Reviews
In riders' own words
Rated 5.0 on Google from 68 reviews and 5.0 on TripAdvisor, plus 68 letters riders have sent Ben over the years.
Reviews
Riders keep coming back
"The Jasper to Banff ride was amazing. The scenery is spectacular and other worldly. Ben was a spectacular guide and host. He was organized and knowledgeable of the route and just a pleasure to be with quite frankly. We had a whole range of abilities on our trip but with Ben and E-bikes it was not a problem and everyone had a great time."
"Ben is the best mountain concierge! All details are taken care of with care and a friendly smile. We got to enjoy the ride and the mountains in a carefree group atmosphere. So fun we have taken this trip 3 times."
"It was literally impossible to think of anything I wish had been better. Clear communication, very reasonable prices, on-time pick-ups, clear briefings on each section of the route, great accommodations, superb food, and the rental bikes were also great."
"Trip of a lifetime! Biking along the Icefields Parkway through the Canadian Rockies was absolutely stunning, and Ben went above and beyond to make it work for my schedule and to accommodate my dietary restriction (celiac). There are other tour operators that run similar trips, but Mountain Madness was the best value and I would absolutely book with them again!"
"Five stars for an unforgettable four-day cycling adventure from Jasper to Banff. Ben was an outstanding guide, relaxed, accommodating, and attentive from start to finish."
"We just completed a fantastic 5 day custom trip with Ben from Jasper to Banff. He went above and beyond to make our trip memorable. We brought our own bikes on a private flight to Calgary. He even took our bikes back to Calgary for us while we stayed in Canmore for 2 days."
"This was the first time I’d ever ridden multiple days and the first time climbing mountains. The route, rest stops, support, dining and lodging were very well organized and allowed me to simply enjoy the scenery and riding while soaking up the whole experience."
"Two days before our scheduled trip, Jasper suffered a devastating fire. Ben was able to pivot on short notice and create a new itinerary. Our group of 12 had an all around wonderful time. Ben was always present for our needs and just a great person."
"My husband and I have done the Mountain Madness Jasper to Banff tour multiple times, once on our own hybrid bikes and a couple of times on rented e-bikes, which makes the two long days and “big bumps” a lot easier."
"We rented bikes for a day in Edmonton. It was perfect. From the shop location, it is easy and bike-safe to ride to the river valley and beyond. The bikes were in excellent condition and easy to ride."
Live reviews
The latest from Google, TripAdvisor and Facebook
Pulled straight from each site, newest first.
Letters from riders
Notes riders have sent Ben
68 riders in their own words, from tours since 2010.
My first bike tour with Mountain Madness was in August 2018. It was an excellent adventure as discussed in my testimonial at that time. Fast forward to 2026 and I returned for another tour with Ben. This good natured man’s organizational skills are off the rails. He thinks of everything. He is sensitive to each rider’s needs, is encouraging, and promotes camaraderie among the guests. The lodging accommodations and dining experiences are top notch; and, while out on the road, he provides nutritional support and hydration at frequent rest stops, always positioned near scenic places (e.g. across from the Columbia Icefields). Road conditions, air quality, altitude gains (“bumps”) and potential hazards and road markers are always discussed as safety is the main concern. The bike I rented was practically new, well-maintained and did not miss a shift.
The Canadian Rockies are a special place: the scenery, the glaciers, the mountains, the streams the lakes, the wildlife and waterfalls are spectacular..and, you get to enjoy all of this while riding on perhaps the most scenic highways in North America: the Icefields Parkway and the Bow Valley Parkway–with a bonus ride from Banff to Canmore on the Legacy Trail.
I feel fortunate to have had a second opportunity to experience the Mountain Madness Tour. It was as great as I remembered it to be the first time eight years ago.
I am glad to thank Ben Johnson publicly for his cheerful and professional guidance on this most excellent adventure (for the second time). What a privilege!
My dad and I just completed the Jasper to Banff / Canmore bike tour and it was fantastic!! Ben was incredible. He organizes and runs the day perfectly. He has the trip planned out to a T. He provides the route, food, support, bikes and amazing attitude!! If you are looking at biking this route, I would highly recommend going with Mountain Madness!! We had a great time!
Brilliant few days riding through the Rockies from Jasper to Banff. Ben organises all accommodation and meals, and while you’re riding, has scheduled check-ins and fuel-stops with lots of tasty stuff on offer; he even checks you in and out at each hotel. The steam room and whirlpool at the end of Day 3 were most welcome! Ben is easy-going, flexible, knowledgeable and interesting – perfect for this role. We got viewpoints you cannot experience in a car, pine smells, silence, bird calls, bear sightings, elk…and an Albertan dust tan! Highly recommend.
I tell everyone that our Trip with Mountain Madness Cycle Tours was the best trip I have ever taken for three reasons:
First- the scenery is second to none. Hour after hour, day after day your senses are filled with the most beautiful mountain, river, waterfall, glacier and road vistas you can imagine. It is hard to beat the scenery of the Icefields Parkway by bike. The comradery amongst the riders was an added bonus. Cyclists are the nicest people, this group proved that.
