In September 2010 I picked up a 1983 Cannondale, my first touring bike. With the cooling weather (north American Fall) and working long hours I was not able to take it out on any long rides (and thus, nothing noteworthy to post—I may in the future reflect on my experiences all-weather commuting through the Canadian winter). As the weather warmed in 2011, I was finally able to take this bike out on a few rides, and to prepare for a longer trip. As part preparation, I rode from St Catharines to the MEC at Burlington and back.

The Birch Fall Classic was the first mountain biking event I have participated in. Whilst I was coming off long days touring with a loaded trailer, I did not envisage having 8 hours of trail riding in me so I asked the organisers to pair me with another rider. What the event proved to me is that Manitoba does have hills if you know where to look! It was a warm and prerty tough day... and an enjoyable one.

It was nice to wake up in my tent not thinking of any mountains to climb. I was feeling pretty good given the last 9 days of exertion, crossing 5 serious Mountain Passes (Allison 1342m; Anarchist 1233m; Paulson 1535m; Kootenay Valley viewpoint 1400m+; Continental divide 1640m) and a few other sizable climbs.

I crossed into Banff National Park, crested the Continental Divide and entered Alberta just after 5:30, having come 135km in just over 7 hours. The heat of the days was subsiding and in my weariness I decided to push on for Banff rather than camp at Castle Junction. I started to have thoughts of staying in a bed.