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