Coordinator: Jeff Dashkin
Distance: 45 kms
Elevation Gain: 250 meters uphill, but 550 m downhill!
NOTE: This ride includes a shuttle to the start of Goat Creek. All shuttle drivers and passengers MUST be fully vaccinated. All drivers and passengers MUST wear a mask while shuttling, unless ALL people in the vehicle are OK being unmasked for the 15 minute drive. Anyone unvaccinated, uncomfortable with shuttling, or just want to ride the 1,000 ft hill, are free to ride from Visitor Center to Goat Creek trailhead and meet us there at 9:45.
So what's the plan? Meet at Canmore Visitor Center at 9:15. We distribute bikes into/onto vehicles and shuttle past the Nordic Centre, up the Spray, to the Goat Creek trailhead. We start Goat Creek as a group, regrouping at each creek crossing, trail intersection and as we exit into Banff Springs Parking Lot. It's virtually impossible to get lost riding to Banff. We cross the Bow River on the pedestrian bridge, head to Wildflower Bakery for refreshments, then ride as a group back along Legacy Trail. Upon our return, the shuttle "passengers" either drive shuttle "drivers" to retrieve shuttle vehicles or stay and guard the bikes while the others do so. Optional Apres-Ride food and beverage on the patio at Rose & Crown.
Please e-mail me, the ride coordinator, (jeffdashkin@hotmail.com) with Goat Creek Shuttle in the subject line and let me know how many bikes you can shuttle up (and if you can handle thru-axles), or if you are available to retrieve vehicles, and how you feel about masks during the shuttle portion. If you are coming with others, please let me know that too so I can coordinate the shuttles. For example - I can carry 3 additional passengers and their bikes, provided only one is a thru-axle (my thru-axle, plus one more + 2 quick release) and I am OK not wearing a mask if everyone is vaccinated.
The ride has a few roots and some rocky sections, a few climbs, and lots of downhill. It's one of the easier "MTB" rides. Mostly wide double track and a return on Legacy Trail. Hardtails are welcome. Check with Parks Canada about e-bikes.
Must have a well maintained mountain bike, spare tube and helmet. You should be comfortable riding off road (think Nose Hill not Moose Mountain). Bring cash/credit card for snacks in Banff.
