CANCELLED Symons Valley Ranch/Madden loop, int, 82K, Lyle O

         CANCELLED Symons Valley Ranch to Madden loop counterclockwise

Distance: 82 Km

Pace: 22-25 kph

Difficulty:

Distance: Intermediate

Pace: Intermediate

Elevation Gain: 742 m

E-Bikes: Yes

Update:

The spring fling was flung to this Sunday due to poor weather last weekend. That was after this ride had been posted. Heather and I are involved with organizing and leading rides in the Spring Fling. I'm not sure I am up for coordinating two rides back to back yet given the lack of cycling I've been able to put in the last 10 to 12 days.

As well, it is currently snowing heavily with a heavy snowfall warning for Calgary and north. I am not sure what the rural roads will be like north of Calgary tomorrow morning but I expect with another 10 to 20 cm of snow today, the edges of the road may be snow covered or icy tomorrow morning. I expect the driving lanes will likely be clear though wet but we don't want the cyclists pushing into the driving lanes for safety reasons. We really won't have time to check the roads tomorrow morning before the ride.

Finally, I know that many of you are registered for the Spring Fling on Sunday so you will be able to get a club ride. This ride will be rescheduled but I don't have a date yet. 

Route description:

It's the regular EVCC Saturday ride and this weekend is a Symons Valley Ranch / Madden loop. It's also a repeat of the ride I led last August.

The ride will start at 11 am as it is still April with chilly mornings.

We will go counterclockwise. We start on 766 but we will avoid the big climb up on 766 and use Mountain View Road and 566 instead. Mountain View Rd is the first right on 766, then left on 566 and right back onto 766 at the top of the hill. This route is less steep and avoids the busy part of 766 for the steep climb. 766 rapidly becomes much quieter past this point. Regroup at Goldenrod Community Centre (hwy 766 and hwy 567). Continue onto Madden for a short snack stop at the community centre. You can get drink and washrooms at the next door golf course.

We then continue briefly north of Madden to Township Rd 290 and turn left, continuing west onto 766. 766 goes west then south as Lochend Rd for about 28 km when we turn left (east) onto Township 262 to return to Symons Valley Road (766). Be familiar with the route or load the map onto your GPS if you plan to ride ahead.

There is no sweep for this ride.

Tailgate party following the ride subject to weather conditions.

Time:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early
• Wheels rolling at 11:00 a.m.  
• Out of respect for those who arrive on time, we won't wait for latecomers.