“One more photo”. That’s our catch phrase in Banff. Breathtaking views that literally take your breath away. The majestic Canadian Rockies rise straight up from the lush river valleys. Here’s the ‘last photo’ while biking out of Banff on this misty rainy morning:

Through wispy clouds, the mountains feel even more prominent, stretching into the atmosphere. The ‘Banff Legacy Trail’ is a spectacular down-valley ride to the town of Canmore where we enjoyed breakfast at a local coffee shop.

From Canmore, I hopped on highway 1A, the alternate to the high-speed 4-lane Trans-Canada Highway 1. Turns out 1A is on the ‘industrial’ side of the river… gravel quarries, landfills, and a large power plant were highlights. Hey, you need infrastructure to support those fancy resort towns. Eventually, I crossed the river and headed south up towards Kananaskis County and our stop for the night.

Here’s where I met up with Jax, paddle boarding on a mountain reservoir called Barrier Lake.

Our overnight stop in Kananaskis Village offers more breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies. ‘One more photo’…

Back by popular demand! Time for a new journey, another two-wheel adventure – this time from North to South. The starting point is a special place for Jax and I, where we honeymooned 34 years ago. Our first time returning to Banff and the Canadian Rockies, where we started our married adventures way back in 1992.

A nice little 48 mile stroll up and down the stunningly beautiful Bow River parkway made for a splendid warm-up ride. I was stunned by how little traffic there was on this scenic bypass (just one Parks Canada service vehicle) until I realized a 20 km stretch is closed to automobiles as part of a ‘reduced vehicle experience’ program. Clueless American! The project seems to be working, I witnessed numerous other cyclists of all abilities enjoying a wonderful ride.

On this blissful bicycle-only road, a four-legged resident on the grassy shoulder carefully observed my approach. Not wanting to lock horns with this eight-point buck, I maneuvered over to the other side of the road to safely pass, but the buck started running alongside me, matching my cadence. Was his intent to run me off the road, or snag the fig bar from my back pocket? He could have easily outrun me, but he slowed to let me on by, almost like he was encouraging me onward. Breathing heavy, as I stopped and looked back to snap a pic, I swear he gave me a knowing nod to wish me a grand adventure.

Today’s ride continued on to a rendezvous with Jax at gorgeous Two Jack Lake. A couple of rams (not pictured, but perhaps both named Jack) seemed less enthralled as I rode past. And, surprisingly, some scuba divers. Ya just never know…

Here’s to another two-wheeled adventure!