Second- Ben was a fantastic tour operator. He set up the bikes and adjusted them; he took us on extra hikes and excursions; he supported the group and told us what was up ahead; and he provided us with unlimited refreshments and snacks and arranged excellent meals three times a day. The dinners were the best that can be found on the Icefields Parkway.
Third (and to me what puts this trip over the top)- I was able to do it with my family. Six of us took this trip, my wife and I, three children and our son-in-law. These are memories that will last a lifetime. The photos we have (some that Ben provided to us) are a great reminder of the special trip.
I would definitely recommend this trip and Mountain Madness Cycle Tours as your tour operator.
I was really impressed with how organized Ben was. The trip went off as smooth as silk. I highly recommend this tour and Ben. Oh yeah, the scenery was breathtaking too.
This bike tour was uniquely beautiful in so many ways! Ben Johnson’s knowledge and attention to every detail could not have been better. He went over and above the agenda by taking us on after-dinner hikes to nearby waterfalls and lakes. We saw incredible sights at every turn. The performance of his e-bikes was great and made this trip possible and enjoyable for us. Thank you, Ben!
The Jasper to Banff cycle tour is a perfect way to experience the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies! Ben is truly the best guide. He answered all our questions/concerns prior to the trip and during the tour made the entire experience flawless. The bikes were in great condition; any adjustments we needed to make on the road, he was there to help. Ben was always there along the route for support and delicious snacks, which our teenage kids (and their parents) appreciated. The lunches on the road were hearty and drinks cold. The accommodations were comfortable and evening meals filling. We especially enjoyed the side trips to Lake Moraine and Lake Louise – the views were breathtaking. Everyone in our group was able to go at their own pace, so no one felt rushed. We met lovely people in our group as well. This was a bonding experience for our family and one that we will cherish. Thank you for being such a professional, positive, and knowledgeable guide, Ben. We cannot say enough about Mountain Madness and recommend it highly.
This is an entirely fabulous trip in every way! Ben is the most thoughtful, engaging and positive host anyone can ask for. From the ‘stories’ about what we could expect at every stage of the ride, the ever-present support van every hour or so with snacks, hot cocoa on the chilly mornings, and Ben taking amazing photos of everyone, all we had to focus on was having fun pedalling through the most amazing scenery you can imagine. It was like an Immersive Ansel Adams… pedalling inside of the most incredible photographic works of art!
Accommodations and food were wonderful, and the last night’s dinner at The Station and hikes at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake were truly above and beyond my expectations. Don’t miss this experience!!
David & I were a little terrified of riding on a main highway, but Ben’s “story” and map each day a long with options gave us the confidence that we could handle it…and we did!!! Each nightly hotel had it’s charm and we loved the after dinner hikes to local waterfalls & sights. We especially enjoyed Morraine Lake at sunset–spectacular!! Ben’s expertise and all the “extras” that he provided helped make this trip a 10!!!!
I would like to pass on my thanks for an excellent Rocky Mountain cycling experience. I have driven, run (Chasquis, Jasper-Banff Relay) and cycled the 289 km between Jasper and Banff, and it never fails to delight and amaze. This most recent Jasper-Banff cycling tour is my second time with Mountain Madness Tours – a fitting testimonial. Without a doubt, it takes a lot of preparation on your part to host and make it as enjoyable as it was. The accommodations, meals, sustaining snacks en route, and route descriptions made the trip truly enjoyable and safe – thank you for that.
I would unreservedly recommend Mountain Madness Cycle Tours.
Ben, my wife Jan thoroughly enjoyed her Jasper/Banff trip. I knew she would and had encouraged her for several years to undertake it. Jan rated it 10/10 and based on the conversations we’ve had for the last two weeks, you and Mountain Madness were a huge part of that. Im sure Barb shares the same feelings.
Thank you for personally making the trip so memorable.
Ben is a very experienced, well-organized and all-around excellent tour guide. Anyone new to mountain cycling will appreciate Ben’s attention to detail, ready answers, and quiet competence in all things related to cycling the Jasper Banff route. It would be very difficult to find another tour guide any better than Ben.
This is the best bike tour I have ever been on. Right from the get-go, Ben made it super easy to plan. He was extremely responsive with information during the planning phase. Ben also was flexible to our needs logistically, which made things much easier for us. The route from Jasper to Banff was amazing with stunning scenery. The roads were in very good condition with wide paved shoulders. The Icefields Parkway had wonderful areas where we could get off our bikes, take pictures, stretch etc.
Ben’s Mountain Madness Operation is first class. His van was set up to shuttle riders in comfort. His trailer was set up with individual carriers that really protected our bikes.
Our accommodations were great. Super clean. We ate like kings and queens during the ride. After dinner, we had the option to go on short hikes to stretch our legs and see amazing waterfalls.
Most important Ben was just a great guy to spend time with. He is smart, funny, supportive and very hard working.
I would definitely recommend this ride to anybody that is a fairly fit bike rider.
Just got home from Canada tonight, and can’t stop thinking about our amazing bike tour. While I exercise frequently, I had only owned a road bike for one month and had never toured, but I did it! Every mile! I sure wasn’t the fastest but I am super proud of myself. Thanks Ben, everything was perfect! So much fun!
