My Ride

I am incredibly late in writing up this trip because it is now Nov 2 and this trip was taken on Oct 8. I was trying to do so much on this trip and the fact that I was staying with people I didn’t have many chances to hide in a corner and write like I do when I am camping.

I was much happier with my packing job of the bike this trip than when I shipped it to Kelowna this past summer. I was very nervous about the flight, if I was going to get any sleep before trying to ride the course. Rob gave me a ride to the airport and we had planned on packing the car and then coming back upstairs so he could study some more but when we put the bike box in the car it wouldn’t go all the way in. So I was at the airport very early, which is good with me. I boarded the plane and got an Isle seat with and old couple. Good thing you can hear much once the engines start up because the lady could natter on and on.

We landed in Hamilton and I wasn’t the only one flying with a bike there was a guy that had his bike in a bag. If I am flying more that might be an idea. I ended up putting the bike together next to the security office, one lady officer stopped to chat with me about what I was doing and where I could get rid of the box. She seemed annoyed that I was OK with leaving my stuff for a few moments at the airport. I mean at 5am not too many evil people are awake!

I started riding and it was warmer than I expected for some reason. The road was not very busy but there was lots of gravel in the shoulder. I didn’t do the route I had planned on because there was a lack of streetlights off the main drag. I knew that I had gotten to the course when I saw all the barricades stacked on the sidewalk. It was 12Km in 36 min to get to the course.

My first leg was to go down towards Claremont access it was a nice downhill run it was definitely bigger than the Calgary valley climb. I got to the bottom of the hill and because of some one ways I didn’t stay on course. I also had some hecklers leaning out their car window. Next thing I know I am climbing back up the hill. It was fun on the way down but I got to look around more on the way up. I found my first painted road names at the steep section of Claremont. I kind of regret not coming to this area of the course then next few days because this was just a monster climb.

James Mtn Road I had read that it was a steep descent but I didn’t realize how steep until I was flying down the hill and being thankful it was light traffic that morning. I wasn’t trying hard I even sat up and I was flying down at 56Km/h. The manhole covers could cause some excitement is all I could think of.

The start finish area was huge!! The stands were as tall as some of the buildings. There were some guys working in the area so I didn’t blast through with my arms up like I won the race. The start house for the Time Trials was much further down from the finish line than I expected. Then there were the team tents, Canada as host I think got the very last tent stall.

Next was the Beckett climb, it reminded me of a parabolic curve gentle to start and then just builds. It had a lot of trees that were close to the road so it was very scenic I noticed a lot of red leaves, something I am not used to. I heard later that the red leaves are Oaks and Maples. I stopped half way up the climb to take a few pictures. The top of the hill kind of pops out at you, all the trees just stop. It puts you in a bit of an open area.

Scenic Drive was not so scenic it was kind of lame, there was a large park on the left and lots of trees to the right blocking the view of downtown. This section a guard I stopped to chat with said be careful of the big hill, I am still trying to figure out what this local was talking about.

My last section to my finish line was the top of the course Fennel Ave. They had given the Time trial half the road but they would give the whole road to the road races and it was so wide I can just imagine the peloton shuffling on this wide flattish stretch.

I crossed my finish line as the sun rose fully and my batteries in my headlight went dead. I rode 19.31Km in 1hr 13min, David Miller did two of these laps in 54 min to win the gold. I was very happy with myself. I stayed on my corner writing in my log and eating a little. I was very hungry at this point.

October 2003 the World Championship Cycling came to Hamilton Ontario. Come hell or high water I was going to get there I decided one day. If I had to eat KD for a long time to pay for it but no worries it was a trip of a life time.

2003 in review

This year I took a crack at the Golden Triangle put on by the Elbow Valley Cycling Club. Basically you ride for 100km per day and have three very fully stocked food stops. I think I gained weight on this weekend. This was the last year they were allowed to run Counter Clockwise, which is a better ride but the powers that be have safety issues with a 1000 riders crossing the highway for snack stops.

I also I put the bike on the greyhound bus and a few days later I flew into Kelowna and rode the bike back to Calgary.... what made me decide this was a good idea I don't know but it was a blast!

