Made it to Fernie yesterday, into a hot headwind. Wasn't as far from Sparwood as I thought.
Met up with Kate and Harriet (Hat) from Bristol at the Fernie campsite. They are also doing the GDMBR and started a few days before me but have had a coupe of days off in Fernie. They are using an unusual Polish trailer design. Uses a normal 26" wheel with a couple of slings on the side for gear. Might try it out for a comparison. They tried a BoB but opted for this other method, but I'm liking the BoB system so far.
Anyway, am having my first day off.
Mainly cos its thunder & lightening etc but also I think Ive earned it. Had a nice lie in this morning till lunchtime, listening to radio/MP3 and the rain on the tent - quite relaxing actually. No showers here at the CG so off down to the aquatic centre, maybe even a swim later, and possibly laundry.
Fernie seems quite cool with a few bars etc down main street and all the facilities. The only downside so far being that the CG is a mile or two from town, up a slight hill and has no shower. I think I'm geting picky already.
Anyway, down-dulating to the border from here, then the Whitefish Divide.
So far the route description isn't quite as bad as I'd thought and navigation is no problem (just check twice and keep an eye on the trip distance).
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Day 1 - 4: Banff to Sparwood (update from Sparwood)
Tuesday 29 July 2008, 1:30pm (updated at Sparwood library)
Left Elkwood this morning headed for Hosmer (prob won't make Fernie). A steepish road climb then a long well packed gravel road (Fording Rd) to Sparwood. Saw some deer but no bison :(
Good progress despite a headwind & nice weather, so stopped in to use internet at Sparwood library at lunch.
Mon 28/7/08 Boulton - Elkford
A tough push up to Elk Pass (could only ride half of the 'virtual wall'), and my first Divide crossing.
Then down down down, well 'down-dulating' as I'm calling things, to Elkford.
A bit of a technical moment when the BoB wheel decided on freedom by detaching itself from BoB and overtook me... (mustn't have secured the quick release properly when it came off getting past the gate at the pass). Fortunately it was bouncing away down the uphill side of the trail rather than off over downhill edge!
Played tag with some butterfly scientists and stopped for lunch at a cool little cabin where I was given 2x fruit punnets and 2x fruit juices really appreciated.
They also mentioned that there were a couple of girls a day or so ahead as well (would explain some tire tracks I'd noticed coming off the pass).
Topped up my water bottles also at the fresh (clean) water spring behind it.
Elkford was OK (aka mossie free) albeit red neck central, as well as having nice weather. Ate at the restuarant.
Sun 27/7/08 Spray lake - Boulton Trading Post
Onwards along Spray lake. First time I've felt 'alone' so was putting out plenty of "Yogi" calls. Nice riding alongside the lake, then into some forest (which really felt like bear territory), some single/horse track, then up a hill and back onto S-D Rd. Had a fish-tailing wobble in some gravel so watched the speed a bit better afterwards. BoB got a puncture 2km before Boulton Trading post where I stayed for the night (mossies, up a hill and no food storeage facilities so not impressed with the place). Just because 99.9% of people have cars/RV's etc shouldn't make it too much effort to put in some bear proof food storeage bins!
Sat 26/7/08 Banff - Spray lake (just 29km's)
First day on the ride...
Didn't start till midday as had a few thing to do, then off down the Spray River trail. OK going with a couple of climbs (and pushes) and then the dusty Smith-Dorien Rd to Spray lake (which wasn't much fun). At the Spary River dam a sharp thuder storm came in, however as the main campsite was full I stopped at the overflow site and quickly set up the tent (in the rain). Not much fun - in the future will wait for thunder/rain etc to pass before setting up as I think they will generally pass thru.
Although it turned out to be a good move, and a good night, as some 'New Fundies' were there also and invited me to share some beer & BBQ with them. So had a really good night :)
Trailhead at Banff
Campsite at Spray lake
Left Elkwood this morning headed for Hosmer (prob won't make Fernie). A steepish road climb then a long well packed gravel road (Fording Rd) to Sparwood. Saw some deer but no bison :(
Good progress despite a headwind & nice weather, so stopped in to use internet at Sparwood library at lunch.
Mon 28/7/08 Boulton - Elkford
A tough push up to Elk Pass (could only ride half of the 'virtual wall'), and my first Divide crossing.
