EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS
Submitted by Chris Goyetche
Summary
Ridden by Chris Goyetche and Rich Wall, August 25-30, 2020.
With all the travel restrictions in 2020, I had been plotting routes across Alberta and looking to see how much of the Alberta Irrigation Canals I could hit on the same route.
The name is based on the exposure to the wind and sun while riding and the weathering on the abandoned buildings along the route.
Fall would be the ideal time to ride. When we rode we had temps around 30c everyday, almost unbearable due to the lack of shelter.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights were the canal roads (no vehicles, easy riding), the small towns (mom and pop restaurants with amazing food), and the history (abandoned farm houses, and towns)
THE ROUTE
The route (573km) takes in over 125 km of canal roads, over 250km of gravel roads, some chip seal roads, and secondary pavement to connect to some of the towns. A bike with 40mm or bigger tires would be recommended as the gravel roads are quite soft (minimal vehicle traffic for everything east of Turner Valley).
The first day (Maclean Creek Road) and last day (Twp Rd 82A) have lots of climbing. Overall we rated the route as a 7-8 out of 10 for difficulty, as there is no shelter from the relentless winds, blazing sun, and heat. Combine those with the soft gravel roads and it became a tough ride, mentally and physically.
RESUPPLY: Bragg Creek (39km), Maclean creek store (55km), Turner Valley (106km), High River (145km), Milo (218km), Lomond (259km), Enchant (310km), Vauxhall (340km), Hays (366km), Bow Island (421km). Between Bow Island and Elkwater there are no food resupply points. Water can be filled at the museum in Etzikom (limited hours), residents were also willing/friendly to fill water, offer backyards to camp in.
CAMPING: Maclean Creek campground, Turner Valley Municipal campground (motel in town as well), High River campground (or motels), McGregor Lake Provincial Park, Enchant Municipal campground, Vauxhall municipal campground, Hays municipal campground, Bow Island campground (or motels). No official camping between Bow Island and Elkwater, locals in Etzikom allowed us to camp in a backyard. They also mentioned in the park, near the community centre would not be an issue.