I took the day off work, and got a lift into Calgary with my road bike. My bike and I were dropped off at Diner Deluxe, so we settled ourselves down at a table outside, and waited. And then Jackie arrived!
She was in town to go ride the Tour Divide. But first, we were going to eat an enormous breakfast, and ride back to Canmore together.
We’ve known each other since we were feckless 23 year old hippies. Back then we used to go climbing together. These days we’re both more into bikes.
Wonderful breakfast eaten, I did some handy google maps navigation to get us out of town along the river trails, and then onto the 1A.
I’d never ridden it from Calgary before, but there’s actually quite a nice wide smooth shoulder up until Cochrane. And no headwind! (Note: I cannot actually guarantee that there’s never a headwind in this section)
After that, the road gets narrower, and then the shoulder disappears. But it does get increasingly beautiful, and there’s less and less traffic. And then you hit Exshaw, and the horrible headwind begins, but it’s ok because you’re nearly in Canmore!
The rest of the week, more and more Tour Divide crew showed up. I spent as much time as I could hanging out with them – in the words of Anne of Green Gables, they were most definitely all kindred spirits.
The night before the Grand Depart, I took my Australian flag along to the Aussie/Kiwi riders dinner, and got the crew there to sign it.
Then it was the morning of the Grand Depart. The offspring and I headed to Banff for breakfast with Jackie, and then to wave everyone off.
And after much nervous excitement, and waiting, and photos – they were off.
Of course, it started raining then.
The fate of those who signed the flag was varied…
Seb pulled out early due to illness, Liam and Hugh with knee issues, Rob with complications from a dog bite, and Steve made it to Pie Town before calling it.
But Brian finished 5th (16d10hr), and Gareth in 7th (17d11hr) (both rookies). Matt got ‘er done in 23 days. But Jackie finished in under 20 days, came in at 16th overall and was the first and only female to finish within race pace. Only four female racers have faster times than her – and that was with losing a chunk of time when she lost most of her crank bolts and had to ride a few hundred kilometres with her crank zip-tied on. Go Jackie go!
And yes, I’m really looking forward to next year, and finally getting to race the route.
