Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (Banff to Sparwood)

The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a 4,500 km off road cycling trail from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells on the US/Mexican border. This is definitely the toughest challenge for us yet!
More information is available on: https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/adventure-cycling-route-network/great-divide-mountain-bike-route/

The Bass Pro outdoor supply shop in Calgary is an impressive museum of stuffed animals and mountain scenery.

The ride starts in the parking lot of the Fairmont Springs Hotel, built in 1888.

The adventure begins!

Garth is joining us for the first 10 days on his Brompton.

The bear spray is ready and within easy reach on my handle bar.

First night camping on Spray Lakes West. What a gorgeous spot!

Riding around Spray Lakes on single track - heaps of fun and not too challenging yet. 

Elk Pass. Our first crossing of the divide.

Camping at Blue Lake - very nice swim too at approx. 16 degrees.

Storing the food over night to keep it away from the bears.

Riding back into civilsation after three days in the wilderness. Coal mining and..

 ...forestry.

Leaving Elkford up another hill. Garth took the highway to Sparwood, which is easier than rocky mountain bike trails on the Brompton.

Local wildlife in the middle of town. No gardening required.

Our first real challenge. The track was completely washed away and we had to haul our gear up an elk track. 

Sparwood is another mining town with a hotel, a pub and a giant truck. Our first prime rib of the trip, a cold beer and a shower!