Last minute run to Calgary - bike rental?

[jen]

Flying into Calgary to deliver some documents Monday AM.  Then I get the rest of the day to myself and fly out on Tuesday.  Instead of just staying in the city, I thought I might like to spend the day on a bike and ride to Banff.  Too ambitious?  Anyone know a place to rent a bike in Calgary? Preferably not a Harley Davidson.

Any info appreciated. Never been to Calgary and it's jsut a quick thing.  

[bubba zanetti]

http://www.allseasonmotorsports.ca/rental/motorycles.html

Banff and back is not too ambitious and a lovely ride.  

[Kootenanny]

I'm sure the Calgary locals will have more info, but if you're gonna ride to Banff, I'd suggest NOT riding out on the #1, which is basically an interstate.  I think it's the #1A which becomes the Bow Valley Parkway, and would definitely be a nicer ride.

Hope you get a chance to enjoy a nice ride!  (Oh, and a Harley might not be such a bad idea...the scenery will be stunning, and may be better viewed from a cruiser, although I'm sure you're used to mountains being from Colorado).

Keep in mind, though, Calgary itself is an interesting city and may be worth looking around in for an afternoon.

[CDN]

+2 - the 1A would be preferable  

Could always do a nice Kanaskis loop (Hwy 40/541/?)

[drsmig]

Check out
All Season Motorsports Inc - www.allseasonmotorsports.ca
1510 10 Avenue Sw, Calgary - (403) 204-1771
They are the only place I know of that rents anything other than Harley.  

[jen]

Thanks guys.  I now have a date with a Hyosung 2-fiddy.

So, 1A - 40 - 1/93 - 95 - 93 ?  or maybe all the way up to Jasper?

[Sputnik]

Here's 2 recommended routes:
1) Calgary Banff-Bow Valley Parkway-Lake Louise-Kananaskis-Calgary: about 8 hours riding (562 km, or 350 miles). Note that westbound to Lake Louise takes the Bow Valley Parkway, not Hwy 1.

2) Calgary-Banff-Kananaskis-Calgary. About 6 hrs, 280 miles.

PM me if you want me to email the streets and trips files.
Beautiful riding once you're about 30 miles out of Calgary!

Ivan.

[CDN]

...or maybe all the way up to Jasper?

What time do you fly out Tuesday?  You able to overnight it in the Park(s) Monday?

[jen]

I fly out Tuesday at 3 (I think).  Hadn't picked an overnight spot yet.  Thought I'd look for something cheap(ish) in Banff.

[CDN]

I fly out Tuesday at 3 (I think).  Hadn't picked an overnight spot yet.  Thought I'd look for something cheap(ish) in Banff.

'Cheap' and 'Banff' are not commonly used in the same sentence    There are lots of hostel options from Banff all the way to Jasper and if you're tryin' to keep the budget down they'd be your best bet  

The Banff Run I put on a number of years back stayed at the Banff Y Mountain Lodge in their dorm beds.  Simple but effective.

[jen]

Much thanks to the Canadians, especially Canuck.  I managed to rent a bike, followed your route advice, and was rewarded with an epic, once-in-a-lifetime ride.

[Baz]

Jen:

Nice to hear you had fun!

That Hyosung never looked so good!

[Sputnik]

Glad you enjoyed the trip. Looks like the weather cooperated too.
Any comments on the best parts of the route??
Ivan.

[Huron52]

Jen

I am glad you enjoyed youself!
I rode through there about a week ago and want to go back again.