Alberta's Best Motorcylce Road, and Home

Day 14
Pocahontas to Avalon Acreage, the scenic route: 355.7 km
Maximum speed: 138 kph
Moving average: 97 kph
Overall average: 70 kph
Moving time: 3:39
Total time: 5:05

 Grand total distance for the trip: 4545 km

Since we were up late last night drinking Champagne, Nan is not in too big a hurry to get out of bed. Me, on the other hand, I have been thinking about an opportunity that I can't let pass: the road to Miette Hot Springs, 15 km of the nastiest, twistiest, hairpin turns anywhere in Alberta, and I am staying right on the door step.

It compares to many roads we have done before but so close to home, especially in Alberta, it is a treat and I am anxious to try it out. I have not motorcycled to Jasper too often and the few times that I have, it has been with an agenda and not conducive to taking a side trip. It is a beautiful morning, hardly a cloud in the sky, the pavement is largely dried from the prior night's rain and there is little traffic.  Last night, from our cabin we watch at least a hundred motorcycles passing us, heading up to Miette. Now it's my turn.

It is a total adrenaline rush. The entire distance I catch only two cars and they are not in the way. The curves are tight and some are true hairpins. The sun is shining on me AND my parade and I tackle each corner as fast as I am comfortable. Despite the road being clear though, I still am judicious around the corners because I cannot see around. And the truth is that I am not a lifelong motorcycle rider, so I am probably going much slower than many people I know would like to take these curves. Either way, this is a great road and a must-ride for motorcycle enthusiasts.

We break for lunch in Edson and stop at Mountain Pizza. It is our last day and we are going to be bad one more meal, so we are going for pizza.

Thanks to my best friend and partner in crime for taking the vast majority of the pictures posted to the blog. And for leading me astray. So many times.