Arriving in Banff and starting the Great Divide- Part 1- Days 1 to 4

On June 21, 2023, I started the GDMBR. The trail was immediately stunning and brutal, and I worked through some second-guessing early on about my decision to do this.
A Kiwi couple who were riding the GDMBR with their 15 month old son rode into the campground on he first night, and we hit it off immediately. The 4 of us rode together for most of the 3 weeks I was on the route and became great friends. We saw 3 bears on the second day, a moose, and other assorted wildlife.
I'll be adding more videos in the series over the next couple of weeks. Please subscribe to follow along.
Thanks

[@matryderadventures]

Hi Ron. Awesome video. Brings back memories. Looking forward to the next one. Cheers 👍

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks Mat! I appreciate the effort you've put into your adventures, and it was nice of you to check this one out! Did you recognize the couple with their toddler? We rode together for 3 weeks. I saw them in one of your videos too.

[@matryderadventures]

@@RonSuchanek I remember them. August was a lot skinnier by the time I met them. Lovely people. Great work 👍

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@@matryderadventures Howdy Mat! You're the star of Divide vids for us non-pro riders. Myself, and two buddies followed you along the route. You have got me daydreaming about another try at a slower pace using a different gear approach. ☮

[@matryderadventures]

I love it. Inspired to take the slow path.I'd love to do it again and know that I will at some point.

[@josemata8755]

Great video !! It’s great that you were able to ride with that exceptional adventures family. There is safety in numbers. I’m 55 years young, hope to do this ride before my health declines. You are an inspiration.

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks! I enjoyed their company for sure, and we are staying in touch. I hope you can get out there and do it some time.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Wow!! What an adventure. Thank you for sharing.

[@RonSuchanek]

It was an adventure! Thanks for watching.

[@gregorygarceau7625]

Hi Mr. Grumby. I just watched both parts of your Great Divide tour all in one sitting. From "I'm going to do this thing even if it takes all week" to the "doody free shop," I loved it all. I can see the Great Divide tour took a lot of work, and I can also see that you put a lot of work into your video. Good job on both counts. Now I'll wait for parts 3, 4, 5, and beyond.

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks Greg! I thought you would appreciate the high-brow "doody" humor. As you know, a lot goes through your mind when touring. For me, it's Beavis and Butthead, apparently. Thanks for watching. I recommend that you do the divide.

[@BobInVT]

Great video Ron. Glad it popped up in my feed. Now subscribed. Looking forward to Part 2!

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks Bob! Part 2 should be done soon!

[@normancoutts]

Great effort and video - hoping for more. Greetings from Scotland.

[@mickilkr]

Excellent video, looking forward to part two

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for watching! Part 2 should be out in a couple of days.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Thanks for video! Three of us retired buddies started in Roosville at the border in 2021, CAN still closed back then. We rode half of the route down to Breckinridge, CO. I'm considering another attempt this summer. Will follow along w your vids.

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for watching. I got to Helena in 2023 before jumping off for a family emergency. But I plan to be back in 2024. Maybe I'll see you there.

[@justinm6862]

You've totally sold another Kiwi on doing this. I won't be bringing my three teenage children with me though, my tent isn't big enough. Looks absolutely beautiful and us Kiwis know beauty when we see it. We know nothing about Beers, Mountain Lions, and Moose though, the scariest thing we have are blood thirsty mosquitoes, ...oh and cows too. That part makes me nervous. One day I'll get there, if I don't get lost on the way that is. 😂. BTW we train our young to call others "numbnuts", it's a term of endearment.

[@RonSuchanek]

It's amazing, and you'll love it. The critters, bears in particular, are to be respected, but honestly, the risks are over blown. Just use common sense and enjoy the ride! The more Kiwis, the better!! We're probably heading to Enn Zed next March for a few weeks. Can't wait to hear the youths call me numbnuts. Thanks for watching. One of these days I'll get my 2024 videos edited and posted.

