A CannonRide Down the Great Divide (solo)

Cannonshot · 07-23-2010, 07:39 PM

Cannonride? Some of you know the format: maps, GPS tracks and waypoints for download, lots of pictures of the route, and some (hopefully) entertaining stories about history and interesting side trips and stops along the way.

Overview Map

The Great Divide Ride is a mountain bike route developed by the Adventure Cycling Association that runs down the continental divide from Banff, AB to Antelope Wells, NM. Although some of the route involves trails that exclude motorized travel, motorcyclists have adopted much of the route as it primarily uses forest roads and other highways. Maps and tracks are available from the Adventure Cycling Association.

I have included the Canada section on this ride which requires some significant rerouting for motorcycles. I have developed some tracks that account for this that I will post for others to use. The detailed maps I post in the report will show the Adventure Cyling Association tracks and the tracks (and alternates) that will be useful for motorcycles. With changes for motorcycles and other options, the route is approaching 3,000 miles.

By the way I stopped by the Adventure Cycling Association headquarters in Montana while on this trip.

A nice group of folks dedicated to putting out great products for their following.

A few scenes from along the way.

Cannonshot · 07-23-2010, 08:11 PM

Overview of the Canada portion of the ride. The red line is bicycle only trail.

The beginning.

For me, the route begins on the Mount Norquay Scenic Drive which overlooks Banff. Start at the top and enjoy the views of the city.

The Banff Springs Hotel was originally built in 1887-88. In 1925 it burned and was rebuilt. After the fire they found a secret room with no windows or door where some believe that a ghost that haunts the hotel lived.

As you wind down the switchbacks toward town, be on the lookout for mule deer and rocky mountain sheep.

Banff was administered by the national park system until 1990 when it was allowed to incorporate. There are about 7,500 permanent residents.

The town has an interesting railroad depot. Many tourists arrive by train. In fact, in 1883 three railroad workers stumbled onto the natural hot springs there. In 1885, Canada established the area as a federal reserve and began promoting the area as a resort and spa to help support the railroad. The railroad built hotels along the line to support this.

A closer look at the hotel.

The bicycle ride starts at the Spray River trailhead behind the hotel.

Since this trail excludes motorized travel, we have to go around and over some mountains on a very entertaining separate route.

Lion BR · 07-23-2010, 08:15 PM

Nice!

EnderTheX · 07-23-2010, 08:22 PM

Cool pics... Bicycle tracks should be considered single track lol.

z@ch · 07-23-2010, 09:28 PM

Oh this is gonna be gooooood!

Shaggie · 07-24-2010, 02:23 AM

in!

Go Bryan!

c-zulu · 07-24-2010, 03:55 AM

Looks like a start to another outstanding RR.

Fredfredburger · 07-24-2010, 05:00 AM

great pics, great start.

gettr · 07-24-2010, 05:14 AM

GB · 07-24-2010, 06:22 AM

Great ride and pics.. Banff pics are fantastic!! thanks for taking us along

yeroc40 · 07-24-2010, 06:28 AM

Not that's a great teaser, I'm in!

jcorni · 07-24-2010, 06:44 AM

OK, I will ask, what camera are you using? great looking fotos. Can't wait for the report. Thanks for taking us along.

aldntn · 07-24-2010, 08:14 AM

the RR I've looking for!

sky hy ironman · 07-24-2010, 08:41 AM

A closer look at the hotel.

Impressive work & subscribed

LeeU · 07-24-2010, 09:20 AM

I'm in Cannonshot!!

My buddy Burt & I have done it twice, including last year.
Anxious to see your Fleecer Ridge ride pics!!

LeeU

07-23-2010, 07:39 PM	#1
Cannonshot ^OP Having a Nice Time Joined: Jul 2005 Location: SE Wisconsin Oddometer: 14,304	A CannonRide Down the Great Divide (solo) Cannonride? Some of you know the format: maps, GPS tracks and waypoints for download, lots of pictures of the route, and some (hopefully) entertaining stories about history and interesting side trips and stops along the way. Overview Map The Great Divide Ride is a mountain bike route developed by the Adventure Cycling Association that runs down the continental divide from Banff, AB to Antelope Wells, NM. Although some of the route involves trails that exclude motorized travel, motorcyclists have adopted much of the route as it primarily uses forest roads and other highways. Maps and tracks are available from the Adventure Cycling Association. I have included the Canada section on this ride which requires some significant rerouting for motorcycles. I have developed some tracks that account for this that I will post for others to use. The detailed maps I post in the report will show the Adventure Cyling Association tracks and the tracks (and alternates) that will be useful for motorcycles. With changes for motorcycles and other options, the route is approaching 3,000 miles. By the way I stopped by the Adventure Cycling Association headquarters in Montana while on this trip. A nice group of folks dedicated to putting out great products for their following. A few scenes from along the way.

