From August 21 to 30, 2009 , a small group of Bolder Options supporters will challenge themselves to go the distance for Bolder Options youth by biking the Icefields Parkway from Canada's Banff National Park to Jasper National Park. The Canadian Rockies National Parks are, for many cyclists, one of the best cycling routes in the world. The spectacular scenery found in the national parks of the Canadian Rockies is unprecedented in North America. The Bolder Options riders will have the opportunity to travel this high country on one of the greatest mountain roadways of the world ‐ The Columbia Icefields Parkway.

They will experience the unique challenge and inspiration of training for and participating in this amazing event, all while raising funds for Twin Cities youth. It's a true opportunity for tremendous personal accomplishment and a tangible contribution to Bolder Options.

The team will use this blog to keep our friends and supporters up to date on the ride. We will post updates as often as we can.

Here is a summary of the trip:

Friday August 21 - Those driving leave Mineapolis for he 19 hour drive to Calgary.

Saturday August 22 - Welcome dinner in Banff

Sunday August 23 - Ride Banff to Lake Louise: 60km (37.2 m) Through the beautiful Bow Valley!

Monday August 24 - Ride Lake Louise to Rampart Creek :90km (56m) Here is where you begin to bike along the famous Icefields Parkway; climb higher into the Rockies and to the head of Bow Lake.

Tuesday August 25 - Rampart Creek to Columbia Ice Field: 40km (25m) Follow the Bow and Mistaya Rivers and view incredible lakes, and then cross the N. Saskatchewan River before climbing to the Athabasca Glacier (the largest ice field south of Alaska).

Wednesday August 26 - Beauty Creek to Athabasca Falls: 70km (43m) Sunwapta River Valley is a natural corridor for tons of wildlife; coyotes, bear (grizzly & black), elk, mountain goats, wolves, and bighorn sheep. Take a quick hike to the Sunwapta Falls Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful displays of the battle when water and rock meet head on.

Thursday August 27 - Last day of riding! Ride Athabasca Falls to Jasper: 32 km (20m) This route takes you through stands of pine and spruce with wonderful views of the Athabasca River Valley. Ride Celebration Dinner.

Friday August 28 - Off Day – Sites around Jasper

o Columbia Icefield

o Cruise on Maligne Lake

o Hike Whistlers Mountain

o Skyline trail hiking

o Relax at the Miette Hotsprings

o Hang out to look at the spectacular scenery & wildlife

Saturday August 29 - Drive back to Banff (~ 6 hours) Stop and see sights along the way. Completion Dinner

Sunday August 30 and Monday August 31 - Travel home.