Video Update – Final Miles…
Well as many of you know, my final days ride in to Banff was washed out, and so I was determined to finish off the Divide as I had intended….on the Divide. It was a matter of finding the right time when it wasn’t raining!
Since I arrived in Banff it’s been a whirlwind of sightseeing, road trips, camping, chilling and spending quality time with Charlie and Stephen. I’d arrived on the Thursday, and on the Friday I saw Michael roll in to town – chapeau mate. I’d also met up with Chris the Forgetful (who lived up to his name by forgetting a coat!) and on the Saturday Charlie took us three to the mountains around Banff. Both lads were heading off that day, so it was our last chance to coffee and reminisce!
Since then I have been treated to the most amazing few days, spoilt only by getting a nasty cough and cold….fairly predictable I guess once you stop and slow down. Despite that it’s been a blast, especially camping out on First Nations land and getting to know a bit about Canadian Aboriginal history and culture. We’ve done mountains, rivers, glaciers, trails and ravines. It’s been stunningly beautiful and a joy to just be with my girl and her partner.
Charlie had identified Friday as the best option to ride the final 55 miles of trail – she was able to drop me back at the trail head, and she was then able to go off on a mountain hike. And she got the day spot on ….glorious sunshine greeted us. After loading up Bob one last time, I hit the trail which was a wide gravel road which was washboarded, rutted and unbelievably dusty. But the scenery was truly magical with 360 degree mountains and lakes. The riding was tough as the bike was getting thrown around, but I was keen to just roll with it and enjoy this final rodeo! I stopped at a number of camp/picnic areas scattered along the route, and enjoyed just ‘being’ in the moment, something the Divide pleads for you to be. I stopped at Spray Lakes when the trail turned in to single track. It was divine. No cars, no dust, just raw mountain countryside and forest …..which promptly reminded me this was bear country. And sure enough, a rather large black bear was moving across the path to the other side, completely disinterested in me….i was both in awe and scared! But he had zero intention of deviating from his chosen route which didn’t involve where I was going!
The route started to turn gnarly at times, and if I thought hike-a-bike times were behind me….i was wrong! A couple of nasty rocky inclines put that assumption to bed, though even these were enjoyable (to a degree!!). And whilst the trajectory of the route was allegedly downhill to Banff, there were times when I questioned the cognitive abilities of the person who wrote the profile details, as there were times when it was anything other than downhill! But it was everything the Divide was meant to be – isolated, rugged, unpredictable, exciting, joyful, painful, annoying!
And so it was that the trail spits you at the Banff Fairmont Springs….an ostentatious 5 star hotel for societies ‘beautiful’ people….it was like being dropped in to a different universe after being out in the wilderness. I probably looked completely out of place covered in dust and dirt 🤣.
And then it was over…..months of trail and tribulations, highs and lows. I’ll write a reflection blog to bring this extraordinary experience to a close. But for today….the Divide has been experienced and ridden. Mission accomplished 😊
Emerald Lake with Charlie
Mike, me and Chris on our last day together 😊
In awe of Banff..
More stunning beauty…
Breathtaking..
First Nation ceremonial wigwam
Camping with Charlie
Athbasca Glacier
On the trail
Simply stunning
Across some swampy areas they have put these trail boards so we can ride across 😊
Job done 😊
Calling out to the bears!
Super stuff Tony. Nice to have quality family time to finish off your epic journey Chapeau mate 👏🚴🚴🚴
What fabulous photos,
Memories made and to keep forever!!!
So very proud of our special friend T
Wonderful photographies !
Big congratulations for you and for Bob.
It was very interesting to read your posts and to follow your adventure, merci beaucoup Tony.
And after so many difficult moments, the end of your adventure is absolutely marvellous : with your daughter and her boyfriend, the incredible landscapes, the nice weather and the bear ! 🙂
Bravo Tony !
Fantastic Tony. What an amazing adventure! And how lovely to see you enjoying quality time with Charlie and Stephen. Have to admit, there were times at the start of your ride, when you were in desert country and sick, that we were truly worried. But you always came through. And went on to further adventures, meeting great and many kind people, going through interesting towns and being in truly stunning, wild country. Thankyou for taking us along with you.
Love your blog and beautiful photos.
love from us xx
Fantastic Tony. What an amazing adventure! And how lovely to see you enjoying quality time with Charlie and Stephen. Have to admit, there were times at the start of your ride, when you were in desert country and sick, that we were truly worried. But you always came through. And went on to further adventures, meeting great and many kind people, going through interesting towns and being in truly stunning, wild country. Thankyou for taking us along with you.
Love your blog and beautiful photos.
love from us xx
Wow these photos are some of the most beautiful I have seen. What memories you have created. You are an inspirational human TK. A person I value and respect enormously. Well done xx
Hi Tony, I am very proud of you, having just read your latest blog !!!!
Stay well, say Hi to Charlie & all!
Love Sal & Nig
Hi Tony, I am very proud of you, having just read your latest blog !!!!
Stay well, say Hi to Charlie & all!
Love Sal & Nig
Hi Tony, I am very proud of you, having just read your latest blog !!!!
Stay well, say Hi to Charlie & all!
Love Sal & Nig
Hi Tony,
As I’m on hols up in Noosa I’ve finally spent the day (belatedly) reading & smiling my way through your riding odyssey.
I’m in awe of your accomplishment & tenacity & overwhelmed by the sheer ‘tightrope’ of riding experience that can change from sublime beauty to the back of hell within minutes. The photos are rediculously good & certainly provided great insight into your journey along with the blog.
I trust the experience overall was what you were searching for.
Look forward to hearing lots more from you on a slow ride to Willunga or Hahndorf some time in the near future … surely Maggies are nothing now after tackling Bears!
Take care mate & see you in ADL at some stage.
Regards
Pete
Hi Tony,
As I’m on hols up in Noosa I’ve finally spent the day (belatedly) reading & smiling my way through your riding odyssey.
I’m in awe of your accomplishment & tenacity & overwhelmed by the sheer ‘tightrope’ of riding experience that can change from sublime beauty to the back of hell within minutes. The photos are rediculously good & certainly provided great insight into your journey along with the blog.
I trust the experience overall was what you were searching for.
Look forward to hearing lots more from you on a slow ride to Willunga or Hahndorf some time in the near future … surely Maggies are nothing now after tackling Bears!
Take care mate & see you in ADL at some stage.
Regards
Pete
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