Castle Junction to Moraine Lake, Int, 87km, 1183m, LyleOpseth

Coordinator: Lyle Opseth

Distance: 87 Km

Pace: 20-25 kph

Difficulty:

Pace: intermediate

Distance: intermediate

Elevation Gain: 1183 m advanced (steep climbs)

E-Bikes: Yes. E-bikes are permitted but must be able to do the distance. You must also be willing to pull me up the steep climbs. (I'll supply the bungie cord.)

Route description:

Water and food can be picked up in Lake Louise townsite, Baker Creek Lodges and Lake Louise (the lake). Laggan's is always a popular spot for treats.

Parking: Parking is in the public parking lot by the Castle Mountain hostel across from the Castle Mountain Lodges. Do not use the lodges' parking lot or the hostel's parking lot (behind the public parking lot).

Tailgate party after the ride in the parking lot. You can buy food and drinks at the Castle Mountain Junction if you forget to bring them or ate and drank it all on the ride.

• Consider carrying bear spray. Also watch for bear jams, elk jams, etc. Jams can be more dangerous than bears.
• There are areas on 1A and Moraine Lake Road without cell service. (Who needs music streaming when cycling in the mountains anyway?)
• Be self-sufficient; carry tools and be prepared to perform simple bike maintenance. Have your bike in good maintenance. Moraine Lake Rd is closed to regular vehicles so we can't get you.
• Due to the distance and remoteness, ensure your e-bike battery will last or be prepared to pedal harder. I'm not pulling you even if you did pull me up the hills.
• Moraine Lake Road is closed to most cars but open to bicycles and buses. Bow Valley Parkway (highway 1A) is open to cars but generally has light traffic. So we are never really alone.
• There are cattle guards ("Texas gates") to cross between Lake Louise townsite and highway 1A. (I've never seen cattle in Banff but I guess there's always a first time.)
• Steep climb/descent along Lake Louise Drive between the townsite and the lake (approximately 4 km) with a narrow shoulder and also at other locales. We are in the mountains of course. ("Weee" on the downhills!!! Grunts on the uphills.)