Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association
Sharing “The Great Trail” in Bragg Creek
When the idea to link the Trans Canada Trail (TCT), now known as “The Great Trail”, through Bragg Creek was conceived, the concept of shared use trails was already in existence in Kananaskis Country. This is an efficient way to minimize trail costs and reduce the linear disturbance on the landscape.
The GBCTA had shared non-motorized trail use in mind when they pitched the idea of the TCT to RVC some 10 years ago. Now that the West Bragg Creek section of trail is 99% complete and trail use is increasing, it is time to discuss a few basic rules to reduce conflict. We call it “Trail Etiquette”. You can find our full etiquette document at www.braggcreektrails.org/trail-etiquette.
The trail is intended to improve the safety, enjoyment and community connectivity for walkers, joggers, bikers and horseback riders. All users have a responsibility to respect each other’s right to use the trail without interference. Another responsibility that the GBCTA hopes everyone takes seriously is to obey trail signage intended to reduce trail damage and user conflict.
The GBCTA is committed to keeping the trail safe and maintained for all users. We have developed a maintenance strategy to keep the trail open 12 months of the year when possible. When soft and wet conditions exist, please keep an eye out for trail closure signs or damage you may be causing. Please report any trail concerns to info@braggcreektrails.org.
Thank you for sharing YOUR trail responsibly with others!
2.4 Hours of Adrenaline – Fruit Loops
XC Bragg Creek’s inaugural “2.4 Hours of Adrenaline – Fruit Loops” on February 8 attracted close to 25 skiers, all of whom tackled the hilly 3.4-km course in 10 cm of fresh snow and beautiful temperatures. Skiers participated either solo or as part of a team. The youngest participants, Ian and Andrew (aka “Team Thom(p) son”), each skied 10.5 km for a total of 21 km. The duo tied with “Team HAP” (Hollie Jones, Avery Thompson and Poppy Trainor) for best costumes and camaraderie. The top two individual skiers, Oliver Brindle and Nick Khorin, each skied 8 loops of the course in 2.4 hours, setting a record that begs to be broken next year. Congratulations to skiers of all ages who took part.
Many thanks to race organizer and head nordic coach, Flora Giesbrecht, as well as to all the volunteers who helped make the day fun and successful!
The club’s next big event is Alberta Youth Cross Country Ski Championships (AYC), coming up March 7 and 8 on the trails in West Bragg Creek. We’re still in need of dozens of volunteers to help at the event. You don’t have to be a skier to help! If you’d like more information, please contact Ann at anns@safari.ca or sign up directly at volunteersignup.org/BJH7T. It truly is a fun event!
Find out more about AYC at www.xcbraggcreek.ca/2019-alberta-youth-cross-country-ski-championships-bragg-creek-ab.
For further information on any of these articles, or any other items, please contact info@braggcreektrails.org
