Water Valley Loop

Okay – let’s get the obvious out of the way. Inactivity ends, blog resumes. Done.

 

Gravel… don’t call it a gravel grinder. Gravel is what cross bikes have been used for between the months of January-May for as long I can remember. Simply put, their versatility lets you access terrain that is far more scenic and diverse than that of road bikes alone. And no other ride demonstrates that to the stunning effect of Water Valley.

 

Water Valley began as a legend. I think it was Craig, maybe Keith too. 220km from Calgary back to Calgary, traditionally on the Easter weekend. Certainly the adventure riding rite of passage every year – especially last year: http://beefonabunnin.blogspot.ca/2014/04/water-valley-spring-classic-report.html

 

This time, the weather was warmer, the conditions faster (possibly ideal), and the fitness sufficiently high that 3 of us covered 144Km in 5:00hrs with nothing more than a Bottle, 1 bar, 1 gel, and a PB&J. Part of this was due to ideal conditions “hero gravel” that made road tires easy rolling for at least 95% of the unpaved portion. The other part comes from a short drive to begin from Big Hill Springs Shell Station – trading a little epic for more enjoyment and fresher legs when the ride reaches its peak of altitude and scenery.

 

And what scenery. I previously have only ridden WV in late winter or late summer, and in the spring this ride reminded me that we have such incredible riding not far from home here, and that this might just be the best of them all. The terrain alternates between fully treed roadsides, long climbs sweeping in and out of valleys, sandstone outcroppings, wild horse sightings, and a double summit above 5200 feet. Photos from a cell phone don’t really do it justice.

 

One thing remains the same: when you say “Water Valley”, you should always say “weather” in the same sentence. Maybe it is the remoteness, or the path of incoming weather - but this ride has a surprise in store every time. A 30-minute rainstorm treated Erik, Devin and I on the return from Trunk Rd 40. Fortunately just after the last gravel section.

 

We are going to try holding a race on this same loop June 13/14 2015. I think it has the makings of a great course and probably the most challenging on-day race in Alberta. Tell your friends.