Elbow Valley Cycle Club upcoming events

Rocky Ridge to Dogpound & Madden Loop, Int/Adv, 124km, 1200m, PattyWest (Monday, August 17, 2026)

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Patty West

Level Ride: Intermediate/Advanced

Distance: 124km

Elevation gain: 1200m

Pace: 25+/-

e-Bikes: No

The rain has stopped and fog is gone…..Let’s Ride!!!!

Depart Rocky Ridge YMCA through Church Ranches & Golf Course. Then north via Glendale Rd to Dogpound & loop round thru Madden where we will stop for a bite to eat & coffee (a little moe than half way) Then we loop back around via Big Hill Springs to our starting point the “Y”.

Please have the necessary items to repair a flat

Tuesday Tuneup Springbank, Adv, 50km, 500m, HeatherOpseth (Tuesday, August 18, 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Coordinator: Heather Opseth

Level: For advanced/experienced road riders, must be comfortable with paceline riding.

Distance: 50 km

Pace (2-3 groups):

Advanced group(s) - 25-27+ kph average speed

Advanced+ group - 28-30+ kph average speed (may be self-guided)

For advanced/experienced road riders, must be comfortable with paceline riding. Ride at your own pace on hill segments, regroup after each climb.

Elevation Gain: 500 m

Here's your chance to get a PR on the COP switchbacks!

Parking spot is the Eden Brook Funeral Home, off Lower Springbank Road (see route map for exact location).

Newcomers welcome. There will be good company and a social atmosphere. If you are unsure about the speed, pacelining format, and difficulty level of the ride, please contact the coordinator in advance.

Bragg Creek Adventure Tour, Int, 49km, 463m, GarryDenman (Wednesday, August 19, 2026)

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Bragg Creek Adventure Tour August 19, 2026
Coordinator: Garry Denman
Start time: 10:00 am. Be ready to ride at 9:50 for introductions and briefing.
Type: Recreational
Rating level: Intermediate
Distance: 49 km.
Average speed: 18-20kph.
Elevation gain/loss: 463m. There are several hills along the route.

This is a bit of everything ride. I have called it a road ride because the majority of the distance is on paved roads and pathways. We will also encounter ~3km. of gravel, ~1-2 km of easy single track through the trees, and just to make it interesting, a couple of short hike-a-bike sections through dry washouts ending with ice cream at Ida Mays (no longer subsidized).

-32 mm or wider tires recommended.
-There will be several stops along the way to re-group, at view points, and points of interest.
-Bring lunch, snacks, water, bike in good mechanical condition, plus a spare tube and tools to fix a flat. Bear spray if you have it.
-Lunch stop at West Bragg Creek Recreation Area.
-Pedal assist e-bikes are welcome.

Start location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jp4MN5G4AhVPpRCK8

Evening Unwind NOT to Cochrane, Adv, 53km, 521m, Phil Twomey (Thursday, August 20, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Coordinator: Phil Twomey

Distance: 53 km

Type: Training

Level: For advanced/experienced road riders -- must be comfortable with paceline riding as a group.

Pace: 25-30 kph average speed

Elevation Gain: 521 m

Description:

Join us for our weekly ride with a slight variation on normal route.

If needed, we’ll split into two groups:

Advanced

Advanced+

Parking:
Meet at the Shane Homes YMCA in Rocky Ridge. We'll gather in the northwest corner of the parking lot 15 minutes before the ride starts.

Weather:

This ride will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Lake Louise Ski to Moraine Lake 48km, Int, 676m, PaulPark (Monday, August 24, 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Paul Park

Distance: 48km

Pace: 20-22 kph

Elevation Gain: 676 m

E-bikes Allowed: Yes

This is a challenging ride from Lake Louise Ski Resort for Intermediate cyclists who have plenty of pedaling power in their legs for the hills.

We will start from LL Ski Parking lot, ride through the LL Village and ride around in the LL village, and climb up to the LL road. All riders are required to ride single file at all times, as lots of traffic there.

