Touring - Calgary to Kananaskis - route advice

This Monday I will be attending a conference in Kananaskis, Alberta. I fly into Calgary and instead of taking the bus to Kananaskis with everone else I'm going to bring my Montague and ride instead.

Google maps gives me two routes, one on the TransCanada Hwy at 109 km, the other via Cochrane at 123 km. I'm hoping someone from the Calgary area can tell me if the longer route is worth taking to avoid the TransCanada. Also I wouldn't mind some information about what to expect about the terrain. I've driven through the general area so I expect it to be reasonably flat until I start to approach Kananaskis, then more hills but more detailed information would help me know what to expect.

I'll be travelling fairly light since I can get my friends to carry most of my stuff and I'm hoping the trip shouldn't take much more than 6 or 7 hours. Am I dreaming? My normal 30 km ride along the waterfront in hilly Victoria on a road bike takes about an hour and I have toured unsupported for 2 weeks at a time so I'm used to longer distances.

Rick

Is the Cochrane route Hwy 1A? If so, at this time of year it is probably OK ... there won't likely be bumper to bumper RV traffic. However, be prepared for a very rough stretch (rough road) for about 30 kms as you go through the reservation. Just stay alert through there.

And 123 kms might take you a little longer than 6-7 hours. It's hilly out there! You seem to be a strong rider, but if I were you, I'd count on 8-9 hours.

The TransCanada wouldn't be too bad ... lots of hills and fast traffic, but you will have wide shoulders to ride on.

Yes, the Cochrane route is 1A. I won't likely be starting until about noon so it sounds the the TC is the answer. If I had all day I'd probably take the scenic route.

Rick:

I've cycled both routes, eastbound on the #1A and westbound on the Trans-Canada. If you're worried about time, skip the #1A. From my recollection, the road through the reserve (as mentioned) isn't the greatest (I travelled that in 2002). Going westbound though, you would have a smokin' downhill into Cochrane, if you choose to go that route.

As for the Trans-Canada, I cycled that last year and it's fine...nice wide shoulders. Camper, RV traffic should have really dropped off by this time of year.

With respect to time, I just checked my journal from last year's trip. I left downtown Calgary (about 7am) and hit Canmore by 2pm, Banff by shortly after 3pm. I had an unusual east tailwind, but my bike and rig weighed in at 70kg, so you can definitely subtract time off of my time. Granted the route didn't take me to exactly where you're going, but it was flat (basically) up until your turnoff. My cyclometer ride time was 7.6 hours for 121.6km (average speed 16 kmph).

I would leave as early as possible considering you'll be in the shade of the mountains in the latter part of the day. That's beautiful country where you're headed. Watch for lots of wildlife. And rolling hills (I think), but I was a passenger in a car when we travelled that stretch of highway.

You'll have a blast,
Dave

I think the TransCanada would be faster ... just know that it isn't flat. :)

You might find this interesting/helpful.

http://www.milebymile.com/main/Canada/Alberta/State_1_1/Canada_Alberta_road_map_travel_guides.html

I've ridden both -- Hwy 1 going into Calgary from Banff, and Hwy 1A going back.

I generally hate riding on freeways, and will take almost any alternative. But Hwy 1 (the TransCanada) wasn't that bad. Machka lives there, so her comment is right on: it's a wide road, great shoulders, well-behaved traffic, gentle hills, and the best choice if you're trying to do it in under 10 hours.

The old highway, 1A, is really tough to get onto and out of Calgary. Lots of construction, horrible traffic, dozens of traffic lights and cross traffic. Once out of the Calgary area (about 30km), it ends up as a pleasant two-lane ribbon -- but at times the two lanes makes traffic a headache. Nice little towns, good places to stop for "re-fueling". But there are long stretches of winding road, some with poor visibility around curves, and no shoulder. It takes concentration to cycle in these conditions.

1A is great for scenery, wildlife, and going through little towns. Hwy 1 is good for speed -- but take plenty of water and food, cuz there are only a few places (e.g. gas stations) to fill up.

-- Mark

If you are flying into Calgary, I'd take the pathway system from the airport and along the Bow River out to the west side of the city and then connect to the #1 highway at the end of the trail system.

It's a beautiful multi-use trail system, separate from traffic almost all the way and quite scenic in many parts.

Thanks everyone for your replies. The TC looks like the way to do it but I like diesel dad's suggestion about using the trail system. I'll have to do some quick research to plan a route.

Rick

Well I did it. Finding the trail out of the airport was easy but not much after it crossed the Trans Canada highway I lost it. I didn't want to spend too much time trying to find it again so I just made my way back to the highway and joined the traffic. I've ridden in worse but it was nice to get far enough out of town that I got a nice wide shoulder and less dense traffic.

The route was reasonably flat, at least compared to what I'm used to on Vancouver Island, I got a bit of rain at about the 35 or 40 km mark that cleared up after about half an hour and didn't have too much trouble with head winds.

Just before I got to the Kananaskis turn-off a car pulled off the road and asked me if I was okay. He said he had ridden the route before and that what wind I was getting would taper off after the turn. He was right and if you're the one who stopped, thanks for your concern. You had a "Vipers" logo on your shirt - Go Vipers!

Not long after I turned off to Kananaskis a marked vehicle of some sort (parks department?) stopped and warned me that there was a bear ahead on the road. I kept an eye out but I never did see it. The worst part of the trip was probably the last half kilometer or so when the road wound steeply up to the hotel. It was the only time I had to drop into the granny.

Total trip distance about 115 km, total time including rest breaks about 5.5 hours.

You should have mentioned you were from Vancouver Island! I nearly killed myself there in April (still recovering a bit) on those hills. Yeah, it would seem relatively flat to you! :D

I'm glad it went well for you ... it would be really pretty at this time of year with the leaves changing color and everything. I'm itching to get into the mountains ... they are close enough for me to see ... but just out of reach right now.