Chasing Rainbows

We knew today would be a grueling climb to Lake Louise along the Trans-Canada Highway, with forecasts predicting cool and possibly wet weather. However, as with most rides, we were pleasantly surprised.

Never a fun thought...

The ascent out of Golden was quite a challenge. We started climbing immediately after leaving the town, but fortunately, we had enjoyed a hearty mountain pancake breakfast an hour earlier, giving us plenty of energy. After a brief leveling off, we spotted a sign indicating the start of 10 Mile Hill.

We both knew what that meant, so we hunkered down in our saddles and prepared for what turned out to be a relatively gradual and zen-like climb. After reaching the end, we enjoyed a nice, slightly uphill ride along the Kicking Horse River. The scenery was stunning, despite the eerie high clouds drifting across the sharp mountain peaks, along with a few scattered showers, wind gusts, and pockets of sunshine. The changing weather made for an exhilarating ride, even with the heavy traffic on the highway. Fortunately, the bike shoulder was mostly as wide as the car lane.

The ride became easier until we reached the ascent up Kicking Horse Pass. I thought a better name for it would be "Kicking Ass Pass." The climb was steep and relentless, filled with several false summits. However, we eventually made it to the top, cycling into Alberta and crossing the Continental Divide. It was pretty cool to see the river's flow change from west to east as we crossed over Kicking Horse Pass. I also reflected on how last spring we cycled through multiple Canadian provinces: Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia in the east, and now this fall, through British Columbia and Alberta. Regardless of the province, I continue to love and appreciate the wonderful vibe as we ride through the unique and beautiful landscapes of Canada.

Crossing into Alberta

After crossing the pass, the road led us to Lake Louise, our destination for the evening. The descent gifted us with scattered sunshine, a bit of rain, and a beautiful rainbow that we couldn’t help but chase. The bright colors felt like a welcome to a place where we had skied together several years ago, and where we both had serendipitously traveled with our families as young children.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

I felt a strange sense of sentimentality and appreciation for my mom, dad, brother, sister, and the Toyota station wagon we were "forcibly" packed into on our family trip from California through the Canadian Rockies and back home. It was a journey that remains vivid in our memories, and I am grateful to my parents for teaching us the importance of nature, the great outdoors, and how to survive together on a family road trip. Those lessons we have proudly passed on to our own children: Natalie, Will, and Davis.

Entering Lake Louise

Tomorrow promises a short but incredibly picturesque ride from Lake Louise to Banff, fortunately on a side road well off the main highway. We plan to arrive in time for 49er football and enjoy a planned day off in this beautiful part of the world.

Until tomorrow!