Nov 24th - Along The Tracks

[schouten]

I've been playing with my mapping toys again and came up with a ride idea. 6:30am start from Fairbucks. Terminating at Plutos.

https://www.strava.com/routes/22698651 (UPDATED: I snipped out the Mill Hill diversion)

The main idea is to meander out via E&N, Portage Park, get to Humpback Reservoir, explore the "Along the Tracks" route that heads over to Goldstream, and then return through Finlayson Arm, Hydro Double Track, Millstream, and then Thetis. A lotta unknown terrain for me. But looks doable. Input welcome!

[Rolf]

Gimme!

[rduncan]

6.30 start?

(Blame Rolf. he got us started at 6am last Sunday and I liked it.)

[schouten]

I think we'll need to leave early for sure. I was hoping we could get away with 7:00am but maybe 60km needs a 6:30am start. Any other opinions?

[schouten]

Full disclosure: there is some known hike-a-bike in this route. The northern end of the train tracks requires a short hike to get to goldstream park. Other than that, it should be fairly fluid.

[JTyre]

Ron: sorry, I have to miss this opportunity.

Others: Stay out of hot tubs with Ron. His beard is highly seductive.

[mashby]

>60km route, >1km elevation, beard-speed pace; I'll bite. Strava says this is a <4h ride, which means I can get home by my 10:30 am curfew!

[amyeee]

I'm in. Look for me at 6:40 in the plaza area, on the downtown side of the Johnson St Bridge.

Posting and committing to the ride now in the hopes that others (of the slower category) will see this and think, "if Amy can do it ..."

Amy

[Mike Frankenberger]

I'm in

[Rolf]

Posting and committing to the ride now in the hopes that others (of the slower category) will see this and think, "if Amy can do it ..."

Amy

Everyone should feel comfortable joining Sunday gravel rides! Unless posted otherwise, they’re *always* no-drop.

Great you’ll join us, Amy.

[schouten]

I echo Rolf's sentiment. Never a drop ride. Always fun.

And in case you are worried about overly gnarly trails, I don't expect this ride to have that.

[afcook]

I am (gulp) in
Alan

[afcook]

I am (gulp) in
Alan

[schouten]

Welcome aboard Alan (not Cassels)! Looks like we've mustered a good possie! You roadies will have to take it easy on me during the dreaded Finlayson Arm climb! And absolutely no pace lines!!

[LouiseF]

I thought the Finlayson Arm climb was being replaced by something less horrendous and not on pavement?

[schouten]

Hmmm, well, I might have said that... But I can't think of another route to take at the end of the tracks. And I’ve never ridden that road before. And other riders thought it would be okay...

Oh, come'on. You know you want the rest of the ride... I'll buy you a coffee?

[LouiseF]

Finlayson Arm and a cup of that bitter, burnt, black stuff??? <insert GIF of yucky face here>

Can you confirm starting time and various meeting options? I'm still fence sitting.

[rduncan]

Ron. You really need to learn how to ride in a pace line. All these crazy routes you’re putting together means you’ll benefit immensely from pace lining home.

[Rolf]

Here's one way to skirt Finny Arm Rd.: by hitting the highway briefly and then exploring some new stuff on the southeast slopes of Skirt and Miniskirt Mountains: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/975071.

Elevation's similar, but I think the Bear Mtn. Parkway grades are a little more gentle. Still, there's no interesting and easy way out; it's just bumpy over that way.

Rowntree’s a rush and I’m keen to try the Millstream Lake–SMR connector the “correct” way this week. So I’d prefer sticking with your route, Ron—Finlayson Arm Road and all <uff>!

[schouten]

6:30 Fairbucks. 6:40 Janion pickup for Amy. After that, somewhere along the E&N for Alan.

L3, we can meet you at the E&N/Goose intersection around 7 if that works for you. Chai Tea latte on me...