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NEWSLETTER

 

Issue VI                                                           October 10, 2008

 

 

�The Wobbly Wheel"

Welcome to the �Wobbly Wheel� Canusa Cycle Adventure Tours Newsletter. We would like to share with you Canusa news, and other neat things happening in cycle touring in Western Canada. We also encourage you to send us comments, share your cycling experiences, and connect with friends you have made through your Canusa vacation.

Why �The Wobbly Wheel�? I have had the pleasure(?) of flying over the handlebars 4 times in the past 20 years or so, the most recent in October of 2004. Daughter Chris and her boyfriend Louis were visiting and of course we had to go out to Banff for some cycling. The day started decently enough considering it was mid-October but things started going downhill as we started biking. The rain that I had promised would not fall, started falling almost immediately and with the sun gone, the temperature dropped considerably. We had planned on going to Lake Louise and back�not a really tough ride�but with the cold and the rain we had to cut it short at Johnston Canyon only 10 miles into the 60 mile ride. After warming up at the Resort, we headed back to the car. Almost back at the car and going up a small rise I stood up on the pedals and as I stood, my foot slipped out of the left basket driving straight down to the pavement with me violently twisting the wheel to the left into traffic. I was able to equally violently pull the wheel back to the right into the ditch and as the wheel hit the shoulder it dug into the gravel sending me on a really nice forward dive (a 9+) over the handlebars and landing about 5 feet in front of the bike, on my side with my arms outstretched. The only thing hurt was my pride and a few twinges in my left ribs from a previous fall from a mountain bike several years ago. So much for a good impression on Chris�s boyfriend and a name for the Newsletter!!

Documents needed for entry to the USA

ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada are required to present a valid passport, NEXUS card or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

As of JUNE, 2009, Canadians and Americans traveling between Canada and  the U.S. by land or water, will require a single Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative-compliant document (PASSPORT OR PASSPORT CARD) denoting both citizenship and identity when entering the United States through a land or sea border.                                              
The US Department of State and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the new US Passport Card is in full production and is now being distributed. The Passport Card is a convenient, wallet sized document for land and sea travel between the United States and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It is not valid for international travel by air.

Alberta Transportation re vehicle "defects"

Alberta Transportation has issued directives to "owners and drivers of commercial vehicles operating in Alberta", effective December 15, 2008. This applies to all tour operators operating in Alberta regardless of where your home base is.

Defects are designated through the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria as either "require attention", meaning it is to be corrected at the conclusion of the current trip, or as "out-of-service", meaning the defect must be corrected before the vehicle and/or driver continues.

THIS INCLUDES:

        If a vehicle is placed out-of-service, an Out-of-Service Vehicle Sticker will be applied.

        Proof of repairs must be reported as directed to a Peace Officer before a vehicle placed out-of-service can be operated.

        Peace Officers will not release vehicles and/or drivers from an out-of-service order until all repairs required by the out-of-service order have been satisfactorily completed to where a violation no longer exists.

          If, at the discretion of the Officer it is less hazardous to the public to relocate the vehicle, it shall be towed, transported, or escorted to the nearest safe location.

        Vehicles or drivers placed out-of-service will be issued a violation ticket(s) for a CVSA defect(s) at the discretion of the Peace Officer.

This supports the Government of Alberta's commitment to reducing the number of traffic collisions by improving traffic safety through the Alberta traffic Safety Plan:  Saving Lives on Alberta's Roads.

For more information contact any office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement. (To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000)

COMING SOON

New (refined) requirements of "hours on duty".

 

All tour operators operating in Canada's National Parks are required to obtain a Business License

Business owners and their employees have a continuing responsibility to minimize the impact of their activities upon heritage resources. By being aware of what constitutes proper conduct within the National Park, business operators set an example and send a message to visitors through their business practices. They share a responsibility to educate and inform visitors about the unique and sensitive environment of the National Park.

