2025 GT Policies & Important Information

By registering for the GT, you are agreeing to abide by the following policies.

(In this section are policies and information that the organizers want to be absolutely sure that you understand and agree with before we accept your payment for the 2025 Golden Triangle.)

Preparedness

The Golden Triangle route over three days is a significant accomplishment for most cyclists.   Having a little reserve capacity at the finish each day is the difference between enjoying and simply enduring the event.

Most people find this a beautiful but challenging route, especially since it is early in the season. Inclement weather (frequent at these high elevations) can aggravate the situation. There are some very big hills and you cover over 100 km the first and second days. We suggest you ride at least 750 km prior to the GT, including at least one 100 km day. We want you to enjoy the experience and good conditioning helps.

A sore sit area is most cyclist’s nemesis.  This is probably not the event to find out that you don’t like a new saddle, the chamois padding in your shorts or bike set up. These are issues you need to resolve before the GT.

In some years the weather leading up to the GT is too windy, wet or cold to prepare riders with all the kilometres and climbing they need to be well trained. As a club we do our best to provide events preceding the GT that are of appropriate length and difficulty, but these are not guaranteed. 

To be honest, many of the GT participants are not in prime shape for the GT but have a base level of fitness that allows them to survive it comfortably.  Pace yourself, sleep well and reserve some of your energy/endurance for the third day. 

Cancellation policy

Payment in full is required on registration. Should anything prevent the event from running (e.g., in the event we don’t achieve a minimum registration), the event will be cancelled and a full refund will be issued by the club.  

In the event of participant cancellation, registrants will receive a refund if an alternate rider can be found to take their place.  If a replacement cannot be found, the refund will be determined based on the event’s final accounting with a break even objective.  

A wait list is maintained.

US Registrations

We will do our best to return any surpluses to our riders including US registrants.  If we can’t make these transfer’s we will offer the refunded amount as a credit on the next GT for those participants affected.

Event budget

Holding the GT this early in the year generally gives us less traffic and more hotel availability.  These benefits are offset by sometimes inclement spring training weather which can impact the number of participants.  We hope to fill the event (75 participants) but are prepared to run with fewer.  The break-even participation is 40 riders.

   

Fixed Costs:                                                $4800

• Luggage/hot springs shuttle,
• lunch/snack transportation,
• vehicle fuel,
• gear storage

 

Variable Costs:                                            $35-$60/participant

• Snacks and lunch

(range allows purchase of pre-made bag lunches--worst case)

 

Volunteer Costs:                                          $3042

(based on 7-9 volunteers)

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Parks passes
• Volunteer appreciation stipends

 Surplus funds will be refunded to participants after event.

Age restriction

We have had numerous families with children on tandems or in trailers complete this event.  We require adults to take responsibility for and ride with any youth (less than 18 years old).  Please contact the Coordinator (gtreg@elbowvalleycc.org) to discuss.

Members only

We require participants of our multi-day events to be members of the EVCC.

Personal support vehicles

A sweep vehicle will monitor for riders who need help with serious problems.

If you do have a team that wants to support you along the route each day, please ask them not to stop at the snack and lunch stops to meet you (there are many pull outs each day where they can wait for you). Extra vehicles at rest stops cause congestion and complicate arrival and departure for volunteers, cyclists and public trying to access the pit toilets.

Route challenges

Day 1

On the first day, the total distance is 120km and there are 2 climbs:

• The route starts with a slight downhill for 20 km to Castle Junction where riders turn right and head south up Vermillion Pass.
• Vermillion Pass climb starts at the 20km mark and averages 4.2% grade for 5 km (with a peak grade of 7.8%).  There is a snack stop at the top of the climb at Boom Lake parking lot.
• The second major climb of the day starts after the last snack stop and climbs 378m for 10 km at an average grade of 3.3% and peak grade of 7.3% to Sinclair Summit.

 Road conditions:

• The shoulder of Hwy 93 is in reasonable repair but watch for longitudinal (in line with travel) cracks in the shoulder asphalt about the width of a bicycle tire.  Most of these are on both sides of Vermillion Pass.
• At the top of Sinclair Pass (Olive Lake), bears are often sighted eating dandelions in the ditches.
• During the decent of Sinclair Summit, you will pass through a shoulder-less 2 lane wide tunnel just before the Radium Hot Springs pool.  There is a depressed drain grate on the far right side of the downhill lane inside the tunnel.  Take the middle of the lane before entering the tunnel.  The shoulder on the descent (before the tunnel) is usually quite gravelly from winter sanding.