The tour company Mountain Madness was well organized and efficient. Our host Ben Johnson is friendly, accommodating and well organized. The staging of the route was well planned. Riding began at Becker’s Chalets just south of Jasper Thursday afternoon. We rode 50 Kms to Sunwapta Falls. The next day was 100km to Saskatchewan River Crossing with big uphill and downhill sections. The next day was to Lake Louise, where we stayed at Mountaineer Lodge. On the final day, we rode highway 1a into Banff. Accommodation was good, and food was well planned. We ate breakfast and supper in the lodging restaurants and got a good lunch and supply of snacks from the support vehicle.
If you are considering a support bike tour from Jasper to Banff I recommend Ben Johnson and Mountain Madness.
I have had many adventures and done many tours facilitated and provided by Ben. He really is the best. A great guy, and a well-organized, conscientious support driver. The shoulders on the Icefields Parkway have recently been upgraded and are very wide and good condition almost the whole distance. Having a big portion of the Bow Valley Parkway closed to vehicles is a bonus too. Highly recommend!
What a fantastic experience! We had the great pleasure to join one of Ben’s tour across the Rockies! WOW! The itinerary and landscape are phenomenal indeed – it is a real blessing to cycle through this spectacular landscape. We are experienced cyclist but I am confirm that the itinerary is for all levels. I was concerned about the quality of the bike as we are used to our own fitted bike – nothing to be concerned about. The bikes are great – I had challenge with the seat but our thoughtful Ben did his magic again as, lucky me, he had few options available to try another seat which was perfect. We want to share a special thank you and shout-out to Ben – such a fantastic guide : caring, thoughtful, fun, patient, kind, easy going with a real priority : offering a superb customer experience . You are really one of a kind and the work you invest in this tour and all the details about it if very impressive. Ben is taking care of absolutely everything from the moment to register to this tour to leave to take your flight back. Thank you for making this tour possible which is a unique experience and itself but you are bringing this to a next level : simply the best! 5 star tour!
We had the absolute best experience riding from Jasper to Banff with Ben and Mountain Madness Tours. From start to finish Ben had thought of it all. Great snacks along the way, great accommodations and to top it off a great tour guide. Along with planning out beautiful rides and routes for us to take, Ben would go above and beyond to suggest extra hikes or locations to go visit and would often join. It was a pleasure to spend the week with Ben and we would recommend his trip and tours to anyone.
As an amateur and beginner biking guy, I have many ways to describe this trip and maybe legendary is the most appropriate one. Ben Johnson, as our biking guide, provided us with all kinds of support. His dedication and professionalism during my trip was amazing. It was my pleasure to meet him and talk for hours during the road trip before our biking tour. Due to a completely successful tour, I wish Ben and his company Mountain Madness prosperity and infinitely more adventures.
Last week my wife and I completed a tour offered by Mountain Madness Tours from Jasper to Banff/Canmore. This is a world class tour right down the backbone of the Rocky Mountains offering stunning mountain scenery at every turn in the road.
Our tour guide Ben, made the tour all about providing you with the best possible cycling experience. His attention to detail is outstanding; he knows the region like the back of his hand right down to where you would find crosswinds coming across a mountain valley. He is extremely organised from having your bikes waiting for you in the morning to the pre-ride chat (covering distances, hills, rest stops, lunch). At each rest stop he is ready for your arrival with water bottle refills, snacks set out and stools to sit on. He also carries all the equipment you may need for bike maintenance. One nice safety item that we appreciated were the radios he has for each riding group as cell coverage is limited in the mountains. We mostly used them to clarify turn points and to let everyone know where the roadside wild life was.
Ben’s friendly easy going personality made the tour group feel comfortable no matter your skill or fitness level. My wife and I were concerned that our age/fitness level would be a factor however you don’t have to be an elite athlete for this trip. If you want, Ben also offers electric bikes for those who want a bit of a boost on some of the hills.
The hotels were clean and more than adequate to rest our bodies at the end of the day and the food offerings/quantity were great for hungry cyclists.
To top it if off Ben dropped us off at our home in Calgary (only a slight detour) before heading up to Edmonton with the rest of our group.
Overall, I would highly recommend Ben and this tour to anyone considering a ride through the Rockies.
We have enjoyed over twenty overseas bicycle tours and this trip through the Canadian Rockies was the best organised to date. Ben’s attention to detail is outstanding: accommodation was excellent throughout, rest stop refreshments along the route provided variety and appetising quality, rider support was excellent, the hire bikes were well maintained and fit for purpose and Ben’s easy going personality made the tour group feel comfortable no matter the level of cycling skill or fitness level. The combination of Ben’s organisation and planning together with the outstanding natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies make for a truly memorable experience.