"The Rocky Mountain Parks are significant symbols of Canadian identity to Canadians and the world. Our mission is to promote understanding, appreciation and respect for natural ecosystems and cultural heritage."

Companies operating in the National Parks accept full responsibility for any incidents, cost of clean-up or site rehabilitation resulting from activities.

No person shall willfully remove, deface, damage or destroy any prehistoric or historic artifacts or structures in a park.

Any and all wildlife problems brought to the attention of the licensee shall be reported to Parks Canada within 24 hours.

All guided services will be conducted in such a way that they do not cause a hindrance or obstruction to the public. All guides should be familiar with the park(s) they are operating in, the type of wildlife likely to be encountered and are adequately trained to safely convey their customers.

The business license must be produced at the request of any park official or police officer.

The licensee shall comply with the provisions of the Canadian National Parks Act.

Licensees shall endeavor to provide services to the public in both official languages.

Operators must ensure that the business and guides comply with all provincial and federal regulations governing the transport of passengers.

Guides must be 18 years of age, hold a valid first aid certificate, have a good knowledge of Park Highways and attractions, be able to recognize and manage any natural hazards they might encounter during a tour and able to communicate basic information about the area's environment and history.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Contact  Johanne Theriault, Business Licencing Officer, Parks Canada Agency. Phone 403-762-1530,      Fax 403-762-5858.

 

       News for our 2009 season, October 10, 2008

 

                      The ICEFIELDS HIGHWAY--January, 2009

                       

                       Construction between Golden and Lake Louise--January, 2009

 

                             OUR NATIONAL PARKS                                              
 
 ALL ABOUT BEARS

                   

                  

      We will be at the Executive Royal Inn again in 2010!!

Our 2009 schedule is now on our website.

  Bicycling tips for cycling in the Rockies

We will repeat the following because it is really worth remembering!! 

If you decide to bring your own bike on tour then make sure that it is carefully checked either by yourself or your favorite bike mechanic before the tour. We do carry spare 28cc tires and tubes for sale (tubes now have long, longer and longest valve stems so we only carry the standard 28cc Schrader) as well as some spare Hybrid bikes. For serious road bike problems we are out of luck, as we depend on your pre-tour check to high-lite and fix any possible problems--few bike shops outside of major centers or in the area that we travel carry parts for road bikes, but for the most part, mountain bikes are well looked after.

Spinning�.the practical side

Spinning has become the latest fitness craze gone mainstream.  It�s fun, social a great workout and it�s now accessible to almost anyone at your local gym or bike store.  For those of us living in northern climates, spinning is just downright practical.  If you�re one of those who enjoy spinning as a much saner alternative to winter cycling outdoors, consider the following practical considerations to get the most of your sessions.

Ideally it would be great if you could ride your own bike.  However, that�s not possible if you don�t own a stationary trainer.  Spinning is the answer and here�s a tip to get the most out of your spin sessions. 

When setting up the bike consider more than just the height of the seat.  You can actually simulate riding your own bike if you first adjust the seat to the appropriate height, with the axel of the pedal under the ball of your foot and your knee slightly bent. 

Next, adjust the fore/aft of the seat itself to simulate the set up on your own bike.  One way to do this is to measure the distance from the front of the seat relative to the bottom bracket and move the seat forward or backward to that position. 

As a final adjustment, set the height of the handlebars to the same height relative to the seat as on your own bike.  By doing the above you can ensure that the hours you spend spinning will train the same muscles that you�ll be using once you get onto your own bike.

You can even be creative and change your seat position to work different parts of your legs.  Moving the seat back would work that back of your legs while moving the seat forward engages the quadriceps or front of your thighs.

 With the ability to simulate riding your own bike, spinning offers a fun alternative to riding alone at home.  You can imagine that you�re riding in a pack with the rest of the class.  The key advantage is a better quality workout as you can feed off one another as you sweat it out together.  Until the outdoor cycling season, get more out of spinning and have fun!

