August 31, 2018 Mike's Message - Turning 80 Years Young
Over the last 30 years, the Tour De Blue has marked the countdown to the ski season for us. This year it was an honour to travel the 512 km trip this season from Banff to Blue River, and to arrive home for my 80th birthday. The reception of family and friends who greeted us upon arrival was emotional and very special.
On the 2018 edition of the tour this season were many great old friends who have traveled this trip over the years. The tour left Banff on August 19, with one of the largest groups of riders in the history of the tour. As we traveled up the Bow Valley Parkway towards the Icefields Highway, the great mountain peaks of continental divide reminded me of a lifetime of memories and adventures experienced in these mountains and kept me dreaming of more great adventures down the road.
Along the way we had made many new memories, had some fun adventures and none of it would be possible without my lifetime of great friends.
On our first night my good friend Andre Schwarz of The Post Hotel, hosted our group at his fine hotel in Lake Louise. Andre and I go way back into the 60’s during my ski racing days and it is always special to meet up with him during this tour.
The Crossing Resort, was the next overnight stop along the Icefields Parkway. And there is nothing like starting the ride in the morning with the views of Mt. Wilson. On the morning of the 21st, we rolled out of the resort in the air was fresh and the journey to Jasper was one of the best days on the tour.
While in Jasper, my friend George Andrew of Papa George’s Restaurant and Astoria Hotel, hosted our group for a wonderful stay. George hosts a wonderful evening for our tour every year and Papa George’s on Connaught Drive is filled with lots of great memories with friends.
On the 22nd, Dave Gibson and his wife Ellen of Marmot Basin welcomed our group for a memorable evening on the Jasper Skytram. The panoramic views from Summit Restaurant, is something anyone traveling through Jasper should experience. Their gracious hospitality was very thoughtful, and the evening on top of Whistlers Mountain was one of the highlights on our trip this year for everyone on the tour.
Thursday morning, we biked down the Yellowhead highway towards Valemount and arrived in town just in time to meet up with Ken Read and his wife Lynda, who were joining me for the last day of the tour. After a night at The Best Western, we headed towards the beautiful Albreda Lodge for lunch where Elias Ortner, our Assistant Operations Manager, joined us also for the last leg of the trip. We all arrived in Blue River and were greeted by many friends and family, who had arrived in town to celebrate my 80th birthday. The reception was incredible.
I would like to thank everyone for all the birthday wishes throughout the week and on behalf of my wife Bonnie, daughter Michelle and grandson Charlie, another big thank you to everyone who made their way to Blue River to celebrate my 80th birthday. Here in Blue River, the party was spectacular, and it was very nice to see all the faces from the past here to celebrate getting older together.
Here’s to another year of living every day to its fullest… and of course, to GREAT SKIING! Age is just a number and I hope to see you skiing with us in Blue River this winter.
The 3-month countdown is on and we’re getting ready for next season! If you haven’t booked your seat yet, make this your year… let’s go heli-skiing!
Mike Wiegele
Founder & Senior Lead Guide