I think this tour through the Parkways in the Rocky Mountains would be hard to beat- from the scenery, cycling terrain and the ever smiling and enthusiastic of the host Ben. Accommodation was good, food and snacks excellent and you really don’t have to worry about anything other than your ability to pedal ( and if that fails there is the ride in van with Ben). All good and I would do it all again
I would recommend this trip to all bicycle riders out there with fitness levels that do not need to be so elite. I was a little apprehensive prior to the ride and in consultation with Ben, he was able to offer the necessary information on the ride which allowed me to make my decision to book. To be able to say you biked the Rockies is such a beautiful thing! Ben was on top of all ride details and logistics which made for a very comfortable experience. The four riding days coupled with the riding distance each day is perfectly set out. Accommodations and food were top notch which made for relaxing evenings after each daily ride. I look forward to booking this trip once again in the near future and I know all you riders out there will not be disappointed if you decide on Mountain Madness Tours. Lastly, forgot to mention the amazing scones Ben picked up in Jasper which were a hit for a good part of our trip!
EPIC! This was my first organized cycling road tour that I participated in and it totally exceeded my expectations! Ben is incredibly organized from booking to the end of the tour drop offs. He had each day lined up on a chart, descriptions of the terrain, distances to rest stops, etc. At each rest stop snacks set were out with stools ready for an energy recharge. He even swept gravel off of the shoulders of the some of the road and brought our bags right to our hotel room doors! There was extra equipment/accessories available for those who may have been missing extra items, like waterproof shoe covers. There were walkie talkies available to communicate with him when cell serve was unavailable, which was a great safety feature when we weren’t quite sure where the next regroup stop was. Hotels and restaurant choices were wonderful, comfortable and the food was awesome! He took very nice quality photos of us along the way and shared some epic shots that he had taken on previous tours. It was so great to not have to think or worry about any details; everything was handled. He was super chill and relaxed but also precise and very organized. I would totally recommend touring with Ben to anyone interested in road cycling touring through the Alberta Rockies AND I would LOVE to do another tour with him again! SO GOOD!
“WOW – Look at that”! How many times did I say that on our tour?! Unbelievable sights, view, wildlife…you will see water a shade of blue you will not see anywhere else, magnificent craggy peaks, views for miles, some looking up and some looking down, bears, ravens, caribou, deer, and free-range cattle are all on full display. No matter which way you aim you camera, you are sure to get a great picture. Truly spectacular.
Ben and his associate Bryan took exquisite care of our large group for the entire week. I was impressed with Ben’s flexibility to meet our various arrival and departure schedules and shuttle us to / from the airports, hotels, etc. They went out of their way to make sure even the most finicky guest was fully satisfied with food, rental bike, accommodation, you name it.
Food was outstanding overall, especially the evening meals. Even though this tour takes you “out there” excellent food is to be found and enjoyed. Breakfast buffets were all at least very good or better, and all you can eat, so if you went hungry before lunch it was definitely on you. 😉 Lunches were in most cases more than I could eat, and en route snacks were generally Kind bars, Clif bars, home-style banana bread and scones (yum!), fruit, trail mix, and more. You think you should be losing weight but are likely not.
Most of the route took us on the Icefields Parkway, which has a fine shoulder, and seemed very safe. We also rode on various paved bike paths one day, and also the Bow Valley Parkway – reminiscent of the Blue Ridge Parkway but unique in its own way. We customized our route to include the highest paved point in Canada, the Highwood Pass at 7,239 feet of elevation. As with all the other climbs on the route, this one was challenging but just enough, and Ben’s rental bike gearing made them all doable by our entire group. There were several “bonus round” climbs at various points most days, to see a special sight or gain yet another awesome view. Do them, and you will be glad you did.
You will make memories to last a lifetime on this tour!
Our tour was pure delight. We were taken total care of by Ben Johnson who is an expert at taking care of his group of ducks and making sure they have their needs met in every way he can think of meeting them. He is sweet and caring and has all of this equipment, snacks, and group therapy ready to go every day.
Since the Canadian Rockies is my my favorite place on this planet, I looked for a bike tour linking Jasper and Banff. Mountain Madness jumped out at me and from my first contact with Ben (perhaps the friendliest and most knowledgeable person I have ever met!) it made perfect sense to book a tour. Although words do not do justice to describe just how much this experience impacted me, I can only say the tour surpassed my expectations.
Riding along the Icefields Parkway is a singular experience: Beautiful mountain peaks, ice fields, glaciers, valleys, lakes and falls is overwhelming. Every kilometer offered gorgeous scenery. We encountered inclement weather and it, too, was part of the beautiful mosaic that is the Rockies.
Ben perfected the logistics by arranging the accommodations, meals (all enjoyable), ensuring our safety with briefings (“stories”) of the day’s course and safety alerts, and patrolling the course to make sure everyone was having a good time. The fully-equipped rig was a welcome sight at scenic rest stops (e.g. the Columbia Icefields), and there was a great spread of food, refreshments, water, electrolyte drinks and fresh fruit. He was also a master mechanic, and maintained the rental bikes (mine did not miss a shift throughout the tour) as well the personal bikes brought by two of the participants.
In addition to Ben’s hospitality, he was kind enough to accommodate those of us who terminated the ride in Banff by adding a spur around Lake Minnewanka and surprised us at the end with pizzas and crew photos. Our group bonded well and Ben was the ideal leader. There is none finer.
I unreservedly recommend Mountain Madness Tours. I hope to sign up for another one.
