The Range Frontier South Loop, Adv, 89km, 1360m, Mike Wingham

[MW Both this route and the Lyndon Creek / Porcupine Hills route have significant stretches of clay surface so should only be done after 1 week of dry weather, and when the forecast high is in the very low 20s due to lack of water en route.]

Coordinator:   Mike Wingham
Distance:  89km
Cumulative Elevation Gain:  1400m
Type of Ride:  Advanced gravel ride on 100% gravel.  Ride is rated Advanced due to distance and cumulative elevation gain.  Effort-wise, this ride is about equivalent to a 150km road ride with 1500m climbing.
Type of Bike:  Recommended is a bike with at least 38mm-wide treaded tires and low range climbing gears, e.g. gravel bike, mountain bike, or eBike versions thereof.  If you'll be on pedals that require shoe cleats, the shoes should be MTB-style with the cleat recessed into the tread, since you may end up walking a fair bit.
Additional Gear:  We'll be in bear country, so please bring bear spray.  If you don't have any, let me know and I can lend you some.
Anticipated Pace:  15-18 km/hr overall, slower uphill, faster downhill
Duration:  6½-8 hours total, 5-6 hours moving time
We will regroup at all intersections or every 15 minutes.  No one will be left behind.

PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO START TIME TO GET YOU AND YOUR BIKE READY

We park on the north side of Township Road 101A, about 100m west of Range Road 14 (where the shoulder is not too steep), which is about 4km east of Hwy 22.  There are no facilities here; it's best to stop in Longview on your way in.  And there are outhouses at the Maycroft Provincial Recreation area (just west of the intersection of Hwy 22 and TWP 101A).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/x1URw3eVSMvmvpaw5

This route is the new South Loop extension of the 2025 "The Range Frontier" gravel race - https://thegravelexperience.com/pages/routes_the_range.  About 25km is in the Porcupine Hills Public Land Use Zone; the remainder is in cattle and agriculture lands.  The section from km 15-30 is clay surface, and may be somewhat rutted.  There is no potable or treatable water available along the route, so bring enough water for the entire day; at the very least 2L.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51832382