In the spring of 2007, I started thinking more seriously about doing a ride though the Rocky Mountains. Since elementary school, I have always though about either ride out to Jasper, from Edmonton, or ride from Jasper to Banff via the Icefields Parkway. This year past year I did both....not necessarily in that order....
Almost immediately after returning to Edmonton for the summer (I reside in Fukuoka, Japan) I went out bike shopping. I was really surprised to find out the tour bike industry does not really exist in Edmonton. I visited most major bike stores in the city and finally found a bike I felt would do the trick. At Revolution Cycle I purchased a Specialized Tricross (not exactly a touring bike) for about $1200 and a few hundred dollars worth of gear (rear rack Aviom panniers and a few other things). A visit to MEC also saw my wallet empty as I bought a tent, sleeping bags and other necessities. I think all said and down I spent about $2500 on gear (including bike).
Initially I was planning to ride to Jasper first but changed my mind for a couple of reasons.... The first was that I wasn't too excited about riding into the wind right from the get go. It is approx 365 Kms to jasper from Edmonton and I really wasn't sure how far I would get my first day. Secondly, the ride down Highway 2 (or id Queen Elizabeth? Gateway? Calgary Trail..??) to Calgary is anything but exciting and figured it would be nice to get that out of the way first... So that was the plan. Ride to Calgary in 2 -3 days, then to Banff, up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper and then return to Edmonton on the Yellowhead....
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2 comments:
It's wonderful that you were able to realize your dream. Many of us only wish we could. You made your dream a reality. Good for you!!
AlwaysSummer
Thanks! It was a great thing to finally be able to do it and I look forward to the next trip.
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