've ridden and seen. I'm sure I'll add on a few more nice challenging rides without overburdening myself. The main goal is to just use my bike more, get in shape, and enjoy the mountains!

Thanks for your input. I'll try to post some photos soon.


Dave

roadrasher

Dave, check your PM.

'rasher