Just Pedal: A Woman, a Bike, and the Great Divide, Episode 1 (Canada)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- On July 25, 2023, I set out by myself to ride the Great Divide. I started on the Jasper to Lake Louise Icefields Parkway, camping along the way. Then, I continued on to Banff, where I connected with the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. This is very similar to the route racers follow for the Tour Divide race.
In this first episode, I ride from Jasper to the United States border.
Why ride the Great Divide Mountain Bike route? I'd turned 50 and had just celebrated 10 years of sobriety, so I was looking to do something epic to celebrate both milestones. I'd learned about and become fascinated with the GDMBR after watching a documentary by @duzer on the trainer in 2020. When I purchased my gravel bike in 2021, I started collecting the gear I needed to do bikepacking and completed five bikepacking trips in 2022, including the Vapor Trail out of Salida, Colorado.
My bike: a fully rigid Moots Routt 45 titanium gravel bike with an Enve adventure fork. I had a SON dynamo hub in the front, connected to a Sinewave Reactor USB power outlet on my stem. I was running a Rene Hearse Fleecer Ridge (55) tire in the front and a Oracle (48) tire in the back. My bike is equipped with 4-piston Hope brakes in the front and the back. I was running a Shimano GRX groupset with a 45T chainring and 1x12 cassette. The gear ratio of 1:1 would prove to be a challenging combination, and I'd replace the front with a 38T chainring in New Mexico.
My bags: In the front I was using the Swift Zeitgeist bag. I had two stem bags from Kaiventure for my water bottles. On my top tube I had two Cedaero bags. My frame bag was a stock design from Revelate Designs. On the back I had a large (16L) Revelate Designs Spinelock seat bag.
I love when I stumble upon a solo female traveler that has done an amazing journey on her bike. Thanks for taking us along, I look forward to future episodes - Barb
Thank you for watching! I love videos from solo female cyclists too!
Agreed! A great TH-cam recommendation! I live in Eastern Canada in the Maritimes and never been out west, so it’s great to see all the various scenery. Glad the bear was a cow!
What an amazing journey and an equally amazing woman bringing it to us. Thanks
What a thoughtful comment…thank you!
You are one intrepid soul. Well done you. Serendipity took me here, but I hope to follow the rest of your ride, safely from my couch here in Scotland. All the best to you.
Thank you kindly
Thank you.
You touch every base perfectly, sound, content, everything.
So nice of you to say, thank you!
love it! well done can wait to watch the rest.😀
Thank you! The camera angle gets better on the rest of the videos 😅. Hope you enjoy them!
Very good, I am impressed by your video. Enjoy life like this. From India
Thank you, great advice
Greetings from the fellow Minnesotan with the matching Swift front bag who crossed your path going north. We chatted briefly along the road after the Elkhorn hot springs and before you ran into Paul and Mona (the dog). The videos are providing a wonderful trip down memory lane for me. Thanks!
Oh yes, I remember you! You were riding with someone too, weren’t you? I love hearing from people I met on the route. How was the rest of your trip? Thanks for watching and for saying hi!
@katrinahase Yes Mike, I just sent him the link to your episodes.
Joe
Great video. I love your route mapping and info too.😊
Glad to hear it!
Thanks for sharing! I loved seeing the Jasper start. I also enjoy the attention to detail on the trail of humans, animals and your fabulous Bike.
Delighted to see your comment. Yes, Jasper and the Icefield Parkway was a gorgeous, dramatic start to the journey! Thanks for the bike kudos, I think she’s pretty great 😊
Your voice is the same as my wifes, bearable but when raised its like a cheese grater scraping against my eardrums 😂
Great vid ❤👍
Glad you enjoyed the video, if not my voice.
I love this epic adventure!!!!!
Thank you! Maybe you’re next?
@@katrinahase OHHH I would love too!!! I love gravel and road biking….being alone would be my fear. Not afraid of animals but humans scare me 🫢
The humans turned out to be the most memorable part of the trip! So much kindness. If you can get over your fear (maybe a solo overnighter?) you can open up to a lot of joy!
Wow!! Seriously.
@@cyclingnerddelux698 thanks!
