Sheep River Falls/Junction Ck - Int 77 km - Vic U

Coordinator: Vic 

       Difficulty: intermediate

Distance: 77 Km (intermediate)

Pace: 22-25 kph (intermediate)

Elevation: 851 m (advanced, two ~18% grade climbs)

Ride format: No sweep, limited stops

E-Bikes: Yes

Parking and Meeting Place:  library/community centre in Turner Valley

Route description:

A hilly and scenic ride in the beautiful Sheep River Valley. We ride up the Sheep River Road (Hwy 546) from the Flare & Derrick Community Center in the town now known as Diamond Valley, to the Junction Ck day use area at the end of the road where we loop around and return, the road is closed to motor vehicles from Sandy McNabb to the turnaround until May 15. On the way back, we stop at the Sheep River Falls viewpoint (see map; approximately 41.5 km) for a lunch break.

As this is an out-and-back ride on an obvious route  no sweep will be in effect. Be aware there is a significant hill to climb out of the aptly named Gorge Creek and there are a number of cattleguards to cross. There are no services available along the route so be prepared with enough food and water for the ride, also be equipped and able to change your own flat tire if needed. As this is bear country consider carrying bear spray.

Social elements:

• Lunch stop at Sheep Falls on the return (at 41.6 km)
• Tailgate at Turner Diamond Valley following our ride.

Safety:

• Bring your own tools, spare tubes, etc.
• Consider bringing bear spray.
• We need to cross cattle guards several times.
• There is no cell service for much of the ride
• Steep climbs/descents when we cross the bridge at 30.2 km and again at 46.8 km.