Bearberry Loop
Route Details: A quick jaunt NW of Calgary that gets you into the wilderness and out onto some great backroads with a few small town rest stops along the route.
From Airdrie make your way to the hamlet of Madden and then north on 766 through farms and ranches. Zig zag your way to Sundre and leave town heading West, straight towards the wild foothills of the Rockies. A good paved road takes you to Bearberry and if you ride until the hardtop runs out you will end up at the bridge across the James River and the location of the Bearberry cabins. This an awesome spot to park (near the bridge) and go for a stroll up the river to enjoy the solitude and beauty of this place and might be fortunate enough to see some of the locals (wildlife) too. If you are getting hungry along the route the Bearberry Saloon is a slice of rustic charm and always has a few bikes parked out front on a weekend. There is also delicious food and cold drinks to be had in Sundre, Cremona or Crossfield depending on your timing. On the way home while on the backroads south of Sundre you will reach Bergen and just west of the stop sign is a great place pull for a quick picture and stop called Davidson Park on the Fallen Timber River. This is such a perfect route to be riding even on bright, sunny, early season days.
Highlights: Red Deer River, James River, Davidson Park, Little Red Deer River, Dog Pound Creek
Local Businesses: Backwoods Bakery (Sundre), Cedars Pub (Sundre), Bearberry Saloon, Bearberry Cabins, Cremona Hotel and Bar, The Diner at Shorty's (Crossfield)
KM/Hours of Riding: 255 km, 3 hours riding