The Pro's are in Canada!!! This is the second time the World Cycling Championships have ever been held out side Europe. The first was Montreal many many years ago. I would have lived off rice for a month to pay for this trip. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am glad to this day that I did it. On this trip I also went to Niagara falls and I visited my cousin Leah in Ottawa.

2003 Kelowna Trip

T-5 June 18, 2003

Ian and I were discussing our five years plan and how wrenches have been thrown to them. Also when we go on vacation we just get plain primal. I want to get my confidence back and know what, where, how I want to do with my life.

I have shipped my bike and I am not 100% satisfied with my pack job. It felt somewhat loose.

On my way home today I crashed at the bottom of the hill on the 8^th Ave Bridge. A pedestrian with headphones on blocked the path. My mistake was ringing the bell with my right hand so after the 5^th ring I grabbed the brake, front one of course, and flipped over onto my right side. I have road rash on my right knee, elbow, ankle, swollen left thumb, cut on my left thigh, and somehow got the pattern of my tire on my right shin. Messed me up quite good and I am stiff, sore and generally pissed off.

T-1 June 22

I survived the weekend with all the family. I hope that I am not required to go to these campouts every year. Their version of camping just doesn’t do anything for me. Camping in an RV unit what's the point?? Camping is freezing your butt off and trying to keep a campfire going... oh well. My Elbow has changed a greenish color so I am going to need to keep goop on it. I am nervous and excited about flying to Kelowna to start this trip

D1 Todd’s RV in Peachland $25 28.00Km 878ft up 960ft down 02:09ct

Supper @ Wendy’s $7.00

Flight into Kelowna was good and smooth, got to see the mountains they look really nice from the air! Got to greyhound and as they pulled the box close the front brake hood stuck out of the box and when I opened it up I discovered I put the cluster next to the frame and it had done some chewing on the frame. Grrr I am I annoyed at myself.

Good grief is it hot here! I asked a racing roadie the safest way out and he sneered at me until he saw the loaded bike leaning against the store.

As I rode out I met Paul “A confused Gangster” living straight for 10 years. Now his woman wants to go to school, and now the temptation is hard on him to make the good money again.

I like the shoulders here they are nice and wide good for biking except just in front of the floating bridge. Arm doesn’t look so green anymore, now that I think about it I had stopped putting the goop on it.

I pulled into the campsite and when the lady told me it was $29 I slapped my forehead and forgetting about the BC taxes, she laughed and gave me the low price of the winter season just because I came in on a bike.

D2 Okanogan falls PP $15 72.26Km 1,528ft up 1,498ft down 07:02ct

Supper @ Café $8.00

I woke up very warm didn’t sleep in the bag at all. It was nice not to unzip the bag and run for the can because my bladder got cold. I really like the Okanogan area. Woke up before anyone else in the campground. Arm isn’t so green anymore; the goop must have been causing it. No major hills to take note of but I have learned to stay away from heavy cinnamon buns no matter how good a deal or looking they are. My stomach felt like I had a brick in when I was on a climb. I felt like taking a huge crap from the 6Km to camp sign. There certainly are many tri-athletes, a chick said hello as she passed me.

I met a Finish man and his family at the campsite. His family lives in Vancouver for the last year; he is a quiet happy/proud man. He bought a 4L pail of ice cream and offered me a bowl “Bought too much”. I smile and feel good didn’t ask for it, didn’t expect it.

There is a funny looking bird with a crown on its head. Man they can move around with no upper body movement, just that little crown bopping around.

D3 Johnston Creek PP $14 86.33Km 4,156ft up 2,420ft down 08:33ct

Supper @ Make own $0.00

Woke up nice and early left on time at 8:00, made it to Ossoyoos as planned. Wasted time looking for a place to eat that would have lunch at 9am BC time (there is that cursed BC/AB time chatter that takes up some much of the conversation at family things) Decided that it was good and early to start Anarchist Mountain. Fucking good name!!! Dumb Dumb Dumb!!! Fill all the water bottles you dumb ass!! I pulled into a rest area and asked a couple that were pickinicking where the water tap was. They hadn’t seen one but had a HUGE container of water in the trunk that they let me fill up all three of my water bottles. Plus they gave me a yogurt, cherries, Peas, and the guy even offered me a beer! I still don’t know what I did to deserve their kindness but as I eat and my hands trembled we all had a good laugh about how panicked I looked. I am very glad I found them. Didn’t get their names but they are from Nova Scotia and she works at a prison library.

