We were so few that ventured out
Seeking a break from winter's woes,
But April dawned and we were free,
Though bikes had dust from when t'were stowed.
But the day was clear; the air was fresh;
The wind was soft when riding near.
The paths were paved, devoid of pets,
We cyclists rode with ne'er a fear.
And now it's June, and I've been told
It would be well to fill this date.
My thoughts suggest it is the time.
Will you too choose this ride so great?
You see it's time to please more folks,
We'll go again with ne'er a doubt,
O'er hill and dale our group will ride,
And fill the need to end our drought.
So come with me.
We'll see the sights,
As I recall the path we took
That April day, that was so bright.
Ride Description:
This ride will take us from the Bow Valley Ranch (why is there an 'e'? Do people think it was a dude ranch?) along the new path to Mallard Point and beyond. We'll cross to the east side of the Bow River on bridge 15, and head north to Carburn for another rest stop.
If the weather is nice, and the crowds aren't too large, we'll circle the two lakes before heading out to the road known as Riverview Drive. This will take us to a bike path that leads to Riverbend Drive and ultimately 18 St, which we'll cross. A block or so further to the east will let us find another bike path that leads to Riverglen Drive.
Riders that were on last year's A&W ride will recognize the route along some quiet streets and pathways to the A&W on 24 St, where we'll stop for a longer break.
Those wanting to partake of that restaurant's epicurean delights will be able to do so either inside or outside the building. Sadly, those outside will have no place to sit except along the window ledge which faces that gas station (it isn't that bad). If you choose to bring your own lunch, you'll have to dine outside as it would be impolite to take it in to use a table.
Do not worry about leaving your bike unattended as there will be many of us (me included) outside to keep an eye on them.
After an enjoyable break, we'll head south on 24 St until we pass under the Deerfoot Trail and stop at the Gazebo. Heading west to the river will let us encounter that hill that I detest so much, but which leads to some lovely views of the Bow and points west.
Above bridge 14 is a challenging descent to the flood plain pathway along the west side of the river.
Passing under Stoney Trail, we'll take the pedestrian bridge back to the east side of the river, and then find our way back to the Ranch.
The ride is about 30 km, more or less, and except for a tortured descent above bridge 14, and a nasty hill further to the north, it should be quite pleasant. I intend to keep the ride speed between 18 and 20 kph for the most part.
Bathrooms:
There are several along the route, but very few after the A&W. You are welcome to do as one young lady did on Tuesday's ride. She found a suitably thick and well placed bush. I had wondered where she had wandered off to...
How to Get There:
The Ranch is at the first westward leading intersection after entering Fish Creek Park on Bow Bottom Trail. Find your way to Deerfoot, and turn south when Bow Bottom Trail is reached.
The Usual Admonitions
Come prepared with the following:
Your helmet, which is mandatory,
Emergency information,
Sun glasses, sun screen,
Spare tire tube, 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, and a mirror,
Your electric bike batteries should be fully charged,
Your tires should be properly inflated,
Your brakes and gears must be in good working order,
It helps to have a clean, properly lubricated chain.
Bonus points for those that have both a mirror and a bell!
Be sure to use both when passing other riders or pedestrians,
or making a left turn on a road.
And don't forget your water bottle!
Recheck the ride description after 8 am on the day of the ride for possible ride cancellations or other changes. If the ride is cancelled, email notifications are 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 us. If you were on the wait list, check for your name on the final list of riders, or expect an Email to confirm that you have been included on the ride.
Important Comments:
If you have queries, or would like to volunteer as the sweep, or even as a "leader-in-training", please contact me at [email protected] or speak to me in the parking lot before the ride.
And there are other volunteer possibilities in the club. If people don't volunteer to take positions of some responsibility as ride coordinators, leaders, sweeps, assistants on the Social committee, or on the executive, then the club will die. So if you haven't yet volunteered, please do so. Contact me or speak to another person on the executive.
Meeting Location: The Ranch in Fish Creek Park
Leader: Dean
Sweep: Overcome your inhibition: volunteer!
There is a maximum of 24 riders on this ride.
It is now after 8:00am on the day of the ride. To cancel, please contact the leader directly.