bikearky - a weblog of my veggie powered cycling adventures

Birch Fall Classic

colin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:09:41 +0000

The Birch Fall Classic was the first mountain biking event (aside from many Critical Mass rides) I have participated in. Whilst I was coming off long days touring with a loaded trailer, I did not envisage having 8 hours of trail riding in me so I asked the organisers to pair me with another rider. What the event proved to me is that Manitoba does have hills if you know where to look! It was a warm and prerty tough day... and an enjoyable one.

Day 10: Banff, reflections on the ride

colin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000

It was nice to wake up in my tent not thinking of any mountains to climb. I was feeling pretty good given the last 9 days of exertion, crossing 5 serious Mountain Passes (Allison 1342m; Anarchist 1233m; Paulson 1535m; Kootenay Valley viewpoint 1400m+; Continental divide 1640m) and a few other sizable climbs.

Day 9: Fairmont to Banff (part 2).

colin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:00:00 +0000

I crossed into Banff National Park, crested the continental divide and entered Alberta just after 5:30, having come 135km in just over 7 hours. The heat of the days was subsiding and in my weariness I decided to push on for Banff rather than camp at Castle Junction. I started to have thoughts of staying in a bed.

Day 9: Fairmont to Banff (part 1)

colin — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000

I rose and packed camp early in anticipation of another hot day, hoping to get past the anticipated steep and challenging climb out of Radium Hot Springs. I was on the bike by 7:15. The ride to Radium (38km) was uneventful. A short climb, some spectacular scenery, and a early heat provided a indication of what was to come. I stocked up on supplies, not knowing if I would make it to Banff and what services were available prior to Kootenay Park Lodge. The adventures of the day provided many more photo’s than any other day...

Day 8: Yahk Provincial Park to Fairmont

colin — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000

Another warm day. I rose at 5:30 and left Yahk PP at 6:45. I started the morning not sure of how far I would ride/where I would end up — partly based on the disturbed sleep of the night before. I was buoyed by the impending site of the Rockies, something I not experienced since 2001. I entered the ‘Mountain Time’ zone at 7:40/8:40am, and soon after passed the sign welcoming travelers to the Rockiy Mountains district.

Day 7: New Key’s Place to Yahk Provincial Park

colin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000

I left myself go back to several times this morning, given the previous day. I rose at 6:45, had packed up camp and was leaving New Key's Place (see photo) in an hour. It was a pleasant ride in the morning, having set off before most of the holiday makers were on the roads. I snapped a couple of pics of Kootenay Lake, which reminded me a little of my ride along the westen edge of Cayuga Lake back in July 06. My memories of that day are more pleasant —most likely as I had had several days rest and was refreshed before setting out.

Day 6: Texas Creek Provincial Park to Crawford Bay (Kootenay Lake, via Nelson)

colin — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 02:36:58 +0000

I was up early, hoping to make Paulson Summit before the heat set in. My plans were to head for Nelson, somewhere I had always wanted to visit, if I could make it that far and take my first rest day. It turned into a very long day!

It was a pleasant morning on the lake, rising at 5:45am. The early morning view across Christina Lake was a pleasant way to start the day. After a quick meal I was able to pack my gear and leave Texas Creek Provincial Park by 6:30. Following the 5km back-track to Highway 3, I turned awayfrom the lake and headed north-east towards Paulson Summit.

Day 5: Johnstone Creek Provincial Park to Christina Lake

colin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 02:53:28 +0000

If yesterday was a tough day, today was not the most enjoyable. The distance ridden was not large, and the climb quite gentle, but it was very hot, with the heat hitting as I closed in on Grand Forks. Today surpassed the heat of the previous day. I did get to finish with a swim in Christina Lake, which aided in my (mental and physical) recovering.

Day 4: Stemwinder to Johnstone Creek Provincial Parks

colin — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000

Lots of photo’s today. It was a tough day, with a long climb some describe as the most challenging of the ride Vancouver to Banff: Anarchist Pass. I started the day after a good rest, enjoying the stay at Stemwinder—though with a flat (the previous day’s tube repair did not hold). I also started to wear board (surf) shorts over my bike pants to protect my legs from exposure—which helped a lot!

Day 3: Manning to Stemwinder Provincial Parks

colin — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:00:00 +0000

Following my only icy morning, I headed off on the cruise down to the east gate of Manning Provincial Park at 8:20am. I stopped at the store just east of the gate (the east gate diner iirc?) to pick up a ‘sports drink’ and a snack for breakfast. As I was setting up to leave a car pulled in that had passed me on the climb the day before (3 bicycles on the roof). We had a good chat about cycle touring. The occupants were moving back to Ontario after living out in Vancouver for a couple years. Their trip east was a journey! They had planned for three weeks travelling south of the border through exploring National Parks. After leaving the Provincial Park, the smallish climb up Sunday Summit was next.