Rockies IV
June 11, 2025
Wardner Road Loop
This morning, I set off with the two Kens about 8:00
am. We were headed for what we have
named the Wardner Road Loop. It is a total
distance of 88.3 kms and from the campground we head to Fort Steele the
historic village, from there we ride down the Wardner Road to Hwy 3. On to the hwy for a few kilometers before
turning off towards Wardner. Wardner
shows up on Google maps but that is about all as there is no real village or
anything. From there we turn off the
road to the HaHa Creek road which winds through the back country before
rejoining Hwy 3 back to Cranbrook. This one
of the premier routes here in Cranbrook. The road from Fort Steele down to Hwy 3
is 21 km of the smoothest pavement anywhere with absolutely zero cars. As there is nothing at Wardner there are no cars and with a name like Haha
Creek you just know that a back road like that is totally abandon. The last 20 km into Cranbrook down Hwy 3 is
pretty busy but with a very nice 6 ft wide shoulder protected by a rumble strip
is a good ride.
Sailing along the Wardner Road, I think I must of said “this
is just great “ at least a dozen times as Ken C finally said yes you have
mentioned this a couple of times. It was just one of those magical moments when
everything was perfect.
We did not see any eagles fishing along the river this year as
we have always seen them every time we have ridden this route. However, after
we turned onto the HaHa Creek Road we did see the eagles circling the fields
looking for lunch. There in the big nest
on one of the poles was a chick screaming for lunch.
At the 65 kms mark we rejoined Hwy 3 back to Cranbrook. It was around 28 C so it was getting pretty
hot and humid. Ken C and I waited quite
a while for Ken T has he had some leg cramps.
The last 23 kms into Cranbrook has a large hill of about 12
kms at up to 9% so it is always a huge grind.
However it went by quickly enough and Ken C and I headed into Save On
where we indulged in a 2 liter jug of chocolate milk. Ken T doesn’t drink chocolate
milk.
In summary I am going to give this ride a 15 out of 10. It was just great. How do
you top this.
Terry
Quick note Barry did not join us as he was having warrantee
issues with his bike but has that all straighten out now.
1 comment:
Hi Terry, Glad to see that you are on the road again. I guess that for those who are "indisposed", the only touring option is to ride "vicariously". I will be following you progress on a daily basis. I wish you [and the Kens] all the very best, Liam
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