Moraine Lake from Castle Junction, intermediate+, 82K, Lyle O

         ROAD RIDE - INTERMEDIATE+ ( DISTANCE AND HILLS)

Distance: 82 Km

Pace: 22-25 kph

Elevation Gain: 1,140 m

Ride format: No sweep, limited stops

Route description:

NOTE: Alternate parking is at the Rockbound Lake trailhead. Now that 1A is open to Johnston canyon, the parking lot is accessible. At the Castle Mountain junction with 1A, turn right towards Johnston Canyon and the trailhead parking lot is about 300 metres down the road on the left. We will still meet at the hostel parking lot for the safety moment and to start the ride.

NOTE: Should the ride need to be canceled due to smoke, I will reschedule for next week depending on the weather forecast.

A day in the mountains, starting at Castle Junction. We will then travel through the Lake Louise townsite where you can pick up water and food, then climb up towards Lake Louise as far as the Moraine Lake Road and ride the road to the end where we can have lunch at Moraine Lake. We will then return the same way. For those not familiar with this ride, we have two cattle guards to cross two times when we cross over highway 1 on the Lake Louise Dr/1A overpass. There are now traffic lights on the overpass and in the townsite.

Options depending on the registrants abilities and desires include a side trip to Lake Louise before heading to Moraine Lake and a side trip to the Lake Louise ski resort on the return for those who feel they didn't get enough climbing. The distances added are minimal but the climbing is not.

This is a more advanced intermediate ride due to the distance coupled with the elevation.

Parking and meeting spot:

Parking is on the right hand side (East side) of the road into Castle Junction from Hwy 1. It is a loop next to the Hostel, as pinpointed on the route map. Do not park at the gas station, the chalets, or on the roadside - you may be ticketed. This parking spot can fill up so we will have an earlier start to ensure our group is able to get parking. Don't forget your park pass. 

As stated above, use the Rockbound Lake trailhead if the hostel parking lot is full. The meeting spot will still be in the hostel parking lot.

Time:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early
• Pre-ride huddle and safety moment at 8:55
• Wheels rolling at 9:00 a.m.  
• Out of respect for those who arrive on time, we won't wait for latecomers.

Social elements:

• Multiple photo ops along the way
• Longer stop to snack and soak up the atmosphere at Moraine Lake
• Apres-ride social (tailgate party) at Castle Junction following our ride.

Safety:

• Please ensure your contact info is up to date in the system before the ride -- including your cell phone number and emergency contact. 
• However, please note some parts of the route do not have cell service.
• Bring your own tools, spare tubes, etc
• Consider bringing bear spray
• We need to cross cattle guards four times