Days 1 & 2

First, a big shout out to the guys (and gal) at Bicycle Cafe in Canmore for helping us get our GPS SPOT updated: moms n dads and maybe even our kids would've been more than upset if we didn't have a way of updating our progress.

Day 1: spent 1-1/2 hours assembling bikes, gear, etc. and taking photos at the Banff Springs Hotel. A mere six miles into the ride our first river crossing turned into a river fording experience -- the bridge was washed out! It took 6 trips to get our gear across the frigid water. We had to thaw between each trip, and I had to change into dry clothes (I'm not as tall as Lorne and his thigh-deep water was crotch-deep for me.). Mile 8 found us in a downpour, and where do you think we packed the rain gear? Not very accessible - chalk it up to the noob learning how to pack. We waited until mile 12 to dig out the gear before heading out on a 5 mi uphill cruise to Spray Lake Campground. Spotted a couple of deer along the trail and as we rode into the campground we saw our first BEAR! He didn't even look up as we rode by - about 8 feet away. Finally found the perfect spot and ready to send our "OK" signal when Lorne realized that he left the SPOT hanging on the kiosk 5 mi back. Stud muffin unhooked his trailer and made a mad dash time trial back - found the SPOT where we left it, and made it back UPHILL in just an hour. SO, if you've been tracking us, you'll understand yesterday's progress. Camp host tells us that the campground is in "bear corridor"; a couple came through from Chile last year - destination Banff - and they took one year to ride......hmmmm, our next adventure?

Day 2: First flat tire. Running tubeless so Lorne threw a tube in his rear tire and we headed out again. Gorgeous trail along the shore of Spray Lake. Magnificent views, waterfalls, bridges, meadows, mountain peaks -- perfect time of year. Just like Hawaii - rains every afternoon (but more snow HAHA). Taking our time breaking in the legs. No body complaints other than the typical fatigue; it's definitely taking time getting used to pulling the trailers. We've already started a bag for the extra shitake mushrooms we packed. We'll be mailing a bit home as soon as we hit the US border - if we haven't used it by then, we don't need it.

Missing everyone, but more so wishing you could all be here and see this amazing scenery!

Much love,
Lorne & Melani


Great new friends - Riley and Peggy, who we met at Mt. Engadine Lodge. Awesome dinner, Riley! Peggy, we hope to hear more travel stories!

 End of Day 2 at Mt. Engadine Lodge