....Sweetie, ! (thank you for an epic adventure, congratulations/sobriety). Kind regards.
I appreciate that, thank you!
Such amazing scenery, thank you for sharing your journey!
You’re so welcome, it’s been a joy to share it with others like you!
Thank you for the inspiration - beautiful scenery, and I love your narration. Hopefully future episodes will focus up from your handlebars to see the beautiful surroundings a bit more. I look forward to it!
Believe me, I’m frustrated by the angle too when I’m editing! Working on some solutions moving forward. I really appreciate you watching anyway and taking time to comment. Thank you!
Vielen lieben Dank für das Teilen dieses tollen Videos... VLG aus Deutschland🤘
Honored to have it watched all the way in Germany! Thank you!
Thank you for a great video & greetings all the way from Germany!
Greetings to you and thanks for watching!
Awesome life story and discovery. Congratulations. !!
Thank you! 😊
So impressive!! I miss my riding days. This is great to watch. You are braver than I...
Thank you Heather!
Super cool. Thx for sharing!!
Thanks for watching!
@@katrinahase look forward to the next episode.
Katrina great video layout, love the Flyby feature and the fact you took time to stop and appreciate the wild flowers. Nice touch🌸🏵️🌻
Thanks! The flowers were constant companions during the trip. I would call out their names as I passed on climbs (or if I didn’t know the name, I’d make one up!) to distract me. I paid attention to when I’d see different species and at what elevations. And I always noticed when a new species would appear. They kept things interesting!
"Aah, it's a cow!" Love it!
🤣
Well done Katrina! You are one tough lady!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
My new favorite video series! I can’t wait to watch them all!
Incredibly nice of you to say, thank you!
"It's a cow"!!! Great video!!
Haha 😂 thank you!
props to everyone brave enough to attempt great divide!
"hello Bear, may I pass"
Bear: "Moooo"
Beautifull trip and amasing nature views. I am gonna watch the other episodes also.
Thanks for the feedback, I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Episode nr 3?????????@@katrinahase I couldn't find it
We're not all created equal... I could never do that so I'm living my adventure through you. Best of luck and stay safe
Happy to have you along for the adventure!
So wonderful to see you doing this! I am home in the dreaming up and saving stage of my pre adventure! It is empowering to see a woman doing this trail! Gives me that push in my soul the more I see woman alone and seem safe. Thanks for sharing! ❤❤ Best wishes and safe travels always!
This makes me so happy! Yes, we women can do this and not only feel safe, but thrive!!
Well done!
A pleasure to watch.
Thank you!
Really enjoyed the format of your video journey ! Well done. Looking forward to the next one
Awesome, thank you!
Chapeau !
Nice vid, you got some nice pics of the saquatch on the lookout just outside Sparwood. That's a fun singletrack gravel ride from Sparwood to Fernie. Sometimes I feel like a trail host, met folks from around the globe doing the divide. To bad I wasn't out the day you rode through. Much respect, this is a big ride.
How cool to live there. That singletrack out there was awesome, I would have liked to explore it more on my mtb
Ya Katrina, lots and lots of developed MTB trails for any level from Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie and the Crowsnest pass in Alberta. Fernie ski hill is world class. Can't wait to watch your next vid!@@katrinahase
Only word to describe this video - incredible!
I was there this summer too! loved your video, so many good memories coming back.
Isn’t it fantastic? Glad the vid was able to spark some memories of such a beautiful place!
Thank you, i watch and look forward to seeing these videos of the ride i'll do one day. Untill then I've met so many wonderful and unique folks and possibly we did in Colorado between kremmling & ute pass before silverthorne, blue water cooler on your left trail angel. Next season i should have a full size school bus outfitted and become official warm shower location.
I’m sure that will be greatly appreciated!
Awesome! Great vid.
What’s great video and an awesome adventure! Happy adventuring!
Thank you. I appreciate you watching and taking time to comment!
Great job Katrina! I am sharing this with my team!
Hey Ray! Thanks for that!
Great work! Thank you for sharing!!!
Thanks for watching!
Amazing! Love the video!
Thanks so much!
Very nicely done Katrina! You are very tough to cycle those challenging miles on a loaded bike. Very funny moment regarding the "grizzly" in the road LOL!
