Fri 4 May 2007
Length: 21.2km
Time: 2-4 Hours
Book: Mountain Biking in the Canadian Rockies - Doug Eastcott
Elevation: 1500m-2000m
Date done: June 2006
Effort: High
Rating: 7/10
Technicality: Moderate
Map: 82 J/15 Bragg Creek
This ride is a loop predominantly on single track with a bit on gravel road. There is some nice scenery (but not stunning), and some excellent single track on varied terrain. Park at the Powderface trailhead on Highway 66, west of Elbow Falls.
Initially the ride is all up hill. At first it’s quite gentle with nice relaxing scenery. After the first 3km things get steep (see video on right…the slope doesn’t really do it justice!), very steep and towards the end you will need to push some parts. It’s just too steep and rocky. But once you reach the top, you know that’s the hardest bit of the ride over with and you have a long, fun 100% rideable descent down a rocky/muddy tree-lined trail. But first take a while to enjoy the nice view, and maybe ride/hike up to the nearby summit.
The descent brings you out on to the gravel road where you turn right (north) and can relax as you coast gently along and enjoy the meadows. When you turn off the road after 2.7km onto the Prairie Creek trail, you can look forward to a rolling, muddy, fast trail with some technical sections to keep you on your toes. Evenetually the trail climbs up away from the creek, and it gets steep (pushing requried). At the top, the fun begins again. Fast, narrow and dangerously close to a big drop into the creek the trail is an awesome ride. It is a 100% rideable if you’re good, but if you’re a bit unsure it may be best to get off your bike for the part with the warning signs! (I certainly did). After racing across the bridge at the bottom (or through the creek)…you’re right back at your car.