Stops will be limited to maintain a steady pace. We will have a regrouping stop at LL Road & Moraine Lake Road junction, and continue to ride up to Moraine Lake (snack/lunch brake at the Moraine Lake).

Air quality: Please check AQHI for the riding day. I'll cancel if its too high the night before.

Safety: Consider bringing bear spray, along with plenty of food and water and tools for minor repairs. Cell service is unavailable on parts of the route. If you run into trouble, you can use the Roam Bus to return to LL village & find out the way to your vehicle.(As LL village has the cell service, or you can wait for all the group's coming back to the village)

After-Ride: Options to grab somthing to eat at Northface Bistro at the bottom of the lift.

Parking is at the Lake Louise Ski Resort parking lot. This is free parking. See: here

Tuesday Tuneup, Adv, 50km, 500m, HeatherOpseth (Tuesday, August 25, 2026)

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Coordinator: Heather Opseth

Level: Advanced and Advanced Plus

Distance: 50 km
Elevation Gain: 500+ m
Pace (2-3 groups):

Advanced group(s): ~25-27 kph average speed

Advanced Plus group: 28-30+ kph average speed (self guided)

This ride is for advanced/experienced road riders -- must be comfortable with paceline riding. Ride at your own pace on hill climbs, regrouping at main junctions and at the top of hills.

You can use the hills as a high-intensity workout, challenge some Strava segments, or just take it easy and enjoy the views.

Route:

This week's route includes Horizon View, Airport Road and a side trip to Mountain View Estates at the end. Not as hilly as usual!

Parking spot is the Eden Brook Funeral Home, off Lower Springbank Road (see route map for exact location).

Newcomers welcome. There will be good company and a social atmosphere. If you are unsure about the speed, pacelining format, and difficulty level of the ride, please contact the coordinator in advance.

Sheep River Century, Int/Adv, 102km, 1080m, PattyWest (Thursday, August 27, 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coordinators: Patty West

Distance: 102 km

Pace: 22-25 kph

Elevation Gain: 1084 m

Parking and Meeting Place: Millarville School parking lot

E-Bikes: no

Route description:

Leaving Millarville we will head south through Diamond Valley and then follow the scenic Sheep River valley into Kananaskis. This is an out and back ride.

Bring sufficient water and food for the full ride, as there are no facilities once we get into the park.

We will have a picnic stop at Sheep River Falls on the return from the turnaround point.

Safety:

No cell service, No food/water services west of Diamond Valley, Consider bringing bear spray, cattle guards

Evening Unwind to Cochrane, Adv, 50km, 388m, TanyaColwell (Thursday, August 27, 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Coordinator: Tanya Colwell

Distance: 50 km

Type: Training

Level: For advanced/experienced road riders -- must be comfortable with paceline riding as a group.

Pace: 25-30 kph average speed

Elevation Gain: 388 m

Description:

Join us for our weekly ride out to Cochrane and back.

If needed, we’ll split into two groups:

Advanced

Advanced+

Parking:
Meet at the Shane Homes YMCA in Rocky Ridge. We'll gather in the northwest corner of the parking lot 15 minutes before the ride starts.

Weather:

This ride will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

*

Icefields Double Century, 200km, >2000m, Advanced+ Tanya Colwell (Saturday, August 29, 2026)

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT

RIDE - LEVEL: Advanced +

Coordinator:  Tanya Colwell

Distance: 200 km

Pace:  25-30 km/hr

Elevation Gain:  2680 m

E-Bikes allowed: No

Start: Pull out near Dolomite Peak, 27.1 km North of the Cattleguard on HWY 93 North of Lake Louise. Click here for directions.

Destination: Athabasca Glacier

Description:

Double, double, toil and trouble—two hundred kilometres and plenty of climbing!

Challenge yourself with a spectacular double century along the iconic Icefields Parkway. It is said that nearly 200 icefields and glaciers can be seen along this corridor, giving us something to count while the kilometres tick by.