Thanks! 🙂
Just committing and starting the first day is amazing. Wow.
Thank you!
Love seeing my country through a traveller 's POV. ❤
Awww that makes me so happy! What a beautiful country you live in!
Fantastic vid, thanks the inspiration... from a newbie road cyclist!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow girly , well done you got some balls .
Haha thank you!
@@katrinahase my pleasure , put a smile on your face hoping it’s the humour rather than you having a bit of wind.
What an amazing trip. Great video.
Thanks so much!
Nicely done. Beautiful scenery and good narration. Looking forward to the upcoming episodes.:-)
Thanks for watching, I appreciate the feedback!
Lovely video 👏🚴😊
Many thanks!
Thx for sharing
I appreciate you watching!
amazing journey!
Thanks a lot!
Wow. Very very well done and entertaining video. I appreciate the fly-overs for bird’s-eye perspective. Will continue to watch. Your doing what I don’t have the courage to do. Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you for watching and for the feedback!
Great video!
Just found your channel and enjoyed it so I hit the 👍 subscribed !
✌️💙🎵 From STL MO
Thanks for the sub!
Fantastic! I love how you put this together. Im doing the divide on 2026 so lots of useful info there, thanks! Cant wait for the next episode!
I’m excited for you! Glad it’s helpful
Can't wait to see the others!
I can’t wait to share them!
Awesome job! Thanks for sharing! new subscriber :)
Thanks and welcome!
Awesome video! Looking forward to the next episode.
Thanks for watching!
well done!!
Thank you!
great video. impressive views throughout. thanks for sharing your adventure.
Many thanks!
Impressive.
You are amazing and so brave. Twenty years ago we drove around Alberta and British Columbia and every couple of days we encountered a black or grizzly bear and so we were always a little nervous when away from populated places. Your adventure reminds me of when we toured (not camping). Looking forward to more videos, x
Thanks so much for the comments and for watching! Yes, it made me a little nervous but that was also what made it so exciting!
Congrats on 50 and 10. Well done!
Thank you!
Subbed. Looking forward to tagging along. Epic so far. Good for you for doing it and filming it.
Awesome! Thank you!
Katrina,please don’t keep us in suspense too long before the next instalment…I want to see if you make it out of cow,er sorry, grizzly country in one piece😂. A well crafted video. Stay strong
Haha, you got it. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for putting together a very interesting and informative video. Your series will undoubtedly help me to figure out whether to do the trip myself. Always interested in learning about set-ups and gear, too. Safe travels!
Happy to help, and thanks about the suggestion to talk about gear. One of my favorite topics 😁
A very successful episode! Looking forward to the rest of your journey.
The terrain is so much more difficult than I would have imagined. Great video!
I was a bit surprised, too 😅. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing. I have gotten back into cycling this year (my mid life crisis lol ). I'm going to try competing for the first time in my life....Thank you, you sharing your adventure is keeping me motivated. Much love sista
Enjoy training and riding your bike!
Nice to see her enjoying the road my uncle designed.
Really? Very cool!
@@katrinahase Yup. Also in charge of building the Trans Canada Highway across the Rockies.
Wonderful adventure, nicely done but geez, Starbucks? When there are so many good local restaurants open early in Jasper. My vote is Bear Paw :)
I agree! I’d planned to go out to a nice breakfast, but I felt so nervous I just wanted to choke something down that was close by.
Wow. Such an incredible journey. I’m looking forward to the future episodes of this adventure. I added you on IG too so I can keep up with your other adventures. Stay safe and ride on!
Awesome! Thank you!
I did the Jasper to Banff section this past summer. I started by taking the ACA route up to Hinton then south on the dirt (Forestry Trunk Rd). Bad idea! The dirt road was filled with fast logging trucks kicking up dust so thick you couldn’t see 10 ft in front of you. It was also a pretty boring ride as well. No views. Spent a few days on the dirt until I reached Nordegg and decided to take the pavement back to the Parkway. So glad I did. What an amazing ride into Banff.
That’s interesting. I studied the ACA route and couldn’t find a compelling reason to choose that over the Icefields parkway. As in your experience, when you take your own path, you often find unexpected joys!
