The Tour de Yanda has now gone global. I'm in Canada now and have managed to log up some K on three different bikes in two different provinces.
First there was my Father in Law's, Willi's, bike. This took a bit of work to get up and running. Oh, and just to be clear... I didn't mean to say the bike belonged to my father-in-law's willy. My father-in-law is named Willi. Apologies for any confusion. Anyway, this was an ancient beast of a bike with tires as wide as Jamie Oliver's tongue. I put about 50km on it on country roads near their place by Devon, Alberta. It's a pleasant enough area but nowhere near as nice as the Rocky Mountains.
The day after we arrived in Edmonton, the four of us (Me and Vicki and my in-laws and all associated willies) went off to Canmore to spend three days in the mountains. That's where the pictures linked above were taken. I think I may add Canmore to the shortlist of places I might want to live in if I returned to Canada. The thing I like about it is that it has all the beauty and charm of Banff without the tourists. So, if you are a fit, gorgeous, mountain-climbing, mountain-biking, outdoorsy type, feel free to visit. But if you are a bloated, rubbernecking, couch potato tourist, please restrict yourself to Banff.
Sorry, that came off a bit harsh. Anyway... Canmore -- it's lovely; don't go there.
And really, no matter where you stay, everyone should visit Banff National Park. It is truly one of the most wondrous areas on Earth. I'm sure somewhere in the universe there is some place more beautiful, but I think Banff might be tops for this planet.
I rented a bike for a day while we were in Banff and basically rode it to Canmore and back. I'd love to spend some more time riding around the Rockies. The roads are great; much wider than anyone's tongue. The mountain bike trails are great. The views are incredible. The hills might be a bit much, and it strikes me that places to stay might be a bit few and far between along some stretches, but I suspect it would a fantastic trip.
Anyway, I'm in Victoria now, which has been on my shortlist of places to live in in Canada for some time now. This is partially because I have a number of family and friends here, so it might not be for you. On the other hand, it is already swamped with bloated, rubbernecking, couch potato tourists, so feel free to come by no matter who you are.
I've borrowed my aunt's bike which is unbelievably comfortable. It's got a huge seat with a shock-absorber seat post, cushy front shocks, and handlebars so high I feel a bit like I'm riding a chopper. It feels like I'm riding a lazy-boy down the road. Speed is not its main virtue. Still, I managed to sneak in a 38km ride yesterday, mainly because Victoria is so beautiful you can just cruise along for miles without really noticing the time go by.
By the way, it's Vicki and my anniversary today. Feel free to donate to the Tour de Yanda in lieu of a card or gift. And, really, as it is our anniversary, I should stop twittering on and go give some good loving to my lady wife. Ciao.
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