We’ll set off early and begin with a steady climb toward Bow Summit, regrouping for a quick stop and glacier count at Peyto Lake Viewpoint. From there, we’ll enjoy a long descent and rolling terrain to Saskatchewan Crossing, where we can refill water and purchase snacks.

Next comes the climb past the famous Big Bend toward the Columbia Icefield. We’ll regroup at the toe of the Athabasca Glacier for photos before continuing to the Icefield Centre for another food and water stop.

We will then retrace our route south, stopping again at Saskatchewan Crossing before climbing out of the Saskatchewan River valley and tackling the final major ascent back over Bow Summit.

Food and water are available approximately every 50 km, but riders must carry enough supplies to remain self-sufficient between stops.

Mountain safety: Weather can change quickly on the Icefields Parkway, and snow is possible at any time of year. Bring extra layers, full rain gear and sufficient food and water. Large sections of the route have no cell coverage, so riders should be prepared to handle minor mechanical or weather-related issues. Consider carrying bear spray.

This is a demanding ride for experienced endurance cyclists who have completed several long rides this season and are comfortable riding around 150km with significant climbing.

We should all do one truly long ride each year—this 202.6 can be yours for 2026.

Route Map:

Guests: Guests are allowed on this ride. Members - you can add non-member as your guest at the same time you register yourself. The guest must fill out the waiver found on our website under Join Us/Guest Waiver, then email this to guest@elbowvalleycc.org. Non-members: If you are interested in joining this event as the coordinators guest, please fill out the waiver on our website under Join Us/Guest Waiver, then email this to:  guest@elbowvalleycc.org. The coordinator will then add you to the event.

Add ride description here and them Embed the map if there is one - please note, if the map is not embedding properly, click on the Snippet tool which is the <S> at the top of this box and paste the url there.

Tuesday Tuneup Springbank, Adv, 50km, 500m, HeatherOpseth (Tuesday, September 01, 2026)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Mark your calendar for a weekly Tuesday evening ride in Springbank! Specific ride details and registration will be posted/opened at the start of each month.

September rides are weather-dependent and will get shorter as the days get shorter.

Coordinator: Heather Opseth

Distance: 50 km

Level: For advanced/experienced road riders -- must be comfortable with paceline riding as a group.

Pace:

2-3 groups, based on number of participants.

Advanced group(s): 25-27 kph average speed

Advanced Plus group: 28-30+ kph average speed (self guided)

Note that the average speeds increase as the summer progresses!

Elevation Gain: 500 m

Description:

This is a weekly ride in Springbank, focused on scenic routes, hill training, and intervals where we crank up the intensity.

We will kick off the season with a series of hill training workouts in April and early May. As the summer gets underway, we focus on longer routes, exploring beautiful backroads of the area.

To keep it interesting we ride a different route each week!

Parking spot is the Eden Brook Funeral Home, off Lower Springbank Road. 24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary, AB T3Z 3K2 (see route map for exact location).

Newcomers welcome, however please contact the coordinator in advance if you are unsure about your skill or fitness level for the ride. Email: heather.opseth@icloud.com

There will be good company and a social atmosphere.

***Specific rides/routes and registration will be posted at the start of each month. Please watch for further details throughout the season.***

Tuesday Tuneup Springbank, Adv, 50km, 500m, HeatherOpseth (Tuesday, September 08, 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Mark your calendar for a weekly Tuesday evening ride in Springbank! Specific ride details and registration will be posted/opened at the start of each month.

September rides are weather-dependent and will get shorter as the days get shorter.

Coordinator: Heather Opseth

Distance: 50 km

Level: For advanced/experienced road riders -- must be comfortable with paceline riding as a group.

Pace:

2-3 groups, based on number of participants.

Advanced group(s): 25-27 kph average speed

Advanced Plus group: 28-30+ kph average speed (self guided)

Note that the average speeds increase as the summer progresses!

Elevation Gain: 500 m

Description:

This is a weekly ride in Springbank, focused on scenic routes, hill training, and intervals where we crank up the intensity.

