Castle Junction to Moraine Lake, intermediate/advanced, 87K, Lyle O

Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Distance: 87 Km

Pace: 22-25 kph

Difficulty:

Pace: intermediate

Distance: intermediate

Elevation Gain: 1121 m advanced (steep climbs)

E-Bikes: Yes. E-bikes are permitted but must be able to do the distance. Alternatively, you can catch a roam bus (with your bike).

<Cranky>: Hi. It's me again. I'm just wondering--you ran a serious of rides last year you called "The Best of Lake Louise" that had classic rides around Lake Louise. I haven't seen mention of this this year. Are you going to repeat this series again?

<Coordinator>: With the closure of the TransCanada highway in the spring and fall last year, this gave us the opportunity to ride over Kicking Horse Pass on a surreally quiet national highway from Lake Louise to visit Emerald Lake (spring) and Takkakaw Falls (autumn). The highway will not be closing during daytime this year so this opportunity is not available. So I am not planning on running a formal series. I may run a day trip in September that starts in Field and visits both Emerald Lake and Takkakaw Falls but doesn't include Kicking Horse Pass.

Route description:

The road to Moraine Lake is now permanently closed to cars. But it is open to bicycles! (Unfortunately, it is still open to buses but we must all make sacrifices and share the road. Nonetheless, the road should be quite quiet.

Water and food can be picked up in Lake Louise townsite. Laggan's is always a popular spot for treats.

Parking: Parking is in the Castle Mountain hostel parking lot across from the Castle Mountain Lodges. Do not use the lodges' parking lot.

Time:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early
• Wheels rolling at 9:30 a.m.  

• Consider carrying bear spray
• There are areas on 1A and Moraine Lake Road without cell service
• Be self-sufficient; carry tools and be prepared to perform simple bike maintenance (especially where the road is closed to vehicles)
• Due to the distance and remoteness, ensure your e-bike battery will last
•