Then down down down, well 'down-dulating' as I'm calling things, to Elkford.
A bit of a technical moment when the BoB wheel decided on freedom by detaching itself from BoB and overtook me... (mustn't have secured the quick release properly when it came off getting past the gate at the pass). Fortunately it was bouncing away down the uphill side of the trail rather than off over downhill edge!
Played tag with some butterfly scientists and stopped for lunch at a cool little cabin where I was given 2x fruit punnets and 2x fruit juices really appreciated.
They also mentioned that there were a couple of girls a day or so ahead as well (would explain some tire tracks I'd noticed coming off the pass).
Topped up my water bottles also at the fresh (clean) water spring behind it.
Elkford was OK (aka mossie free) albeit red neck central, as well as having nice weather. Ate at the restuarant.
Sun 27/7/08 Spray lake - Boulton Trading Post
Onwards along Spray lake. First time I've felt 'alone' so was putting out plenty of "Yogi" calls. Nice riding alongside the lake, then into some forest (which really felt like bear territory), some single/horse track, then up a hill and back onto S-D Rd. Had a fish-tailing wobble in some gravel so watched the speed a bit better afterwards. BoB got a puncture 2km before Boulton Trading post where I stayed for the night (mossies, up a hill and no food storeage facilities so not impressed with the place). Just because 99.9% of people have cars/RV's etc shouldn't make it too much effort to put in some bear proof food storeage bins!
Sat 26/7/08 Banff - Spray lake (just 29km's)
First day on the ride...
Didn't start till midday as had a few thing to do, then off down the Spray River trail. OK going with a couple of climbs (and pushes) and then the dusty Smith-Dorien Rd to Spray lake (which wasn't much fun). At the Spary River dam a sharp thuder storm came in, however as the main campsite was full I stopped at the overflow site and quickly set up the tent (in the rain). Not much fun - in the future will wait for thunder/rain etc to pass before setting up as I think they will generally pass thru.
Although it turned out to be a good move, and a good night, as some 'New Fundies' were there also and invited me to share some beer & BBQ with them. So had a really good night :)
Trailhead at Banff
Campsite at Spray lake
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Onwards to Mexico...
As nice as Banff is (albeit a stunning tourist trap), I've got some riding to do.
Off down the Spray River trail shortly. Will leave at midday and hope to crack out approx 30km to the first campsites. Just after a 'gentle' intro today (first time off road with a load) so prob won't make Canyon dam which is the next informal campsite.
Have food for a few days and full water bottles so should be fun :)
Off down the Spray River trail shortly. Will leave at midday and hope to crack out approx 30km to the first campsites. Just after a 'gentle' intro today (first time off road with a load) so prob won't make Canyon dam which is the next informal campsite.
Have food for a few days and full water bottles so should be fun :)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Icefields Parkway
Will update more later....
Jasper - Jonas Creek 22/7/08 77km
Black bear + baby wondered past the campsite
Jonas Creek - Waterfowl Lake 23/7/08 100km
A biggish climb to Sunwapta Pass, even used the granny ring, but superb views. Well, everywhere you look is awesome to be honest.
Black bear
Waterfowl Lake - Lake Louise 24/7/08 70km
One climb up to Bow pass (great view of Peyto Lake) but mostly down hill.
Lake Louise - Banff 25/7/08 60km
Hot, easy, down-dulating day. A really sweet ride as mostly downhill, in fact the biggest hill was to the campsite at Banff. Took the Bow Valley route which was really quite, mostly tree lined and just great riding.
5x Mountain goats as entered Banff.
Jasper - Jonas Creek 22/7/08 77km
Black bear + baby wondered past the campsite
Jonas Creek - Waterfowl Lake 23/7/08 100km
A biggish climb to Sunwapta Pass, even used the granny ring, but superb views. Well, everywhere you look is awesome to be honest.
Black bear
Waterfowl Lake - Lake Louise 24/7/08 70km
One climb up to Bow pass (great view of Peyto Lake) but mostly down hill.
Lake Louise - Banff 25/7/08 60km
Hot, easy, down-dulating day. A really sweet ride as mostly downhill, in fact the biggest hill was to the campsite at Banff. Took the Bow Valley route which was really quite, mostly tree lined and just great riding.