We will kick off the season with a series of hill training workouts in April and early May. As the summer gets underway, we focus on longer routes, exploring beautiful backroads of the area.

To keep it interesting we ride a different route each week!

Parking spot is the Eden Brook Funeral Home, off Lower Springbank Road. 24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary, AB T3Z 3K2 (see route map for exact location).

Newcomers welcome, however please contact the coordinator in advance if you are unsure about your skill or fitness level for the ride. Email: heather.opseth@icloud.com

There will be good company and a social atmosphere.

***Specific rides/routes and registration will be posted at the start of each month. Please watch for further details throughout the season.***

Cranbrook Northstar Rail Trail, Easy, 45Km, 400m, LyleOpseth (Friday, September 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Ride level: easy

Distance: 45 km

Pace: 18-21 km/h

Elevation Gain: 400m

Choose the ride option with the distance and pace you prefer. This is the easy ride.

Join us to cycle the Northstar Rail Trail pathway between Cranbrook and Marysville. This ride explores the historic Northstar Rail Trail at a relaxed pace, suitable for those cyclists participating in the Kootenays Fondo the next day. The trail is noted for gentle grades.

This shorter ride turns around at Marysville with a stop at the Timber Hitch Coffee Shop. You can also check out Marysville Falls a few blocks further down the road.

This ride starts at Moir Park and follows the paved pathway on the old railway right of way before returning the same way. If you decide to shorten the ride, please inform your coordinator. (We get it! There's a fondo tomorrow.)

Parking at Moir Park:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8jScUCBUxqfnz6S8A

Cranbrook Northstar Rail Trail, Int, 45Km, 400m, HeatherOpseth (Friday, September 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Heather Opseth

Ride level: intermediate

Distance: 45 km

Pace: 23-25 km/h

Elevation Gain: 400m

Choose the ride option with the distance and pace you prefer. This is the intermediate ride.

Join us to cycle the Northstar Rail Trail pathway between Cranbrook and Marysville. This ride explores the historic Northstar Rail Trail, suitable for those cyclists participating in the Kootenays Fondo the next day. The trail is noted for gentle grades.

This shorter ride turns around at Marysville with a stop at the Timber Hitch Coffee Shop. You can also check out Marysville Falls just a few more blocks down the road.

Parking at Moir Park:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8jScUCBUxqfnz6S8A

Cranbrook Northstar Rail Trail, Adv, 55Km, 500m, BobWestlake (Friday, September 11, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Bob Westlake

Ride level: advanced

Distance: 55 km

Pace: 23+ km/h

Elevation Gain: 500m

Choose the ride option with the distance and pace you prefer. This is the advanced ride.

Join us to cycle the Northstar Rail Trail pathway between Cranbrook and Kimberley. This ride explores the historic rail trail between Cranbrook and Kimberley.

This ride starts at Moir Park and follows the paved pathway on the old railway right of way before returning the same way.

We will be enjoying coffee and lunch in Kimberley. Or you can turn around at Rotary Park in Kimberley, shown on the map.

If you decide to shorten the ride, please inform your coordinator. (We get it! There's a fondo tomorrow.)

Parking at Moir Park:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8jScUCBUxqfnz6S8A

Cranbrook Touring Recovery Ride, Easy, 44km, 470m, SalFaoro (Sunday, September 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Sal Faoro

Ride level: easy

Distance: 44 km

Pace: 21-24 km/h

Elevation Gain: 470 m

Parking: Elizabeth Lake Lodge registrants will park at the lodge. All other cyclists will park at the nearby Confederation Ball Park.

Choose the ride option with the distance and pace you prefer.

Join us to explore scenic roads in and around Cranbrook for a recovery ride the day after the Kootenays Fondo. The rides are paced for cyclists who need an easier "recovery" day.

We will cycle new roads including Wycliffe Road through Wycliffe and St. Eugene.

This ride starts at the Cranbrook Confederation Ball Park in Cranbrook, just east of Elizabeth Lake Lodge on Wattsville Rd. Cyclists not staying at the lodge should park at the ball diamond and cyclists staying at the lodge should just cycle to the ball diamond parking lot to meet their group.