Day 2

• The route along hwy 95 has low traffic, a new, wide shoulder and gentle hills through out.

 Day 3

• The first 25km of Hwy 1 east of Golden is wide, clean with a few short steep pitches rising 600m to the Yoho NP boundry (first snack stop).  Recent construction has widened the highway and reduced the grade. ($450 million over 4 years.)
• After the lunch stop in Field, Hwy 1 climbs Kicking Horse Pass for 5.2 km at an average grade of 5.7%.  The eastbound highway shoulder will have significant gravel on it.  This forces cyclists to ride left of the fog line for most of the ascent.  Be vigilant about checking for overtaking traffic before passing.   
  
• As you will note from the RWGPS route file for Day 3, the route now uses Hwy 1 east of Lake Louise.  There is no access to our finish area from the Bow Valley Parkway.

Safety

Safety is a primary concern on this tour. We expect all participants to ride safely and cooperatively, showing courtesy to traffic and other visitors in the parks.

·         Helmets are mandatory.

·         Brightly coloured clothing is recommended to increase your visibility.

·         All riders are expected to bring the tools and know-how to fix a flat tire or make minor bike adjustments/repairs.

·         Weather in the mountains at this time of year can be highly unpredictable. You are likely to experience a mix of sunny, warm, cold, wet, and sometimes snowy conditions. It is critical that you carry appropriate clothing for these conditions.

·         First aid kits will be available in the food and sweep vehicles. Please note that the volunteers cannot dispense medication. Please bring your own medication.

·         Practice riding in “bad” weather and test that you have the right clothing for it – you are likely to experience cold, wet conditions at some point on the GT.  Old adage; “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.”

·         Check out the EVCC event calendar for Spring training rides starting in late March or early April

Passing

Always scan behind (a.k.a. a “shoulder check”) before passing to ensure that you are not about to be passed by an automobile or another cyclist.

When passing other riders, always do so on their left, never on the other rider’s right side (they are not expecting you there and need the area to their right for evasive manoeuvres).

Shout out “passing” or “on your left” 3-5 seconds before passing (or ring your bell).  

Pace lines

Riding closely behind others (drafting) is discouraged on the GT.  It is very easy to lose concentration and bring down a whole group of cyclists. Many accidents in previous years have occurred when drafting – injuries included road rash, broken wrists and hips.

Fitness and training

This is a challenging ride both in distance and elevation changes -- weather conditions are typical of mountainous areas i.e. changeable on short notice (pack rain gear).  Riders should feel confident that they can successfully complete each day.  The Club often posts several long rides each spring which can function as GT training rides as well. 

Mechanical Assistance

There will be no official mechanic on this year’s ride.  We will do our best to keep the bikes going.  Riders unable to continue because of mechanical failure will be picked up by the sweep vehicle.  Please carry tools, bring parts you may need and be familiar with your bike.

RWGPS navigation

Navigation of the GT route is by Ride With GPS navigation Route Files.  We do not post way finding signage along the route except “Fuel Stop” signs at the entrances to snack and lunch stops.

The 3 daily route file links are below in the event details.  Many cyclists have alternative navigation apps that either run on their phones or on dedicated GPS devices.  Conversions of RWGPS route files are possible for these apps and devices, but must be done in advance and often require the desktop RWGPS app that runs on Windows or Mac.

The only way to get the turn by turn voice navigation for the GT route files is by installing the free app on your mobile phone and follow the instructions on our website under the Members tab to register with the EVCC’s RWGPS account. Doing so gives you special access to RWGPS and the route files that you download come with turn by turn audible directions when used on your mobile phone.

 

General information about the 2025 Golden Triangle Tour

The Golden Triangle (GT) is a three-day bike tour in the beautiful mountainous terrain of Banff, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks. Starting at Castle Junction in Banff, AB, the ride takes you in a great loop through Radium Hot Springs, B.C., Golden, B.C, and back to Castle Junction where you will cycle beneath hanging glaciers, beside white water, turquoise lakes, big horned sheep, maybe a bear and usually lots of dandelions. 

After your first big day in the saddle you’ll have a chance to relax and rejuvenate in the historic Radium Hot Springs pools and relive the day with other participants. 

You’ll cover 320 km and climb over 3,200 m cumulative elevation gain – but it’s not an endurance contest or a race. The GT is purely a recreational and social event with some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada. 

We are in the process of planning another Golden Triangle for last weekend of May 2025 for up to 75 riders.

