CMBA TRAIL DAY RECAP: CALGARY CYCLE CREW GETS THEIR HANDS DIRTY ON "TEN YEARS GONE"
Calgary Cycle Lends a Hand at Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance Trail Day
This past weekend, Calgary Cycle teamed up with the Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance (CMBA) for a community Trail Day, focusing on completing the “Ten Years Gone” trail—part of the ambitious Jumped Up Loops project in Kananaskis Country. Volunteers and our staffers managed to bench in 85 meters of trail helping to bring the project closer to completion. It was hot and thirsty work but we managed to ease the pain with a beer and some burgers after. Once the refuelling was completed we took to the trails to sample the fruits of our labours and enjoy the work that CMBA has put into this new trail.
About the Jumped Up Loops Project
Initiated in 2013 and revitalized in 2021, the Jumped Up Loops project aims to create a user-friendly, stacked-loop trail system near Jumpingpound Creek. Designed to cater to a wide range of users—including beginner and intermediate mountain bikers, hikers, and runners—the trails feature gentle grades, scenic views, and technical elements to keep the experience engaging. Construction began in April 2024, with the first two trails, “Kashmir” and “Ten Years Gone,” opening in October 2024. We were excited to hear that work would begin on the Western section of this trail by the end of May 2025.
Ten Years Gone: A Trail Built by the Community
“Ten Years Gone” is a 6.8 km singletrack trail that connects with “Kashmir” to form the eastern loop of the Jumped Up Loops system. While much of the trail was machine-built, a significant portion—particularly the 1,100-meter Solo Hill climb—relies on volunteer efforts for hand-building. The recent Trail Day focused on completing the remaining bench-cutting required for this section.
Calgary Cycle's Commitment to Trail Development
Calgary Cycle's involvement in the Trail Day is just one example of our dedication to supporting local trail development and fostering a strong mountain biking community. By partnering with CMBA and other trail groups we strive to contribute to the creation of accessible and enjoyable trails for riders of all levels. We ride all sorts of trails and our staff are always out on the dirt. We know how fortunate we are to have the trails we do, the terrain we do and the diverse set of local trail builders that make this possible. We have contributed wherever possible over the years to help these groups, and we will continue to support them. To learn a little more about our efforts on this front check out some details here .
How You Can Get Involved
The Jumped Up Loops project is ongoing, with plans to construct additional loops and connectors. CMBA regularly hosts Trail Days and Nights, inviting volunteers to participate in building and maintaining these trails. No prior experience is necessary, and all are welcome to join. Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance
For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved, visit CMBA's Projects Page.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT GLOVES FOR WINTER RIDING
Keep Your Digits Warm During the Cold
Tis the season of fewer crowds on the trails, quiet, snow-dusted roads, and the challenge of pushing through colder conditions. However, those colder conditions also bring a host of challenges one being uncomfortable, damp or frozen hands. A high quality pair of winter bike gloves can make all the difference between a pleasant ride and a miserable one.
While cool weather riding, keeping your hands warm is crucial—not just for comfort but also for safety. Cold hands can lead to numb fingers, poor grip, and difficulty braking or shifting, which can increase your risk of injury. In addition to warmth, winter bike gloves should offer protection from the elements: wind, rain, snow, and sleet. A well-designed winter glove will keep your hands dry, reduce wind chill, and maintain dexterity, which is essential for controlling your bike in various weather conditions.
What to look for - When choosing the right winter bike gloves, there are several factors to keep in mind.
Insulation- Winter gloves need to trap heat while also allowing moisture to escape. Look for gloves with high-quality insulation materials like Primaloft, Thinsulate, or Merino wool. These materials provide excellent warmth-to-weight ratios without making the gloves too bulky or heavy.
Waterproofing and Wind proofing – Gloves made with Gore-Tex or similar materials will keep your hands dry. Look for gloves that offer windproof materials like tightly woven fabrics to protect you from strong winds.
Grip and Dexterity - Winter gloves can sometimes feel bulky, but for cycling, it’s important to maintain a good grip on your handlebars and be able to easily operate your brakes and gears. Look for gloves that feature grip-enhancing palms to keep your dexterity.
Adjustable Closures and Reflectivity - Winter gloves should cover your wrists and part of your forearms to prevent cold air from creeping in. Gloves with long cuffs or adjustable closures (like Velcro or zippers) help keep warmth in and cold air out. Additionally having visibility details is helpful as we all know how fast the sun goes down during winter months.
