GDR-C Day 3 - Banff to Elkwood CG
July 14, 2019
Miles 53.4
Ride time 6:45
Total time 8 hours
Start elevation 4600'
End elevation 5400
High point 5900
Low point 4600
Elevation 3500'?
Beers 12oz x1
Contiguous days riding : 3
First "real" day on the original route, starting the in Banff and quickly getting off of pavement via the Spray Creek West trail.
I am also leaving Canadian Rockies National Parks after 4 weeks, and entering "Kananaskis Country", a set of 8 to 10 contiguous Provencial parks and wilds lands park, extending the protected areas around the national parks considerably.
Meet a couple of fellows, Bill and Blaine, from Helena, at the trailhead doing the Canada portion; lightly geared as they are being sagged by wives. They are aiming for Ellwood CG 50 miles away, which is my destination for tomorrow, to meet Glenda.
My intent is to camp at Spray Lake CG 20 miles in tonight, but the trail is an old roadbed that would still be good for passenger cars and I make good time, and start envisioning going all the way to Elkwood today.
The Spray Creek Trail gives way to the Goat Creek Trail which climbs into a new drainage and and is not quite as accomodating but I clear all of the little rocky climbs, but wishing for a lower gear (or better conditioning). This gives way to the High Rockies Trail portion. The High Rockies trial is a long distance challenging trail ala the Colorado Trail, but today I am on an old two track and it is all ridable.
Some nice views along the way, Mount Rundle parallels the Spray Creek portion, peaking through the foilage, among pretty creeks.
I pull into Spray Lake CG about 1 PM after 20 miles of trail riding. The days are still long here in the northern lands, and thought of seeing Glenda,.and extra day off, warm trailer and showers beckon me foward, even though I have more 33 miles left to go. But I know it is a well maintained gravel road, if not a little roller coaster ish.
At first the riding is fast, weather good and can keep some momentum on the uphills.
The mountains are incredible across the lake, as well as to my left. I ride for miles and the mountains just NEVER LET UP, incredible.
But the hills are getting bigger, more 3-4 mph climbing than gliding, and thoughts creep in about the wisdom of this decision after about 10 miles. Fortunately the hills abate a bit and I am cranking again for a good long spell. I do get a wave of rain that has me scurry for my rain gear and then the big screaming down hill to Peter Lougheed Provencial Park and the Campground.
It is 5:45 when I arrive, about 8 hours after my departure. My biggest day yet, and quite a step up from the paved bike trails of the previous couple of days. I quickly bear proof my rig and settle for a low key dinner and evening with Glenda
Miles 53.4
Ride time 6:45
Total time 8 hours
Start elevation 4600'
End elevation 5400
High point 5900
Low point 4600
Elevation 3500'?
Beers 12oz x1
Contiguous days riding : 3
First "real" day on the original route, starting the in Banff and quickly getting off of pavement via the Spray Creek West trail.
I am also leaving Canadian Rockies National Parks after 4 weeks, and entering "Kananaskis Country", a set of 8 to 10 contiguous Provencial parks and wilds lands park, extending the protected areas around the national parks considerably.
Meet a couple of fellows, Bill and Blaine, from Helena, at the trailhead doing the Canada portion; lightly geared as they are being sagged by wives. They are aiming for Ellwood CG 50 miles away, which is my destination for tomorrow, to meet Glenda.
My intent is to camp at Spray Lake CG 20 miles in tonight, but the trail is an old roadbed that would still be good for passenger cars and I make good time, and start envisioning going all the way to Elkwood today.
The Spray Creek Trail gives way to the Goat Creek Trail which climbs into a new drainage and and is not quite as accomodating but I clear all of the little rocky climbs, but wishing for a lower gear (or better conditioning). This gives way to the High Rockies Trail portion. The High Rockies trial is a long distance challenging trail ala the Colorado Trail, but today I am on an old two track and it is all ridable.
Some nice views along the way, Mount Rundle parallels the Spray Creek portion, peaking through the foilage, among pretty creeks.
I pull into Spray Lake CG about 1 PM after 20 miles of trail riding. The days are still long here in the northern lands, and thought of seeing Glenda,.and extra day off, warm trailer and showers beckon me foward, even though I have more 33 miles left to go. But I know it is a well maintained gravel road, if not a little roller coaster ish.
At first the riding is fast, weather good and can keep some momentum on the uphills.
The mountains are incredible across the lake, as well as to my left. I ride for miles and the mountains just NEVER LET UP, incredible.
But the hills are getting bigger, more 3-4 mph climbing than gliding, and thoughts creep in about the wisdom of this decision after about 10 miles. Fortunately the hills abate a bit and I am cranking again for a good long spell. I do get a wave of rain that has me scurry for my rain gear and then the big screaming down hill to Peter Lougheed Provencial Park and the Campground.
It is 5:45 when I arrive, about 8 hours after my departure. My biggest day yet, and quite a step up from the paved bike trails of the previous couple of days. I quickly bear proof my rig and settle for a low key dinner and evening with Glenda
ReplyDeleteWow, 50 + miles and great scenery to keep you going! Way to go Dan!
Anonymous,
Deletethanks again for your support, wherever you are
Well done hare Timm, you could make Arizona in 3 weeks :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dennis,
DeleteThe only week I was thinking about that day was "weak"!
Peter Lougheed was premier of Alberta when I lived there in the 80s. Glad to hear the beer is good.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jim, next fresh beer possibility is on Fernie.
DeleteThat park is really impressive, almost as good as the nearby National Parks
Impressive stuff. Looks like a tough ride early in the trip. How do you keep the phone charged. Gorgeous pics throughout.
ReplyDeleteElectronics are easy to recharge, that is when you have your lovely spouse sagging with the little popup camper. Glenda will be heading back sometime soon, and then it will be me stealing AC at campgrounds, restaurants, and the solar charger (ugh, an extra 15 oz)
Delete