Riding- need help in packing!
Ok, it's official. I got a buddy to go along and we'd be riding! The modified plan (based on the hostel availability and luggage logistics) is to do it over 4 unequal days in the northward direction:
Day 1: - fly to Calgary in the morning, air-porter shuttle to Banf. Assemble (me) or rent (my buddy) the bikes, leave suitcases in the hotel quick lunch in Banff and then quick afternoon ride to lake Louise, Alpine hostel. (60km/37miles, very little climbing)
Day 2: Ride to HI Rampart Creek hostel. Early lunch in Num-Ti-Jah cafe, dinner (or buy food for dinner) around Saskatchewan River Crossing (93km/58miles, 800m of climbing, mostly in the morning)
Day 3: Ride to HI Beauty Creek with stop-over in ice-field center . (55km/34miles, 950 m of climbing). probably have the main meal of the day in the icefield center and probably take a glacier tour if space available.
Day 4: Ride 86km/53miles to jasper, mainly downhill. Early lunch/water refill in Sunwarta resort.Get there before 5pm to allow us to get a car we reserved one way to Calgary airport. Drive to Banff to spend a night. My buddy is flying back next day, i stay for a few more days for the meeting.
Overall -- looks challenging and doable especially if the weather cooperates. However, I definitely need help from more hard-core touring forum members of what to bring along in terms of food/water. My touring was credit-card touring with gourmet lunch stops. Perhaps a picnic here and there. It looks to me that the longest stretch without water/food services is 55 km from Sunwarta to Jasper (mainly downhill) and from Hostel to Icefield (40km but major climb, perhaps will take more time). Will 2x25oz cycling bottles be sufficient or perhaps an extra one in the pannier would be a good idea. aside from the usual energy bars, electrolyte concentrate, nuts/jerky - what would be a good food to carry? We will have two breakfast in the hostels - they will have purified water/gas stove - what is a good option - ramen? portridge? instant soup? ...
What are your advice with regards to the clothing. Seems like the temperature can vary greatly. I am thinking 1-2 base-layer shirts, jersy, sleeves, and Marmot PreCip jacket. Do I need another layer? Do I bring both shorts and bib-pants or just stick with one. Regular shoes or cycling sandals with warm socks and waterproof socks?
What emergency supplies to bring?