That was not the summit just the end of the steep stuff. I should have known when a lady rolled down her window and yelled “good luck with the hill” The downhill from the summit was a great reward. Note curves on a map mean hills!!!

D4 Lake Christina $5 108.51Km 6,741ft up 6,173ft down 08:12ct

Supper @ Pizza Place $8.50

Started off with a worry that the rear derailleur seems to be finicky, doesn’t like the big cog on the back the pulley seems to rub. The ride to Midway was really nice, few hills to greenwood and then uphill. A Grande fork seems like a nice town.

But I like this Christina Lake; there are lots of families here. Staying at the Schulli Resort owned by an Elaine which wasn’t the one I had circled on the map but when I pulled up out of breath and stinking from sweat and a well water shower they day before. She asked if I was on a bike and alone. I replied and she says five bucks. She keeps spots just for bikers “We worked hard enough so we shouldn’t have to run around looking for a spot to camp”. I lucked out and got a spot 5 feet from the lake. She came by later on to ask how it felt to be the envy of everyone. This was the third act of kindness from non-cyclist; I hope I haven’t used up my good luck.

I did a load of laundry and eat a really good pizza for supper.

D5 Castlegar/Moyie PP $24 73.89Km 12,522ft up 11,088ft down 12:11ct

Supper @ A&W $8.00

Oh I knew this was going to be a bad day. Woke up stuffy and plugged up from allergies. Did not feel motivated at all just wanted to sit by the lake and relax. I had one hell of a time getting up the hill, had to stop every so often even had a nap once or twice leaned up against my bike seat. People would honk and wave or smile at me. I got to the top and sat for a while savoring the moment. I was glad that I filled all the bottles and even my water bag because it took 3 bottles to the top and 1.5L to get to the end of the day. Then I found I was not at the top just yet. Remember wait for the elevation marker sign before celebrating.

I had already decided that when I got to Castlegar I was getting a rental to Cranbrook then I would go to Rossland mine and visit Rose in Trail. Janice at the visitors’ info place was phoning for me. I went to the rental counter and stated my case to Carlo, the Kootney area manager and he thought for a moment and said “come back in an hour “ for the price of filling the tank he could get me there. He was helping that location out once a week and was heading home to Cranbrook after his shift so I went to eat, grocery shop and he drove me to my choice of campsite and then would not take the gas money. He was happy for the conversation that made the ride go faster. I am now 2 days ahead of original schedule. I am happy I hope I didn't get him in any trouble.

Elbow is scabby well and should peal off soon. That bump on my ass is coming back to drive me nuts. I am washing my riding shorts and having showers so I don’t think it is a saddle sore.

D6 Cranbrook $19 23.23Km 328ft up 363ft down 01:35ct

Supper @ K’s safari $15.00

After yesterdays adventure I made a proper pillow, stuffing all my cloths into my compression bag. I slept like a baby. Went to bed at 10:30 and woke out of bed at 9:00. I had such a late start it was already hot out. I got to Cranbrook and got the groceries that I forgot they day before… Actually I forgot one more thing Doh!! I dropped off the bike to get cleaned and service on the derailleur. So I had a few hours to kill. Found a restaurant and had pasta so I think I feel better already. Went to an Internet café and hung out downtown.

This is a nice place Cranbrook, still to damn hot though. Instead of pushing to Kimberly or Wasa I got a camp spot and took the railroad tour. I had asked when the tours were open till, the guys pointed to the sign and said the next one is in half and hour better hurry. I smiled and set up camp, I bought my ticket at ten to three.

D7 Wasa $10 56.67Km 2,455ft up 2,689ft down 07:58ct

Supper @ Trevor’s 0.00

Sat met more bikers their doing research for a book on the Trans-Canada Trail through BC. Rode to Kimberly and it felt a little chilly but the sun was out. The low that night in my tent was 12C. I stopped in Kimberly and was disappointed the sign kept saying “The Bavarian City of the Rocky’s”. I was expecting like Cochran where every building fit into the theme, but only a 3 block pedestrian mall was set up. I waited around for the museum to open and the train started at noon, and then it got really hot. My gauge said 48 in the sun. So I hid in the shade of display buildings. Finally I hoped on to the lake to met Trevor. Perfect timing too he happened to look up from tying up his boat and there I was. The showers were great the loonies lasted forever!! I actually shut off the water before my time was up. We stayed up BS’ing the night away and the neighbor knocked on the door to tell us that we were being loud after quiet time. Boy did that get Trevor upset. This lake is nice; the cottages are more spread out than at Christina. I should mention that just before supper it started to sprinkle, I stayed put because it wasn’t that hard of a sprinkle but I decided to move under the tarp after I felt cooled off and then it stopped raining. Go figure.