I have watched many of these videos, it a surprising that logging trucks don t come into play more often.
That was great . I just finished my bikepacking (Salsa Fargo ) set up and I'm planning a two day Tahoe trip this up coming summer . The GDMBR is on my list .
That sounds amazing!
Hi Tim
I’ve got the GDMBR also on my list (for 2024) and live close to Sacramento and will be doing portions of the Tahoe Rim trail as soon as it opens next spring. Feel free to reach out if you’d like someone to tag along
@@raymarks7430 Nice , thank you . I was looking at the Bear Valley loop in Truckee . I live about 4 hours away from Tahoe .
@@timparsons2741 I did solo ride out of a trail head in Truckee up to Bear Valley Campground and back (loop). I posted a (poor quality) youtube video if you'd like to see it. I will def be doing that again as soon as it gets warm in spring. it's called "Bikepacking Overnighter in the Sierras Truckee my first solo" I also posted one leaving Taylorsville. I need to get a gopro if I do more ..but it's good enough for now -)
I don't know if you knew that the Great Divide now starts in Jasper and follows the Albert Forestry Trunk Road down to near Banff, but you took a much nicer route down, as the Alberta Forestry Trunk is a very dusty gravel road with plenty of dust churning commercial traffic! Hope you have a great adventure south of the boder.
Thanks for your comment! I did look into riding this, but then I saw the Icefields Parkway and thought, “well, that looks a lot more scenic!” Fun fact: Carl, who I ride with later in the series, did ride the ACA route in Canada and had much the same impression of it as you described!
This was a very good video. I bet your legs and thighs are strong as hell. This is definitely something I want to do in a couple of years.
I definitely was stronger when I got back!
Do you use any app to plan for this type of adventure? @@katrinahase
I purchased the gpx files from the Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) and used those with Ride with GPS. I made sure all of my maps were downloaded offline. I also purchased the files for the ACA app (Bicycle Route Navigator) which I used mostly as a backup.
How did you feel about being alone out there? I love solo adventureres myself and I'm inspired by your ability to head out here on your own! Just moved to Canmore a few years ago. 😊
Canmore? Wow…lucky you! I think being alone made me much more receptive to having conversations with people, which greatly enhanced the overall experience. I also think it made me more present and able to notice and appreciate my surroundings. I only had one time when I was nervous (see episode 2), but it was only for a moment until I read the situation clearly. So glad to meet another solo adventurer!
Amazing trip. Hope to come over from the UK in a couple of years to try it. Warm regards, Sheffield England 🇬🇧🍷
That’s exciting! Let me know if you questions. Here’s my gear video if you’re interested: th-cam.com/video/nzTYRHFigYw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=-OnA7FizJcDTvRrg
@@katrinahase I just watched it as it happens. Very good. I got a similar titanium bike here in the uk called a Sonder Camino. I think it should be OK. So many trips to do eh! Been to Banff, canmore and lakeouise a few times on hols, but would be great to cycle there. What's the best month to start riding it in? Thank you muchly.
I started July 25 and really thought it worked great. No snow to deal with, no bugs. You do get the rains in NM, so you have to be willing to either wait for mud to dry out or take detours as needed.
Rode the Icefields Parkway in 1999, then cut over to Sierra Cascades route to the Mexico border. GDMBR on bucket list. Thanks for the beautiful video.
Sounds like an amazing trip! Thanks for watching.
❤❤ inspirational!! Did you see bears?
Thank you! No bears…I guess I was good at using my timber bell and singing.
You go girl! Brave. I watch a lot of these long distance bike camping tours. One suggestion -is to lift your camera up a bit. Your camera is mostly catching the front of your bike, and all your gear in front of you. It might be more enjoyable for the viewer to see.. the view!
Thanks for watching, and you’re absolutely right about the angle. I had to throw away a lot of footage! I figured out around Fernie that I needed to tighten my harness, so you will see a significant improvement in the next episode. Guess I’ll have to go back to Canada and reshoot 😅
Always wonders when the pole bag (I think it was) would come free and bounce right off.
Thank you ! I also love the map breakdown. Do you wish you had a hardtail mtb instead?
In fact, yes, I think that would be an excellent bike choice. The suspension would even out a lot of the rougher road surfaces.
