UCAN Ride4Kids (Day 1 to 3) - Updates from the Road from Dr. Jaime Guzman

Day 1

Under clear skies and magnificent views of the Lake Louise Glacier an intrepid group of riders representing Canada, Germany, Italy, Mexico and The Netherlands started the 2019 UCAN Ride4Kids.

Attendants to the Childhood Arthritis and Beyond Conference enthusiastically bid farewell to the riders and after an inspiring speech by David Porte, Chairman of the Board of Cassie & Friends, we got started.

After a tactical stop at the Lake Louise Village bike shop to set the equipment right, the 60 Km route on the Bow Valley Parkway was breathtaking and lend itself to multiple photo ops. We arrived in Banff safe and sound and with time to debrief the conference and the ride as we shared adult refreshments. Special mention goes to Alessandro, who despite a last-minute decision, a type of bike that he had never ridden before and the initial freezing descent into the Village, went on the complete the whole Stage with no problem.

Day 2

What a difference one day can make in mountain weather, after a balmy and sunny first stage the next day we wake up to 30 cm of snow and -2 degrees. It was clearly unsafe to get on the route so we had to change plans for Bas and Klaus. Instead of riding to Radium they spent the day in Banff and head back to the Calgary Airport.

After a few hours, the road cleared enough to ride but after 20 Km it started to snow again and had to call it quits. It was a very messy 20 Km for bike and rider. So, we hunk down, had a soak in Radium Hot Springs and enjoyed a rock/country band at the local pub.

Day 3

Radium to Creston was to be the largest stage of the ride with 255 Km of ups and downs. Skies were clear but with headwinds. By the time night came after 210 Km and with many large trucks speeding by, it was time to call it a day in the metropolis of Yack, population 500.

The day was utterly enjoyable (this shows how much of a masochist I am) and Rick and I had a very good time with brief exchanges at rider-support stops along the way. I rode my old steel randonneuring bike and as usual she did not disappoint, steady and reliable you can trough anything at her and she will get you there no matter what.

As the following day was a rest day. We used it to complete the remaining 45 Km of Stage 3.

***