This bike tour was spectacular! Stunning scenery, challenging exercise, great people! Ben is such a good guide & coach…very supportive. He took care of our bikes, fed us yummy snacks, encouraged us when we had to climb the “bumps” & “whoopsies”, and ensured we all had our walkie- talkies in order. The meals were delicious and nutritious, and hotels clean & comfortable. This was my first bike tour, and I was new to road cycling this summer. I thought I’d have to ride in the van for the hilly parts, but with Ben’s encouragement I was able to cycle the whole thing!! Thank you Ben!!
My son and I had a wonderful time on the bicycle trip of a lifetime. I was not sure what we were getting in to and lacked a bit of confidence before we took off. Ben was a terrific host and made everything easier. He was informative of the area, had maps to clearly show our itinerary and a van to serve us needed snacks and drinks on a more than timely basis. Ben could not have been more hospitable if we needed a break, extra layers to keep warm or anything else I could think of. He warned us of things to watch out for and was always “right on the money!” In addition, we were a small tour group, bonded well and I believe enjoyed each other’s company.
If you choose to go on this trip, Ben is definitely the man to guide you.
This was my first cycling tour, and I was beyond impressed. Ben took care of everything, so all we had to do was put in the kilometers in the saddle. After hard segments, the support van was always there with hot drinks and delicious snacks. I highly recommend Mountain Madness to anyone considering a bike tour. Even if you’ve never pedaled more than a few kilometers, Ben’s setup makes it enjoyable and doable.
Ben’s tours are top notch! The scenery is spectacular, and the cycling is fantastic, but it was Ben’s attention to detail and desire to make sure that everyone on the tour had an incredible experience that made this tour special. He has thought of everything! Staying at the hostels is a wonderful experience that allows you to get a bit closer to nature, and is a bit more off the beaten path. I would enthusiastically recommend Ben’s tours – two big thumps up!
My daughter, her husband, two friends and I completed the Jasper to Banff tour. We were all impressed by the level of organization and attention to detail of a Mountain Madness Tour. It was organized with multiple breaks every day to ensure that we saw as much of the natural beauty as possible. At the well timed breaks, the snacks seemed to be endless with a good variety.
The scenery is stunning! The cycling is generally not too difficult, allowing us to take in the view while rolling along, with two steep climbs that you have to get up. Our group of varying abilities were all able to meet the challenge.
The hotels were clean and adequate for our tired bodies and the food selections were good.
I have been on other organized bike tours in Europe and this one rates highly. I wholeheartedly recommend this trip and I we were all sad to see it end so quick. Thanks Kevin!
My husband and I rode the Jasper to Banff tour with Ben and it’s one of the most memorable riding experiences we’ve had. The scenery was spectacular, of course. The companionship was great! The food and accommodations were excellent. The unexpected bonus was all the wildlife we saw: elk, bears, and mountain sheep.
But more than all that, Ben’s service is unbeatable. He’s super well-organized and it seems that nothing has escaped his attention. Ben made us feel very well cared for. He’s really thought of everything that can make his guests’ experience enjoyable. I had a flat tire on the first day. We radioed Ben and he was there promptly with a wheel that was ready to go. Our group had individuals with special food requirements. Ben had a variety of snacks to meet all the special requirements and made arrangements at the restaurants to cover all the special needs. He carries extras of a lot of stuff in his well-supplied trailer, so if you’ve forgotten something, chances are Ben’s got it stashed neatly in his kit. He’s even got a yoga mat if you need a comfortable spot to stretch your legs!
Best of all, Ben never seems to run out of smiles or enthusiasm. He’s not only knowledgeable and accessible, but he’s a lot of fun to be with, too.
Thanks for all that you put into making our tour great, Ben! I highly recommend this tour to anyone who’s considering riding the Alberta Rockies.
What an amazing experience cycling in rocky mountains. This trip is one of my most memorable one. We wanted do this route (Jasper-2-Banff) for long time but was not comfortable in organizing the logistics ourselves. Then we met Ben Johnson @ Mountain Madness Tours, a top notch company. Ben was amazing in organizing everything for us. Especially, the snack bar in his truck is like a “Diego back pack”, everything you would like to eat is available there. We were well fed and had tons of energy to complete the trip with a radiant smiles.
I highly recommend Ben’s company for any cycling endeavours.
Ben offers the most complete support for a bike ride that is out of this world. The scenery is breathtaking. I had to stop a few times during the ride to ponder whether what I was looking at was real!
Through the years, Ben has worked on perfecting the manner in which he supports bike rides. He now has something unique and special to offer. In spite of this, he is quite flexible. In our case, he was willing to customize his tour to allow us to experience more things along the way, and he even joined us in some of these activities. His thoughtfulness and kindness make the ride more enjoyable, and if you are open to it, you may even make a new friend by the end of the ride.
You cannot go wrong riding with Ben.
My friend and I signed up to ride through Jasper to Banff in July 2017 and could not have had a better experience. Ben is extremely organized and goes above and beyond to make sure everyone has the best experience. I can’t think of anything that could have been better. He somehow even made the weather cooperate perfectly for us. 🙂 Thank you so much Ben for the best Canadian Rocky adventure!
