Day 15

Thursday, July 8th
Field, BC to Banff, AB
90km

Note: In my day 14 update, I mentioned “tttttttt” falls.  This was actually Takakkaw Falls.  As far as I know, tttttttt falls are not even on our route this summer.

Last night, and this morning were very cold.  Happily, my sleeping bag and fleece PJs were equal to the task. 

The cold weather did give me the opportunity to sport some different cycling clothing.  Neoprene booties, tights, a long-sleeved jearsey and gloves all made their first appearences today.

Our ride today was short, relatively flat, and scenic.  Paul sprinted ahead because he was on cooking duty, so I rode with Rosalyn and Johnny.

The ride started with a climb up Kicking Horse Pass.  We then stopped at the BC - Alberta boundary for some photos.  The boundary is also located on the continental divide, which was really quite interesting.  There was a small, babbling stream which forked.  Half of the water went to the Artic Oscean, and half to the Pacific...something like 4500km away.

Next stop was Lake Louise.  I was there a few years ago, but it was exciting to show up on a bike.

Storm Mountain Lookout and Johnson Canyon were also worthwhile tops today.  The mountains looked magical with their peaks lost in the clouds.

Today we also encountered Texas Gates for the first time.  These are barriers on highway on/off ramps that keep wild animals off of the highways.  They consist of a big pit, with a series of metal cylinders laid across it.  Cars can safely drive across, but the cylinders are too far apart for animals to walk across.  These crossings are, apparently, very dangerous for cyclists - especially when wet.  We stopped and walked our bikes across both Texas Gates we passed.

After dinner, most people took a short shuttle bus into Banff.  We looked around at the different tourist shops.  I bought a toiletries bag at The Bay, to replace my old one which had a broken zipper.
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Daniel Longo
CIBC Corporate Development
(416) 956-3831