Starting the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route in Jasper

[@spungieful]

Bravo! Thank You for setting me straight on much of this route that I couldn't fine elsewhere in such great detail. I was instantly hooked when you shouted out that you were beginners. There is lots of coverage of this ride from experienced cyclists but taking it in from you calmed my nerves about taking this on. I am a very experienced cyclist but mostly pavement. I'm sure it wasn't all smiles but you certainly smiled a lot. I also chose the Salsa Fargo with a few upgrades and I will choose a better tent! I start my GDMBR, from Banff, 6/2025. I will be 63 yrs. old.

[@PursuingMountains]

That is so awesome! Woot! 🥳 It will be an adventure! So glad you found our videos helpful in getting you on your own adventure. Id recommend doing a few smaller bikepacking trips just to make sure your kit is solid before you go (something we wish we would have done). Have a blast!

[@I_Am_Bone]

It seems like the Jasper addition was added hastily for the sake of adding it. The Forestry Trunk Road is beautiful, and I've driven and camped along many spots. but the traffic can be horrendous. Many weekend warriors head out that way, and figure they're invincible. Alberta is sorely lacking in rail conversions for hiking/biking. As you found, the only real access to good trails for bikes is Canmore and Banff. Edmonton and Calgary have some great trail systems that are bike friendly. The Great Trail isn't as great as advertised. My little town has sections listed on the maps, but within town they are signed "No Bicycles" as well as quads, motorcycles etc. Outside of town the "Sponsored" sections aren't maintained well enough to walk, never mind ride. It's not like they are remote sections, literally a few meters off the paved roadway. Thank you for this series! I am planning a trip starting in Banff or Canmore and will be following the same route you are taking until you head for the border. That's where I will be continuing West. Let the good times ROLL!!!

[@PursuingMountains]

Yeah we were disappointed in much the the Jasper to Canmore section because of the gravel highway traffic. But after that was amazing! You are choosing the most beautiful part of the great divide trail that we’ve done! Have safe fun trip! How far west do you plan to go?

[@cdmiller51]

Seven days without a rinse...OMG 🙂 I appreciate that you include the struggles/setbacks along with the successes. Thanks.

[@PursuingMountains]

Thank you! It wouldn’t be and adventure without some challenges :) And yes, seven days was way too long…although we have done worse…😬

[@VentureOutside]

Looking forward to the next episode! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@PursuingMountains]

Awesome! Thanks for following along :)

[@unkreativnet]

god you are in the most wonderful area I have ever been to. And now I would like to pick my mountainbike, take the next flight and follow you :-D

[@PursuingMountains]

Aww it is a really beautiful area!!!

[@bmurray7248]

If you want to ride from Jasper to Banff. Ice Fields Parkway is the way to go.

[@PursuingMountains]

Yeah we both regret not taking that way for sure!

[@sabungero22]

This definitely on my to do list ASAP but for now keep it up guys!!Just keep on pedaling!!

[@PursuingMountains]

Thanks for the support! Do it! 🙌🏼 Life’s short :)

[@stapler40]

Thanks for the video. I wanted to get your opinion on the 'da brim' hat. How did you find using it? Again, thanks for the video. Cheers

[@PursuingMountains]

Hi! We liked it for the most part! If it gets too windy though we do have to put it away. I can’t remember the exact amount but their website says the combined wind speeds it can handle. We got the sporty full brim one and the wide brim visor and we preferred the visor because it provided more coverage. If you want the most coverage, I’d recommend the widest brim version of either even if that means you may have to stash it more in windy conditions.

[@bhenry5091]

Hi guys. Thinking of doing this section from Jasper to Banff, as I rode south of there last summer. Would be interested to know where you did mange to find parking for your van, and how you returned to it after. Thx for the vid. Brent

[@PursuingMountains]

Hi Brent! Not sure if you’ve had the chance to watch more of the series but we would highly discourage biking the Jasper to Banff section. You are essentially on a gravel highway the whole time. We’ve heard of some people bypassing the GDMBR route and going down ice fields parkway instead which while crowded is more scenic and on road. I’m not sure if there is another way to bypass it, but for us the trail began to get really nice beginning in Canmore.

[@bhenry5091]

Thanks. I did the Canmore to near the border section last summer.

[@bhenry5091]

I did the south part of the Alberta Trunk Road on my return from the border. I now remember the dust, and thought the north would be better on my gravel motorcycle. I will heed your advice. Thx, Brent

[@jbenn43457]

Where did you get that hat brim from? If you don't mind

[@PursuingMountains]

We got them from Dabrim. They have been great! We have a discount code that you can use at checkout for 10% off: PMbrim10 (Note this is case sensitive)

[@stephenmorton8017]

i'm not gonna lie, this section is a buzzkill. why would they add this? it seem like just a dusty hurdle.

[@PursuingMountains]

😂we thought that the whole time too! Not sure what adventure cycling was thinking….it gets much better once we get to Canmore though 😍

[@stephenmorton8017]

Intrepid perseverance.

[@gustyattaway6419]

Good to know if you or your wife are attacked by a wild animal,they will eat well.People who hike have a right to defend their and loved ones lives by being armed in case of an attack by animals or criminal humans.

[@PursuingMountains]

Sure, because black bears love to eat humans 🙄

[@colinferguson972]

Grizzly bears do attack people. Black bear attacks are rare but do happen. A lovely couple and their dog were mauled to death just last year . Better to be safe than sorry.