I was so impressed by yesterday's ride that I just didn't think it could get any better. However, it did today. This was one tough day, but really amazing. Total miles ridden 110k or 68.18 miles and 5,305 total feet ascended. There was a lot of climbing involved today as you can see by the profile. Interestingly we all agreed that the high elevation did not seem to impact us.
The day started out perfectly with sunny blue skies with just the right amount of puffy white clouds. We were able to clearly see all of the mountain tops - a virtual perfect way to start the day.
Our first stop was at Lower Waterfowl Lake where Marg and I had our photo taken and then all our riders gathered for a group photo
Left to right - Ian and Sharon (England)' Doug and Linda (Ohio), Nancy (Oregon), Gail (Arizona), Christopher and Hilary (VIctoria), Margaret (Victoria), Theresa (Oregon), Joe (tour guide from Banff), In Front - Etienne (Tour Leader, St. Agathe, Quebec)
From there we climbed Bow Summit to Payto Lake. Bow summit is the highest crossing point in Banff National Park (6943 feet). Payto lake is one of the bluest lakes I have ever seen - absolutely stunning! It almost does not look real it is so beautiful. This is runoff from the glacier.
AT THE SUMMIT - this sign is kinda shot, but we had to get the obligatory summit photo.
We then began descending and Margaret snapped this great photo of yet another bear. Probably a juvenile, but we certainly did not want to get in his way. Our friends Doug and Linda came across him before we did as he was crossing the road. They were within three feet of him and Doug actually yelled out "BEAR" startling the little guy away. Lucky for all as a close encounter does not always turn out well.
Our lunch stop was overlooking Bow lake and Etienne out did himself once again by making a wonderful Ceaser salad and pizza that he warmed on the traveling BBQ.
From Bow Lake we had an incredible 15 miles or so of a fantastic down hill run. It was very welcome after all the climbing to the summit.
We entered Lake Louise village and stopped for a quick coffee and from there we could either head to our hotel or take the 28 km run UP to Moraine Lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks, just an added bonus to our day
Margaret and I chose to do the extra miles and rode with Doug and LInda (they are riding a tandem) up to the lake keeping a wary eye on the traffic coming and going. This road was very narrow and steep with lots of twisties but well managed by the park service who only let cars in a few at a time. We had a long climb of 8-11% grades that seem to go on forever. Actually it wa 9 km straight up and two down right into the parking lot. Good to be on bikes that allow you to bypass all the parking lot traffic.
WHOOPS, AND DOUG THOUGHT HE WAS ON THE "NO CLIMBING" TOUR.
The road back down was lots of fun as all those climbs we had done getting there were now our downhill playground and we could actually go faster than the cars. My max speed was 40 mph!
After that it was a climb up to our hotel that while short, almost did me in. Lots of traffic and 10-11% grades. If it hadn't been for Ian encouraging me up that hill I might have just quit and walked the rest of the way. What a rush and sense of accomplishment to have completed this ride. I have to admit it was one of the toughest rides I have ever done.
Tomorrow is our last day and we ride to Banff, however Margaret and I plan to get up early and watch the sunrise at Lake Louise.
1 comment:
I am glad you got to do this ride, and had great weather. It is so beautiful. I love the pictures.
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