e-Bike Banff
These are remarkable times in the world of cycling. The pandemic has had many far reaching and sometimes unexpected effects, but who could have predicted the explosion in popularity of pedaling? Bikes seem to be the new target of hoarders, with bike shops selling out of anything on two wheels, including preordered stock for this summer. And how about the rise of e-bikes?
My first thought on e-bikes was ‘great idea, but not for me’. I am no old-school cycling purist; I just really value the mental and physical benefits of pedaling your own bike. I consider myself a stronger cyclist, though my ego is kept squarely in check living in Canmore (which boasts the highest number of Olympic athletes per capita of any town in Canada). So what happens when a friend invites me out for a ride and offers me a chance to try out an e-bike for myself?
I was an instant fan of the technology. I was impressed at how seamless and easy the transition to e-bike was. With electric pedal-assist, there is no throttle to worry about. You just peddle as you would on any bike and the electric motor kicks in to quietly help you along. I pedaled just as hard as I would have on a non e-bike, so the experience is not like riding an e-scooter where the motor does all the work. I really appreciated the help on the hills, where the bike barely looses any speed. It felt just like riding with a tail wind, and every cyclist loves a tail wind.
The biggest advantage of these bikes in my eye is the way they level the field for group rides. Friends can ride together at the same pace regardless of their individual abilities. With e-bike, you can simply adjust the level of assistance to match the strength of your fellow riders.
With more of Banff National Park opening up to cycling, now is the best time to get out and explore by e-bike. Banff’s world-famous Bow Valley Parkway will again be closed to vehicle traffic this summer, adding to the appeal of this route. If you haven’t heard of it before, the Bow Valley Parkway is a stunning undivided secondary roadway in Banff National Park very popular with cyclists, but it’s remote nature (25km between services) and a few steeper uphill sections make it an intimidating ride for many. Having that electric assist for the uphill sections and to help push you along between rest stops will open up this activity to more people, and to enjoy the experience, as well.
If you are curious about e-bike Banff yourself, you can check out any number of rental shops in Banff and Canmore on your next visit to Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Or if you’d like to try a guided program, check out the offerings at e-Bike Banff, which include e-bike rental and vehicle shuttles on one-way rides like Bow Valley Parkway and the Legacy Trail.
Because who couldn’t use a little tail wind?
Dennis Breymann
White Mountain Adventures