2016 GDMBR - Banff to Colorado

[nathanfrechen]

Hi all - I'm planning on riding a portion of the GDMBR next summer, leaving Banff sometime in late June, spending 2 weeks on the bike, and then heading back. My wife will be roughly paralleling me and we'll be meeting up along the way every 3-4 days, but by no means will this be a supported tour. Speedwise, I'm planning on riding 12-14 hours/day and averaging 100 miles/day or more. That's about my standard pace out here in the PNW along doubletrack and logging roads, usually climbing 7-10,000' per day. I'm also not opposed to taking a shorter day every few days as well. Planning on camping some of the time, grabbing a room inside every 2-3 nights.

Just wanted to see if this aligns with anyone else's plans for next summer. Not looking to spend that entire 2 weeks side-by-side, but occasionally riding with someone else would be nice.

Let me know if you're interested and we can discuss.

-Nathan

[ice-breaker]

A buddy and I will be doing the Canadian section from Montana border to Banff during the first week of July. We could potentially cross paths if our schedules coincide.

[bakerjw]

I am still planning on leaving a week after the grand departure. Banff to Helena. I have 2 weeks set aside. I plan on a pace between race and tour. If I can get in 120 a day, I'd be happy.

[Jerry]

Any idea about snow pack?

I plan on leaving from Banf, but am hoping to get info on when route is passable.

[BrianR]

Hi all - I'm planning on riding a portion of the GDMBR next summer, leaving Banff sometime in late June, spending 2 weeks on the bike, and then heading back. My wife will be roughly paralleling me and we'll be meeting up along the way every 3-4 days, but by no means will this be a supported tour. Speedwise, I'm planning on riding 12-14 hours/day and averaging 100 miles/day or more. That's about my standard pace out here in the PNW along doubletrack and logging roads, usually climbing 7-10,000' per day. I'm also not opposed to taking a shorter day every few days as well. Planning on camping some of the time, grabbing a room inside every 2-3 nights.

Just wanted to see if this aligns with anyone else's plans for next summer. Not looking to spend that entire 2 weeks side-by-side, but occasionally riding with someone else would be nice.

Let me know if you're interested and we can discuss.

-Nathan

Nathan - Have you firmed up your departure date?  I plan on leaving Banff July 10th and it sounds like our riding plans correspond. 

[ryanman]

I'm planning to leave Banff around July 22. I have 3 weeks to cycle. I've been road touring for 2 weeks this summer, but never been bikepacking. I'm planning to do go about 55-70 miles/day. Likely to do two day of the guide book per day. I'm 34/M. Easygoing. Live in Salt Lake City, from Oregon originally. Riding a rigid salsa Fargo. I'm solo at this point, but would love to ride with others.

[bakerjw]

If you've never been on the upper section of the route, be prepared to be amazed. I was completely overwhelmed by the mountains and scenery.