Carseland Canal Gravel 71km

Coordinator:   Mike W
Type of Ride:  Backroads Intermediate
Distance:  71km
Cumulative Elevation Gain:  30m
Anticipated Pace:  18-22km/hr
Duration:  About 5 hours, including stops
We will regroup at intersections.  No one will be left behind.

PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO START TIME TO GET YOU AND YOUR BIKE READY

This is an 71km (total) out and back gravel ride along part of the Carseland Irrigation Canal.  We'll be cycling along the canal service road whose surface varies from shallow gravel to hard dirt with some grass poking through.  I've done the first 40km of the canal and the surface is generally better for cycling than a "standard" gravel road that typically has thicker gravel.  The service road is under the jurisdiction of the Bow River Irrigation District and Alberta Environment, which allows public access to "light vehicles" - http://www.brid.ca/pages/faq.html#Q13.

The 68km canal starts at Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park near Carseland, and ends at Lake McGregor Provincial Recreation Area near Milo.  Our ride follows the last 40km of the canal, starting near Arrowwood at the intersection of the canal with Range Road 233.  (This intersection doesn't show on Map View in Google Maps, but you can see it in Satellite View.)   I'll send out more details to the trip participants later.  Carpooling is encouraged. 

When I rode the first 40km I saw lots of birds, including pelicans, cormorants, herons, ducks, hawks, along with the usual assortment of smaller birds.  Saw a couple of deer as well.  There were only a few other people even though it was the Canada Day long weekend.

Because we're going along the canal there are virtually no hills.  The total elevation gain (on the way back) is about 50m.

This ride is suitable for any (well-maintained) bike with tires that are at least 37mm wide and a tread suitable for gravel or more agressive.

There are no facilities at the start of the route.  At our turn-around point at Lake McGregor there's a park where we can have lunch.  (There is no drinking water there.)  Or we can purchase supplies or eat lunch at Milo, about 2km further down the road.