 Louis Tay, 2004 Iron-Man finisher and former Canadian Duathlon Team Member

 

The ICEFIELDS HIGHWAY

            The most spectacular journey in the world! To travel between Banff and Jasper on the Bow valley and Icefields Parkways is to experience one of Canada's national treasures and our most rewarding bicycle route. Stretching approximately 279k/173m, the Parkways offer easy access to one of the most spectacular mountain landscapes on earth and viewing these sights from the seat of a bicycle adds to the pleasure. This is a world class journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, a vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, ancient glaciers, pristine mountain lakes and rushing rivers. The two Parkways, paralleling the Continental Divide between Banff, Lake Louise, the Columbia Icefields and Jasper offer a paved road with wide, paved shoulders for easy cycling.

       Our 6 day Icefields Highway tour is designed for the beginner cyclist with a daily mileage of 50k/30m for 4 days, one day of 80k/50m and a day off in Lake Louise for sightseeing. This schedule leaves lots of time to enjoy the beauty along the way, and most participants leave with the impression that the cycling, while all in the mountains, was a lot easier than anticipated.

       With �global warming� of interest to all, the Icefields Highway is one place where it is particularly noticeable. It is difficult to see the changes that have occurred since the late 1800�s and are still occurring unless you are a frequent visitor to the area but at the Columbia Icefields, cement markers show where the toe of the Saskatchewan Glacier was at different points from the late 1800�s to the present and the glacial retreat is both amazing and somewhat alarming. The tour includes the opportunity to drive/walk to the toe of the Saskatchewan Glacier and see the retreat first hand.

       Canusa Cycle Adventure Tours offer 6 different tours suitable for beginners to advanced, all with full vehicle support, all meals and accommodation.

       For additional information visit our website at www.canusa-cat.com, email us at info@canusa-cat.com

or call us toll free at 800-938-7986.

 

Construction between Golden and Lake Louise

            Cyclists biking eastbound or westbound between Lake Louise and Golden should be aware that the new highway and bridges east of Golden are now open !! In total, the grades are less and there is a good wide shoulder to bike on.

              The first bridge east of Golden has been open for some time and a real improvement for cyclists with 4 lanes and a nice wide paved shoulder to bike on. The second bridge is a real eye opener. Rising about 300 feet from the Kicking Horse River it is an impressive sight but quite a bit short of the 600 foot bridge over the Moyie River in northern Idaho with a small campground at one end and a pub that used to sell 25 cent beer at the other end (tells you how long ago since I biked that) and the road over the 660 foot Hungry Horse Dam in Montana. Grades have not changed much around the first bridge but at the second bridge there is about 4k of 6% and the western ramp to the bridge is a little steeper but quite short. Again, 4 lanes with a nice wide biking shoulder and bikes are allowed on the bridge. This bridge is also now open and the old section of highway including the old second bridge and the 2k hill is now closed.

Construction is continuing east making the current 2 lane Highway into 4 lanes and will continue for some time.

 

OUR CANADIAN NATIONAL PARKS--February, 2007

Park Rangers and Park staff are the visible guardians of our National Parks and do an excellent job of allowing us to enjoy a wilderness experience while at the same time protecting the visitor, the wilderness and the animals that inhabit the wilderness.

Tourists enjoying a drive through the mountain parks will invariably see Bear, both black and grizzley, Deer, Elk, Rocky Mountain Sheep and Goats and Moose. Cougar, Wolves and Caribou are also present but only the lucky ones will get a glimpse of these. Seeing a bear feeding on the road shoulder is usually the high point of animal sightings but all wild animals from the very small ground squirrels to the massive Moose must be treated with respect and caution..

