This would have been the week of the famous Calgary Stampede rodeo and so the city is remarkably quiet without its main event. But for us it was just lovely to be on the Trail again. This was the first day on the trail in 2020 after the COVID-19 shut-in; we were also on the new gravel bikes and so it served as a bit of a leg stretch, mental check-in and equipment run-through.
It was just a short 20km or so along the beautiful Bow River, which is full to the brim of turquoise alpine water at this time of year.
Driving from Banff in the morning we played the “we rode along there, crossed there, had hell morning there” game that has entertained us whenever the highway and Trail have intersected across BC and into Alberta.
Once in Calgary, we dropped our gear at our lovely friends’ home and freewheeled down the hill to the river to pick up where we left off last year. Calgary does its city river parks just right. Lovely trails, beautiful river islands with gorgeous gardens, coffee shops and plenty of space. The notices to keep 2m apart are generally respected by the many cyclists and walkers enjoying the sunny afternoon.
Our trail parted from the Bow river and turned left (North) after the Zoo, and we headed up along a swollen creek in urban grasslands towards the airport. We will pick up the same river later on after it becomes the South Saskatchewan River through Saskatoon.
After a few kilometres we turned off to head back up the hill to the home of our hosts Jen, Mike and daughter Hannah for pasta dinner and prep for the long next four days, excited that Jen will be joining as we head north to Edmonton.
Today’s distance: 23km
Total distance: 1,981km
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Trans Canada Epic 