I joined the Tour de Roo tour that was supported by Mountain Madness Tours represented by Ben Johnson. It was a awesome experience! An absolute stunning experience which I can recommend to any rider who is looking for a cycling adventure in Australia. The stages were great, nature impressive and the co-riders very nice. Ben did a really great job. He is friendly, very supportive and skilled in this kind of work. Thinking of doing other tours with this company, cheers, Michiel
What an experience, the Mountain Madness Jasper-Canmore tour, with genial, laid-back and knowledgeable host, Australian-Edmontonian Ben Johnson! Come prepared for the greatest ride of your life and willing to learn Ben’s technical terms to describe the road experience, such as “kicka” “whoopsie” and “big bump”. Marvel at the spectacular beauty of the Columbia Icefields Highway and the Canadian Rockies. Stay in hostels or hotels and ride the daily segments chosen so wisely by Ben at your own pace. Ben is the consummate tour host, riding down kilometres just to accompany his cyclists to ride up the toughest part and insisting on a “mandatory optional” detour to the viewpoint of Peyto Lake, which varies from turquoise to azure blue in colour. Well-worthwhile, many thanks to Ben and I intend to return in the future.
I have completed the 2014 and 2015 Ride to Conquer Cancer using a Felt bike rental from Ben Johnson and I would certainly guide anyone to do business with him.. Ben’s easy-going nature and willingness to work with me makes a recommendation to either go on a tour or utilize Mountain Madness Tours a real no brainer. I purchased a Felt rental off of him since he will be upgrading to a newer model and I am extremely happy with the performance of the bike. I will certainly consider one of his tours in the near future and will “Live the dream” by encouraging my colleagues, friends and family to come along for the ride. Thanks for everything Ben and kudos to Cam the owner of Element Cyc Multisport who tuned up the bike for me prior to my event. The bike felt like it was brand new after he made adjustments to the gear levers, brakes and changed out the tube! Thank you for going the “Extra mile” to ensure my ride was successful and the bike was in A-1 condition. Keep up the great customer service!
We decided to ‘push the boat out’ for a seriously major cycling holiday this summer to thoroughly re-charge our batteries for another year at work.
My ‘better half’ was looking for ideas when she was captivated by a description of a trip through the Canadian Rockies written by Mark Beaumont on one of his mega cycle challenges.
So she started researching options on the Internet and came upon Mountain Madness and Ben.
We were initially tempted by the full 12 day tour from Jasper to Waterton National Park, but were concerned that we wouldn’t be able to keep up with the daily mileage and started thinking about the shorter tours.
We got in touch with Ben, who reassured us that an average level of fitness would be more than adequate to complete the full tour, which turned out to be quite right. What we didn’t realize was that the Canadian roads through the Rockies are big, wide and mostly have a great cycling surface in the roadside shoulder where most of the kms are ridden, with relatively modest climbs, rarely above 4.5 %! The max gradient is 8.5% for a short distance.
The somewhat forbidding metres climbed on paper were not a problem on the ride because they were over several kms at these gradient rates! Check out the YouTube vids other clients have shot.
Anyway, Ben said, if someone hits ‘the wall’ they can simply jump in his minibus to recover and the bike goes into his magic trailer!
We spend most of our riding time in the Lake District and other hilly parts of the UK, when most rides include many ascents, usually short, but up to 25% on occasions. This takes its toll on the legs, so 80kms is a long ride for us normally.
With Ben’s diligent support and regular re-stoking with intelligent, yummy snacks and meals from the Ben Cafe, (which appears from his Dr Who’s Tardis like trailer to make a very welcome sight), the kms fly by! He knows exactly when and where to set up a stop. There is usually something spectacular to see as well! The astounding mountain scenery just seems to get better and better as the days roll by!
This was the first supported tour we have been on. The hire bikes were great and it was very mentally relaxing just to roll out of bed in the morning and jump on the bike after breakfast for the day’s adventure, knowing that a good meal and another bed await, all arranged by Ben. No hassles, just riding, eating and socializing with the other folk on the tour. Marvellous! We all had a great time and it was a very fulfilling experience to get to know the other riders who had amazing stories to tell!
Ben was unceasingly cheerful and always a pleasure to be with. He has some amazing stories of his own, which explain how he knows so much about fitness levels and nutrition, but you’ll have to join one of his tours to hear them for yourself!
Wow. Talk about a premiere experience in the Canadian Rockies! Ben is not only extremely friendly and accommodating, he is uber-knowledgeable about the area. From moments prior to booking, all the way to the completion of the Jasper to Banff journey, Ben made me feel supported. His van and super-trailer combo made every rest stop along the path a real treat. The food and snacks that he provided were yummy and perfect for that extra umff of energy! His daily course explanation was accompanied by elevation and distance maps that made it very clear what to expect. The hotel/hostel stops along the way were wonderful. And my fellow-riders in the trip were so friendly. All-in-all it was a very professional package that never ceased to make me feel like my money was very well spent. Thanks Ben! Keep on making people’s dreams a reality, brother.
Third time out with Ben. As you can see from the comments on the site, cycling on trips he hosts can be habit forming. I’ve done Jasper-Canmore (2013), Blue River (2013) and Blue River again (2014, different routing). Great host, great company on the rides with spirited and happy cyclists of all levels. Just book something with him.