I admire your sense of adventure.
Will you share your gear informations?
Yes, I will do a future gear video. Let me know if you have a specific question before that!
What bike is that? Would you pick it again?
It’s a Moots Routt 45 gravel bike. I think I would opt for an XC mountain bike should I ride it again. There are many places where suspension would be helpful, plus the Mtb gearing (52t cassette) would help with getting up steep hills!
I rode the Great Divide a few years ago, and I urge you, if you do the ride to include the road ride from Jasper to Banff on the Icefield Pkwy. Spectacular Canadian Rockies and it really adds to the route. I've also backpacked the Continental Divide Trail (a 4 section hike) which stays closer to the divide, but the mtn bike route is awesome too.
Your amazing and it looks like you cover a lot of distance. Could you SAY the distance and name sites ie : mts, lakes, rivers . More INFO is better. I biked the Icefields PKY and remember Sunwapta Pass and Sasaktchewan river and Bow Pass and river into Banff. Thanks and you rock. 😊
Great suggestion! Fun to hear from another cyclist who’s biked there. Such an incredible landscape!
I just stumbled on this- I have subscribed - but wonder why you do a trip on a 1x. Now I’m old, but really don’t like 1x. I did a solo tour from New Orleans to Key West, back in the 80’s. Paper maps. But I had a triple. Didn’t much need it on that tour, but it’s what I had.
Great observation, and you’re right! More gears are definitely better on the Divide. Coming from a mountain biking background, I never really had to think about gears…mine have always had adequate “granny gears” for getting up hillls. My gravel set up worked great in Minnesota, but on the Divide it quickly became clear that my 1:1 gear ratio was not a good choice!
awesome video!! but let me ask you something, why did all your stuff get wet. you should have waterproof bike packing bags. and what about navigation. how are you navigating? thanks
Thanks for watching! The tarp on my tent doesn’t come down to the ground, so if there’s a side wind, rain can come in. That’s what happened…my sleeping bag got damp on one side. I also wanted to dry the tent itself before packing it.
I navigated using a gpx files I downloaded from Ride with GPS and uploaded to my Wahoo Elemnt Roam 2 bike computer.
24:28 it’s a cow😂😅😂
Appreciate you taking us along for the ride. No pun intended 😂. Question: Any apprehensions riding alone as a female bicyclist?
Not really. I know that sounds weird, but I guess it’s not all that different traveling solo than walking around at work, in public, etc as a solo female. I feel like I had the same level of awareness on the trip that I do in those situations, so the bulk of my attention could be on riding, planning food, water, shelter etc. I think, too, I just project a lot of confidence and people left me alone when I wanted it.
@katrinahase I see your point. Thx for reply. Happy bicycling 🚲
Great first episode. Something I look forward to riding in the future. Will definitely be watching the series. Also, how did you feel about the width of your tires? Sufficient or wanting more?
I essentially had mountain bike tires on my gravel bike, so they did awesome. Having done the route, I think a mountain bike with suspension would be a better choice overall though.
@@katrinahasethat’s good to know. Thank you.
Thank you miss trailblazer! For being another rad female to boldly and courageously pave the way for future women riders! I’m inspired! I hope to follow in your bike tread soon! Am watching these videos one a day right now. Question: How often did you use your aerobars? Trying to decide if it’s worth it to install on my rig for the GDMBR. I don’t see you using them in your video shots but that is probably because you are in filming mode during the video shots. Worth it to get aerobars for GDMBR?
First, thanks for watching and I’m so excited to hear you have some bike adventures planned! The aero bars were mostly handy for holding my bike computer, phone, bear bell and laundry 😅. I did use them a few times when I was by myself in a headwind. So…handy, but not in the way intended.
@@katrinahase Oh, thank you Katrina for sharing this. Hemming and hawing over here, lol. I'm for sure going to go with the bell after watching your video, was something I was thinking about and then I saw you doing it and I thought, yup! I don't mind it if it'll keep the bears aware of me.
