After leaving Calgary we started our ride into Banff. Before we left we had been informed that the ride was fairly flat. I have one word for all you who mis lead us...'liars'

It wasnt so much the hills that destroyed us, as usual it was the wind. It feels like a wall slamming into you that you have to keep pushing against. Even on a decent down hill section, we had to keep peadling or we would come to a complete stop.

Meg was the ultimate ride leader for the day. At a stop about 25 miles out of our campground, she talked the gas station attendant into giving her 15 cups and loads of hot water. When we pulled up there was a 'caffine bar' set up, complete with hot chocolate and dr. peppers. It was located on a random concrete wall, which she had decorated with the chalk we use to mark the streets and give the riders turning directions (a trick we leared after loosing many a rider).

We are talking about having team leader competition in AK once we get to our final destination. The events are going to include: backing up the van w/ trailor, chalking ability, cooking on the camp stove, encouraging riders from the van window, sagging speed, and giving accurate directions. All very important qualities for the van drivers to have, and different teams are strong in different areas.

Unfortunatly, for the next two days i was stuck in the van. First time i have had to sag (except in ft worth when we were lost and i threw into the towel) I had woken up feeling pretty crappy and decided that chilling for two days was better than biking and potentially being our for a lot longer. Our documentarian also happens to think he is a doctor so he kept making me drink water. The worst was over after the first day through Banff, the next day was only 40 miles but with a significant up hill and i chilled for that one too.

Although i did go hike part of the way up a glacier. There was a trail near our camp site so a group of us set out for it. Brett, Lorig, Libby and I set our on what was supposed to be an 800 meter walk to the base of a glacier. Well we got started on the wrong trail and wound up foraging a mountain stream (shallow but swift) to get back to where we needed to be. where is the chalk when you need it.

We got to the base and started hiking up it. There was a coned off section that was safe to walk on, but there were also about 6 signs before the start that basically said you were going to die if you went on the other side of those cones (we didnt). The bad move is that i was in my chackos, good hiking sandals if they are not 2 years old and all the tred is worn off. Basically i slipped my way up the glacier and then skiied my way down. Some english guy started laughing when he looked at my feet while i was in the middle of one of my near falls (dont worry i didnt).

Today was back on the bike. Im feeling much better and keep popping decongestant. The ride today into jasper was beautiful. about 64 miles that a group of us covered in about 4 hours including rest stops. (this means that it was pretty flat with limited head wind).

Right now we are in the Jasper library, getting ready to go to a pub which will hopefully have the Tour coverage. We are finally clean (been about 5 days since the last showers for most), our clothes are at the laundry mat...i mean what else can you ask for. maybe the death of all mosquitos but i have a feeling that would be too much.