#ICYMI Sheep River Falls/Bluerock, intermediate, 77K, Lyle O

         ROAD RIDE - INTERMEDIATE (DISTANCE AND ELEVATION)

In Case You Missed It #(ICYMI)

Fall Colours

         Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Distance: 77 Km

Pace: 22-25 kph

Elevation Gain: 851 m

Ride format: No sweep, limited stops

Parking and Meeting Place: We start at the library/community centre in Turner Valley

Route description:

(Anonymous member): "Thanks to all the coordinators for #ICYMI. I got to do Banff, Waiparous, the coal trail, Highwood Pass and several other great rides this month that I was missing up until now. But there's still a few classic rides I am missing this year (and time is short as winter is soon coming BRRR), starting with the Bluerock/Sheep River ride out of Turner Valley. Will someone do this ride this fall before it is too late? Pretty pretty please!"

You bet! You are in luck!

If you missed this ride this summer, this could be your last chance. We can enjoy the fall colours before they are completely gone as well and, perhaps, we might see some snow on the mountain tops too. (Who's to say?)

Enjoy this hilly and scenic ride in the beautiful Sheep River Valley. We ride up the Sheep River Road (Hwy 546) to the end where we loop through the day use area and parking at the end of the road and return. On the way back, we stop at the Sheep River Falls viewpoint for a lunch break (see map; approximately 41.5 km).

As this is an out-and-back ride with an obvious route, there will be no sweep.  Be prepared to be self-sufficient, with enough food and water, and equipped and able to change your own flat tire if needed. This is bear country and consider carrying bear spray.

Social elements:

• Longer stop at Sheep Falls on the return. See the map for location.
• Tailgate party at Turner Valley following our ride.

Safety:

• Much of the route does not have cell service.
• Bring your own tools, spare tubes, etc.
• Consider bringing bear spray.
• We need to cross cattle guards several times.