If you are one of the many who have enjoyed this tour prior to 2020, you will note several changes.  Since 1984, this event occurred during the Victoria Day long weekend in May.  Subsequently we found that the traffic was significantly lighter and the hotels/motels more available on non-long weekends.  Riders can take a more relaxed approach to the shorter third day (enjoy breakfast) because there is no need to leave early to beat the “Alberta wave” holiday traffic eastbound out of Golden.

During the Trans Canada Highway construction east of Golden, Parks Canada withdrew the Special Event Status for the GT.  We are still operating on the new status which limits the size of the event and where participants can park.

Registration Fee ($260.00) Includes

• Luggage transfers 
• Snacks and lunches for 3 days
• On road support
• Hot springs shuttle from Radium
• Travel, meals and accommodations for volunteers

Not Included

• Hotels (camping is no longer available at Legend’s Field in Radium but is available at the municipal campground in Golden)
• Breakfasts and suppers 
• Parks passes for vehicles parked at Lake Louise Overflow parking lot (yes, you will need one)

Start and Finish Location

Please note that this ride starts and finishes at the Lake Louise Overflow Parking Area. (Overflow relates to the Lake Louise Campground.)  This parking area is not marked, is about 6 km east of Lake Louise turnoff and is on the south side of Hwy 1.  There is a median crossing of Hwy 1 if you know to watch for it, otherwise turn around at Lake Louise exit and approach from the west.  Check it out on Google satellite view. 

Parking & Luggage Shuttle

Turn right into the unpaved portion of the parking lot.

We can park there for the weekend for free and suggest you put a note on your dash saying you are in the EVCC GT until May 25.  You will need a 3 day parks pass to park there legally.

 Look for our volunteer, Bob, and his clip board when you drop your baggage off at the luggage truck.  He will check you in and give you a card to put on your vehicle’s dash board.

 Accommodations and Luggage

Accommodation arrangements are the responsibility of the registrant.

Due to dwindling demand, we no longer offer a camping option.

Luggage will be carried in the 5m long luggage truck and delivered to the Radium Prestige and Golden Travelodge hotels.  You will need to arrange a local shuttle for your luggage (or use a backpack) if you stay elsewhere than these hotels. 

We recommend a couple of small pieces of luggage instead of one huge duffle bag.  (Travelodge in Golden does not have elevators.) Participants will be responsible for loading and unloading the luggage truck (there is a metal ramp).  Please move your baggage as far forward as you can and leave an aisle in the middle with baggage to either side.  Clearly mark your baggage so we know who’s is who’s.

We ask riders to make a priority of unloading their baggage (instead of going for a beer) so that we can close and lock the luggage truck as soon as possible each day.

When choosing your accommodation, note the elevation.  Some of these businesses are quite a climb from where we drop the luggage off (e.g., Wyndham hotel in Golden).  RWGPS is a good resource for this research.

Hotel rates generally increase as their remaining number of available rooms decreases.  This happens faster in Radium due to an annual soccer tournament that coincides with GT. 

The rate at Radium Prestige (May 23) was $243 tax and fees in when this event was posted in early January.  There are better deals in Radium (try Mountain Springs next door) but they have a large parking lot for the luggage truck.

The rate at Golden Travelodge (May 24) was $192 tax in when I booked for the volunteers.  Their complimentary breakfast starts at 7am and they have a hot tub and pool.  Note that the online and central reservation service for Travelodge is not reliable.  It is best to phone the hotel directly (number below) and make your reservation.

(We tried in the past to get preferential rates at these hotels, but the rates we were offered were the same as online rates available to the general public.)

Prestige Inn Radium (250) 347-2300

Travelodge Golden (250) 344-2915

If you would like to share a room with someone else, please email gtreg@elbowvalleycc.org and let us know.  We will let others who would also like to share a room know and hopefully every one who wants a room mate will find one.

Rider Support

Riders should be competent to ride the distance in changing weather conditions and to carry out minor repairs.  There will be a sweep vehicle which will also support riders who may be having difficulty reaching the finish each day.  However we expect all participants to be able to complete each day well within the limits of their endurance.

- E bike riders must ensure that they have sufficient battery capacity to complete the ride each day. There may be no charging facilities on-route. 

Riders needing assistance should wait on the right side of the highway (truck pull outs often have porta-potties) and leave their bikes in clear view from the highway.  Mobile phone coverage is spotty to non-existent along the daily routes. 