[@justinm6862]

@@RonSuchanek take it you are coming to do some cycling. March is the best time of year weather wise, usually most settled. Being an Island in the Pacific it is often changeable and unpredictable. Im from the North Island, I did a three week trip in the South Island on bike trails in March of this year. It's a beautiful place, highly recommend the Alps to Ocean and also the lake Dunstan Trails, and the Otago Rail Trail. You may already know, but there are longer trips you can do like the Te Araroa Trail (length of NZ, mix of roads and trails) and the Sounds to Sounds (length of the South Island) which takes you over a few mountain passes. Both on my to do list. Enjoy your trip! Look forward to seeing more videos.

[@FiftiesForward]

Can't wait to follow the journey 😊

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for watching!

[@brucelellman]

Ron, this is totally fu@%*ing AWESOME. Good job! I love it. Best Great Divide KZbin video yet. It almost makes me want to go with you next year. Almost.

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for your support! And, we're not getting any younger... 2024 is right around the corner.

[@stevenutepass7671]

Just before silverthorne or Ute Pass Colorado is my home, MM 14.5. stop on in.

[@kyran1681]

Definitely an inspiration! Great vid.

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks! It was a great experience.

[@momster7033]

Hey, u told me the toddler cussed you out! 😂 what an adventure, excited to watch more!

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks! The next one should be out in a couple of days. Thanks for watching!

[@andreabrown7559]

Bro, this is amazing! Well done.

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks Andrea! That's high praise, considering your videography skills! It's pretty fun editing. Thanks for watching.

[@TravelingThru222]

Looks like one sweet ride, Great channel. just subbed.

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for the sub! I watched your GDMBR series twice last year before riding. Really enjoyed it and it was helpful in planning.

[@rneillmojo]

Real good ride - been thru there 6 times

[@RonSuchanek]

Nice! I'm going back in 2024.

[@freddixon]

Very cool! I am pondering the feasibility of my 65yo body slogging it up some of those mountain passes. Thanks for sharing and inspiring. ;

[@bironbrunelle5186]

I am aiming for 60th birthday, that gives me 5 years to train.

[@RonSuchanek]

You'll do fine! Thanks for watching.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@freddixon Two years ago at 68, I rode half of the gdmbr. Might try it again this summer 2024.

[@RonSuchanek]

@@Mike-vd2qt maybe I'll see you out there in 2024. I rode 600 miles and stopped in Helena due to a death in the family. But heading back out in 2024!

[@freddixon]

Inspiring, thank you@@Mike-vd2qt

[@Bikepacker]

Great video, Ron!

[@RonSuchanek]

Thank you Bonnie.

[@randallgd]

Great Vibe new Subscriber:)

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for watching!!

[@chrisallen2005]

I rode the GDMBR in 2017 to celebrate turning sixty. Still enjoy watching others on their rides. Such a highlight of my life. Hope it was for you too.

[@RonSuchanek]

Fantastic! That was my age last year. I'm heading back out in June from Whitefish this time. Thanks for watching.

[@chrisallen2005]

@@RonSuchanek Sweet. Have a great ride.

[@stevemullin1195]

@@RonSuchanek I just turned 70 on sunday

[@alanwilliamson6421]

What a journey

[@RonSuchanek]

It was amazing. Can't wait to get back out there.

[@matto7768]

Awesome!!

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks Matt!

[@COYSMike]

Came over from Mat's channel. Looking forward to following your journey!

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks! Mat's the man. I really like his videos. Thanks for watching.

[@Draganbikepacking]

Looking forward for Part Two

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for watching! I'm working on getting part 2 out in a few days.

[@alanwilliamson6421]

This is funnier than i expected

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks, and thanks for watching! I expect the next episode out in a few days.

[@alanwilliamson6421]

@@RonSuchanek oh good

[@michaelbroyer3918]

that was a young grizzly bear, not a black bear.

