Being a stinking hot day on Sunday, it seemed like the perfect day to go and ride a bike up a very steep hill. Note that this is the Bow Valley definition of stinking hot, meaning it was just about 30oC, not over. When it only occasionally reaches 25oC, anything hotter can be a shock to the system. Anyway, it was hot, so we decided to ride up a steep hill, settling on Jumpingpound Ridge (and thinking we’d maybe tack on Cox Hill on the end). It’s one of the best rides in the area, getting the ‘world class’ descriptor from the mountain biking guide.
And there are definitely some very nice views. But first there was a long slog up through the trees, in the sun, with not the slightest breeze, gaining a few hundred metres of altitude in not very much distance. Thankfully I didn’t have to tow the Chariot though, as Finn was off hiking up to the summit with Papa, where they would meet us for lunch.
As soon as we broke out onto the ridge there was a lovely cool breeze, and things improved after that. Single track wound in and out of the trees, climbing the ridgeline, until finally we were out into the open within sight of the summit. And then there were sandwiches! Actually, bagelwiches.
We were both nearly out of water, so decided the Cox Hill portion of the ride would have to wait for another day, and proceeded to scream along the ridge before dropping off the side and back down to the road again, where we were picked up by Alex and Finn.
Five stars, thoroughly recommended.