D8 Jaffray $10 50.57Km 1,262 ft up 1,157ft down 03:47ct

Supper @ make own 0.00

Trevor offered a ride to Fort Steele and I happily accepted it and did the tourist thing. It wasn’t too bad I think I am going to do some research and learn some more of the area. Started riding in the heat again and didn’t go too far. Camped next to a golf course for $10. He let me camp by the creek and all the motor homes were on the front half of the field we were in. Saw four ducks in the creek and cows in the field next to us. Earlier in the day I had a feeling that my landlord left a message for me. So I checked for cell messages and found that Marilyda came to Alberta for the last time, her Dad is moving from Rocky to Utah. I am upset that I can’t see her. I think I am going to have to go to Denver sometime for a weekend or something. Reminds me to stay in better touch with my friends more or I will become the lonely old man that appears in my dreams.

D9 Blairmore $17 121.63Km 2,865ft up 1,304ft down 09:57ct

Supper @ Fernie Boston Pizza $18.00

Feeling really good today which was nice because this was the longest day so far. Troubling though were my thoughts of the day. Pretty ladies and why they look so good… I haven’t got a clue why.

It was odd that I kept on thinking I was going downhill, the way my cadence was and I would have to look at the altimeter to realize that I wasn’t. I was going up. Then I would stop at the side and Oh… Tailwind J strong one too! The wind was pushing me up the hill. It was great. Sparwood was interesting saw a few nice looking ladies. I saw another tourer and now I am camped next to three lades that are going from Jasper to Waterton. They have done a lot of touring; they appreciated the effort it took to get up the Lake Christina Hill (they called it Blueberry Pass).

Look Real close in the picture of the truck... next to the front wheel.... yep that's my bike.

I saw some big horn sheep. I realized that I have seen Deer, Moose, heard the Coyotes, a bear eating road kill (I was in a car thank goodness) now all I need to see is elk and the set of road signs will be complete. The Sculpture I saw in Kimberly doesn’t count.

The campsite I have is about two steps from a small creek. A Swiss couple owns the campground and I chatted with the lady. Once again my pronunciation of IKEA caused confusion.

There was a mountain today that I fell in love with, Grassy Mtn / Center Peak.

Riding is so much nicer minus that 10-15Lb bag I left with Trevor.

D10 Chain Lakes PP $13 99.75Km 3,198ft up 3,102ft down 10:24ct

Supper @ Make own 0.00 (mac & cheese not good)

Did the tourist thing in Frank, the lady was happy that I had made this the focal point of my ride from Kelowna. The displays were very informative and the movies were great as well I think I learned a lot of new things from them. The funny thing was the Southern Belles behind me gossiping about people back home. They were whispering but with their accent made it sound so funny because I think one was hard of hearing. When the movie started she kept asking for it to be turned up and then when the attendant came out to ask if it was better the Belle asked the lady next to her if it was better. Was it really?? She made blonds look intelligent!

This photo is better than the postcard I bought!!!

I did the mine tour in Bellviue that was cool/cold I thought 7C would be nice for a change but I had everything on and they gave me a poncho to wear and I was still shivering. It was neat to see what it was like down there were the men worked. They had to put in so much timber to make the inspectors happy that when we got to the fence and looked at the timbers that they really worked with was an eye opener.

I started riding again and came around a corner and there were some ruins that were on one of the films, Leitch Collieries. I had to stop and check that out!

Caught an amazing tailwind to Lundbreck. A couple roadies snuck up on me and startled me as I took a picture. They were making use of the tailwinds to get from Fernie to Lethbridge where they had shipped their BOB trailers. I was having a good day so I went up #22 to Maycroft PP… kept going that place hadn’t been cleaned in so long the toilets were full to about 2” below the seat. I stayed long enough to eat and drink enough to get me going for another 50Km ride to the next campground.

