Big-Little Elbow MTB Loop 47km

Coordinator:   Mike W
Type of Ride:  MTB Intermediate, with short hike to Tombstone Lakes
Distance:  47km
Cumulative Elevation Gain:  1100m
Anticipated Pace:  15 km/hr overall, slower uphill, faster downhill
Duration:  5 hours moving time, 7-7½ hours including stops.
We will regroup at intersections or every 15 minutes.  No one will be left behind.

PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO START TIME TO GET YOU AND YOUR BIKE READY

This is a 43km backcountry mountain bike loop plus a 4km out-and back hike to Tombstone Lakes about halfway through the ride.  We start and end at the Little Elbow Provincial Recreation Area Trailhead Parking, located about 500m beyond Forgetmenot Pond, at the end of Hwy 66.  We'll be doing the loop clockwise.  The riding surface is a combination of gravel, dirt, and rock.  To get to Tombstone Lakes, we'll leave our bikes near the Tombstone Backcountry Campground (bring a lock if you wish) and hike up the well-maintained trail to Tombstone Lakes (bikes not allowed).  It's a 4km hike out and back, with a 180m elevation gain.

There are no facilities along the entire route.  You'll need to bring all the water and food you'll need for the entire trip.  There will be streams en route for water refills, but it's up to you to determine if and how to purify it.  There are outhouses where we park.

Participants should ensure their bikes are in excellent condition and bring along more drink, food, clothing, safety, repair, and first aid gear than they would normally bring on a road ride.  You should also bring bear spray.  We will regroup at intersections or every 15 minutes or so, whichever is more frequent.