Many years ago, pictures of people driving in the parks invariably showed pictures of tourists feeding bears from open cars. Over the years both bears and practices have changed. Bears changed from accepting a welcome treat to demanding the treat with some often worrisome results. Practices have changed with more and more tourists visiting the parks each year. More people have had demonstrably adverse effects on bears and other animals and for a few years visitors often wondered where the wildlife had gone. Ten years ago, "bear jams" (people stopped to watch bears feeding on the roadside) were a common sight and Rangers watched from the sidelines ensuring people did not get too close to the bears. Today, vans patrol the highways of the parks preventing the "jams" from occurring and politely advising tourists that bears habituated to humans cause most of the bear problems in the parks.

 

ALL ABOUT BEARS 

Seeing a bear can be one of the most memorable experiences of a wilderness vacation, but it is our responsibility to respect the bear in its home. This means we must not force bears to leave their habitat, teach them to eat human foods, or place bears in situations where people or bears could get hurt. Preparation and education are essential to ensure our encounters with bears in the wild are positive and free from conflict.

Bears are everywhere. We see them in Parks and campgrounds, on the side of the highway, on logging roads, on the way to a campsite, near towns, or in the bush when hiking. Bears will usually hide from people, but remember: just because you don't see a bear, doesn't mean they aren't around.

Bears in National Parks usually react differently to humans as they see humans every day but Parks bears can still be dangerous and should be treated with a great deal of caution and respect.
 

Safety essentials when in Bear country:

Remember that any important decision (attack or run--kill or scare) made in a bear encounter will be made by the bear but you may have some input to that decision by your immediate reactions to the bear encounter!!

Each bear encounter is unique. No hard and fast rules can be applied when dealing with a potentially complex situation.

Respect all bears - they are all dangerous. Be alert.

Never approach a bear, especially bear cubs. Avoid conflict by practicing prevention

There is no guaranteed minimum safe distance from a bear - the further, the better.

Photographing bears can be dangerous. Use a long- range telephoto lens.

Never attempt to feed a bear. Stay away from dead animals, as bears may attack to defend such food sources

Be defensive - never surprise a bear. Make your presence known by talking loudly, clapping, singing, or occasionally calling out--most bear bells, by themselves, are not loud enough.

Look for signs of recent bear activity. These include droppings, tracks, evidence of digging, rocks and logs rolled over and claw or bite marks on trees.

It is best not to hike with dogs, as they can antagonize bears and cause an attack. Keep your dog on a leash at all times--IT IS THE LAW IN CANADA. An unleashed dog may bring a bear back to you.

Travel in groups of six or more as bear attacks against this number are extremely rare.

Late July to mid September is berry season. Berries are a favorite food source for bears and extra caution should be used in areas where berries are plentiful.

Learn about bears. Anticipate and avoid encounters. Know what to do if you encounter a bear.

Odours attract bears. Reduce or eliminate odours from yourself, your camp, your clothes, and your bicycle. Don't sleep in the same clothes you cook in. Properly store food, so that bears cannot smell or reach it. Don't keep food in your tent - not even a chocolate bar or toothpaste. Place all garbage in one of the many bear-proof containers.

 

The most dangerous bears are:

 

Bears habituated to humans and human food.

Females defending cubs.

Bears defending a fresh kill.

Cute, friendly, and apparently not interested in you.

 

About bears:

 

Bears can run as fast as horses uphill or downhill�and faster than most cyclists!!

Bears can climb trees, although black bears are better tree-climbers than grizzly bears.

Bears have excellent senses of smell and hearing, and better sight than many people believe.

Bears are strong. They can tear cars and campers apart looking for food.

Every bear defends a "personal space". The extent of this space will vary with each bear and each situation; it may be a few metres or a few hundred metres. Intrusion into this space is considered a threat and may provide an attack.

Bears aggressively defend their food.

All female bears defend their cubs. If a female with cubs is surprised at close range or is separated from her cubs, she may attack. An aggressive response is the mother bear's natural defence against danger to her young.

A female black bear's natural defence is to chase her cubs up a tree and defend them from the base. However, she is still dangerous and may become aggressive if provoked.

