McLean Area suggestions

[The Machinist]

Maybe we could do the show n' shine in their parking lot next year?   

[Sprockett]

but if you did..he can probably work the kinks out of your back

ha, nice

[w squared]

I suppose as a member of MEC I should be trying to fight their stance!  If some of the groups they have supported in the past got their way, even hikers, canoers, backpackers, climbers etc. would be excluded from the back-country!

Edit: What about Camper's Village... I know they do stuff for outfitters etc. now that's horses, something that MEC probably despises too, despite that being what brought us non-indigenous peoples out here in the first place.

If it's not self-propelled, MEC wants nothing to do with it.

[Asia]

I doubt that MEC has any more influence on SRD's direction than the OHV crowd - which is none to minimal.

As a side note, the OHV users are not the only ones to lose trails.  Cyclists lost access to all but 6 trails in Banff Nat. Park. Downhilling bikes could startle, scare or inconvenience hikers and trail riders (horse back).  Rutting and erosion of trails caused by riders was a debateable issue.  The trail ride outfits had a long history in the Banff and had alot of influence.  The horses were here first and opened this country.  The horse riders lost nothing and the mountain bikers lost it all except those 6 trails.  Horses do far more damage to a trail than bikers or hikers.

Bikers still have access to all of the provincial parks except 1 trail? around the upper Kananaskis lakes, so there is plenty of riding to be had.

As an offroader we do get the short end of the stick when it comes to access.

[Evil-Jeep]

Another great place for clothing and equipment is the new Bass shop on highway 2...... Great prices, great staff, an overall redneck amusment park. If you havent been there yet you should check it out.

[w squared]

I doubt that MEC has any more influence on SRD's direction than the OHV crowd - which is none to minimal.

As a side note, the OHV users are not the only ones to lose trails.  Cyclists lost access to all but 6 trails in Banff Nat. Park. Downhilling bikes could startle, scare or inconvenience hikers and trail riders (horse back).  Rutting and erosion of trails caused by riders was a debateable issue.  The trail ride outfits had a long history in the Banff and had alot of influence.  The horses were here first and opened this country.  The horse riders lost nothing and the mountain bikers lost it all except those 6 trails.  Horses do far more damage to a trail than bikers or hikers.

Bikers still have access to all of the provincial parks except 1 trail? around the upper Kananaskis lakes, so there is plenty of riding to be had.

As an offroader we do get the short end of the stick when it comes to access.

All quite accurate....but MEC's limited influence doesn't stop them from advocating restrictions on access to anyone that's not self-propelled. I for one am willing to alter my buying patterns based on someone's agenda, even if they haven't managed to get that agenda actioned....yet.

[Evil-Jeep]

My jeep is self propelled............ I have had it pushed out several times

[XJHERO]

Ryan, I can't make it out this weekend.  Get the Gem Trek map (MEC has them) for Bragg Creek and Elbow Falls - it covers McLean Creek.    My trail suggestions:  Elbow River, Silvester, Quirk/Quirk Ridge, Cutoff, Fish Creek West, Valley,  Fisher West, McLean Hill (ridge route) and Priddis East.  These trails are all doable on 31" MTs,  I ran alot of these trails with the stock 29" ATs.  There are a few signs out there - look for them.  Do some exploring, bring a compass or a GPS - it's an adventure, a winch is a handy item for any misadventures  

Valley trail is a dead end now
Well  it was last year befor mclean closed for the season

[Sprockett]

Ok guys, thanks for the suggestions, discussion and clarifications.

We're going out on Sunday morning...probably meeting at the store at 9:30am leaving by 10am. Hope to be home for dinner so not more then a few hours. Not sure we've totally decided which trail(s) to take but with a map and GPS we'll probably wander around If anyone wants to join that has good front and rear tow points and good AT or MT tires (31"min) , let me know here or by PM and we'll look out for you at the store.

Thanks,
Ryan

[Sprockett]

Well, we ended up taking the main North road (Elbow River trail?) past the gravel pit then straight down Sylvester. From there we went back to the main west road (McLean Creek Trail) on Fisher Trail West. Interesting descent on big, loose rocks with a few high ledges. As it turns out, a group of mostly stock rigs I was with on opening weekend tried climbing this trail in the snow but it ended with a broken Pathfinder. Looks like it would be an interesting climb in dry.

We got around OK with the Gem Trek map and a city Garmin GPS (just for the Lat/Longs). Interesting that the main north road, McLean Creek Trail as well as the entire Sylvestor trail showed in the Garmin as 'Unpaved Road'. This is a turn by turn auto GPS I mean not a handheld. This made things alot easier to navigate.

Anyways, thanks for the suggestions again.

Ryan

[JackstandJohnny]

[quote
Valley trail is a dead end now
Well  it was last year befor mclean closed for the season
[/quote]

that used to be one of the better trails out there................


ryan, sounds like you ran the 101 trail. not a bad one