Because riders leave from their hotels each morning, GT organizers have no way of knowing when all participants are under way.  If you are delayed in leaving town on a given day, please phone the organizer (403-971-7061) and leave a message to that effect with an estimated time of departure or that you may not be able to finish the day due to injury etc.  Also try to leave word with riding companions who can warn GT volunteers at food stops who the stragglers might be.

Getting GT-ready!

This is a challenging ride early in the season – to ensure you enjoy it fully, make time for good preparation. Recommendations from past participants:

·         Beat the rush – take your bike for a full Spring tune-up as soon as possible, and check you have all the tools and supplies you will need (e.g., spare tubes, pump (or C02 carts), lube, etc.)

·         Start cycling indoors or outdoors at least 8 weeks before the event

·         Rides should include a build-up of distance and hill climbing – do at least one 100+ km ride with 500+ m elevation gain before the event

·         Sit area soreness may mean a new saddle and/or different shorts/chamois pad and use of chamois butter/cream to resolve

Food stops typical menus

There are 3 food stops on the first and third days and 2 on the 2nd day.  On past events we’ve provided baked goods (bagels, banana bread, granola bars etc.), custom made sandwiches and wraps, fresh fruit (oranges, bananas, apples), water, gatorade, chocolate milk, fruit juice, etc.  We suggest participants bring their own cups, plates and utensils to reduce garbage creation. If you have a food allergy, please let Liz Jamieson, our food crew lead, know liz.h.jamieson@gmail.com.

Breakfasts/suppers

When our groups were larger, we had service groups provide breakfasts and suppers for the group.  Participants are on their own to find breakfast and supper each day.  Between hotels and fast food vendors, getting fed is pretty quick and there is variety. 

Travelodge Motel in Golden provides a complementary breakfast.

 

Hotsprings Shuttle

A shuttle van will deliver riders from the Prestige Hotel in Radium

back and forth to the Hotsprings from 4PM till 9PM. Meet outside the front entrance to the Prestige Hotel.

Map links

Download the 3 route files and check that they are in your mobile app  library in the offline section for the 3 files.  If you want the route files on your dedicated GPS device, follow the tutorials on the RWGPS website to do this.

Day 1 (Lake Louise to Radium – 124 kms)

Friday, May 23 8:00 AM – Bring your bike to the Lake Louise Overflow parking area.  Parking is free and we suggest you place a note on your dash with your return date. (There is no longer overnight parking for us at Castle Junction).   You can register then load your baggage in the luggage truck and start your ride.  The route is down hill east bound on Hwy 1 to the Hwy 93 south exit (20 km) where we turn south (right) and climb to the first snack stop at Boom Lake (27 km). Subsequent lunch and snack stops are at Wardle Creek (70km) and Kootenay River (100km). See RWGPS route file.   

The luggage truck will park at the Prestige Hotel in Radium. Participants can pick up their baggage and stay where ever they wish in Radium but will be responsible for moving their luggage there.  The truck will remain at the Prestige for loading the next morning.  The Prestige has a large parking lot for the truck.

A shuttle service to the Radium Hotsprings will be provided (see Hotsprings Shuttle above).

Day 2 (Radium  to Golden – 106 kms)

Saturday, May 24 – Find your breakfast at the hotel or in town, load your baggage at the Prestige hotel and hit the road north on Hwy 95 for Golden.  Enjoy the wide shoulders on Hwy 95 which were widened in 2021 to accommodate the construction closures on Hwy 1.  We will provide one snack stop and a snack stop at the Spilimachine Rest Area (34km) and lunch at Braisher Creek Rest Area (78km) (see RWGPS route file).   Luggage will be delivered to the Travelodge in Golden (north end of Golden on west side of Hwy 1).

Last year we found the Travelodge was a good value and included a complimentary breakfast though we left before it opened.  (If you wish to stay elsewhere, you will need to arrange your own luggage transfer to and from the Travelodge where luggage will be loaded again Sunday morning.)

Day 3 (Golden to Lake Louise – 87 kms)

Sunday, May 25 – Find your breakfast at the hotel or in town, load your luggage in the truck at the Travelodge and hit the road for Lake Louise. (Travelodge offers a free breakfast)

After climbing and descending on the wide shoulders along the newly finished stretch east of Golden, the first snack stop is at the Yoho Park Gate (27 km).  The second stop for lunch is at the Field visitor center (55 km).  Then the climb over Kicking Horse Pass (gravel on shoulder) and down to Lake Louise.  Final snacks will be served at the finish in the Lake Louise Over Flow parking area (87 km). 

 

Thank you,

 

Don Hollingshead

GT event Coordinator

gtreg@elbowvalleycc.org

403-971-7061