5x Mountain goats as entered Banff.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Jasper, AB
A nice long 17hr train to Jasper. OK though as way more space than planes plus you can wonder up to the observation carriage etc.
Saw a Black Bear from the train as we pulled into Jasper.
And then prob the same one again later as I was biking back to Jasper from my campground 3km's away. The second time it was 'given away' by hoards of people who stopped driving to get out and take photo's, so no danger at all.
Great weather still, and very friendly people.
Got some food supplies today for the next few days (as nothing available till Lake Louise). Wow, combined with all the other stuff I brought in Vancouver I could hardly close my bag. So a big incentive to eat my way south. Might think about what else to cull from the load.
The road rules and riding on the right are quite different, but getting the hang of it. No probs for the next 300km's though.
Saw a Black Bear from the train as we pulled into Jasper.
And then prob the same one again later as I was biking back to Jasper from my campground 3km's away. The second time it was 'given away' by hoards of people who stopped driving to get out and take photo's, so no danger at all.
Great weather still, and very friendly people.
Got some food supplies today for the next few days (as nothing available till Lake Louise). Wow, combined with all the other stuff I brought in Vancouver I could hardly close my bag. So a big incentive to eat my way south. Might think about what else to cull from the load.
The road rules and riding on the right are quite different, but getting the hang of it. No probs for the next 300km's though.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Vancouver
Righto,
Have made it this far to Vancouver. OK, so it wasn't too hard to get here.
The weather is awesome, pretty much blue sky since I've been here. Hopefully it follows me.
Stayed with Jocelyn and Walter (Mikes Aunt & Uncle) for the first night which was great as they've really lovely folks.
Had a little bit of jet lag the next day but think I'm all good now.
Am now with Ouri in central Vancouver and am being looked after really well some more.
Am quite liking this "cycle touring" so far !
Went to a Folk festival last night which was nice. Didn't think that the music was too Folksie but the people were :), cool.
A French couple (Rachael & Guillaume) turned up last night enroute to Argentina over one year. Suddenly my 5k is looking a bit short.
A bit of a dinner thing tonight, I've provided an NZ Sav plus an Aus Shiraz for a southern hemisphere flavour and R & G are making crepes.
Its a tough life for sure :)
My bike is singing along now, beautiful loud whirring noise from the rear hub, mmmm.
Got my rear brake adjusted and the front rotor straightened, and a new Kryptonite D-lock to add some more load. Better to have a bike.
And I should be on the MEC store's xmas card list.
Tomorrow we might do a 'group' ride in the morning, and then am off to Jasper on the overnight train which I'm looking forward to.
Have made it this far to Vancouver. OK, so it wasn't too hard to get here.
The weather is awesome, pretty much blue sky since I've been here. Hopefully it follows me.
Stayed with Jocelyn and Walter (Mikes Aunt & Uncle) for the first night which was great as they've really lovely folks.
Had a little bit of jet lag the next day but think I'm all good now.
Am now with Ouri in central Vancouver and am being looked after really well some more.
Am quite liking this "cycle touring" so far !
Went to a Folk festival last night which was nice. Didn't think that the music was too Folksie but the people were :), cool.
A French couple (Rachael & Guillaume) turned up last night enroute to Argentina over one year. Suddenly my 5k is looking a bit short.
A bit of a dinner thing tonight, I've provided an NZ Sav plus an Aus Shiraz for a southern hemisphere flavour and R & G are making crepes.
Its a tough life for sure :)
My bike is singing along now, beautiful loud whirring noise from the rear hub, mmmm.
Got my rear brake adjusted and the front rotor straightened, and a new Kryptonite D-lock to add some more load. Better to have a bike.
And I should be on the MEC store's xmas card list.
Tomorrow we might do a 'group' ride in the morning, and then am off to Jasper on the overnight train which I'm looking forward to.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Outta here
Off shortly so all good.
My rear wheel finally arrived Monday so is all set up and looking good to go.
errr, what drama ? perfect planning !
The weather forecast from Vancouver tomorrow is a sunny, 22- 26c for the next five days.
Sweet.
Anyway, should be back in time for summer, or at least daylight saving.
All the best everyone
Andy
My rear wheel finally arrived Monday so is all set up and looking good to go.
errr, what drama ? perfect planning !
The weather forecast from Vancouver tomorrow is a sunny, 22- 26c for the next five days.
Sweet.