Chainlakes are ok there are a lot of mosquitoes and black clouds keep going over and I hope they keep on doing that. I am boiling water according to the sign so I can drink tomorrow. J I am about 60/40 for not doing the Highwood pass. I think I could rent a car for the weekend or plan something.

D11 My own bed $0 112.57Km 2,603ft up 3,417ft down 09:37ct

Supper @ Bar U Ranch $12.00

Well #22 is definitely not a flat road to ride on but if the wind were just a little more out of the south it would have been a wonderful ride. I stopped at Bar U ranch because they have a café and the lady behind the counter was so impressed about my ride. She actually gave me a route suggestion. Didn’t use it though I went into Black Diamond and gave some guys in the Subway in Black Diamond a good laugh because of my tan lines. Went across to Okotoks and got to see the Big Rock. The Cranbrook Girls Bugle band was stopped there as well so I didn’t feel like going down to the rock with a bunch of teenagers.

The road construction on 2A looks like it is getting finished the blacktop is on it and all they need is lines on it. The top of the hill is a different story traffic was backed up and the pavement was all chewed up. Not my favorite surfaces to ride on you have to be careful and pick the right groove to go down. Just as I was to enter the city I went behind a SUV that was waiting to cross #2 and as the lady took off she sprayed me with gravel. Welcome back to the city! I threw my hands up and gave the “what the hell was that for” look. She saw me and had that “panicked caught in the act but I am still innocent” reaction. So I took the C-Train to the Stampede grounds just to avoid the city drivers with my loaded bike.

D12/13

I spent the last few days entering in all my data into a spreadsheet and typing up my notes and have come to the realization that if I had a Palm computer I could write this on the road and save time when I get back. I have to go through my photos which I could do each night and remember the photo and give the best description possible.

As I finish this on Saturday Morning (D13) it has been raining all morning. There is a Canadian National Bike Race on TV and later on today Le Tour begins with the prolog.

Overall I am impressed with myself:

11 days rode 6-8 lbs weight I lost on this “diet”

60 lbs approx weight of bike and bags shipped

4 of 6 mountain passes were completed

833.41 Km were ridden of the 1,200 that were planned 69%

75.0 Km/day 20.0 Km/h Average speed

32,358 ft were climbed in 130.7 ft/Km

28,281 ft were coasted down 95.8 Ft/Km

81:09 hours from breaking camp to when I stopped for the night

42:27 hours Time butt on saddle cranking the pedals

2003 Golden Triangle

Day 1

Woke up at my usual time of 5:30 in the am to get my stuff together. Nic quite happily accepted a park pass for his fee to get me to Castle Mtn. As we drove up we compared his GPS unit to my altimeter and they weren’t that far off of each other on total climb and such. As we pulled into the junction we both realized that this group had their stuff together. There was a St. Johns First Aid unit there along with volunteers ready to get you signed in and your bag taken care of. Even the club president grabbed my bag from me and put it on the truck.

To the snack stop wasn’t bad I was cold, first in my hands and then my toes. I needed a second sock, which I am so glad that I tossed in the bike bag at the last second. I met Ken the Tri-athlete just before snack and kept pace with him for a while.

It was nice to see Lake Louise Ski hill again it brought back some good memories. I think I chased a train somewhere around here and lost J

The downhill from the great divide was anti-climatic, I didn’t realize I was over the top until it was too late and passed the signs. Snow was in the air and the wind was gaining strength in the headwind department. A lot of people complained about the snow and were shocked to here me say “didn’t notice, been through worse”. I was the only one to stop at Spiral Tunnels, and I finally got to see a train go in and out of the thing.

Lunch at Field was great! Clouds were on one side and sun was shining on the mountains in front of us as we eat. It was mostly downhill to the next snack where I kept getting stuck behind people that Braked on the downhill, what’s up with that!! I mean there was a headwind to slow them down for crying out loud. A word of caution those bridges before golden are not fun I hope they finish the road repair soon!

The town of Golden is built in two parts top and bottom, when on a bike and you have something to do at the bottom, don’t climb back up the hill if you don’t have to! There were people going up the hill with their luggage on their backs to get to their hotel, then back down for supper, up after, down the next day to drop off the luggage and start the ride. Silly rabbits!

