T4: Braggin Rights, Merlin View Loop, and the Goldilocks loop MTB!

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Technical Rating: Intermediate

Physical Rating: Moderate/Hard

Activity: Mountain Biking

Terrain: Foot Hills

Trail Type: X-Country

Distance: 24.9 km

Elevation Gain: 1000 m

Elevation Loss: 977+ m

Location: West Bragg Creek

Time Line: August 2, 2016

Participants: 6 People

Email: wmphoto@gmail.com

Cell/Text: (403) 921-6888

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE WRITE-UP BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR THIS TRIP!!!

Outline

We start from the NW quadrant of the parking lot heading up “Braggin Rights”; the first hill up to the junction will be a killer, but should get everyone warmed up. After the climb there is a long smooth undulating section, which we will cruse through. Once the trail crosses “Telephone Loop” we start ascending again to “Merlin View” Junction where we will have a long break. After the break we continue on “Merlin View” in counter clockwise direction; the assent is a slog, but after summit the descent is well worth the effort. When we have returned “Merlin View, Braggin Rights” junction we will then take “Reconnect” to “Long Distance”. The hill in this section is very punchy, steep, intense and rocky. After this never-ending climb we arrive at “Long Distance junction” where we will turn right on to “Long Distance”. We bike upwards for what seems like forever, and will stop at the fallen tree. This is the high point where we will take one last break before descending a rough down hill section to “Braggin Rights junction” where we turn left to head back to the parking lot. We will then start the Goldilocks loop.

This event has been scheduled for members participating on the San Juan Hut bikepacking trip in August; therefore, the focus is on endurance, stamina, building bike skills, bike maintenance, bike repair, and testing. Any S&S member may join in on our training, but please be mindful of your abilities, as these trips are not intended for those with low physical abilities.

Instructions

Trailhead: Take Hwy 8 out of Calgary to the Hwy 22 roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout and drive to Bragg Creek. When entering Bragg Creek turn on to Balsam Ave., turn left at Wintergreen Rd. Wintergreen becomes W Bragg Creek Rd. continue to the West Bragg Creek Day area parking lot.

Required

Mountain bike

Biking helmet

Bike tools

First aid kit

Appropriate clothing (check weather before leaving)

Food

Water

etc.

It is up to participants to make arrangements to acquire and transport all gear and supplies necessary for this trip. Please pick up rentals at least one day before the trip, and make sure you have all parts and it is in good working condition.

Material

Each person is required to have his/her own personalized First Aid Kit, Emergency Kit, Map & Compass, and know how to us them. I will have a spot device in my pack for emergencies.

Please write down any health issues, medication requirements, and emergency contact information, and place inside your first aid kit.First Aid training is essential.

Risk

It is your responsibility to make sure you have acquired all necessary information, knowledge, training, equipment, clothing, and food for this trip. All outdoor activities involve a certain degree of risk, so it is up to you to be prepared, resilient, self-reliant, responsible, cautious, and aware of surrounding hazards. As well, weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for unforeseen changes. For safety reasons, if you show up unprepared or with inappropriate clothing and or gear you will not be permitted to continue on the trip. I am only providing an opportunity; I am not a guide.

Assessment

Participants require the ability and knowledge to complete this trip safely, and to be in good physical and mental condition without injury.

Behaviour

Conduct perceived as dangerous, irresponsible, or socially unacceptable will lead to your removable from the trip and any future trips. Alcohol consumption is only permitted where legally permissible.

Additional Information:

Your participation in this event means you have read the waiver and by signing up for this event you have accepted the waiver. If you have stated "no" in your profile you will not be accepted to participate. You are fully aware that organizers are not professional guides and you assume all responsibility for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you're physically fit to do this hike with the group. Members’ guests must read trip details, read and accept the online waiver, and meet all group requirements.

Members’ guests must abide by the same guidelines as the members.They are required to read the trip details, read and therefore accept the online waiver and meet all group requirements before attending this event. Guests must be registered on the RSVP list by the attending member.