Meeting location map

Cranbrook Touring Recovery Ride, Int, 59km, 600m, HeatherLyle (Sunday, September 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Heather and Lyle Opseth

Ride level: intermediate

Distance: 59 km

Pace: 23-25 km/h

Elevation Gain: 600 m

Parking: Elizabeth Lake Lodge registrants will park at the lodge. All other cyclists will park at the nearby Confederation Ball Park.

Choose the ride option with the distance and pace you prefer. This ride is a longer distance with a moderate/intermediate pace.

Join us to explore scenic roads in and around Cranbrook for a recovery ride the day after the Kootenays Fondo. The rides are paced for cyclists who need an easier "recovery" day.

We will cycle new roads including Wycliffe Road through Wycliffe and St. Eugene, with a side trip out-and-back on Pighin Road.

Meeting location map

Cranbrook Touring, Adv, 59km, 625m, BobWestlake (Sunday, September 13, 2026)

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Bob Westlake

Ride level: advanced

Distance: 59 km

Pace: 25+ km/h

Elevation Gain: 625 m

Parking: Elizabeth Lake Lodge registrants will park at the lodge. All other cyclists will park at the nearby Confederation Ball Park.

Choose the ride option with the distance and pace you prefer.

Join us to explore scenic roads in and around Cranbrook for a recovery ride the day after the Kootenays Fondo. This is the advanced ride with the longest distance and fastest pace.

We will cycle new roads including Wycliffe Road through Wycliffe and St. Eugene. This longer tour additionally explores Pighin Road.

Meeting location map

Cranbrook Wardner-Fort Steele Rd, Int, 50/60Km, 540m, LyleOpseth (Monday, September 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Ride level: various

Distance: 60 km (50 km option)

Pace: 23-24 km/h

Elevation Gain: 540 m (430 m option)

You can choose to ride either the full 60 km ride or shorten it to 50 km. Faster cyclists will "self-guide".

Before returning to Calgary on Monday, join us to cycle Wardner Fort Steele Road.You may have missed this segment of the Kootenays Fondo if you did not cycle the full 152 km route.

The start of the ride is the Fort Steele Heritage Town parking lot, just off highway 93.

From the Fort Steele Heritage Town, we ride to the Wardner Fort Steele Road and follow it to the Kootenay Highway (93) and return the way we came. Riders wanting a shorter 50 km ride can turn around at the Bull River Inn.

Please inform your coordinator if you shorten the ride.

Fort Steele Heritage Town map:

Full distance route:

Shorter route option:

Tuesday Tuneup Springbank, Adv, 50km, 500m, HeatherOpseth (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Mark your calendar for a weekly Tuesday evening ride in Springbank! Specific ride details and registration will be posted/opened at the start of each month.

September rides are weather-dependent and will get shorter as the days get shorter.

Coordinator: Heather Opseth

Distance: 50 km

Level: For advanced/experienced road riders -- must be comfortable with paceline riding as a group.

Pace:

2-3 groups, based on number of participants.

Advanced group(s): 25-27 kph average speed

Advanced Plus group: 28-30+ kph average speed (self guided)

Note that the average speeds increase as the summer progresses!

Elevation Gain: 500 m

Description:

This is a weekly ride in Springbank, focused on scenic routes, hill training, and intervals where we crank up the intensity.

We will kick off the season with a series of hill training workouts in April and early May. As the summer gets underway, we focus on longer routes, exploring beautiful backroads of the area.

To keep it interesting we ride a different route each week!

Parking spot is the Eden Brook Funeral Home, off Lower Springbank Road. 24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary, AB T3Z 3K2 (see route map for exact location).

Newcomers welcome, however please contact the coordinator in advance if you are unsure about your skill or fitness level for the ride. Email: heather.opseth@icloud.com

There will be good company and a social atmosphere.

***Specific rides/routes and registration will be posted at the start of each month. Please watch for further details throughout the season.***