Ken walked past my site before supper and we talked and exchanged emails, except I can’t find his now. Suppertime there was a slide show showing pictures from the last 20 years of the ride. I met three guys that have been doing this for a long time. Also a couple, the lady looked like Moe from work. And I would bump into these people more often than I thought. Good people just don’t know their names.

I came back to my tent and table and started to write in my journal for something to do so I didn’t go to sleep too early. All of a sudden this wonderful looking lady is walking towards me. I have just found my next-Tent-site-mate for the evening. We talked for a while until this older guy brought out a guitar and started playing old songs. Meagan (Me-A-gen) kept the fire going after I killed it by moving one log… I think I lost my campfire badge that evening.

Day 2

I arrived at the first snack stop before the food was out. I was quite shocked that I had that early of a start, I was certain there were many people ahead of me. I met up with Ken again and check out the average speed on the next stretch J But I didn’t look at the view as much as I intended. We kept seeing another group going the other direction and they were a lot of younger women on that ride!

The elevation profile lies!!! This looked like the flat stage but it wasn’t. Every foot up was the same down. I must have climbed a 50 foot hill 50 times after lunch. But I did crank on these hills so I was quite happy.

I made it into the Ball Diamonds at Radium and found Ken waiting on the fence asleep. Just after lunch he looked at me and said “I just want to crank it up and see what the legs can do today” that guy took off like lightning, to see him having a nap was quite funny to say the least. Then it dawned on me that we beat the luggage truck, oh crap! By the time the guy had the back door open there were two chains formed up ready to unload the truck. Some people didn’t pay attention to the 30lb limit, my back hurt from some of those damned bags. With half the people staying in hotels they shouldn’t be so many 50lb bags!

We ended up going to the Hot springs together on the first shuttle up. The hot springs are very nice, there were shall we say some “great views” J There were a couple of good looking women that could make you cry. We ended up having home made Kooteney Pasta and after supper just hanging out with those three guys from the night before.

Day 3

Woke up really early and made the mistake of opening the zipper on the sleeping bag. I discovered frost on the inside and outside of the tent. It was good enough motivation to do the bathroom run.

I knew this was going to be a hard day so I wanted to get a good start to the day. I was with Ken until I stopped to take pictures of the hot springs. Haven’t seen him since. Like I said earlier, he is like lightning. Well I climbed the 13.4 Km to the top of the hill in just under and hour and a half. Good grief that was a tough hill, guys were saying it was the hardest hill they have ever done. It was tough yes but I thought Bow Pass was harder because it was so much longer climb.

As I went up the hill I was stripping off layers to avoid overheating. Other people were not but it was what I had to do to survive. Now at the top of the hill you have to put it all back on because the wind will get very cold. Good thing I had my fleece gloves with me.

At the snack stop a lady went into the bathroom hut and the door lock stuck! It appears to have happened before because the bottom vent was kicked out and there she was on her hands and knees crawling out. It was funny to see everyone watching and then clapping when she got out.

Just before Lunch I noticed my right knee was in disagreement with me. It appears that I was climbing a false flat in the big ring clipped into the peddles. I was limping a bit at lunch and got some flack from a volunteer scolding me a little. She was right it wasn’t a race and there were vans there if you could not go on. I thought I could go slowly to the snack stop and see if it got worse or not. I really wanted to complete the whole trip but I was cautious. I found a cadence I liked and tried to stick with it (wish my cadence sensor was working it would have made it easier).

When I got to the last snack I asked a few people I had met how bad the hill was compared to this morning. I was told it wasn’t as bad just hang in there but hurry up. There was a storm brewing behind us and the tail wind that it was creating could push you up the hill. The climb has a false summit to it. I thought I was at the top only to go around another corner and see more uphill. I should have looked at my elevation to see how close I was but I was having problems with it earlier, I forgot to start the log right-away so it was still on baro mode for the first 3 Km which was all uphill!

The downhill was amazing, traffic must have had a hole just for me. I went down and there weren’t many cars passing me until I got to a slow lady braking again (argh!) As soon as a string of cars went buy I yelled “clear on the left” to two strangers and then Kranked on the pedals to get to 68kpH.

