Elbow Valley Cycle Club upcoming events

Ice Cream Run to Cochrane, Int, 50km, 490m, Bill Stilwell (Monday, July 27, 2026)

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Road Ride: Intermediate

Coordinator: Bill Stilwell

Distance: 50 km

Elevation: +490 m

Pace: 18-22 kph

We will stop and regroup immediately AFTER we have passed through junctions to ensure we stay connected and cause the least possible confusion for vehicle drivers. One the return for safety we will turn right at the traffic lights when exiting the 1A highway as opposed to crossing lanes to get into the left turn lane and cross proceed on the green light.

We will be rolling out from Shane YMCA in Rocky Ridge.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the start.
We will gather and enter MacKays Ice Cream in a group.
We will have a "tailgate" in the parking lot so bring a seat, snack and libation
Bring a light lunch, snacks, and water. We can use the washrooms in the Y
please click on the event and click on registered and follow directions to cancel. This allows others to replace you if they wish and keeps the coordinator up to date.
In the event of wildfire smoke being present on the day or forecasted to be present during our ride the coordinator will email you to cancel or reschedule no later than 9:00 p.m. Sunday July 26

Tuesday Tuneup Springbank, Adv, 50km, 500m, HeatherOpseth (Tuesday, July 28, 2026)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Bragg Creek Ice Cream Ride, Int, 50km, 520m, LyleOpseth (Wednesday, July 29, 2026)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Tour of the Foothills, 129km, Int/Adv, RonanCulligan (Saturday, August 01, 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Coordinator: Ronan Culligan

Level Ride: Intermediate/Advanced

Distance: 129km

Elevation gain: 1257m

Pace: 25-30km/hr

E-bikes: No e-bikes

Starting at the Bragg Creek community center, we will get moving at 9am sharp. Bring snacks, fluids, repair kits.

We will stop for a regroup and snack break in both Turner Valley and in Priddis. We will split into different groups to accommodate everyone's pace levels.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE MAP TO YOU BIKE COMPUTERS

Thank you gemini for this description of the route.

This is an absolutely classic, incredibly scenic, and physically demanding road cycling loop through the rolling foothills of Southern Alberta. It offers a fantastic mix of punchy climbs, sweeping descents, and postcard-perfect views of the Rocky Mountain front range.

The entire loop spans roughly 70 to 75 kilometers with a significant amount of rolling elevation gain. Here is a breakdown of what to expect stage-by-stage:

Stage 1: Bragg Creek to Diamond Valley via Highway 762

Distance: ~32 km
Terrain: Rollercoaster hills, excellent pavement, minimal shoulder.

Setting out south from the hamlet of Bragg Creek, you immediately hit Highway 762. This section is famous among local cyclists for its "rollercoaster" topography. The road has excellent, smooth pavement, but it features very little shoulder, so riding single-file and using high-visibility gear is highly recommended.

You will grind up several punchy, short climbs and get rewarded with sweeping, high-speed descents. To your right (west), you'll get stunning, unobstructed views of the jagged Rockies over rolling ranch lands. Highway 762 eventually dead-ends into Highway 549. You’ll hang a left (east) onto 549, and then quickly hook onto Highway 22 South to coast right into Diamond Valley (formerly Turner Valley/Black Diamond).

Stage 2: Diamond Valley North to Priddis via 176 Street (and Highway 22)

Distance: ~25 km
Terrain: Flat-to-rolling agricultural valleys, transitioning to tree-lined hills.

Leaving Diamond Valley, you will head north. While you can take the busier Highway 22, routing onto 176 Street W (which runs parallel just to the east or weaves through the local grid) offers a much quieter, more serene rural experience.

As you head north toward the hamlet of Priddis, the wide-open ranch vistas of the south begin to transition into the denser, tree-lined foothills of the Elbow Valley. The grades here are generally gentler than the dramatic rollers of Highway 762, allowing you to settle into a steady, rhythmic cadence. You will eventually pass near the Priddis Greens area as you approach the intersection with Plummers Road.

Stage 3: The Return via Plummers Road to Highway 762

Distance: ~15–18 km
Terrain: Heavy climbing, quiet backroads, technical descent.

Turning west onto Plummers Road signals the start of the toughest leg of the journey. Plummers Road is a gorgeous, quiet, but notoriously challenging stretch of tarmac.

The Grind: You will be riding straight back toward the mountains, meaning you are trending strictly uphill. You'll pass the boundary of Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, a heavily forested area where the road snakes through tight, steep climbs.
The Payoff: Once you summit the highest points of Plummers Road, you are treated to deep-woods scenery and massive, sudden reveals of the mountain skyline.

Plummers Road eventually terminates right back at Highway 762. You will turn right (north) onto 762 for the final stretch. Luckily, the momentum is mostly on your side here; you'll enjoy a predominantly downhill, fast, and winding descent right back into the flats of the Bragg Creek provincial land, finishing up exactly where you started.

Tuesday Tuneup Springbank, Adv, 50km, 500m, HeatherOpseth (Tuesday, August 04, 2026)

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Hayride Fondo 2026 (Saturday, August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Hayride Fondo 2026, Intermediate, 45km, 320m, GarryDenman (Saturday, August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 16:15:00 GMT

Join Us

Saturday, August 16th

For The 2026 Hayride Fondo!

Ride and Apres-ride Social

Ready to ride time: 10:15 am Saturday August 8, 2026

Ride level: Intermediate.

Coordinator: Garry Denman

Distance: 45 km. regrouping at most intersections so no one is left behind.

Pace: 18 - 22 km/hr.

Elevation gain / loss: 320 meters.

E-bikes: welcome

Bring: water, lunch / snacks, flat repair kit.

Meeting place/parking:

The starting point for this event is west of Heritage Point Plaza at the soccer field parking. Kindly use this area for parking: https://goo.gl/maps/mM6gToZwe5yb6oU39

Apres-ride social: Please leave your vehicle at the soccer field and walk to the Stockman's restaurant & lounge for after the ride social.

Tuesday Tuneup Springbank, Adv, 50km, 500m, HeatherOpseth (Tuesday, August 11, 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

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

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

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

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

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:

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

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

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

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

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

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

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:

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

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