Riding Banff, Alberta’s “Star Wars” trail on May 4th

When I happened to be in Banff, Alberta on May 4th, which has unofficially become Star Wars day (“May the fourth be with you”) it was clear there was one trail I had to ride. Like a connection between all things in the universe, Banff’s ‘Star Wars’ trail was calling my name, drawing me to its beautifully constructed berms.

Like the movie, the trail itself isn’t that serious, but it is plenty of fun. Some low bridges and small jumps connect a series of fast, sweeping berms will have you rewinding for another run over and over. The trail’s name fits like a glove over a robotic hand: flying down Star Wars feels like what I imagine riding a speeder through the forests of Endor might feel like, only I was flying through the woods of Banff National Park. I may or may not have been making space ship noises. Of course, I’m imagining myself as Luke, or and Ewok in this situation, not a Stormtrooper, just to be clear.

At the bottom of the trail, before you turn back up Return of the Jedi, stop and enjoy the views across the valley to Rundle Mountain and the Rocky Mountains. You may not be on Endor, but the views in Banff are out of this world. Perfecting the punn-y run through Canada’s national park, the climbing trail back up for another run is called “Return of the Jedi.” As climbing trails go, it’s mellow grade and flowing wide corners make the call to “Be Kind, Rewind” fun, not a chore.

Not to mix religions – but if you’re feeling the Force, build up your trail Karma and support Bow Valley Mountain Bike Alliance for the excellent trail work they do in Banff, and the surrounding trails.