 

If you encounter a bear at the roadside:

 

Stay at least four hundred meters back. Don't move closer even for a "quick photo".

Do not impede the bear from crossing the road.

 

BEAR ATTACKS

 

If you surprise a bear and it attacks, the attack is usually defensive.

    If you have pepper spray, use it--it is legal in Canada.

    If the bear makes contact with you play dead--showing submission may end the attack.

    Lie on your stomach, legs apart so the bear cannot easily roll you over.

    Protect the back of your head and neck with your arms and hands.

    Keep your pack on to protect your back.

Defensive attacks usually last only one or two minutes--if the attack lasts longer fight back as the attack may have changed from defensive to predatory.

If the bear stalks you or attacks you in your tent at night the attack is usually predatory.

    Try to escape in any manner you can which will depend on your location--from entering a car     or cabin to climbing a tree (the least recommended as both black bear and grizzlies can climb trees).

    Do not play dead as you are on the bears menu so do not make it easy for him.

    Fight back with whatever is available from pepper spray to rocks or limbs to show the bear that you are not an easy meal.

 

THE EXCHANGE RATE--JULY 18, 2009

    The Canadian dollar is below par (again) with the US Dollar. Anyone paying in Canadian funds using PayPal will pay the Canadian amount--anyone paying in US funds and paying by PayPal will get the current US to CDN exchange rate automatically, however, if you wish to pay via cheque then please call 800-938-7986 for the latest US to CDN exchange rate. This rate changes hourly and I expect that if and when things return to normal then the Cdn dollar will again be close to par with the US dollar.

February 22, 2009

All Canusa Cycle Adventure Tours include time enjoyed in either a National or Provincial Park or Campground and most of our tours spend several days in Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks. The following is the code of conduct our guides are required to follow not only in National Parks but in any Park or Campground and is laid out in our pamphlet called "Guide Duties".

 

Behavior in National or Provincial Parks and Campgrounds by Canusa Cycle Adventure Tours.

       1.    Payment for National Park Campsites should be paid by credit card as most campgrounds now offer this service�Payment must be made within a reasonable time of arrival.

       2.    Always obey any instructions given to you by a Park Ranger or Park Staff. If you feel the instructions are wrong then we will bring this to the attention of the proper personnel at a later time.

3.     Infractions in the National Parks are the responsibilities of the guides.

      4.    Always leave your site or shelter cleaner than you found it. Pick up all visible litter whether we put it there or whether it was there when we arrived.

      5.    Pile all remaining firewood neatly beside the fire pit�do not transport firewood between campgrounds--you may be transporting the Pine Beetle from an infected site to a clean site.

      6.    When we use a picnic shelter, sweep out the entire shelter when finished, not only the portion we used.

      7.    Never put more than 2 tents on any site unless permission has been given by the campground attendant.

      8.    Alcohol must always be carried in the trailer and consumed in a campsite or picnic shelter and only in the evening. No alcohol will be consumed during the day on any Canusa tour by any customer or guide. Guides must remember that while you may not be on duty you may be confronted with an emergency situation requiring you to drive. Each night, at least one guide must not drink any alcohol�not even one!

      9.    Respect other campers and keep noise to a minimum particularly around a campfire or later in the evening.

      10.   Never leave any campsite with any equipment not stowed in the trailer or van. This includes Bar-B-Ques, cooking equipment and stoves as well as clothing etc�campsite must be bare!

      11.    Bikes are to be stacked neatly at each site or in a central location. Remember that others may be using the same picnic shelter so inside the shelter is not a good idea unless there are extenuating circumstances.

The reputation of Canusa Cycle Adventure Tours rests with you and your compliance with the above

 

 

 

 

 

 

You have received this Newsletter because you have previously requested information from Canusa Cycle Tours. If you would not like to receive any more information please reply with CANCEL in the Subject area.

                                                                                                                   

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