Ride Description:
We'll depart from Mallard Point and find our way to the top of the hill on the east side of the Bow (about 30+ metres). From there, we'll head south along the ridge until we cross Stoney Trail and pass from McKenzie to Cranston. Once there, we'll travel back to the ridge, and head south until we reach Cranston Avenue where there is a terrific descent of about 60 metres to the Bow river flood plain. Had you been on the level 2 ride of August 30, you would have enjoyed feeling the wind in your face with your hair flying as you reached the excessive and illegal speed of up to 45 or more kph. At the bottom we'll bike along the Bow until it is time to climb back to the view point at the south end of the ridge. Electric bikers need not worry about the ascent, but the pedal bikers like myself will have some work to do. From there, we'll head north to Sobeys for a bathroom break. Part of this short leg may be along residential roads, with part will be along pathways.
Heading north from the Sobeys store, we'll find some green space where we can enjoy a bit of lunch. Then we'll cross Stoney Trail again and return to McKenzie.
We'll go back to the ridge and head north until we cross bridge 15 and return to Mallard Point. I've ridden this route in several pieces, and estimate the total distance to be a bit more than 30 km.
Bathrooms:
There is a bathroom at Mallard Point, and at the Sobeys store in Cranston.
Starting Point:
Mallard Point parking lot. Please be there by at least 15 minutes before the ride's start time.
Getting There:
Mallard Point is west of Bow Bottom Trail at the east end of Canyon Meadows Drive. Bow Bottom Trail is south of Deerfoot Trail near the intersection with Anderson Road. If you drive east on Canyon Meadows, continue down the hill to the Bow. Mallard Point is adjacent the river. Bikers living near Fish Creek Park may wish to cycle along the Greenway path to the point.
The Usual Admonitions:
Come prepared with the following: your helmet, which is mandatory, water, medical information, sun glasses, sun screen, spare tire tubes, tire pump, band-aids, and a lock for your bike should a lengthy stop be planned. Be sure that your bike is in good working order. You should have a bike bell, your electric bike batteries should be fully charged, and your tires should be properly inflated. Your brakes and gears must be in good working order, and it helps to have a clean and properly lubricated chain. A mirror is a bonus.
Recheck the ride description after 8 am on the day of the ride for possible cancellations or other changes. If the ride is cancelled, email notifications will be sent to all riders signed up for the ride. If you are not on the list of qualified (i.e. you must be a member of FLC Seniors and the cycling group) riders by 8 AM on the day of the ride, then you will not be able to ride with the group If you were on the wait list, check for your name on the final list of riders,
Last Comments:
You may have received a note from the Level 1 ride coordinator (Doreen M.) which discussed the need for more level 1 ride leaders. If you might be interested in leading, but are unsure of your ability to assume that responsibility, please let me know in the comments section below, or by Email (see the next line) , and I'll try to give you some guidance before this ride. There is no obligation assumed by showing interest.
If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact me at [email protected]
Meeting Location: Mallard Point, at the east end of Canyon Meadows Drive
Leader: Dean Provins
Sweep: Volunteer needed
There is a maximum of 20 riders on this ride.
It is now after 8:00am on the day of the ride. To cancel, please contact the leader directly.