I got to Castle Junction to try and find Ken to get the ride to Banff but he had already left. So the tall guy from the trio gave me a ride to met Laura (from work). I was amazed to see her waiting at the gas station I thought she was going to be late for certain but it was me that was.

I am already thinking about the 21^st GT next year and how I can prep for it better than I did this year. Count me in, Sign me up, this loaner is hooked on this group experience.

Randy Miller

May 22, 2003

2002 Ride

Day 1 As I left the house I joked with Wanda & Rob that if they saw me in the ditch stop and help me. Well I got the shits from heatstroke, Wanda & Rob just happened to stop just as I got out of the ditch. Boy did I feel like an idiot! Heat and I don’t get along I have found out J

Day 2 Motivation just was not happening and I got a ride from parents to Goldeye.

Day 3 Rode to DT so that I could have a warm breakfast Crystal and Glen were excellent waiters.

Day 4 Saw my first cyclist a guy from Chicago area going to Prince Rupert BC then he was going to take a ferry to LA. I stayed at a youth hostel, turns out it was the most expensive stop of the trip $22! At least it had a sauna that some ladies got going. Met a lady from Switzerland Marlene, James from New Jersey working for Lets Go Travel guides, A guy that was staying at each hostel in Alberta and BC, and a group from UofC doing Mtn Climbing activities. When I first got there it was raining so I took shelter under the bike rack structure and this cat hide under a wheelbarrow until the rain stopped I laughed at that cat so much.

Day 5 I couldn’t make up my mind if I wanted to go north or South, the weather report was rain in the north sun to the south. So I went south not going up Sunwapta pass to the Ice fields. I experienced the hardest 12Km ever on the Bow Pass, I only walked about 2k IF I CAN DO THIS BAD ASSED HILL I CAN DO ANY DAMN THING I WANT!!!! As I went up I saw a couple on a tandem going down and I stopped to talk to a family from Mexico that was going to Alaska they started in March and planned to get there by September, The little girl will have many stories to tell her kids when she grows up! This was the second day in a row that when I stopped for the night before it started raining.

Day 6 Saw another couple on a Tandem and an Englishman on a racer with backpack that stayed at hotels, not a bad idea. He had this wristwatch that had an altimeter and weather station in it, one of the mtn climbers had one as well, the elderly guy said he would not ride without it because it gives him so much info. Later I find Uncle Nic has one as well, spot the trend.

I decided to ride up the chateau and sit for a few hours. 4.5K up a 500ft change in elevation took me forever I think it was harder than the Bow Pass for some reason. I get to the top and see yet another couple on a Tandem this pair I got to talk to. It was the wife’s opinion that with the tandem she could stay with her husband and not get discouraged by not keeping up so she tried harder, the Guy rides so much more than she. He thought it was great because he knew that he couldn’t leave her behind and then she didn’t get mad. I immediately thought this might be an idea for Rob & Wanda for their bike ridingJ

Well I thought it would be nice to eat in the restaurant, trouble is it was really fancy, I mean FANCY!!! I realized that I hadn’t had a shower yet on the trip and that I could smell myself I felt uncomfortable and out of place. Nobody asked to have a different table so I think they all knew but they probably saw me struggling up the hill and took pity on me. The downhill was one of the most exciting thing I did all trip I think, I SCREEMED down that hill maxing out at 64Kph the speed limit is 60. There was a Motor Home the size of a freaking Bus and car in front of me that I could have easily passed if I wanted to.

Because the LL sites were closed to tents I had to go to the overflow campsite where the warden’s don’t patrol. It was cheaper but when I got there it was an open field that was signed as a Commercial truck rest stop I just about went past it. I could have stayed at the Lake a lot longer than I had because I had this huge field to myself when I crawled into bed.

Day 7 I woke up in the morning and to my surprise I had a neighbour, Christian from Germany. We broke camp and had breakfast together and didn’t leave till 9am! He had so much gear on his bike it was heavier than mine. He originally planned on riding from Vancouver, Jasper or Banff then to Calgary in 2 Months, but he hurt his knee and spent most of his money getting a bus to Calgary then rode to Jasper and back.

