Golden Triangle 2005

One of the most scenic bicycle tours in Canadian Rockies. It is located between Alberta and British Columbia. The first day starts at Lake Louise and goes to Golden Town. Second day is on flat terrain, it begins in Golden and runs to Radium Hot Springs. The third day starts with breakfast and steep 40 minutes 7-11% climb up to Sinclair pass, and the day ends back in Lake Louise. At spring, each year, hundreds of bikers take this more then 300km(190miles) road trip. Each day cyclists make around 110km (70miles). There are 4 major 7 to 11% climbs , two are located at 1600m (5300 feet) mountain passes. Downhill the bicycle can exceed 80km/h (50mph) which is more then local speed limit (70km/h). The Lake Louise to Golden section has heavy trucks traffic on highway 1.
At this time of the year cyclists encounter head wind, rain, showers, snow and sunny days. Some groups travel in the opposite direction, to avoid congestion in the motels. Each group has a supportive van, which caries personal luggage, food, and sometimes an exhausted biker. The day on the road starts at 9am, more advance bikers finish each stage in half a day, less fit or your humble photographer is on the road up to the evening (7pm) It is recommended to travel in the group, that offers good protection from the wind. The average group keeps peace at 25km/h (15mph), such a group is at the end of the stage around 3pm.