Western Canada - crowsnest pass ride

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Quijibo187
08-20-09, 10:16 AM
Hey all, I'm heading to southern alberta later this year and am looking to do a nice ride in the mountains. How is the road heading up to coleman through crowsnest pass?
Also, there's a road that goes north from coleman (hwy 40) and makes a nice looking loop via 517 and 22 to join back up with hwy 3.
Has anyone been on these roads recently? what kind of roads are they? conditions? when does the snow tend to come into the mountains?

Thanks,

Quijibo187
08-20-09, 10:22 AM
this is the route I'm thinking of.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/ab/pincher-creek-no.-9/542125071269560480

any tips?
mercator
08-20-09, 12:23 PM
Hwy 40 is the forestry trunk road, and is not paved. I guess it would be ridable on a mountain bike, but expect to get hit by a few flying rocks as the yahoos that use that route are not likely to slow down for you.

Quijibo187
08-20-09, 01:19 PM
Hwy 40 is the forestry trunk road, and is not paved. I guess it would be ridable on a mountain bike, but expect to get hit by a few flying rocks as the yahoos that use that route are not likely to slow down for you.

well that rules out that road.
anyone know about 22 and 517?
I could try joing the back way and then just coming back instead of a loop.

or, just ride down to waterton lakes from cardston.
mercator
08-20-09, 02:06 PM
well that rules out that road.
anyone know about 22 and 517?
I could try joing the back way and then just coming back instead of a loop.

or, just ride down to waterton lakes from cardston.

22 is a good road, I'm not sure about 517.
The road down to Waterton is also a good choice.
Hope you don't mind riding in the wind.
Quijibo187
08-20-09, 02:48 PM
22 is a good road, I'm not sure about 517.
The road down to Waterton is also a good choice.
Hope you don't mind riding in the wind.

I'm used to it. it's all there is here in winnipeg. though not as gusty as alberta can be. ;)
coldfeet
08-22-09, 06:36 PM
I'm used to it. it's all there is here in winnipeg. though not as gusty as alberta can be. ;)
The Crowsnest Pass tends to funnel the wind, Westward can be painful. How late in the year were you thinking of?

The 22 is fine for riding, the 3 West of Lundbreck is OK as well, don't know about the other roads. If no-one else chimes in, I'll inquire of a friend who lives down there.
Quijibo187
08-22-09, 10:57 PM
Heading out there around thanksgiving.
I'll keep the 22 in mind.
Though I'm leaning towards waterton now.
TMB
08-25-09, 10:40 PM
I'm used to it. it's all there is here in winnipeg. though not as gusty as alberta can be. ;)

Alberta isn't gusty.

I grew up in Fort McLeod.

The wind comes down off the pass, it doesn't gust.

The elm trees in front of our house when I grew up all grew to the east.
Quijibo187
08-26-09, 12:54 PM
even better :thumb:
constant wind>gusty wind
Sixty Fiver
08-26-09, 01:04 PM
You will riding in what can be one of the windiest areas in all of Canada... ever ride into a 60 mph headwind ?

It isn't fun.

Going west is usually harder but a friend did the trans Canada last year and faced constant headwinds from the east when he was in the nest... said it was the hardest riding he has ever done.