Originally Posted by riceowls

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)
That portion is very scenic. You will enjoy it! To maximize riding time make sure you have all your ducks in a row and are good at reassembling.

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)
Another nice ride. Yes the big hill is in the am and then a fun downhill run. Num TiJah cafe is very expensive but good. Sask Crossing has a cafeteria and small store. Lot's of tour busses but the wait for food was not that bad.

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.
Super day of scenic riding. Yes there is a cafeteria at the summit center with fair priced good food. If you don't take the tour at least plan to ride/walk up to the toe of the Athabasca glacier across the hwy. Park bikes near the kiosk where the guy rents boots. Walk up is 15-20 minutes but it's worth it.

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.
Lots of gradual downhill. Stop at Athabasca falls to see the river there.


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. Two water bottles are enough. There are enough stops. aside from the usual energy bars, electrolyte concentrate, nuts/jerky - what would be a good food to carry? Plan to buy snacks at the stores along the way as you see fit but just expect higher prices. We will have two breakfast in the hostels - they will have purified water/gas stove - what is a good option - ramen? portridge? instant soup? ... To each their own but my go to breakfast is: 1/2 cup oatmeal, raisins, brown sugar and hemp hearts in a zip lock sandwich bag. Borrow a kettle from the hostel and add 1 cup of hot water. Close the bag for 5 minutes and eat. No dishes or kitchen to pack other than a spoon.

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?
Hope for the best but plan for adverse cold weather. Last week of June they just got 25cm of snow at the icefield summit. Even in summer it is cold and windy around the Summit Center. If it rains it's easy to become hypothermic there. I would ask myself: If I broke down in the rain and had to fix my bike or walk for a couple of hours, what would I need? In the mountains for a trip like that I would take: merino wool socks x2, riding shorts x2, a wind/water resistant shell pant, jersey + sleeves and long sleeve shirt, light weight sweater, Wind/water resist jacket and a compressible light down jacket for cold/storm emergencies. Shoes or sandals are a personal choice. add toque and mitts.

What emergency supplies to bring?