Cayley - Bar U Ranch Loop, Int, 79km, 720m, Mike Wingham

Coordinator:   Mike Wingham
Distance:  79km
Cumulative Elevation Gain:  720m (RWGPS 826m is incorrect)
Type of Ride:  Intermediate gravel ride on 80% gravel, 20% paved.  Effort-wise, this ride is about equivalent to a 100km road ride with 1000m climbing.
Type of Bike:  Recommended is a bike with at least 32mm-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 bit.
Anticipated Pace:  15-18 km/hr overall, slower uphill, faster downhill and on paved surface.
Duration:  5½-6½ hours total, 4-4½ 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 722 Ave E just west of 88 St E.  Access is via the 722 Ave exit from Hwy 2 (poorly signed!), 6.5km south of the Cayley exit.  There are no facilities here.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9E5jofh5412yhTUU7

From the start, we head mainly west through open ranch land and farmland, eventually turning SW to the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, where we'll have lunch, refill water bottles, and have a look around - https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ab/baru.  You may want to bring a lightweight bike lock for this stop.  National Park Pass not needed since we'll only be accessing the washrooms and snack bar.  At this point we've completed a little under half the distance and a little over half the climbing.

The return route takes us south on Hwy 22 (busy, narrow shoulder) for 9km, then east on gravel for the rest of the way back to Houlton's Corner.  The first 3.5km after Hwy 22 climbs 130m, but it's mainly downhill or flat after that.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52765463