Banff/Baker Creek, intermediate, 92K, Lyle O

         Banff to Baker Creek Chalets

Difficulty:

Pace: 22-24 kph, no sweep

Distance: 92 km

Elevation: 918 m

Parking: Banff Train Station, 327 Railway Ave. (see below)

E-Bikes:

Yes. E-bikes are permitted but you must be able to do the distance. You can catch a roam bus (with your bike) if your battery goes dead. (Roam buses have bike racks on the front.)

<Cranky anonymous member>: Did you know the Bow Valley Parkway closes to cars May 1??? Do I need to remind you why??? Do you know the weather is supposed to be warm that day before more seasonal (and wetter) weather returns??? So, as Clint Eastwood said, " Go ahead! Make my day!" 

<Coordinator>: I see you haven't lost your touch Cranky. Unlike my cycling legs, winter doesn't affect your cynicism.

Description:

We did Bill's Klimb a Kilo ride and we know we are ready to tackle a classic scenic ride and take advantage of a brief warm and dry spell in Banff National Park. We will start a bit later than in the summer to take advantage of the warmest part of the day.

Highway 1A, also known as Bow Valley Parkway, is closed to cars to Johnston Canyon beginning May 1st as part of a three year cycling pilot project. We will cycle it from the Banff Train Station to Baker Creek Chalets and return. There's still 900+ metres of elevation but we know we can do it.

This is a ride at your own pace with no sweep. There will be a brief stop out and back at Castle Junction for regrouping and a longer lunch stop at Baker Creek. Bring your own food and water but you may be able to buy a snack at the main office as the restaurant burnt down a few years back. 

Support:

If you run into trouble, you can use the Roam Bus to return to Banff.

Parking Location:

Banff is asking cyclists to park at the new Banff Train Station Public Parking Lot located at 327 Railway Avenue as the Fenlands Recreation Centre is open again. This is free parking, with a 9-hour limit.

The Wild Apricot app will guide you to the correct parking location. We will meet in the large lot east of the train station and traffic circle, not the overflow lot on the west side of the train station. The large lot to the east is not readily visible from the train station due to a bunch of trees. The GPS coordinates mark the location of the lot.

Time:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early
• Wheels rolling at 12:00 p.m.  
• Out of respect for those who arrive on time, we won't wait for latecomers.

Safety elements:

• Consider carrying bear spray
• There are areas on 1A without cell service
• Parts of 1A is open to regular traffic
• Be self-sufficient; carry tools and be prepared to perform simple bike maintenance (especially where the road is closed to vehicles)
• There will be no sweep. There is a brief stop at Castle Junction.
• Due to the distance, be prepared should your e-bike battery not last