I had a really good ride into Banff saw many more cyclists as I walked around. I was going to meet Christian at Tunnel Mt Campground but I was having a really good riding day and I am beginning to Hate Banff with a passion. So I headed off to Canmore to avoid another park pass fee, a guy in a shop told me the campsites in Canmore are next to the highway and there were better ones further on, just didn’t say how far they were. So I ended up in Bow Valley PP, actually Willow Creek. Apparently there are about 5 sites in the PP and this one was the closest to the highway. I am planning to get to IKEA by noon so I can talk to David or Don (found out later David is still on Vacation)

I was sitting in my mosquito-infested area (note to self no camping next to shady creeks) and a group of cyclist rolled up with banners on the back and such. Turns out to be 8 men from Scotland, 1 Alaskan, and a guy from BC. They are part of a Protest group for Debt Relief in 3^rd world countries. They tell me of a Critical Mass ride the next day in Calgary, which is the main reason for their ride from Vancouver. Later on in the evening the army was showing off, NINE helicopters in a row circled the valley. We all just smiled and waved at them.

Day 8 Woke up and got a good start to the day, found a monster of a hill by highway 68. I rushed into the city and used the C-train to get to IKEA at 12:20 not bad for an estimate (TIP do that more often rest less) I talked to Don for a while and found out about a 35+ position in Logs, filled out a form to keep my foot in the door, it sounds like a really sweet deal. I showed up for the Crit Mass and so did about 200 others, groups from were riding from Sask, Ed, Red Deer, and Vancouver. One of the guys from Edmonton was a real idiot he owns a bike shop. It was quite the experience of a lifetime to turn around and see a sea of bikes taking over the downtown area. One guy said there was a cop annoyed that we weren’t violent because he wanted to crack some heads. I stayed the night at Nick’s. Oh I drank the whole bag of water today 3L plus 2 Gatorades.

Day 9 Oh woke up out of a real bed and didn’t move for a while; a real bed can snap the strength right out of you. Betty made breakfast and Leah had to work, Andrea slept in till around noon. I didn’t leave till around 1pm, it was a bad start to the day but the Crit Mass made the paper and I think I am hidden in the pic or just behind it I am not certain. I took the C-Train to Whitehorn station, I just felt like leaving the city again but not as bad as before, just wanted to get to get to Blackfalds to avoid the heat wave that was coming. So I made it to Bob’s house to find that it was Grad week for Heather. Don & Elaine were there for the events. Jake is quite the biking person I have found; they plan on biking to Dawson next summer. I had a few beers with Bob and I forgot that I hadn’t eaten lunch so I probably looked like I was drunk off two drinks.

Day 10 Rode to Bob’s worksite with him; damn he has a fast pace! I think riding alone makes me forget to keep a good pace up. I think I ate more today riding than any other day. It was probably the hottest as well. I just about bonked a few times I don’t know if it was because my belly was full or not. By Inesvail I honestly thought I was going to die it was so hot and I was not feeling good. I pressed on to the Chapters where I knew there would be air conditioning and just sat and pretended to read magazines to cool off. I took my time to get across town and thought about finding Rob’s workplace and throwing my bike in the back of it and wait for him. But that seemed like a rotten way to end a good trip so I stopped at DQ and ate AGAIN and rested, felt even better. As I rode to Blackfalds there was a traffic jam, I got a few cheers from people as I kept up and passed traffic. I kept up with this semi up a hill, which made me feel really good. Stopped off to pick up some booze to celebrate the end of the trip.

Things I have learned about biking from the trip

- Get one of those watches

- WASH bike shorts every day no matter what!!! If not remember the discomfort

- If I don’t feel good find SHADE!!! Drink water and eat something light

- Find a way work in time to cook a decent breakfast in the morning (instant oatmeal or something)

- Do not pitch the tent next to a shady creek... massive mosquitoes

- Every hill has a top somewhere and a downhill

- There are friendly people out there and they ride bikes

Things I don’t need to bring next time

- The little radio because there is no reception

- Binoculars I used them once

- Long underwear and cold weather gear

- Less clothing Ride set and Hang out set… That is it.

Things I didn’t bring but needed

- Wet wipes

- Bigger sized notebook

- Small calculator

- Slippers were good until they got wet

Signed up

Jan 22, 07 I have finally done the terrifying act of signing up and paying my entry fee. for the Sylvan Lake Half Iron Man.

I am in Baby!!!!!