All photos taken September 4, 2022.
Now, for the real reason we brought the E-bikes to Jasper. To see more of Jasper National Park, without driving the car or exhaustive hiking. Patty had a great idea for this expedition. Ride down through Jasper to 6th Bridge on the Maligne Canyon and then continue out to the Moberly Homestead on the Overlander Trail. I calculated the distance at somewhat more than 38 km (23 1/2 miles). Should be doable.
With batteries fully charged, we set off at just after 9:00 AM on this Sunday. We assumed that a lot of people would be slow to arise and thus the Pyramid Lake Road would be quieter.
Ready to set off
Under way, we were soon rolling down Pyramid Lake Road towards Jasper
I did want to stop at Cottonwood Slough for the morning view.
Back on the road, the downslope steepened and we were soon flying along, sometimes at a speed of 44 k/h (27 m/h). Gravity was our friend. As the speed limit was 50 k/h (30 m/h), this was a pretty good clip.
We soon found ourselves in Jasper town and we took the outer roads towards Highway 16 and Maligne Road. Jasper being a major railway hub for CN, we found ourselves rolling along beside a very long train at points.
At the edge of town, we rode under the rail overpass and arrived at the point where the trail crosses the road entering town.
We rode along through small groves of forest and across open grassy plains. The trail was narrow but fairly smooth and completely within our comfort zone. We spotted the train again at several points.
Now even with the Maligne Lake Road, Patty chose the safe way down the hill…
…and I took the more adventurous route
We soon arrived at the narrow bridge crossing the Athabasca River. Luckily enough, there was a pedestrian/bike portion for us.
Compton Tortoiseshell butterfly by the bridge
Bridge views
OK, the easy part was over. After crossing the bridge, we wheeled across the road and joined the trail paralleling the Athabasca River. This trail would take us to 6th Bridge….eventually. In places, several paths ran and intertwined. In others, only one path continued. We took our time negotiating the trail and embedded rocks. We only met one other trail user on this portion. He appeared more serious than we were.
The trail dropped down to the shores of Athabasca River at one point and we paused for the views.
We were now 12.5 km (7 3/4 miles)
Overhead, ravens soared the thermals
The September sun climbed higher into the sky. It was only a bit after 10 A.M.
Here, we joined the paved path to 6th Bridge picnic area. What was this smooth sensation?
A brief rest stop….
…and we were soon on to the serious part of the ride.
(to be continued)
PHOTODROP2 
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