Day 17 Calgary, 0km

Hello from Calgary, I'm doing an early and short post today because we have a fun evening ahead, which is promising good food and good friends. Arriving in Calgary was a huge marker for us, not only because it's the largest centre we'll hit before Toronto, but also a place where we have some dearly missed friends from Ontario. Connecting and enjoying time with our people is such a wonderful treat in any situation but especially on a trip like this where it helps to bring a little home onto the road. Our hosts have been so generous and welcoming that it will be hard to leave tomorrow --very early to avoid the worst of the rush hour traffic that thwarted us on our way into the city.

Taking a rest day at the end of this two week ride and junction between the mountains and the prairies also allows us to hit the reset button and gear up for another 'two week trip'. The challenges of riding in the mountains are so definitive: steep, unrelenting grades; rough roads; wild, desolate stretches; and unpredictable weather. The prairies will hold their own unique obstacles, where the long stretches between towns will be unsheltered by tree cover and the speed and enjoyability of our riding will be entirely contingent on the direction and force of the wind. At the same time, we're both really anticipating the chance to get to know this part of the country a little bit better. So far we have seen an increased presence of First Nations' communities since descending from the mountains. Wherever possible we try to support First Nation run businesses and campgrounds in recognition of their rightful title to the land we're travelling and living upon. We've also had some very inspiring and reflective conversations with members of these communities. We hope the one constant throughout our trip will be the opportunity to meet and share conversations with people in all of the places we visit.

And again, we'd like to thank you all for reading and sending your encouragement! We've had 270 views on the blog so far today. You have no idea how much it boosts us up to know we have so many supporters. Thanks everyone and we hope to see many of you soon!