We’re In Canmore

 Second Times The Charm.

The GDMBR continues to beckon for us.  We’re prepared - sort of, as usual. We’ve convinced ourselves  that we have put in the necessary training miles, got bikes (see Bill)  that will work considering the terrain and things we have to carry, and a decent understanding of distances and obstacles. (Maybe too far and too many, but what’s the sense of being foolish if you can’t do foolish things.) Most importantly, we now understand that there are some things that are completely out of our control - mainly weather and forest fires, which seem to be burning all around us but so far no major impacts for us - that may require us changing routes or even goals.  

With all that said, we are now in Canmore, Alberta putting our bikes together, getting some supplies (food, for example) and, as a real treat, spending time with Bill’s niece Allison, who lives in Canmore and is a backcountry split boarder, mountain biker and downhill racer, as well as a delight to be with and who goes out of her way to help us with just about everything imaginable. 

Our plan is to finish up prep today (Tuesday) and hit the GDMBR first thing tomorrow morning.  We have ambitious but realistic goals and are following the mantra of rolling with the punches, which we expect there to be many. And of course, we aim to have a good time, not kill each other and live to see another big ride. And avoid a grizzly bear encounter. That might put a damper on the ride.

Stay with us. We’ll post as much as we can - there are many places where any type of wireless coverage is very limited.  We have not quite mastered the whole blogging thing (and likely never will) but will try to respond to comments as best we can and post as often as possible.