Alternate Date: TBA
I have cancelled the Up the Elbow ride for Saturday. I will not reschedule at this time as my alternate date of Sunday has a forecast for Kananaskis of showers.
I may repost this ride during the week, most likely Tuesday or Thursday if the weather forecast is good as Wednesday is the Sheep River ride. Watch for it.
The forecast for Up the Elbow tomorrow is showers beginning around 9 am and cold. I've looked at some weather models specifically for Forget-Me-Not Pond which suggest there may be snow in that area, perhaps a couple of cms, and a high that may be no warmer than 2C to 5C.
E-Bikes allowed: Yes
<Cranky>: I'm back! I understand that some members thought I shouldn't be in the club because they thought I was rude. I was just trying to be helpful. OK, I'll try to be nice for now. So, I liked some of your rides last year. Are you going to repeat them? Please keep in mind that my waist grew six inches over the winter and each thigh shrunk six inches so I need to start slowly.
<Coordinator>: Yes. This ride is for those whose legs shrunk and waist grew over the winter. Stronger riders can do Heather's 85 km version on the same day. Also, sign up for Bill's Klimb a Kilo (April 29th) to start rebuilding those hill-climbing thighs.
Details:
After Bill Stilwell's "Klimb a Kilo" thigh building (busting?) ride the previous weekend, we are as ready as we ever will be this time of year for the classic ride up the Elbow River on Highway 66 to Forget Me Not Pond. We run this ride before the Elbow Falls gate opens to vehicles May 15.
This shorter version ride starts at Bragg Creek Provincial Park (NOT the community centre in Bragg Creek), heads up Route 66 to Forget-me-not Pond.
Limited stops, no sweep - we will regroup at key milestones. We will stop at the Forget-me-Not Pond day use area to soak in the scenery of the pond and to enjoy our packed lunches.
There are parking spots, washrooms, grass and picnic tables here for our enjoyment and relaxation after the ride. We will have a tailgate party afterwards or we may elect to meet in Bragg Creek for refreshments weather depending.
Safety:
The road is closed at Elbow Falls to the end and there is no cell service. (On a good day I can sometimes get service at the top of Windy Ridge.)
Be prepared for self-support. Bring a pump, patch kit, tools, spare tubes, etc.
If you turn around early, let the co-ordinator know.
The weather at Forget-Me-Not Pond is often cooler and the descents are long. Bring sufficient clothing.
Steep descents. Watch for gravel on the shoulders. You may use the lane as the road is closed to vehicles.
East of gate at Elbow Falls, the road is open to traffic and the shoulders may have accumulated a nice layer of sand and grit. Ride appropriately--don't cycle in the traffic lane.
