Hey guys - I'm proposing we try to put together a group ride for snow bikes on November 18th (Sunday). I'm open to suggestions about where we should ride - Fish Creek? Cochrane? West Bragg Creek? Further West? I normally like to ride 2-3 hours.
I'm not against including people with regural mountain bikes, but if everyone is on fat bikes at least we will all be equally slow or fast on a given terrain.
I have to do a bit of re-arranging of my schedule, but I believe I am in. Many of the west bragg trails get groomed for XC ski, so we would probably want to stay off them.
Maybe powderface/prairie creek loop?
Also, the winter gate is still open in Elbow valley, so any of the trails there should be accessible.
Doug
I'm in. I'm out in Cochrane. Bragg creek wouldn't be good. The skiers are not very accommodating. For a 2-3hr ride Cochrane isn't really big enough. Maybe Canmore to banff?
i'm not sure if i can or not....i do highly recommend minnewanka, if the weather stays cold this week the snow should be perfect out there...! minne is usually my first choice
rundle/riverside is also usually pretty good, but goat creek on the other side is a strict no-no because of the skiiers
the moose trails are usually not rideable simply because of the hills, even a fatbike isn't climbing those hills in the snow but if one doesn't mind walking they are super fun
i've always wanted to snow-ride elbow but never had the sack to get so far back (only to likely discover a meter+ of snow LOL) and it could easily turn into a 6+ hour slog
i'm gonna keep an eye on this thread, if something is made concrete i'll do what i can to come, despite being in horrible shape
feel free to PM or whatnot, i'd LOVE to keep this going all winter and try to get a few fat rides in with some locals
i've always wanted to snow-ride elbow but never had the sack to get so far back (only to likely discover a meter+ of snow LOL) and it could easily turn into a 6+ hour slog
I have done Elbow Loop a Few times in winter and a couple of those times I turned back due to avalanche conditions and a few because of deep snow. I made it around once in winter, but it took me about 50 hours of riding and pushing from the winter gate and back. It is actually pretty fun even if you only get part way and then turn back, I find that the mountains look totally different once you change directions.
Thanks for the replies. I'm leaning towards Minnewanka. I've never done it before, but from the profile it looks relatively flat which should limit the amount of pushing. Plus, the fact that it's an out and back lets you have more control over how long you're out for. Maybe target an 11am start?
Was out in North Glenmore and the weasel head yesterday, and conditions are good. I'm going to fish creek today.
As best as I can tell, the Cascade trail (which also leaves from the Minnewanka parking lot) is groomed for XC skiing. But the Minnewanka shoreline/lake trail (as shown on bikepirate.com) is classified as "winter walking", hence should be ok for us. But that's just what I could glean from the Parks Canada website.
Looking less promising for me, my son now has a fever and I may have to bail. Merde! I was looking forward to seeing other people than me riding on snow. I even lubed my chain today!
minne should be pretty fantastic, the freeze thaw is about perfect right now and if there is a little coating of fresh on top it'll be stellar riding.
i'm trying to find the time but not looking good right now. let me know what times you guys are thinking and i'll see what i can do, i'd love to hit minne
Thinking of Minnewanke or Goat Creek on Saturday myself, I think the latter trail may be full of Mukluks in the afternoon (Rebound Cycles in Canmore is doing a fatbike demo day).
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