Starting Out (Putting some muscles on the legs)

A good weather day seems like a better time than ever to take off. My first day was gifted with sunshine, low traffic, and a tail wind. I rode the 1A from Calgary to Banff National Park and amazed myself with a 127km ride on my first day – double the longest training ride I’d ever had. I may not have known it at the time, but Day 1 was certainly the flattest day I would encounter on this trip.

Smiling because she thinks
 she's near the top (not even close)!

The first week of the ride was amply challenging as it included two major mountain passes and the Icefields Parkway. There were a few moments of self-loathing for not following a proper training regimen before embarking on what I was now really beginning to respect as a considerably difficult journey. In particular, climbing the Sunwapta Pass in the high heat (can’t complain about weather) and not a breath of wind (definitely can’t complain about a lack of headwinds – they would later haunt me most of the way to Northern BC) convinced me in my heat-exhausted state that the highway was literally leading me directly up to the sun in the sky. But, what goes up must come down and the descent towards the Athabasca Glacier, and the town of Jasper the next day, were brilliantly rewarding.

Family visit in Jasper for white water rafting

The segment of the tour through Banff and Jasper National Parks were equally lucky with sunshine, relatively no wind, and tons of wildlife spotting including two bears in the last 1.5km of riding to my Day 3 campsite (I ensured the bear spray was conveniently located that night). As National Parks, this section was the most expensive part of my trip and I would advise any solo traveler to stay in the excellent wilderness hostels, which will be cheaper than camping for one person, and buying all of your food supplies before entering the parks. This is my all-time favourite Canadian cycling route with abundance of vistas, lakes, mountains, wide shoulders, and super friendly tourists encouraging you along on the big climbs!

Jennifer's Spin to the Yukon

Jasper National Park

In the summer of 2010 I decided to try something I had never done before – or never even considered doing until weeks prior to my departure. I wanted to travel to the Yukon, so I decided the best way to get there would be to bike. I would leave straight from my front door in Calgary, and pedal the whole way with all of my camping supplies, and warmest clothes, strapped on to the bike. The idea was incredible: I would travel through National Parks, see some of Canada’s best known mega fauna, sleep outside, exercise daily, and reach one of the corners of this amazing country that I hadn’t yet visited.

Loaded touring bike

So the idea was all set. I had visualised it and made up my mind; I had to make this happen. Now, the biggest flaw in my plan was this: not only had I never cycled long distance, I’d never even cycled outside of the spin class I attend as cross-training for marathons. Every bike store in Calgary (ok, we don’t have that many) scoffed at this young chick who thought she could battle the remote northern wilderness with a bike, despite being completely clueless as to how to adjust a rear derailleur (still am).

I will use this blog to assist other cycling neophytes and pass on what I learned and experienced. So here’s a checklist of what the amateur needs to prepare for a trip like this:

1.      Take a bike mechanic’s course and master changing tires, care and troubleshooting for your bike, and common repairs. I did mine at University of Calgary
 Budget alternative: Check out youtube for bike repair videos.

2.      Probably do a bit of training. Getting used to spending your entire day in the saddle can be a little rough at first. I didn’t quite go nuts on the training, if your first few days are shorter distances you can train-as-you-go.

3.      Research online bike tour communities such as crazyguyonabike.com (or this blog) to get packing lists for your needs.

Now that I’ve packed all my new bike tools, have become a flat repair queen, and have had my last good sleep in my comfy bed, I’m ready to go!


My Route:

View Jen Spins to the Yukon in a larger map

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