Sheep River Falls/Bluerock, int, 77K, Lyle O

Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Difficulty:

Distance: 77 Km (intermediate)

Pace: 22-25 kph (intermediate)

Elevation: 851 m (advanced, two ~18% grade climbs)

Ride format: No sweep, limited stops

E-Bikes: Yes

Parking and Meeting Place:  library/community centre in Turner Valley

Route description:

A 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 (see map; approximately 41.5 km) for a lunch break.

We will ride this route before the road opens to traffic at Sandy McNabb. The final 19 km to the turn around will be closed to traffic.

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:

• Lunch stop at Sheep Falls on the return (at 41.6 km)
• Tailgate/coffee shop at Turner Valley following our ride.

Safety:

• Bring your own tools, spare tubes, etc.
• Consider bringing bear spray.
• We need to cross cattle guards several times.
• There is no cell service for much of the ride
• Steep climbs/descents when we cross the bridge at 30.2 km and again at 46.8 km.