Calling all the cyclists
Hwy 40 from Peter Lougheed Park to near Longview is closed to vehicular traffic until June 15th. This is an excellent opportunity to ride car-free. Please note this ride is from the North end. There is another event Saturday June 12th from the South end near Longview.
The ride.
The ride is a mostly uphill grind to the top of the Highwood Pass with spectacular views. Highwood is the highest paved pass in Canada. Don't forget to stop to breathe and take in the views. The return trip is fast and takes much less time. Overall the road is in good shape. Distance will depend on your legs and whether we run into snow on the road as we near the top elevation.
Time/Date
We will meet at the North Gate at 11:30 am - ready to ride. Please allow time to drive from Calgary - approx. 1.5 to 2 hours.
We will head up to the pass, biking for about 2 hours or so. Faster riders may want to go a little further. We will try to meet near the high point for lunch if weather is OK, then turn around and head back. The return trip is pretty quick
The weather
Forecast to be sunny and 22 degrees- but it is a high mountain area so weather can change rapidly.
Parking.
There is limited parking at the winter gates. You may also park at the Pocaterra Hut in PLPP but this adds to your ride.
Misc
Although it may be busy, there may be long stretches where you do not see other cyclists. Please watch for wildlife - bear spray is recommended, as is riding with someone else. There are no facilities unless you stop on the way or go to Pocaterra Hut or the PLPP visitors center.
We are doing this midweek to avoid the parking challenges at the gate.
Please note a Kananaskis pass is required.
UPDATE re Kananaskis Pass
Passes are not on sale until 9:00 AM June 1st. They can be bought on line or at the Visitor Center. If you go to Kananaskis without a pass, they have a grace period where you have until midnight that day to buy a pass.
They said they are not fining people right away - they will 'educate you'. Whatever that means.
So you have until midnight on Wednesday to buy your pass for the Wednesday bike trip- providing the system is not overwhelmed with all of you signing in to buy passes.