Couldn’t recommend Ben and his company highly enough! One of us was fit and experienced, one of us less so, and Ben accommodated us magnificently. He is customer service-oriented, kind and thoughtful. His rental bikes are top-of-the-line gear and made the ride so much more enjoyable. Logistics well handled; great food and selection of hotels. Don’t hesitate!
Just back in Scotland after a great weekend cycling from Jasper to Banff. I would highly recommend this tour. I hired a bike from Ben which was in great condition (I don’t think there was a single issue with any of the four hire bikes over the entire four day trip which says something in itself). The support from Ben was great – always there if you need it but you are also left to get on with the ride as you wish. Food and drinks available at rest stops were excellent as well. The scenery is just incredible and it is great that Mountain Madness offer a high quality trip to match it. Hope to see you again for another tour sometime Ben !
We rode from Jasper to Banff and it was the most beautiful scenery I ever saw on my bicycle. It was the best cycling trip ever!! Ben did an amazing job taking care of absolutely everything from getting us and our stuff everywhere, arranging accommodations before during and after our ride, feeding us, taking us on fantastic hikes, saving me when I got a flat tire and providing delicious snacks at scenic spots along the ride. Ben is a nice, thoughtful and hardworking guy. We loved our trip with Mountain Madness Tours. Thanks Ben for making this trip so much fun and memorable.
From the first email contact to the end of our tour Ben was incredibly conscientious and organized but also a whole lot of fun and enthusiasm. He was able to adapt the tour to really suit our needs by helping the whole crew of us get from our hometown to Jasper. Differing biking skills or accommodation needs seemed to be no problem. We were spoiled by the great food and snacks. He was so encouraging and all of us felt successful on this challenging but indescribably beautiful ride. Two thumbs up!!
Ben, great job on our Jasper to Banff ride. Unbelievable you could arrange such good weather. Special thanks for to you, Curtis, Rob and Elaine for getting my bike up and running after the crevasse ate my rear wheel, it was much appreciated and allowed me to finish the ride
We rode from Jasper to Banff (2013) with Ben’s support. That included material things such as the van, food, etc., organizational components of the ride, and his enthusiasm, knowlege, and willingness to help us enjoy and see the most of this awesome part of the country. Thank you Ben.
Went on the 4-day Jasper to Banff trek with Ben. Best trip, ever. Once you bike the mountains, anything is possible. Ben made the trip all the more great with his humour, hospitality, and ever-constant support. I wouldn’t do this trip with anyone but Mountain Madness. Thx Ben!! You’re the best. I hope we see each other soon, maybe a mountain hike once I’m in better shape, though you’re a force to be reckoned with
We did the Jasper Banff Tour July 2013. Can’t say enough about Ben and his intentions to make our experience the best. He watched over our group like a mother hen. Everything was perfect even the weather. I would highly recommend Mountain Madness without hesitation.
Thanks Ben for your friendly greetings at the rest stops, especially after a difficult hilly section! You were aways there for the riders. I think you’ll be famous one day! Dennis, Aug 31-Sep 3 2012, Jasper to Banff ride
I took part in a 4-day Jasper to Banff cycling tour. The whole tour was perfectly organized from the beginning till the last minute – thanks to Ben! Our group had more experienced cyclists that went ahead and some less experienced (more relaxing pace) type cyclists (=me – in the back of the crowd). During each day we took a couple of big breaks that allowed our bodies to rest from the physical activity & had some refreshments. I especially appreciated the excellent customer service of Mountain Madness Tours. They go above and beyond of their customers’ expectations! On the 2nd day of our trip I got a flat tire 35 km to our hostel and Ben was so nice that he came to pick us up, drove us to the hostel, fixed the tire and drove back to drop us off so we could continue where we left off (I am stubborn and wanted to do every inch of this trip on my bike!). This trip is a must-do bucket-list item and I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys challenges and is looking for active weekend in the beautiful mountains
Ben, you are one of the most capable, selfless people I have met. On so many occasions you jumped to accommodate the needs of our Jasper-Banff tour. Never losing your smile, supremely prepared and organized, just tell me: where do I sign up for the next trip?
Ben does it all!! Well, okay perhaps not all since I didn’t see him on a bike all weekend 🙂 Ben took very good care of our group cycling from Jasper to Banff and onto Canmore! We all appreciated his good humour, his driving skills and his willingness to help with anything. He would bring out and put away our bikes each day and bring our bags into the hostels. This was way above what I expected. Everyone enjoyed the cycling, the hostels, including the rustic Sauna, and just the amazing nature of the overall experience. Thanks Ben….you made a special weekend for all of us!
Thanks Ben for supporting EBTC’s trip to Blue River! It was an awesome time, in no small part due to our confidence in knowing our bikes and supplies would be well taken care of. You are well organized but more importantly, you are flexible, loads of fun and a good sport.
Summer is coming to and end and what a summer it was. 3 fantastic cycling weekends of being spoiled by Mountain Madness Tours is the life. Ben’s attention to detail is unmatched and he genuinely does care about your wellbeing and enjoyment of his tours. Do yourself a favour and sign up, or dream your next adventure with Mountain Madness Tours. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy your friends and favourite sport, even in the rain. Thanks for the great summer Ben!
