Ride Statistics
Ride Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
Distance: 71.5 Km
Estimated time: 3.5 Hrs (Based on cycling speed of 20 km/hr )
Elevation Gain: 614 m
Maximum Elevation: 990 m
Maximum Grade: 5.9 % at 17.8 Km and -6.1 Km at 19.3 Km
Best Parking Option: Rosebud side roads
Points of Interest: Prairie panoramas at the high points, the historic hamlet of Rosebud with walking tour, the Rosebud Theatre (the only professional rural theatre in Alberta), Rosebud Centennial Museum and Elevator Mural. The town of Rockyford (est. 1913) is a great place to stop to refuel at the midpoint of the bike.
Amenities: There are no gas stations or ATMs in this tiny hamlet (pop. 87). If you arrive before 10:30 in the morning there will not be anything open so be prepared to start your ride with that knowledge. There are outside washrooms west of the 4-way stop below the gazebo from mid May – Thanksgiving. The Rosebud Country Inn opens 12 – 4 pm, Wed. – Sat. and there are some interesting gift shops, galleries and a coffee bar. Most of these are open during the mid day and early evening before the Rosebud Theatre main stage shows. During the summer you can get a quick snack, water and pop at the Rosebud Museum Wed. – Sun.
Comments from our test riders:
Beginner Road Cyclist: I did a portion of this ride and loved it!
Intermediate Road Cyclist: This was a great ride along quiet roads in a unique setting.
Expert Road Cyclist: I really was surprised that this route had such hilly terrain…it was a great training run.
What to expect from this ride
If your looking for something different head East to the small town of Rosebud where the Rosebud River meanders through an idyllic prairie setting. You could do this bike ride and then enjoy the Rosebud Theatre dinner and play. The ride then justifies the enjoyment of the great buffet! Weather is a consideration in this area because you are exposed in this prairie environment. Don’t forget to check the forecast and start early to avoid strong winds. Wear bright clothing to stand out on the road.
This ride is best done clockwise so head out South on Hwy 840 and travel roughly 15 Km until you come to the junction of secondary Hwy #564 where you make a right. You have been steadily gaining elevation and now you will experience the the highest point at 18 Km. Enjoy this vista before you speed down to the next junction at 26 Km. Make another right onto Range Road #233 and expect to see Rockyford appear in another 5 Km. You can take a break to refuel if you wish before heading North to the junction with the main Highway #9. This is a much busier road but there is a wide shoulder and the pavement is excellent. Travel 12 Km before making your final right turn to join the 840 and enjoy the final cascading hills down to Rosebud.
Cycle Alberta 