There is a reason why the love of all things bikes has suddenly gripped so many people these days.
Going for a bike ride is a fun way to spend time and there are many different ways to get behind the handlebars. With the pandemic, being on two wheels has risen in popularity because it is also a safe way to have a good time outside.
E-bikes in particular are growing in use because they provide accessibility to an activity that gets you outdoors with the wind blowing through your hair. It doesn't take long for rookie riders to see why these part pedal, part power bikes are all the rage. They have a zip and an ease that feels like a person is gliding through the mountains without a care in the world.
Amy McCaig's excitement to share this feeling with others is one of the reasons why she opened up the Pedego Canmore franchise this spring.
Her shop, located at 109-712 Bow Valley Trail, buzzes with activity as people rent or buy a new ride, while mechanic Shayne Brooking works in the on-site repair centre for the Pedego brand e-bikes.
"When you get the air on your face and the sun shining on you – it is amazing," McCaig said. "It is amazing to just feel the zip and the fun of it.
"It is controlled excitement; you can get on this bike and try something absolutely new."
Brooking said e-bikes are a great way to be active, enjoy the natural surroundings and challenge yourself.
"Don't be afraid to go beyond, or exceed your boundaries," he said. "You can go further and explore more than you can on a traditional bike."
The e-bike trend has a major benefit that McCaig said makes it worth considering giving it a try. It gets more people outdoors enjoying a healthy form of exercise, even if you use the motor to get up the big hills or go the distance.
"It opens a lot of opportunity for so many people who may never have been able to partake in this kind of activity," McCaig said. "Most people have never been able go on a motorized two-wheel vehicle. It is like having a little moped, but it is accessible because there are so many different styles and sizes of bikes."
Renting an e-bike has never been easier. Especially for those visiting the Bow Valley for the day or weekend looking for a fun activity that can be safely enjoyed together in the mountains. Pedego offers commuter, cargo and mountain bike options, as well as a trike, for $90 a day. They provide helmets and bike locks, with an option to rent a trailer for the littles ones as well.
With everything online these days, rentals can be done online in advance of arrival – including signing a waiver – making it easy to show up and pick up your ride. With a fully recharged battery, there are plenty of directions to head to enjoy a fun bike trip. That includes the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff, and with the closure of a portion of the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park to vehicle traffic this summer, many more have been able to experience these locations thanks to an e-bike.
For the first time this year, enjoying these routes as part of a guided tour is also an opportunity available to visitors.
Whyte Mountain Adventures is offering four guided e-bike tours this summer: around the Banff townsite (two hours and $89 per person); e-bike and hike at Johnston Canyon (four hours and $129 per person); e-bike and hike Banff to Johnston Canyon (four and a half hours and $149 per person); and a Legacy Trail tour from Banff to Canmore (three hours plus and $149 per person).
Dennis Breymann, development manager with the locally owned active-travel and activity company, said they are pretty stoked to offer these brand new guided experiences in the Rocky Mountains.
"We are hoping this is really going to appeal to the regional visitor who would have to ride the whole thing there and back and figure out a vehicle shuttle themselves," Breymann said, adding by offering a shuttle one-way and using e-bikes, it becomes an experience that more people with different levels of ability to enjoy.
"It is trying to provide access to these beautiful experiences that you would otherwise need to be ... a very strong [cyclist] in order to be able to do that, enjoy it and have the confidence to do it."
It is remarkable how easy the e-bikes make going for a ride. While you need to be over the age of 16 to go for a ride, there is no age limit to go for a bike ride. Breymann said he is keen to take out his 85-year-old parents on the tour.
"I just love the e-bikes," he said. "I may be a stronger rider than some of my friends, but we can go out and enjoy the ride side-by-side and get as much exercise as we like."
E-bike speeds are regulated in Canada to below 32 km/h. The bikes, however, can have that speed reduced further. Even at 20 km/h, it is more than enough zip for most riders.
Whyte Mountain Adventures provides the e-bikes, helmets and one-way shuttle services for the tours, which are also capped at a capacity of four riders.
"You can see all the sites and really enjoy them because you are coasting along," Breymann said.
When renting an e-bike in the Bow Valley, shops like Pedego take the time to go through the safety requirements and how to operate the bike. It is time well spent as there are many riders who haven't been on two-wheels in a long time.
McCaig said by the time they have had an orientation, e-bike newbies are able to travel with confidence.
"We spend a lot of time with our customers," she said. "By the time we are done the safety lesson, they feel pretty good."
BIKE SAFETY TIPS
- If taking a longer trip, be prepared for changes in weather. Cyclists also need a white headlight and red rear lights when riding at night.
- Cycle while respecting the wildlife in the valley. Carry bear spray and make noise when travelling in places where you could encounter a bear.
- Wear a helmet. Ensure it is fitted correctly and stays in place when you shake your head.
- When travelling on multi-use pathways, use a bell or call out when passing others.
- Always signal to traffic when turning, changing lanes or stopping.
- Take care at intersections and shoulder check when changing lanes.
- Watch for and yield to pedestrians. With Banff Avenue and Canmore's Main Street closed to vehicle traffic, travel slowly and cautiously within the flow of people using the space.
- Follow all street signs, signals and markings. A dashed white line indicates that traffic may cross a cyclist's path.
E-BIKE RENTAL SHOPS
- Pedego Canmore
- Banff Cycle
- Snowtips-Backtrax
- Banff Soul Ski & Bike
- Ski Big3 Adventure Hub
- Ultimate Sports
- Rebound Cycle
- Gear Up
- Chateau Mountain Sports
- Outside Bike & Ski
CORRECTION: In the print edition of the Summer Explorer article, the Outlook incorrectly spelled Pedego Electric Bikes Canmore. The spelling has been corrected for the web version. The Outlook apologizes and regrets this error.
