Province # 2
Golden Travelodge - Banff (the Y Hostel)
Day 11, Dist., 126.7km., Avg. spd. 20.4, Sadde Time, 6:11
05 28 2011
Climbing out of Golden saw road construction (just as my reliable source (Kerry P Marshall) had warned me of. This was a hairy ride down narrow twisty dirty roads. Once it opened up, though, it was nice. Spectacular views of the Kicking Horse River and surroundings. One hell of a bridge too. I caught up to a pair of travellers also heading to NFLD. Two young lads both riding "Surly Long Haul Truckers" also (mine is nicer) They each were pulling "Bob Trailers". Cool setup, but a tad slow. Maybe they were simply on "Veg. Mode". I descended into a little town called Field. A product of the railway line. I didn't look around but went to the Info Centre and asked the lovely ladies about camping in Lake louise. They stood quiet with an "Are You F***'n Nuts !" look on their faces. So I guess it's Banff for sure.
The climb outta Field was Biblical. At 1661 metres it's the most notable climb of my entire trip. I was caught off gaurd, but was happy for the cooler temperatures. Sometimes the road plays tricks with your eyes. After staring at the tarmac for extended periods of time it can appear to be levelling off when in reality, it is still climbing. This drove me insane as it seemed to go on forever. AAAAAAARRRGGGHH !
Finally, it levelled off at Lake Louise (was freezing here) From this point, it was a smooth gradual descent into Banff which was an awesome reward. I think I even had a bit of a tail wind. AAAAAAHHHH !!!
The town has an animal security fence around it and a "cattle gaurd" or "Texas Gate" at the entrance and then another one further down. I thought it might be cool to ride with speed over this thing. A road bike weighing 100lbs, plus 190lbs rider hitting a series of 6 inch steel cylinders laying across the roadway and spaced 4 inches apart for about 10 feet is less than enjoyable. Maybe similar to driving a tireless car along a railroad at 40 km/hour. You may spill your coffee.
Banff is a nice little town, but obviously capitallizes on the tourism industry as everything is expensive. As far as "mountain towns go, I preferred Revelstoke. It had charm but without the Bling. More down to earth.
I got myself a private room at the Y for $ 88.00. (like I said, expensive) The room seemed more like a jail cell, but it did the job. After settling in, I did the tourist walk around town and took a few pics.
I bumped in to the young lads that I met in Revelstoke. They were going to stay in the campground. I should've done that too, but I am a wimp who is afraid of the below zero morning wake up call. Yes, I feel guilty.
Anyway, my room had wi fi so I could update things and I found beer to aid in that task.Day 11, Dist., 126.7km., Avg. spd. 20.4, Sadde Time, 6:11
05 28 2011
Climbing out of Golden saw road construction (just as my reliable source (Kerry P Marshall) had warned me of. This was a hairy ride down narrow twisty dirty roads. Once it opened up, though, it was nice. Spectacular views of the Kicking Horse River and surroundings. One hell of a bridge too. I caught up to a pair of travellers also heading to NFLD. Two young lads both riding "Surly Long Haul Truckers" also (mine is nicer) They each were pulling "Bob Trailers". Cool setup, but a tad slow. Maybe they were simply on "Veg. Mode". I descended into a little town called Field. A product of the railway line. I didn't look around but went to the Info Centre and asked the lovely ladies about camping in Lake louise. They stood quiet with an "Are You F***'n Nuts !" look on their faces. So I guess it's Banff for sure.
The climb outta Field was Biblical. At 1661 metres it's the most notable climb of my entire trip. I was caught off gaurd, but was happy for the cooler temperatures. Sometimes the road plays tricks with your eyes. After staring at the tarmac for extended periods of time it can appear to be levelling off when in reality, it is still climbing. This drove me insane as it seemed to go on forever. AAAAAAARRRGGGHH !
Finally, it levelled off at Lake Louise (was freezing here) From this point, it was a smooth gradual descent into Banff which was an awesome reward. I think I even had a bit of a tail wind. AAAAAAHHHH !!!
The town has an animal security fence around it and a "cattle gaurd" or "Texas Gate" at the entrance and then another one further down. I thought it might be cool to ride with speed over this thing. A road bike weighing 100lbs, plus 190lbs rider hitting a series of 6 inch steel cylinders laying across the roadway and spaced 4 inches apart for about 10 feet is less than enjoyable. Maybe similar to driving a tireless car along a railroad at 40 km/hour. You may spill your coffee.
Banff is a nice little town, but obviously capitallizes on the tourism industry as everything is expensive. As far as "mountain towns go, I preferred Revelstoke. It had charm but without the Bling. More down to earth.
I got myself a private room at the Y for $ 88.00. (like I said, expensive) The room seemed more like a jail cell, but it did the job. After settling in, I did the tourist walk around town and took a few pics.
I bumped in to the young lads that I met in Revelstoke. They were going to stay in the campground. I should've done that too, but I am a wimp who is afraid of the below zero morning wake up call. Yes, I feel guilty.
Messy map
Ready to blow Golden
Looking down at Golden as I head out, thankfully. HWC is still sleeping. Notice how patient my gloves are. Just sitting there waiting quietly. Nice.
Ready to get the hell outta Golden !!
Beyond the Construction around Golden
Interesting Rock formation
Kickinghorse River
..."Let's put a road, ... Here !"
I love the name "Yoho" My next cat will be adorned with this designation.
Two more SURLY LONG HAUL TRUCKERS with BOB Trailers !! Sweet
Didn't stay long. Didn't know about the big hill that was to come very soon.
Anyone for a dip ?
Not stayin here. Damn Bears !
Lots of these along hwy.
Banff's back yard
Marcy and Donna
Texas Gate, not cool for cycling. Downright Nasty actually. Yes, from experience. sigh...
Yup
Home. SUPER OVERPRISED ! I got a jail cell for $ 90.00
Well... the closets are dandy and the marble concrete floor is to die for and the industrial self - slamming and locking door is very intimate indeed.
View Larger Map A very interesting ride
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