The map below is zoomed into Banff, Alberta, Canada, and it includes two markers. The one in the top right corner is my camping spot (Tunnel Mountain Village I campground – E4) for the two nights in Banff National Park. The marker at the bottom is the Fairmont Banff Springs motel where I will start the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route on Monday, August 1st.
Visting the town center
By 8am I was dressed, cleaned up, ate some left-overs, and was ready to ride to the town center. The bike was OK, visited some lookout points, and even did some singletrack. It was inside a forest and suddenly I saw a bear warning sign because it was berry season. Although I am not a berry it got my attention. So In the more dense areas I started to make noise. It is what they recommend so why not. After a while I was all of sudden into the Banff town center. I decided to first get bear spray. I went to the visitor center and got myself a canister of bear spray. I had to fill in, and sign, a form stating that I acknowledge that bear spray is considered a weapon. Next stop, a gas canister for my stove because that is an item that cannot be taken on a plane. Most outdoor shops did not open until 10 so I decided to upload yesterdays journal. The Internet I got connected to was really slow, so had some issues with the images and spell checking. Next time I need some faster Internet.
When sitting in the sun I guy came towards me on an MTB fully packed. He just came into Banff finish his ride. He did it in 39 days and took 2 more-or-less rest days. He suffered from forest fires and really bad weather in the south. Causing many detours and in some places the famous thick mud that gets you bike to a full halt in a blink of an eye. We talked about his experiences and he offered me his bear spray. Damn, just bought a fresh canister 30 minutes ago.
Just after 10 I got myself a gas canister and decided to ride around town for some sight seeing. Banff is a real mountain / outdoor town and it shows in the buildings and the whole environment. I went to take a look at the Bow River Falls. Nice but not that impressive. However, combined with the scenery it was a very nice. After riding some more through the center I went to the supermarket to get some food. For that moment, the evening, but also for the next days. OK, that is again stuff that needs to be packed somewhere. Will take some puzzling. I ate some yoghurt on a bench in the shadow next to the Bow River. Against a scenery that is unbelievable. I also visited the train station to see how the trains look like to make all the nice during the night (they frequently use their horns). No trains, it are only cargo trains and they do not have a fixed schedule. The length is usually around 200 wagons.
In the afternoon I had some drinks with my riding companion and partner. It was nice to finally meet them in person. We already had video calls, exchanged emails, and chatted via WhatsApp. We already knew about each other’s families, etc. We had a great afternoon and decided to meet at 9am at my campground spot for our departure. That way my bike box could be loaded into their truck and if all goes well, I have my own box back when I fly back home. That would save me quite some hassle at the end.
Back at the campground
After doing some more groceries (I forgot insect repellent; those bastards already got me last evening) I cycled back to the campground. Their I prepared my evening dinner, made preparations for tomorrow (the big puzzle), and wrote the journal of today so that it is ready when I have some Internet available.
Gallery
Nice to read how easily you get in contact with other people. Nice blog entry again. Enjoy the ride!