07-23-2010, 08:11 PM	#2
Cannonshot ^OP Having a Nice Time Joined: Jul 2005 Location: SE Wisconsin Oddometer: 14,304	The Start - Banff, Alberta Overview of the Canada portion of the ride. The red line is bicycle only trail. The beginning. For me, the route begins on the Mount Norquay Scenic Drive which overlooks Banff. Start at the top and enjoy the views of the city. The Banff Springs Hotel was originally built in 1887-88. In 1925 it burned and was rebuilt. After the fire they found a secret room with no windows or door where some believe that a ghost that haunts the hotel lived. As you wind down the switchbacks toward town, be on the lookout for mule deer and rocky mountain sheep. Banff was administered by the national park system until 1990 when it was allowed to incorporate. There are about 7,500 permanent residents. The town has an interesting railroad depot. Many tourists arrive by train. In fact, in 1883 three railroad workers stumbled onto the natural hot springs there. In 1885, Canada established the area as a federal reserve and began promoting the area as a resort and spa to help support the railroad. The railroad built hotels along the line to support this. A closer look at the hotel. The bicycle ride starts at the Spray River trailhead behind the hotel. Since this trail excludes motorized travel, we have to go around and over some mountains on a very entertaining separate route. Cannonshot screwed with this post 07-24-2010 at 07:45 AM

07-24-2010, 02:23 AM	#6
Shaggie Unseen University Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Oddometer: 2,368	in! Go Bryan! __________________ Shane S-43.514872 E172.59602 "We are not at home to Mr Reasonable" - Sam Vimes Adieu Davo, you're on the Far Ride now - missing you already mate NZ Touring pics : Brass Monkey 2009 : Kiwi Sun : Totaranui (no MC)

07-24-2010, 03:55 AM	#7
c-zulu Resident Dirt Burner Joined: Mar 2007 Location: North shore of Gitchigumi Oddometer: 841	Looks like a start to another outstanding RR. __________________ HONDA CRF450X---BUELL XB12X KTM 950 Super ER----KTM 950 ADV S YAMAHA FJR1300---VICTORY KINGPIN TOUR

07-24-2010, 05:00 AM	#8
Fredfredburger CTRL ALT DEL Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Chesapeake VA Oddometer: 553	great pics, great start. __________________ Yes!

07-23-2010, 08:15 PM	#3
Lion BR I'd rather be riding Joined: Oct 2005 Location: Oregon Oddometer: 2,612	Nice!

07-23-2010, 08:22 PM	#4
EnderTheX Drunken Squirrel Joined: Mar 2009 Location: DFW Area, TX Oddometer: 2,603	Cool pics... Bicycle tracks should be considered single track lol.

07-23-2010, 09:28 PM	#5
z@ch Turn it up to eleven Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Tejas Norte Oddometer: 4,526	Oh this is gonna be gooooood!

07-24-2010, 05:14 AM	#9
gettr Team Turtle Joined: Oct 2007 Location: LaSalle Co. Oddometer: 684

07-24-2010, 06:22 AM	#10
GB Mod Squad Joined: Aug 2002 Location: Toronto, ON Oddometer: 53,498	Great ride and pics.. Banff pics are fantastic!! thanks for taking us along __________________ ADV decals, patches & flag? Here

07-24-2010, 06:28 AM	#11
yeroc40 Studly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Neenah, WI Oddometer: 769	Not that's a great teaser, I'm in!

07-24-2010, 06:44 AM	#12
jcorni Adventurer Joined: Feb 2008 Location: Ramona, CA Oddometer: 81	OK, I will ask, what camera are you using? great looking fotos. Can't wait for the report. Thanks for taking us along. __________________ 2006 WR 450 Plated 2008 KLR 650 2009 WR 450 "It's what you learn after you know it all that matters" John Wooden RIFF RAFF 2011

07-24-2010, 08:14 AM	#13
aldntn Vgo Joined: Feb 2009 Location: Nashville TN Oddometer: 246	Exactly the RR I've looking for! __________________ http://www.aldntn.bravejournal.com/ 09 DL650ABS

07-24-2010, 08:41 AM	#14
sky hy ironman Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2010 Location: 30 miles west of the "LOOP" Oddometer: 114	A closer look at the hotel. Impressive work & subscribed

07-24-2010, 09:20 AM	#15
LeeU Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2004 Location: Casa Grande,AZ Oddometer: 316	I'm in Cannonshot!! My buddy Burt & I have done it twice, including last year. Anxious to see your Fleecer Ridge ride pics!! LeeU

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