The "Classic" Springbank to Jumping Pound gas plant, int, 61 km, Lyle O

Road Ride: Intermediate

Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Distance: 61 km

Elevation: 646 m

Pace: 22-25 km/h

E-Bikes: yes

Parking: Springbank for All Seasons soccer field parking

We will park on the west side of Range Road 33 using the parking lot for the soccer fields. This ride has proved popular this year and there isn't enough visitor parking in the usual paved parking lot as it is also a school day.

Many of you have been wondering when the first classic EVCC Jumping Pound Gas Plant ride of the season will happen. The rest of you are wondering what the fuss is all about: A trip to a gas plant? You can't be serious...can you? Well, wonder no more.

It's not the gas plant that makes this trip what it is. That's just the turnaround point. It's the scenery. There are four climbs of significance to keep your legs trained for the upcoming Highwood Pass rides starting about a week later. The high points of this tour give us great valley views and views of the (still) snow-capped mountains to the west. (You want more views like last Thursday's Priddis/Kew rides? Then get a few more on this ride.)

We will stop at the picnic tables by the gas plant for a social lunch. Bring a sandwich or an energy bar or something else--your choice. (NB: There is no opportunity to purchase water or food on this ride.)

There is 4.8 km of gravel road on this route after we cross highway 22 on Springbank Road but don't let that dissuade you. Most of us ride this on road bikes. I've done it with 23 mm tires. (OK, this year I'll be on 28 mm tires but that's just coincidence.) (There is also 100 metres of gravel on Hackamore Trail.)

Join me for this 61 km version intermediate-level paced ride from Springbank For All Seasons. Keep your legs tuned for Highwood Pass and don't let Bill S's "Klimb a Kilo" training ride go to waste.

Bring your lawn chair for a tailgate party at the end.

Park in the soccer fields parking lot (gravel) on the west side of Range Road 33, across the road from Springbank For All Seasons as noted above.