There’s lots of ways of getting around the Canadian Rockies. Horseback, raft, hiking, skiing, dog sledding… I could go on and on. Basically, transportation in the Canadian Rockies is more varied, and often more fun that it is elsewhere, so I’m told.
Cycling the Canadian Rockies is one way that I’ve not covered nearly enough. To be honest, the Mountain Man hasn’t done much cycling. Or, at least, what other people have come to know as “cycling.”
I’ve ridden junky old bicycles around Banff and Jasper. I’ve crashed a few mountain bikes around Canmore, Alberta and Golden, BC, but I’ve never done anything that could be called cycling, in the Lance Armstrong, Tour de France style.
But everyone tells me it’s a good time. So I’m considering it. It seems like it’d be fun, cruising down one of the Canadian Rockies many famous scenic roadways, getting some fresh air and some excercise, taking it all in at a bit slower pace than a car allows, but a little faster than I could on foot.
For guidance, I’m checking in with Kathy & Craig Copeland. They’re intrepid explorers of the Canadian Rockies, and have written great Canadian Rockies hiking guides. They also written extensively about cycling the Canadian Rockies. For my first trip, I’m thinking about Highwood Pass, a hiking trip that comes recommended by them.
So the next time you see me, it may be cruising down the side of the road on the old ten speed I bought at a garage sale 10 years ago for $10. I’ll let you know how that goes.
