Ride Planning

Hi all,


A bit of a rambling post today because I want to talk about our riding options.

My overall comment is that it's a bit of a challenge planning safe routes that begin and end in a spot where we can park 60-85 cars! When I look at a route, I have some basic needs. 
Good road conditions, light traffic or a good shoulder, no highway crossing, reasonable location. Our options are limited.

We live in a city built on bald prairie with no real physical features.  Hghway 1 east/west, Highway 6 north/south and Hwy 11 to Saskatoon.
Ah ha! I hear you say, What about Hwy 33 to Arcola? It's nice and they have ice cream in Kronau! True, and I've enjoyed many a ride down there...
But, and you knew there had to be a But, didn't you?
On the way out to Kronau is fine but the return is a problem in that the Sun starts setting right in the eyes of the drivers. As it gets later, say 7:15 or so, there are days when you just cannot see what's ahead of you, let alone keep an eye out for 50 or 60 riders on the shoulder. It can be dangerous so it's not an option for an evening ride.

But I'm optimistic. The new Ring road is creating tons of options and things are getting better all the time. It's just a bit of a PITA at the moment.

Right now the 11 is not usable for group riding due to the new overpass going in. There's a part of it that narrows to one lane without a shoulder for about 200 metres so no good.
Hwy 1 is fine going out to Pinkie, but the return entrance on to the One from Pinkie rd is a mess so not good for Groups. Single riders ok. Dewdney Ave needs the shoulders cleaning.
6 South is in pretty bad shape, not good for Group riding, or even single from what I've been told.

Here are our current options.

A.   6 North from the Turvey Centre.
B.   734 from Condie to Lumsden, lovely riding.

Today I rode the east service roads from CTV with Paul. We think these will be a great option for us however I need to talk to Brandt Equipment  Customer Support to get permission to park in their lot. If any of you know anyone working there, please let me know. 

So for Monday we will go with option A. The 6 North from the Turvey Centre. This will be our first ride together and a bit of a shakedown. Meet in the parking lot and get organized. Ride briefing at 6:20 pm. On the road at 6:30 and back by 8pm.
Bring a flashing rear light and pump your tires up!

As usual, I will monitor the weather. It looks pretty good right now however if it is at all questionable I will post a Go/ No Go at 4pm.

See you Mon evening,

Mark.