Bike Ride : Botrell General Store, Cochrane

Slow and Steady Hikers
***Please read the trip description carefully, as all the information you need is already provided there. I’d appreciate it if you could review the details before asking questions, especially when the information has already been clearly stated. Thank you for your understanding.***
Some of our cycling members signed up for Paul YYC’s ride, a week ago but unfortunately, the weather was too smoky to make it happen. and my co-host, Cat also mentioned the Store how beautiful it is. So we decided to give this ride another go! Hopefully, the weather stays as forecasted this time.
**”ROUTE DESCRIPTION:** This is the northward run of a great *ROAD RIDE* along Horse Creek Road, a loop on the roads northwest of Cochrane. Grades are gentle, revealing a terrain of soft, rolling hills, sweeping ranchlands and deeply incised creek valleys that drop down to the Bow River. Lush native grasses blanket this gently undulating landscape, a defined upland escarpment lead the eye toward the majestic Foothills/Rockies. It is pretty much all up on the way to the Stores, rather till 26th Kilometric point beyond which, the road slopes down to Bottrell. All down home is lovely ride, with some gentle swooshes (S turns) to add some fun in our humdrum existence. A couple of abandoned oil pumps are mute witness the to area’s once wealthy past.

**Interesting tidbits:** The oldest general stores in Canada was Épicerie J.A. Moisan in Quebec City, closed down in 2026, after 150 years in business.” **Route description and interesting tidbits credited to Paul YYC.**

***After our ride, we’ll gather for a tailgate picnic at the Cat’s home. Please bring something to share with the group. If possible, I’d appreciate it if you could bring a food item rather than snacks so we can enjoy a more substantial and varied meal together.***

🌲***Meeting Place: We will meet at Cat’s home. To respect her privacy, the address will be shared only with registered participants after registration closes.***
🌲 Distance: about 45-50km round trip
🌲 Elevation gain: about 400 -450 meters
🌲 Time: 5 – 6 hours, depending on group size and number of participants
🌲 Group Size: 8-10 (No dogs, children or guests)
🌲 Required gear:
– bike
– helmet
– water
– lunch / snacks
– hat / gloves
– technical clothing (no cotton, no jeans)
– rain coat
🌲 Suggested gear:
– spare inner tube, patch kit and pump
– sunscreen
– personal first aid kit
🌲 Signup
A waiting list has been created. You must meet all of the prerequisites, and answer all of the RSVP questions. in order to be moved to the going list.
Attendance is at the discretion of the organizer, not FCFS — multiple ‘no show’ would render member ineligible for participation.
🌲 Participation Policy
Attendance on this trip is strictly contingent upon agreeing to our club waiver. Futhemore, your registration will not be complete until you have answered the questionnaire provided by the organizer during the sign up process.
🌲 Cancelation
The event may be cancelled or postponed(on short notice) in the event of poor weather (wind, rain, snow) or poor air quality(smoke). Please check the website before coming out
🌲 If you have not already done so, please read the Slow and Steady Code of Conduct here:

[https://www.meetup.com/slow-and-steady-hikers/messages/boards/thread/53768844](https://www.meetup.com/slow-and-steady-hikers/messages/boards/thread/53768844)

🌲 WAIVER: ***You are required to submit an emergency contact name and phone number to the organizer for inclusion in the waiver questionnaire (please send it via private message for privacy).*** You are required to read the Slow and Steady Hiker Club Waiver: http://www.meetup.com/Slow-and-Steady-Hikers/pages/OUR_NEW_WAIVER/

[https://www.meetup.com/slow-and-steady-hikers/messages/boards/thread/53768842](https://www.meetup.com/slow-and-steady-hikers/messages/boards/thread/53768842)
🌲 Disclaimer: You are fully aware that your hosts are volunteers and not trained guides and you assume all responsibility for your own safety and well-being. All participants are responsible for assessing the current road conditions, current weather conditions, your current physical condition, current trail conditions and current avalanche conditions for the trip and you are responsible for your safety and well-being. You are fully prepared with proper gear and you’re physically fit to do this hike with the group.