Where to go biking around Calgary?

[jayswin]

I've decided to put some money into a decent mountain bike and start biking regularly, and preferably in scenic areas ie: Kananaskis.

To any other bikers out there, is there specific paths for bikers, or do you just kind of go whever there's paths. Also, are there any awesome bike routes that I should try out?

Thanks.

[johnnyluv]

There are some fun areas in Fish Creek if you want to ignore the paved trail, specifically in the Western portion. Assuming you're wanting to leave the city, though, try some of the fire lookouts in Peter Lougheed park or around Ribbon Creek. Not quite what I would call an easy ride, but there is some great scenery to be found.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by johnnyluv

There are some fun areas in Fish Creek if you want to ignore the paved trail, specifically in the Western portion. Assuming you're wanting to leave the city, though, try some of the fire lookouts in Peter Lougheed park or around Ribbon Creek. Not quite what I would call an easy ride, but there is some great scenery to be found.

I'll probably do a lot of Fish Creek rides, as I live right on the park.

[Locke]

Deerfoot.

[Bunk]

Bowmont Natural Environment Park. Probably the best mountain biking within the city.

[jammies]

Originally Posted by Locke

Deerfoot, Left Lane

Fixed it for you.

[jammies]

Does the city still give out those free bike path maps? I still have one from about 1995, I used to love doing the whole city tour on a Saturday or Sunday from my old place on Nose Creek down to the river, then south all the way to Fish Creek, cut north through the streets up to the reservoir and then north back along the Elbow and around. The bike path system is great in this city.

[macker]

If you want an Epic mountain bike go out to Big elbow Little elbow loop which is about 45kms and takes about 4 hours but it is a ride that you will want to come back to at least once a year! Just head out on 22x and drive til you get there...
http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/trails-ar...1_4522crx.aspx

[zarrell]

I just picked up a good book the other day from MEC. Backcountry biking in the Canadian Rockies. Gives detailed descriptions of over 200 trails in the rockies and should keep you out of trouble if you're worried about certain trails being above your experience level.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by zarrell

i just picked up a good book the other day from mec. Backcountry biking in the canadian rockies. Gives detailed descriptions of over 200 trails in the rockies and should keep you out of trouble if you're worried about certain trails being above your experience level.

mec?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by flameswin

mec?

Mountain Equipment Co-Op.

[habernac]

Backcountry Biking is most definitely the bible of mtn biking here. Moose Mountain is criss crossed with trails, with more being built this year. Jumpingpound/Cox Hill is awesome, but be in shape before you tackle it.

[HotHotHeat]

Bowmont is awesome, except you have to deal with crazy ladies yelling at you to 'stay on the trails' sometimes.

[Shazam]

Weaselhead is also very nice.

[Tron_fdc]

What habernac said.

Check out pinkbike for trail conditions, and if you have questions about certain trails you can pm me if you want, I've done most of them in the Station Flats area. Mainly of the DH shuttle variety, but I know where a lot of the xcountry trails are.

http://www.pinkbike.com/forum/listco...46&pagenum=133 for more info.....

[SeeGeeWhy]

Originally Posted by jammies

Does the city still give out those free bike path maps? I still have one from about 1995, I used to love doing the whole city tour on a Saturday or Sunday from my old place on Nose Creek down to the river, then south all the way to Fish Creek, cut north through the streets up to the reservoir and then north back along the Elbow and around. The bike path system is great in this city.

http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/BU/...thways_map.pdf

[troutman]

Originally Posted by macker

If you want an Epic mountain bike go out to Big elbow Little elbow loop which is about 45kms and takes about 4 hours but it is a ride that you will want to come back to at least once a year! Just head out on 22x and drive til you get there...
http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/trails-ar...1_4522crx.aspx

Still snow up at the top until Canada Day - don't wear sandals.

[jammies]

Originally Posted by SeeGeeWhy

http://www.calgary.ca/docgallery/BU/...thways_map.pdf

Cool! I did have a tough time balancing my laptop on the handlebars when I was using it though... the one big advantage of the paper maps was that you didn't have to "borrow" a large format printer to get a usable map or cut and glue several smaller printouts together.

This map is a a bit out of date, strangely - for example I notice up in Evanston/Creekside it still shows the old entrance into the neighborhood that has been closed for a couple years instead of the new one. But I'd assume the pathways at least are up to date, as they extend quite a ways past my old map.

[dubc80]

Originally Posted by macker

If you want an Epic mountain bike go out to Big elbow Little elbow loop which is about 45kms and takes about 4 hours but it is a ride that you will want to come back to at least once a year! Just head out on 22x and drive til you get there...
http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/trails-ar...1_4522crx.aspx

I did this trail on Canada Day two years ago and found it to be quite challenging. Would not recommend it to anyone just starting out. Took me and my two buddies about 6 hours to finish.

[jayswin]

Also, where's a good place to look for a bike, how much should I pay? God I'm a total noob.