Day 5: (day 1 of biking). What goes down must come up and up and up

Day one of biking. 67.1miles 

We got on our bikes at 9am and got to our ending spot at 8pm. It was a long day but good. We averaged around 10 mph on the flats, 5 mph uphill and got over 30 mph going down the mountains. 

Enjoying the propane heater in the cabin before heading out for day 1. 

We spent the day biking the Icefields Parkway, which travels between Jasper and Lake Louise through Jasper and Banff National Parks. 

We started the day with breakfast before loading up to hit the road. This is my first trip fully loaded with panniers. Starting out wasn't too bad. Mostly flats and even downhills and we followed the river. About 10 miles in we realized we missed the one turn we had to make today by a mile. Backtracking is never fun but at least there weren't any hills involved. 

It was such a beautiful ride!

I don't know if you can read that sign but it says if you see a bear stay in your vehicle. I don't have one of those...

We quickly arrived at our first hill/mountain of the day. It was hard work up for sure. We had to stop half way up to shed a layer, but the ride down the backside was so much fun. We both tucked down to gain as much 'free speed' as we could. Then I started thinking. That isn't really free speed. I worked my tail off to get up that hill just to come back down. 

It just seemed too perfect to not stop for a photo. 

About 20 miles in we had our first significant break at Athabasca Falls where we enjoyed some snacks and a Dad's root beer in honor of Father's Day. 

Then back on the bikes. Another 15 miles to Sunwapta Falls where we would have lunch. There were some long climbs going up but nothing too steep. 

Sunwapta Falls

Then back on the bikes. 32 more miles. We were over half way there but still had more mountains ahead. We saw several other crazies like us out bike touring as well. 

A little snack break. 

Mike cooling off in some glacier water. 

There were a lot of false flats throughout the day. You thought the ground was flat but then realized you are only going 8 mph and look back and realize you are in fact on a sneaky little hill. 

We finally arrived at what was a long flat stretch along the river. Finally a break!  Wrong. The wind was blowing right in out faces making the flat just as challenging as the hills. I tucked in behind Mike to avoid some of the wind but it was still tough. And then the last mountain of the day. The last 7 miles were so tough and took us forever but we made it. 

We ended part way up the second climb to Sunwapta Pass. Meaning yup, we climbed up that long steep thing before it. It was about 1.25 miles in length, so not crazy long, but it was crazy steep. 

We ended up stopping every quarter mile for a mini break to catch our breath.

After the first and steepest portion I basically collapsed on the ground.  Apparently other tourists in cars found this amusing says Mike.

Refueling after the first part of the climb while overlooking a glacier.

It would have been tough on any bike, but loaded down it was grueling. I kept telling myself there was a shower and dinner at the end and that kept me going. 

Another mini break part way up the climb. A man here told us he thought we were making good time up the hill.  Apparently 4 mph is good time. I didn't really care, it was what I needed to hear right then even if it was probably not true. 

You know what makes climbing up a mountainside with panniers even worse? Being attacked by mosquitos while doing it!  Seriously, it was awful. I did learn however that their top speed must be 5 mph.  When I was going 3-4 mph I was being eaten and swarmed.  When it managed to get up to 5 mph no more Mosquitos. That was definitely motivation to go faster but easier said than done for sure. 

We finally made it to the top and got to enjoy a downhill followed by a less steep but windy uphill. I thought we still had 2 miles to go when I saw this sign saying 1 km. I was sooo excited!

We made it. We checked in. Showered quickly before the restaurant closed and had a celebratory bottle of wine while overlooking the Athabasca Glacier. It truly is beautiful. 

Still smiling at the end of it😄. Exhausted, tummies full we went to bed.