[@RonSuchanek]

👍

[@user-kx7wo6qc7d]

Hi Ron, where did u start your trip. I know it is in Banf but what did you put in your GPS or google map? Just wondering here. Awesome video

[@RonSuchanek]

I started at the Spray River trailhead just past (south) of the Banff Springs Hotel. Thanks for watching!!

[@stevenutepass7671]

Maybe we met or you grabbed some water cooler my home just before silverthorne Colorado or Ute pass. Blue cooler. I think we may have met here.

[@RonSuchanek]

I stopped the 2023 trip in Helena due to a family emergency, so I wouldn't have been that far.

[@stevenutepass7671]

@@RonSuchanek Sorry to hear, hope all turned out ok. Strange part I've randomly commented others videos and sure enough we had met, I've never met a bad person on a bike, everyone very interesting.

[@timparsons2741]

Super video . What handlebar is that ?

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks! It's a Jones Loop with 2.5 inch rise. Love it.

[@mapmedic]

Great video. Did you have any issues with your rear rack and/or panniers? I have that setup now, but it seems like most GD riders are moving away from them. I read that one issue is vibrations after many miles loosens various fasteners. Not sure if there are other issues I haven’t figured out yet.

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for watching. I probably saw as many pannier and rear rack setups as the ultralight bikepacking setups. I really liked having the extra space. That said, the panniers I used were great, but I used a Voile strap to steady them on the rack. Next year I'm going to use Arkel Dry lite panniers, which are lower volume but should ride a little better. No issues with bolts vibrating off, although I put some loc tite on the bolts ahead of time.

[@stevemullin1195]

What bike did you do your trip on?

[@RonSuchanek]

My 2009 Surly Long Haul Trucker. This year I'll be on a 2023 Ogre.

[@RonSuchanek]

Sorry, I accidentally deleted your response! Meant to edit mine somehow. Anyway, the Bridge Club is a nice bike. I saw a few of them last year.

[@michaelbroyer3918]

So you only did 3 weeks on the route??

[@RonSuchanek]

Yes, a death in the family cut it short. We anticipated it would happen during the trip. I'm heading back in June!

[@FiftiesForward]

Amazing but why did you go Alone?

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks. Riding alone has a lot of advantages, including the ability to make quick decisions and alterations to plans. I knew there would be other riders in the route to connect with, and that worked out well.

[@FiftiesForward]

@@RonSuchanek ya that was nice 🙂

[@bironbrunelle5186]

Could you of had lower gear?

[@RonSuchanek]

It's pretty low, 11- 34t on the rear.

[@bironbrunelle5186]

I'd go for 32 and 51, @@RonSuchanek

[@princepage632]

nice video. but you must be retired or have lots of money in order to just take off and not work and go play . I mean i bike a lot , but can't leave my home for that long. I would have to leave my apartment or move out and then ride it. i mean i have done lots of biking and still do, i don't have anything to prove by riding this great divide. I could do it easily. You don't have to be in shape to do this ride. I can see that already. I mean i can do 100 push ups/ 20 pull ups/ and 30 dips weighing 210lbs, and i can ride a mt bike or gravel bike 11 miles in 45 minutes. i mean all those numbers are in a row non stop, one exercise after another. I can see the why someone would want to do this ride.Its an awesome ride, but like i said , i would have to move out and put all my stuff in storage, and then do the trail. I mean it's not worth losing my home over it. another thing that i am concerned about is losing muscle mass on a ride like that. I suppose i could bring my push up bars and do them everyday after the ride. When you get old, your going to need that muscle and strength. I mean, at that point, i would just keep going and touring. I would be homeless on a bike. ha ha!! I love bike touring ,and i do short multi day tours. But anyone who has done the divide has something to be proud of. It's an awesome ride but beyond my scope financially.

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for watching

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

Great video Ron, keep on truckin

[@RonSuchanek]

Thanks for watching, Graham!

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

looking forward to following your trip. @@RonSuchanek

[@brucelellman]

why oh why is my name coming up as @user-de2sw1mi1e? I can't figure out how to fix this. Bruce