Waiparous (Ghost Riders in the Sky), intermediate, 78 km, Lyle O

Ghost Riders in the Sky  (Stampede Week Theme)

Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Difficulty:

Distance:  78 km (intermediate)

Elevation:  624 m (intermediate, a few steeper climbs)

Pace: 22-25 km/h (intermediate)

E-Bikes allowed: Yes

[Anonymous member]: I complained and someone scheduled a couple of rides up the Sheep River Valley (Bluerock) on Canada Day. I am a bit happier but I love the ride through Waiparous and that hasn't been scheduled yet . At least the other ride was scheduled in May and got cancelled for bridge construction. When do I get a chance to cycle this classic route?????

It's coming up! This is always a very popular ride through ranching country and it certainly fits in with the theme for rides during Stampede week. This is a scenic ride on quiet weekday roads in the foothills. 

I can't promise any ghost riders on this ride as we follow the Ghost River, or even ghosts of any sort. But that's probably for the best. You won't notice them as you enjoy the fantastic scenery and you would probably ride right through them.

From the Ghost Lake parking lot, we head East on 1A for 4.5 km, then north and northwest on Highway 40 (Forestry Trunk Road) through Waiparous. At km 28.7 km, keep right and continue on H 40 to the end of the pavement (3 km more). Then return to the intersection with Richards Road (km 34.6), keep right and cycle Richard Road to the end of the pavement. On the return, we stop on the south side of the Ghost River dam for a lunch break beside the river. We then continue on Richards road, turn right onto H 40 and return on H 40 and 1A back to the parking lot.

There will be no sweep. We will have a tailgate party in the parking lot at the end of the ride. Some cyclists swim in Ghost Lake after the ride to cool off on hot days.

Safety:

• Narrow shoulders on Highway 40.
• Limited cell service
  
• No services (food/water)
• Narrow shoulders on Highway 1A bridge crossing over Ghost Lake.
• Steep approaches to the other two bridge crossings. Bridges are single lane and alternating traffic. They also have wooden decks so watch for cracks or missing boards.
• Steep descent on return to Highway 1A intersection from Highway 40. (Steep climb the other way obviously.)