Drumheller, Alberta
06/25/2022
06/25/2022
2022-06-25 09:00:00
The Gran Fondo Badlands ride begins at the largest (blue) Dinosaur in the world. There should be little, if any, traffic. The roads are in great shape with smooth pavement all the way around the course. Heading along the North Dinosaur Trail right past the Royal Tyrrell Museum to the 100 year old Bleriot ferry, approximately 25 km. Stop at the aid station for refreshments, take in the scenery, enjoy the ferry ride across the Red Deer river (takes about 2 minutes!) pedal up the short but serious hill (12% – make sure you are in your small gear!), then back to town along the South Dinosaur Trail. This is approximately 50 km.
Once back in town continue south on Highway 10. Around 10 km later you will turn right onto Highway 10X and into the historic town of Wayne, crossing a world record number of bridges (11) in the shortest distance (10 km). After visiting the Wayne Hotel Baconsaurus station, return to Highway 10. Turn right and ride along the river and past hoodoos to the aid station at Dorothy.
Ride east up the 2 km 8% monster hill which to add another 20 km. Turn around at the sign and follow Highway 10 back to Drumheller. This will give you a total riding mileage of 100 miles to the finish.
There are no designated lanes to cyclist as the roads are open to traffic at all times. All cyclists will ride to the far right of the road – on the shoulder – alongside traffic.
The road surface is pavement with the exception of a number of wooden bridges on the out and back to Wayne.
Times will be combined on two hills to determine the KOM/QOM so watch for the signs. Those riding 140/162 km are eligible for prizes (top 3 KOM/QOM combined times) but everyone will get the first hill climb time recorded.
First climb – right out of the Ferry on the return trip to Drum. This climb is a slap in the face – you will see short bits of 12% grade. The climb is 1.2 km long.
Second climb – after Aid Station 4/5 at Dorothy, 2 km gradual climb, approximately 7 to 9% grade.