I never saw a single bear! Kinda wish I would have seen one from a safe distance…
@@katrinahase lol
HI Katrina. I just discovered your video series and plan to watch it all. So far...great video and job well done. You have an abundance of courage! I am planning my first bikepacking trip this year with my daughter. We are going from Canmore Alberta to Hope BC. Next year...I hope to do the Great Divide..or at least a good portion of it...I'll be 69 next year. I too plan on taking a GoPro and am wondering where to place the GoPro to get the most stable (none-vibration) video - handlebar, helmut etc. Could you provide a recommendation? Thank you.
Doug, thanks for the note. I’m thrilled that you’re taking your daughter bikepacking! I can’t think of a better way to spend time together. As far as the Divide…I met a couple that is going back each year to do it in stages. It gives them something to look forward to. Just noting that it doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.”
As far as the GoPro goes…it’s funny that you ask me because it felt like I got it wrong a lot of the time 😂. I wore a chest mount. I know Ryan Van Duzer uses a bendy stick that he clamps to his handlebars like this one: a.co/d/bA36Km5
If I had room, I might have done that as well. GoPros now are pretty good at removing vibration, so I don’t think you need to be too concerned about that. Take it on some test rides and try it out, then mark the settings that work to take the guesswork away once you hit the trail.
@@katrinahase Katrina...thank you so much for the advice. Yes...I will do a trial and error run with the Go Pro which might prove the best way to figure out a stable way to video. I have a Hero 4 so it's a little older model but I've never actually tested it on a bike. I will take your all or nothing comment into consideration for sure..thank you. PS. I watched the rest of your trip and was happy you found it in yourself to go all the way. I noted you didn't take many days off over the entire route. Overall, an excellent documentary of your trip and a very professional presentation. I appreciate the time and effort you put into it. Keep biking! It will make a difference when you get to my age. Doug
Happy to be able to help, and thanks so much for your kind words. Connecting with other cyclists and hearing about their plans has reallly been a gift of making the videos. Happy trails!
I enjoyed your video so much that I checked out Relive and trying to learn how to use my GoPro better. I bike and hike in Florida and would like to share this information with other interested viewers. Can you share any information that would help me put together a video similar to yours?
I use a video editing program called Adobe Premiere. It takes a while to get the hang of it, but gets better with practice!
Went on holiday to Canada in 2000
Visited Banff lake Louise jasper an various other places
Hired a mountain bike in jasper
$17 for 24 hours and my passport as a deposit
This was a great deal
If I lost the bike I wouldn’t be able to go home to England
I rode upto a cable car station blitzed back down in minutes
Rode trails through woods along a river
Found a gang of female construction workers repairing a bridge (never see that in England)
Got shouted at by a local in an old mustang on a deserted road about 30metre wide for being to close to the white line on the shoulder
Best bike ride ever and the cleanest air I’ve breathed in my life
Omg love this story!
Very nice Katrina, how did you get to Jasper? Bus, Train, Car?? Ride?
I got a ride from a very generous family member! I know people who have flown and put together their bikes when they arrive.
My husband and I are talking about riding the section from Jasper to Whitefish next summer. It was nice seeing this. How was the highway section? We've ridden from Whitefish to the Tetons. I hated the highway from Flagg Ranch to Colter Bay. I wonder how it compares to that. What time of year did you ride it? I want to do it early, but not too early. I want to avoid the smoke, if that's even possible anymore.
Excited for you to ride that section! The Icefields Parkway has a wide shoulder and is generally very comfortable for riding. The only part that was a little uncomfortable was riding down from the Icefields Discovery Center…more narrow. I left on July 25 and found the weather just right.
Wonderful reportage! Wondering, what nav equipment are you using, mounted?
I used the Wahoo Element Roam v2 as my main navigation. I also had the route downloaded for offline use on Ride with GPS and on the Bicycle Route Navigator app from Adventure Cycling Association. Both of those were on my mobile phone. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your reply, very useful! 👋🏾
I think i asked on another video but how long have you been biking...you seem very experienced unlike me .53 back into hobby biking but only handled a few miles so far 😅 . this would be so cool to do but im afraid of bears ..mtn lions and most people haha
Ive been doing structured training the last. 3 years, slowly building up to longer and longer rides. The Adventure Cycling Association puts together assisted group rides on sections of the Divide…maybe that would be a good place to start?