The Friday Afternoon Escape rides generally appeal to riders who want a relaxing ride at week’s end, in the scenic countryside of Strathcona County.
Ride difficulty: beginner to intermediate (rolling hills). Routes will vary each week, from 30 – ish km to near 50. Average speeds are in the low 20’s.
Rides are unsupported: no SAG vehicle, BYO snack and water. Expect to be asked to volunteer to sweep. Be prepared to pause to regroup at major turns, and to safely cross major 4 lane highways at grade.
Plan on a rest stop around the mid-point, often but not always with washroom facilities of varying rusticness. Bring cash, we often stop for ice cream at Katie’s Crossing near the end and she is cash only. Return to Ardrossan should be 4pm at the latest.
County roads are a mix of pavement and blacktopping with the occasional hard packed dirt / gravel. You ask, “Can I bring my brand new (insert name of mega-dollar bike)?” YES, unless it’s a full – on Tour de France racer with skinny and thin tubular racing tires.
Maps will be provided. For the hardcore GPS geeks out there we email GPX tracks and RideWithGPS links for your Garmin or Smartphone. Let Bob know your email address, or get the link and file from the EBTC Facebook page.
The rides start in May and end in September, or when the weather dictates. They will be led by Bob AtLee (atleerj@shaw.ca / 780-464-0603 ), or David Tang ( dgtang@outlook.com / 780-240-2446).
Meeting point is the Ardrossan Recreation Complex, #80 – 1 Ave, Ardrossan. Use the south parking lot (rear of building). Use Google Maps or your GPS. Coming from the north side, easiest way is Yellowhead #16 south on RR222. From Central, 101 Ave (becomes Baseline Road then TWP530), north on RR222. From South, Whitemud (becomes TWP522) -> Hwy 21 -> Baseline (TWP530), north on RR222. Enter downtown Ardrossan by “3rd Ave / RR214”.
** NEW ** Arrive by 12:15pm for departure at 12:30pm SHARP
If weather is iffy, check the EBTC Facebook page that morning to confirm that the ride is still on.
