day 7, june7/10,RRM

Hello again, this time from Cochrane, Alberta. Rest day for us, a 100 km spin from Banff this am, arriving about 0930 after a 3.5 hour run. Banff to Canmore is a 22 km gradual downhill run that was great fun, partially as it was the first day we didn't start with a long climb. Cyclist have to beware of "cattle gate", round pipes over a deep hole in the road. They are designed to keep animals out of the towns but are equally effective to tiny bike tires and wheels.
A bicycle path is being built from Canmore to Lake Louise. It is a paved trail about 2 meters wide about 50-200 meters off highway 1, not yet completed but looks awesome.
Bow river Trail runs through Canmore leading directly to highway 1A. Canmore looks like a great place to visit for skiing and partying, not that we sampled the nightlife at 0650 hours.
Highway #1is a special delight. Light trafic, all local, great vistas, and very easy terrain,allowing speeds of 34-37 kph. This was the easist first 30 km of the trip. When we first emerged from the valley and forest we were treated to a view of fields, rolling hils and a sun just nicely up and doing it's job. Magnificent!
Entire 94 Km run went well, no mechanical problems, cool weather and mild winds. There are a few good climbs but overall a downhill day.
Let me tell you something about Day 6, Golden B.C. to Banff. Packing and preparing at 0350 hours, and underway at 0500 hours. Dressed for 5 degrees and rain, but temperature dipped to zero. Snow in woods, and frost on plants along the road.
Our trip started up a 16 km climb made more fun by a stiff head wind. This climb leads to Kicking Horse Valley. Wonderful scenery I tried to catch with phone camera, certainly photos don't capture the magic. Field was still asleep so we decided to press on to Lake Louise. That meant a 6 km steep climb to Kicking horse pass, passing the spiral railroad tunnels on the way. Spectacular scenery and the sun was starting to take the bite out of the cold. As I was climbing it I was overheated and removed my gloves, helmet and touque while riding, a bit of a trick, and the first time I have attempted it.
After a tasty sandwhich our route lead up the Bow Valley Parkway, previously highway 1A. Great cycling road, no trucks, few cars, and on this Sunday lots of cyclists. Through pine forestsand gentle rolling terrain, now 15 degrees and sunny. This is what I signed up for. Drifing along at 35 kph. Many mountain views, my favorite is Cstle mountain.
Tom saw a bear, and we all saw a large mountain goat with a full rack of horns, about 10 meters from the road. Next a large moose with a 1.5 meter rack of horns on side of road to entertain us . Completely confident of his majesty and not in the least concerned about a bike and rider. Close enough to easily see the velvet of his horns. Another moose was seen earlier, but smaller and at a greater distance. Lots of deer to be seen. All of this was in Alberta, which we entered shortly after Kicking Horse Pass. Also passed the gret divide, now all waters are running east, and its pretty neat to see where this happens.
Had visit with Tom's familly, a great meal and good conversation. Thanks for coming all the way from Calgary to Banff
Day 5 was from Revelstoke to Golden B.C. Away at 0455, dressed for rain and 5 degrees. Great roads with wide paved shoulders, a few excellent potholes to keep you alert and light traffic greeted us. Mostly 18-32 wheelers, Find your rhythm and settle in as the frist climg cmes early and stays later than an unwanted guest. Feels the terrain, keep the gears changing to maintain speed and cadence, and effort must be used carefauly. Never on cruise control as disaster can and does strike quickly and in many forms.
Sveral of my highlights of the morning. Cycling alone I approached a black bear croosing the road just beyond Canyon chaining up area. Looked about 150 pounds, and he was completely in control of this, his world. sauntering across the road blissfully unaware of my approach. Where is the traffic when you need it?At 100 meters he heard me, turned and dashed into the woods. Daniel Boone has nothing on me.
At Flat Creek, some 45 minutes later a much larger black bear was standing on the side of the road. My side mind you. He had no interest in moving so I called out to him HI-YA, HII-Y