If you look up top level customer service in the industry guidelines, I bet you’ll see Ben Johnson and Mountain Madness Tours. I did a supported ride from Jasper to Canmore with a random group of cyclists and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Making it all look easy, Ben consistently goes the extra mile to see that your trip is a success! Lots of service extras I didn’t expect. I highly recommend Mountain Madness Tours!
Ben… You the Man ! and coming from a Kiwi that means a lot. You never get rattled. You always have a plan. You’re always smiling and you were always there if we needed you during the EBTC Blue River tour.I will definitely be contacting you when it’s time for my next adventure. Too bad you don’t like Vegemite
I have to say a big WOW when it comes to using Ben and Mountain Madness Tours! We had an unforgettable travel experience on a four day trip travelling from Jasper to Banff by bicycle. Ben was our driver, tour guide, extra hands, luggage porter, go for this and that and smiley guy all the way! Very impressive service and outstanding attitude! I can highly recommend Ben for any trips you can dream up!!!He is game for just about anything!! Thanks Ben for an awesome time in the Rockies…the trip would not have been the same without you! Thanks for all your participation and willingness to go the extra mile!!!
Once again Ben you pulled of a great weekend event for our group. Your unflappable personality to deal with all situations just makes the effort seem so effortless…well except for those two summits we climbed 🙂 Looking forward to the Grand fondo with you this September
Here we are back in Edmonton after an unforgettable get-away and cycle trip weekend with Ben and Mountain Madness Tours ! We sooo appreciated having Ben as our master driver and support go-to guy! Thanks for making this trip memorable and being there to load up bikes and luggage and endless boxes of food and supplies.Our trip to Nordegg and beyond was a trip that none of us will forget.Using Mountain Madness Tours makes the planning of such a trip that much easier! I certainly can recommend using Ben for an ordinary and extraordinary trip!We haven’t been back 24 hours yet and hubby is already making plans for the next adventure! THANK S BEN!
Ben is a wonderful guy, charismatic and charming! Thanks Ben for a wonderful experience on our Jasper to Banff Trip. You made the experience wonderful. We absolutely loved riding in your van. You are a courteous and responsible driver and I felt safe and secure the whole time!
I have had the pleasure of participating in four events where Ben provided the transportation. On each occasion he demonstrated superb customer service. It was so nice to relax and let Ben do the driving, especially on long days! Ben is unflappable regardless of the challenges presented. I would highly recommend his services
I wanted to personally thank you for the amazing Jasper and Banff tour this weekend. You were the perfect guide in that you were good-natured, cheery, and immensely patient. Not only did you merrily join us for the fun activities – you ensured that we made plenty of roadside stops so that we could take photos with the gorgeous backdrops. Instead of having us follow a strict schedule, you gave us the liberty to make up our own plans as we went along. I’m sure no other tour company would have been as courteous! Moreover, your transportation was of superb quality in the modern, well-equipped van, and the whole deal was surprisingly affordable. All in all, you made our trip extremely comfortable and were a wonderful friend to us. Mountain Madness Tours Rules!
My oh my ~ what a great experience! Each and everyone of you brought something unique and special to the ride, and I thank you for that. This past weekend taught me something new about my self both on and off the bike and what a rich experience it was. Thinking back to the slide show actually makes me want to cry ~ this really was a special time of my life. Thank you Ben and James (Mountain Madness Tours) for the multifaceted support, Laurie for the organizing and everyone else for being such great companions and motivators. (Banff to Jasper in a day bike ride)
“FABULOUS WEEKEND EVERYONE!!! What a great experience and it was not all about the ride. When all of our riding friends hear all the wonderful stories, Ben you are going to need a Greyhound bus and a C train to pull the bikes and gear for all those who will want to join us on the next adventure. Thanks Laurie for spearheading the weekend and James and Ben for the great support. See you on the road,” Vice President David Morris Fine Cars Ltd. (Jasper to Banff in a day bike tour)
Wow, what a great weekend! I’m back in Edmonton and truly wish I was back climbing that great mountain! A big big thanks to Ben and James (Mountain Madness Tours), you guys made the trip for us. I know it was a long day for you two, but we appreciated everything you did. From packing and repacking our gear, keeping us nourished and hydrated and just being there around that corner when we needed you. Thank you also for making Nicole feel so welcome as she was really feeling like a ‘newbie’. She truly enjoyed her weekend. Hopefully this is a start to an annual adventure! Jasper to Banff in a day bike tour
I am new to cycling and just returned from the 4 day Jasper to Banff road trip with Mountain Madness Tours. From the first contact with Ben booking the tour, right to end of the trip he has been understanding, accommodating, encouraging and enthusiastic. On the tour Ben explained each day to us, breaking it up into manageable sections, providing us with great support the entire trip eg:-a flat tire, Ben swapped out my wheel and at the next stop put my wheel back on, with a new tube fully repaired! Healthy snacks and water were provided at each stop. Food was plentiful and accommodations were very comfortable. Ben has thought of everything, all you have to do is cycle! This is a fantastic trip for the body, mind and soul with unbelievable scenery. If you are considering this trip do yourself a favour and book it. You will not be disappointed!! Thank you Ben.
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