Machka 

I've done it ... I've signed up for a ride, next weekend, that consists of a 37.5 climb to the top of a pass, and then a 37.5 descent back to the start.

The ride is put on by one of the local cycletouring clubs, and is up the Highwood Pass (south side) in the Rockies, southwest of Calgary. The road will still be closed to traffic, but there will likely be a lot of wildlife on the way, and I've heard the scenery is lovely.

I'm not the world's greatest climber by any means, but I've been improving over the last few years. 2 or 3 years ago, I would never have even considered doing a ride like this ... even now, I'm just a bit nervous about it.

So, if you were doing a ride with a 37.5 climb up near the top of the mountains ... and then a 37.5 descent ... what would you bring?

johnny99

What is the gradient? I can't imagine a 37 mile climb will be steep for any length of time. Haleakala on Maui is 40 miles, but never more than 5%. You don't need special gearing for a shallow climb like that. Just pace yourself and get out of the saddle from time to time to keep your muscles from cramping. A windbreaker and long finger gloves might be useful on the downhill.

Suzie Green

Well, since she's from Canada, it's probably 37.5 km which is still a good chunck of road no doubt! I echo the suggestion to bring something along for variable weather, especially if you can get a report ahead of time. It might be cooler at altitude. Then again, I've done several mountain passes in Colorado and brought nothing special along. A camera would be nice, you might like to stop to take scenic pictures at the crest of the climb!

c_bake

Wish I could join ya! I love to climb and it sounds like fun. So whats the elevation at the top? I would bring warm clothes for the top and for the descent. It snowed in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado a couple days ago, so be prepared for adverse weather.

Machka 

Yeah, I don't think it is overly steep.

It is the highest road pass in Canada and reaches 2,227 meters/7,310 feet. According to one site, there may be about 5000 ft of climbing.

dcbikeguy

Me? A barf bag and some oxygen. Good luck Machka. Tell us about it after.

Machka 

Oh yeah, sorry .... kilometers, not miles.

And I'll definitely bring a camera!!

TOLOCOMan

Like I said in the other thread, don't worry about it too much, it really is an easy climb. Especially coming from the south as it is not very steep. You gain about the same elevation from the north, but it's only about 13 or 14km, and even it's not very tough. Just a long gradual climb from the south.

As you already know, keep an eye out for wildlife. You almost always see groups of bighorn sheep around the pass, and until traffic gets on it, bears are commonly seen too. Tend to see those on the north side more though.

You won't need anything really special, maybe just some extra clothing as there will be a temperature difference, especailly with the weather they are calling for this week. Layers would be a good idea, and I would think you will want a jacket and full finger gloves, maybe even some small xc skiing type earmuffs for the way down.

Seeing as you like the long distance stuff, you should head down the other side of the pass to where the road opens again and then return. Not often you get to ride around 110km without having to worry about traffic once. I'm hoping to do closure to closure on Wednesday, but as of now it looks like I might have to deal with snow on the pass. Not sure I want to suffer that much. Long range looks much better for the weekend though. Have fun!

dgasmd

The least possible!! Seriously. No need for extra gear you won't likely need. Lighten up the bike to a bare minimum. Bring some arm warmers and some light full finger gloves depending on the weather near the top. A cap under the helmet might be nice from the start, but not much else unless you are one to get cold easily. Then, a light jacket or wind vest maybe. One large bottle of fluid should be enough. No need for food and such (a gel packet a most?). Something to fix a flat and that is it I guess.

Best of luck and let us know how it went later on.

TOLOCOMan

Don't worry, it's nowhere near 5000ft. It gets close to that if you go over the top, down and back up again. Only going to the top and back is only around 2000-2300.

Machka 

That makes more sense. Turner Valley is about 4000 ft, and if the top is 7300 ft, that would be 3300 ft. And I think we start a little ways up.

KevinF

With regards to clothing... You're going to be generating enough heat on the way up that you probably won't need much in terms of layers for the climb. The way down could be another story though. I usually throw full-fingered gloves and a light long-sleeved top in my pack.

Other then that, just bring plenty to drink and eat. And your camera of course!

Arrowtalon

Bring Gatorade. The stuff is like Merlin's secret potion of life.

Seriously, bring food, peanuts, granola bars, PB&J, etc. And plenty of water. Find a comfortable gear and go at your own pace. That climb sounds like a blast!! The descent will take care of itself.

Machka 

Gatorade ..... <<shudder>> ..... that stuff gives me mouth sores.

I will, however, be bringing HEED.

And I don't eat peanuts, or peanut butter ... not a good thing for me.

But I will be bringing my usual long distance food ... cookies.

KRhea

Where exactly is this route? I'm in Oregon but have packed in and around Banff and Canmore and have driven up to Jasper. Always thought it would be great cycling country and the ride you're about to do sounds perfect.
I'd like to check it out on a map to see exactly where it is.

Good luck and thanks for the info.

KRhea

dark13star

Don't worry about it. That is not a lot of vertical gain for 37km. I rode 3,300 feet of gain on my after work ride yesterday, and that was in 14 miles, or 22 km. I realize that you said you are not the best climber, but someone who does the stuff you do should have no problem with that climb.

On yesterday's ride, I got good and sweaty on the ride up, and it was cool and dry out. My base layer started wicking like crazy as I rode down at 30 + MPH. Be ready for a chilly descent.

Beaker

Sounds like a great ride, Machka. I travelled through the Canadian Rockies 11 or 12 yrs ago. I'd love to go back there with a bike some time.

ViperZ

Maybe I'll see you there Machka

20 people from our club will be riding the Kananakis Half Moon Loop, which includes the Highwood pass, next weekend as well. We started Saturday 14th and finish on Monday 16th.

https://www.saskcycling.ca/~horizon10..._Half_Moon.htm

TOLOCOMan

It's Highwood Pass that is being talked about. It's on Highway 40 between 541 and the Spray Lakes/Kananaskis Lakes turnoff. The road is closed anually from Nov 30-June 15. Usually June makes great riding, snow has melted and no cars.

https://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...f/130693496173

Machka 

So, which day are you going up (or down) the south side of the pass?

pista

What's the average grade? That is the key to a climb. A 5% grade is nothing to me. But crank it to 17%, it get's pretty seriously tiring fast.

All in all, from what I've read here it shouldn't be a problem. The descent should be a blast. Love a good fast desecent, especially with some nice wide turns. You should be able to do some sections at 100 Km per hour. Scary at first, but you get used it.

stapfam

Longest slope I have done was Ventoux. There are some steep parts to it but the average is only 7.5% for 21 Kms. I used a camelback with the energy drink and a bottle with water. Main problem I had was Heat and sweat loss. Sweat running into the eyes so took a bandana with me to stop that.

21kms and it was interesting- Good job I had the I-pod with me though as it could have been boring. And do not forget the Wind proof for the trip down.

PeddlingPilgrim

can you buy a beer at the top?

Machka 

I can guarantee that I will NOT be doing the descent at 100 km/h!!! If I get up to 50 km/h that will be fast enough for me.

One thing to keep in mind about the descent is that there is a good chance there could be mountain goats, deer, etc. on the road, or stepping out onto the road ... you don't want to be barrelling down the road too fast or you could end up taking flight!

Arrowtalon

Ah, yes. The cookies. My wife makes snickerdoodles for us. Great pick me ups.