HWY 93 loop (again)

[knyte]

Well my front Continental TKC 70 finally wore out (the bike came with them, I had to replace the rear shortly after buying it).  I noticed some cracks on the lugs last week.  Anyway, picked up a new Michelin Road 5 for the front on sale online and it arrived on Wednesday.

I had Friday off, so the plan was to get the tire mounted & balanced, then installed  - all in the morning - and head out in the afternoon.  I found a Kijiji ad from a fellow who'd mount and balance for $25, and as luck would have it he could meet me early in the morning.  Followed a guide I found here, as well as leafing through the Haynes; simple enough job.  It all worked out perfectly.

(EDIT:  These Garmin links are fun, but a bit lacking.  Zoom out to see the actual route.)

Garmin Live Tracking - Powered by Garmin Connect™

Rode from Edmonton to Hinton (overnighted it here) Friday, and left for 93 a bit late Saturday to let the skies clear and the temperature to warm up.  I geared up fully, because anything below about 15 C needs an extra layer (or two).  Worked out very well in that the lowest was 8 C, but only a smattering of rain.  Otherwise it was all bright and clear and the views were spectacular.

Fuelled up in Lake Louise with about 10 kms left in the tank.  Made Canmore by about 5 PM.  Again, fantastic scenery.

Sa

Sadly, I lost the GPS tracks from Canmore to Calgary via HWY 1A, but let's just say it was a perfectly bright morning and a spirited ride.    Not reckless or anything, but, yes, 'spirited'.  There were more bikes than cars through that entire stretch.

Stopped at Peters' Drive In in Calgary for a burger and a banana milkshake.  Had to clean some bugs off the visor!  Dang things exploded several times.

While I was there a fellow on a GXR popped over; gestured at my FJ:  ..."Is that your bike?  My dad has one of those.  How fast do they go?  He rides like a grandpa!"  After I threw some numbers at him, and he confirmed the chicken strips were pretty thin after that rip along 1A, he seemed satisfied these things aren't grandpa bikes.  His dad just isn't taking full advantage of what's there.

Took Hwy 22 from Red Deer on home.

Garmin Live Tracking - Powered by Garmin Connect™

Great weekend!

[Kevin R]

Looks like a great ride, @knyte. I once had the opportunity to ride up in that area at a COG rally in Banff. I never did see the tops of the mountains because it was socked in the whole week we were there. The rides were great, though, and a short excursion out on the Athabasca glacier was excellent. I still remember the color of the water in the lakes and rivers. Even with minimal sunshine, it was extraordinary.

[knyte]

1 hour ago, Kevin R said:

Even with minimal sunshine, it was extraordinary.

It truly is.  The vegetation at those altitudes is quite different than where I live.

I can see many more rides through here in my future.

[Wintersdark]

I love 1A desperately, ride it every Tuesday evening.  Such a great road.  Should drop me a message next time you're going out for a ride passing by here; I'd happily swing out to Edmonton and loop back to Calgary. 

[knyte]

3 minutes ago, Wintersdark said:

I love 1A desperately, ride it every Tuesday evening.  Such a great road.  Should drop me a message next time you're going out for a ride passing by here; I'd happily swing out to Edmonton and loop back to Calgary. 

...that sounds...dangerous

I'm in!