Anyway, should be back in time for summer, or at least daylight saving.
All the best everyone
Andy
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
One week to go
Well, this time next week I'll be on my way to Vancouver.
Wow.
Nervous - yes,
Eager - yes.
Organised - No.
Anyway, the plan .....
Fly to Vancouver (16/7), overnight with a friends Aunt/Uncle near airport then relocate to central Vancouver for 3 nights to chill out, relax, check out Vancouver etc. Have always wanted to go there so this will probably just be a quick recce.
Then its the train north to Jasper, AB (don't ask me about the mission getting the ticket!)
Start riding south.....
Jasper to Banff is called the Icefields Parkway. Basically a highway with super beautiful scenery as I understand it. This is my 300km 'warm-up' to touring. Maybe four days, who knows.
Banff is where the route starts proper.
Just another 2,711 miles / 4,337km's to the Mexico border, then head back somewhere (El Paso or Tucson) with an airport to fly to LA and then home.
Not much change out of 5,000km's.
Have 'planned' on approx 70 days riding with 10 or 12 spares days, but can always change the flight home, in fact I expect to.
Organised? Yeah right.
Mostly sorted, with the exception of a rear wheel.
The current one at 6yrs old and 3rd freewheel is due to expire shortly. So I need a new wheel, and one that will last. Strong, light'ish and durable is what I need and I figure a Hope Pro2 Hub with Mavic XM819 disc rim is the bizzo (for any bike geeks). Not cheap, esp in NZ, and I'm a tightarse. So ordered one 12th June from the UK for $250 less. Problem is that they have been outta stock on the hub till last week. Not amused at all. Typical of me to do things the hard way. Anyway, it was dispatched last night, the UPS tracker tells me that it is in Dubai right now and expected in Auckland on Friday. So hopefully Monday. Just in Time as they say.
Yes I'm sweating.
And swearing.
And there is a plan B for if it doesn't turn up in time. A hugely generous offer from Mike to use his spare wheel. How good is that !
Hopefully the new rear disc brake will turn up tomorrow...
Will need to get a few thing in Vancouver, water purifier and most importantly Bear Spray. Don't leave home without it.
But a 'pre-pack' yesterday looked OK wrt weight (2x 23kg bags max) so that looks good.
Wow.
Nervous - yes,
Eager - yes.
Organised - No.
Anyway, the plan .....
Fly to Vancouver (16/7), overnight with a friends Aunt/Uncle near airport then relocate to central Vancouver for 3 nights to chill out, relax, check out Vancouver etc. Have always wanted to go there so this will probably just be a quick recce.
Then its the train north to Jasper, AB (don't ask me about the mission getting the ticket!)
Start riding south.....
Jasper to Banff is called the Icefields Parkway. Basically a highway with super beautiful scenery as I understand it. This is my 300km 'warm-up' to touring. Maybe four days, who knows.
Banff is where the route starts proper.
Just another 2,711 miles / 4,337km's to the Mexico border, then head back somewhere (El Paso or Tucson) with an airport to fly to LA and then home.
Not much change out of 5,000km's.
Have 'planned' on approx 70 days riding with 10 or 12 spares days, but can always change the flight home, in fact I expect to.
Organised? Yeah right.
Mostly sorted, with the exception of a rear wheel.
The current one at 6yrs old and 3rd freewheel is due to expire shortly. So I need a new wheel, and one that will last. Strong, light'ish and durable is what I need and I figure a Hope Pro2 Hub with Mavic XM819 disc rim is the bizzo (for any bike geeks). Not cheap, esp in NZ, and I'm a tightarse. So ordered one 12th June from the UK for $250 less. Problem is that they have been outta stock on the hub till last week. Not amused at all. Typical of me to do things the hard way. Anyway, it was dispatched last night, the UPS tracker tells me that it is in Dubai right now and expected in Auckland on Friday. So hopefully Monday. Just in Time as they say.
Yes I'm sweating.
And swearing.
And there is a plan B for if it doesn't turn up in time. A hugely generous offer from Mike to use his spare wheel. How good is that !
Hopefully the new rear disc brake will turn up tomorrow...
Will need to get a few thing in Vancouver, water purifier and most importantly Bear Spray. Don't leave home without it.
But a 'pre-pack' yesterday looked OK wrt weight (2x 23kg bags max) so that looks good.
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