**** Update*** as of Tuesday evening, June 2nd
I scouted this route today and the pathways along the Bow River are flooded in several areas- most notably just north of Mallard Point leading to the bridge, and under the railway crossing- by Ogden Road. As a result, there will be no Old Spokes cycling for this Special Event tomorrow.
Please join us directly at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary for a picnic lunch (meet at 11:45), or just for the guided tour (meet at 12:15). Bring your rain gear, umbrellas etc.
Riding on the pathways by the river is NOT recommended.
*****
RIDE/ GUIDED NATURE WALK at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Come and join this special event— a relaxing ride along pathways, lunch, socializing and a guided nature walk/tour of Calgary’s natural and avian beauty with cycling friends, right in the middle of our city.
Riders will have the option of meeting at Mallard Point for a longer ride (approx. 30 km), or at Carburn Park for a 20 km ride
In accordance with the timeslot available for the tour, our starting and lunch times have been adjusted slightly.
Those choosing to ride from Mallard Point will depart at 10:45, travelling at a relaxed pace northward through Quarry Park to meet fellow riders at Carburn Park. The larger group will then depart Carburn Park at 11:15.
The ride will cross through the Sue Higgins Dog Park, and head north along the west side pathway to the bird sanctuary for lunch and socializing, then a one hour guided tour. Binoculars will be provided by the staff on site.
This route is suitable for riders from each and all levels. It follows mostly flat, paved pathways. There are a few bridges, some overpasses, a tight uphill turn under the railway bridge and a short tunnel. The ride leader will be on a pedal bike.
We will be able to park and lock up our bikes inside the park gates before the tour starts.
The guided nature walk will take place from 12:30 to 13:30, with lunch at picnic tables on site ahead of time. After the tour, we will ride southward back to Carburn Park and Mallard Point.
There will be a $6.50 fee for the guided tour for each participant, which will be collected before the ride (cash only please).
Tour only: Cycling members who would like to attend just the nature walk can sign up for the ride/special event and indicate this option in the comments.
You can meet us at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary at 12:15 AM (2425 9th Avenue SW), and pay the fee to the ride leader.
Riders: Please remember to bring your helmet and bell (both required) water, lunch, medical info, and tools/tubes for minor repairs, a charged battery for e-bikes, and your enthusiasm and smiles. Riders may also want to bring suntan lotion and a hat for the tour.
** When you sign up, please indicate in the comments where you will be joining the ride. Please be at either Mallard Point or Carburn Park 15 minutes before the ride starting times.
There are bathrooms at Mallard Point, Carburn Park and the Bird Sanctuary.
This ride/ guided nature walk will proceed rain or shine, so fingers crossed for a sunny day! If the weather is truly awful, members can meet at the Bird Sanctuary at 12:15 for just the tour.
If you have to cancel, please do so in order for someone else to have the opportunity to join this fun outing.
Please contact the ride leader if you have any questions.
There is a maximum of 16 riders on this ride.
Meeting Location: Mallard Point (eastern end of Canyon Meadows Drive SE), Carburn Park (67 Riverview Drive SE) or Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (2425 9 Avenue SE)
Leader: Shannon F 403-850-5797
Sweep: Karin W (from Carburn Park) 403-877-4660
It is now after 8:00am on the day of the ride. To cancel, please contact the leader directly.