Springbank to Jumping Pound gas plant counter clockwise, int, 60 km, Lyle O

Road Ride: Intermediate

Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Distance: 62 km

Elevation: 570 m

Pace: 22-25 km/h 

Enjoy the foothills west of Calgary. This is mixed farming and ranching country as the higher elevations and shorter summer forces a switch from grain farming to the east to ranching in the foothills along the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. There are impressive valley views west of highway 22, particularly near Jumping Pound gas plant and great views of the mountains to the west. We will have a snack stop at the picnic tables at the turn around point.

This is an intermediate level ride from Springbank to the Jumping Pound gas plant. This ride is a bit longer with a bit more elevation, than previous versions of this ride this year (which were meant as intro to road riding rides). We will do this in the reverse direction to the usual ride at an intermediate pace. There are four climbs of significance. You want the view, you need the climb!

We will start a bit earlier (9 am) to avoid the worst of the summer vacation traffic on the short stretch of highway 22. Otherwise, traffic is quiet along most of the route.

There are a few things of which to be aware. We exit 22 with a left turn. There are two places with gravel, the longest being five km of gravel on Springbank Road west of highway 22; the other is short (100m) on Hackamore Trail. Finally, at the bottom of the hill before the gas plant there is a narrow bridge with a wood base so watch for traffic and damaged planks.

Bring sufficient  food and water since there is no opportunity to purchase these on the ride. The snack stop is at the gas plant. There is also a tailgate party at the end.

Park at the west end of Springbank for all Seasons parking lot, next to range road 33. (Springbank for all Seasons is also Springbank High School.)