Cancelled: Symons Valley Ranch to Madden Loop, 87 km, Int, Lyle O

         Harvest Gold: Symons Valley Ranch to Madden loop counterclockwise

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Difficulty:

Distance: 87 km (intermediate)

Pace: 23-27 km/h (intermediate+)

Elevation Gain: 757 m (intermediate+)

E-Bikes: Yes

<Cranky Anonymous Member>: I see there are others impersonating me. See? That proves it! My complaining works. Others are trying now too! OK, getting back to the most important person to me, namely me. You have cancelled rides other than the June Banff ride due to bad weather and rescheduled it during ICYMI. Remember that Symons Valley Ranch Road to Madden loop ride that got cancelled in April due to snow? I do! Well, I don't remember the ride; I remember you cancelling it. You need to reschedule it because I missed it, the same as the others who registered.  Also, I see that you scheduled the Drumheller badlands ride that I strongly suggested. Good for you for scheduling it BUT you scheduled it three weeks ahead. You scheduled it and your Banff ride during a heat wave! I can't believe it. What's wrong with you? And how can you be sure it won't be windy in Drumheller as I indicated. You should know by now that I don't like wind. Keep that in mind for next time.

<Coordinator>: Another coordinator did the SVR/Madden ride a few weeks after I cancelled it when the weather was better. You missed that I take it. Then I did an extended version of it for the Canola Fondo. Again you missed it. Well, this may be your last chance. As for scheduling rides, many people need advance notice to make rides, especially out-of-town rides. So Banff and Drumheller were scheduled way ahead and we get what we get. Who would have guessed the hottest days of summer would be the end of August and start of September! Fortunately, we have lots of opportunities on that ride to refill our water bottles. Besides, I thought you were complaining that winter was coming to Banff soon when you demanded I reschedule the ride.

The long range forecast suggests cooler weather after Labour Day so the temperature for this ride should be comfortable.

Route description:

We will go counterclockwise. We start on 766 but we will avoid the big climb up on 766 and use Mountain View Road and 566 instead. Mountain View Rd is the first right on 766, then left on 566 and right back onto 766 at the top of the hill. This route is less steep and avoids the busy part of 766 for the steep climb. 766 rapidly becomes much quieter past this point. Regroup at Goldenrod Community Centre (hwy 766 and hwy 567). Continue onto Madden for a short snack stop at the community centre. You can get drink and washrooms at the next door golf course.

We then continue briefly north of Madden to Township Rd 290 and turn left, continuing west onto 766. 766 goes west then south as Lochend Rd for about 28 km when we turn left (east) onto Township 262 to return to Symons Valley Road (766). Be familiar with the route or load the map onto your GPS if you plan to ride ahead.

There is no sweep for this ride.

Tailgate party following the ride subject to weather conditions.