CANCELLED (Showers) Up the Elbow: Bragg Creek Prov Park to Forget Me Not Pond - 60km, Int, Lyle O

Cancelled: Showers

Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Ride level:

Distance: 60 km (intermediate)

Elevation: 835 m, advanced (steep grades)

Pace: 21-24 km/h (on the flats of course, speed may be greater on the descents if you dare)

E-Bikes allowed:  Yes 

<Cranky>: You sure know how to pick a day to ride "Up the Elbow" that then proves to be miserable and so you have to cancel. I was so looking forward to your ride, I didn't sign up for any other ride. In fact, the whole week was warm but, nnnoooo, you didn't schedule this ride on one of those days. Instead, you rode Priddis to Bragg Creek led by someone else(!) and a Banff ride. There were three other nice days during the week you know. I still need a leg workout. My legs atrophied over the winter and my waist grew. I'll need to buy larger pants if it gets any larger. Klimb a Kilo helped but I require more. So what are you going to do about it???

<Coordinator>: One more try. Let's hope this ride goes. Don't bother bringing your swim suit for a quick dip in the pond. Rumour has it the pond is still frozen. But if you try, it will be a "forget-me-not" dip!

Details:

This version of the classic Up the Elbow ride starts at Bragg Creek Provincial Park (NOT the community centre in Bragg Creek), heads up Route 66 to Forget-me-not Pond where we have a lunch break before returning the way we came.

There is grass and picnic tables at Bragg Creek Provincial Park for our tailgate party after the ride. Or we can head into Bragg Creek for a social.

Safety:

• The road is closed past Elbow Falls to the end and there is no cell service. (On a good day I can sometimes get cell service at the top of Windy Ridge.)
• Be prepared for self-support. Bring a pump, patch kit, tools, spare tubes, etc.
  
• We are in bear country. Bear spray is recommended.
  
• If you turn around early, let the co-ordinator know.
  
• Bring proper clothing. The weather at Forget-Me-Not Pond is often cooler and the descents are long.
• 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.