Pro Tip From Bow Trail Sales Manager Kirk: “For cold hands, using pogies will create another barrier against the elements and allows you to wear a thinner glove for dexterity. Plus, theres space inside for hot packs and/or snacks!”
Calgary Cycle offers a wide variety of winter gloves and fat bike handlebar “Pogies”. Visit our website or stop by to shop our varied brands such as Bontrager, Bar Mitts and 45NRTH.
The CC Team
WINTERIZING YOUR E-BIKE
A Guide to Protecting Your Battery
As the snow starts falling, it’s time to start thinking about how to properly store your e-bike for the winter months. A well-maintained e-bike can last for years, but improper storage—especially when it comes to the battery—can lead to issues come spring. Here’s a comprehensive guide to putting away your e-bike for the winter and keeping that crucial battery in top shape.
Before you store your bike, give it a thorough cleaning. Dirt and moisture can lead to corrosion and damage over time. Use a bike cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the frame, wheels, and components. Pay special attention to the drivetrain, as debris can lead to wear and tear. Avoid high pressure water for cleaning as it can force moisture into the bearings and be sure to dry your bike completely before storage.
The battery is the heart of your e-bike, and proper care during winter storage is crucial. Prior to storing, make sure your battery is charged to about 50-70%. This range is ideal for lithium-ion batteries during long periods of inactivity. Fully charging or completely discharging can shorten battery life.
If your e-bike allows it, remove the battery for storage. Keeping it in a stable, temperature-controlled environment (ideally between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius ) will prevent extreme temperature fluctuations that can harm the battery. Also, check for any updates required on your e-bike. Periodic updates are required for longevity and can be completed by contacting our Bow Trail or Pure Cycle location to book an appointment. You can also review the requirements through the battery brands App. Updates are approximately $25.00.
Even while in storage, it’s a good idea to check on your e-bike and battery every month. Ensure the battery is holding its charge and that no moisture has built up in your storage area. If necessary, top off the battery to maintain that 50-70% charge.
Visit any of our 3 locations to purchase specialized cleaning products or book an appointment for a pre-winter tune up. We highly recommend booking your tune up over the quieter winter months to avoid long wait times in the spring. We also have maintenance specials running, so when in doubt – reach out!
The CC Team
OAKLEY EYEWEAR
Renowned for Cutting Edge Technology
When it comes to sunglasses, Oakley stands out as a premier brand known for its innovation, quality, and style. Whether you are an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who simply values eye protection and aesthetics, Oakley sunglasses offer unmatched advantages that make them the best choice on the market.
Oakley is renowned for its cutting-edge lens technology, particularly the proprietary High Definition Optics® (HDO®). This technology features razor-sharp clarity, impact resistance and UVA/UVB/UVC protection. With respect to resistance, Oakley is like no other in that they are designed to withstand high-mass and high-velocity impacts. Oakley lenses are incredibly durable, ensuring your eyes are protected in various scenarios and when it comes to biking, having this type of protection can be paramount should riders come across stray branches or flying debris while road riding.
Calgary Cycle has been carrying Oakley eyewear for 25+ years due to its creative styling and wide variety of design options. Customizable and ergonomic, these sunglasses, are mostly made using a material known as O Matter™, which is stress-resistant and lightweight. We carry sport-specific designs which is another feature Oakley showcases and why this brand is so popular with a variety of athletes. From anti-fog ventilation technology and Unobtainium® nose pads and ear socks that increase grip with perspiration, the Oakley eyewear line truly is outstanding.
When deciding which frames are best for you, Oakley’s custom program allows you to mix and match frame colors, lens tints, and more to create a pair that suits your personal style. From Frogskins™ lifestyle frames to the famous sporty Radar® EV Path® there is absolutely something for everyone. Currently both our Bow Trail and South locations carry a selection of Oakley glasses. We look forward to helping you find the perfect fit!
-The CC Team
A WELL TUNED BIKE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!
So you have your new bike from Calgary Cycle and have spent many enjoyable hours riding. What’s next?... A tune-up! Just like a car, your bike requires regular maintenance too. Maintenance checks help ensure that all components of the bike, such as brakes, gears, and tires are in good working condition. This reduces the potential risk of accidents caused by malfunctioning parts. Tuning up your bike a couple of times a year can also improve its overall performance, and longevity and enhance efficiency, making riding smoother.
As a basic standard, it is important before any ride that you check your tire pressure. Tires can lose air over time and if they are sitting all winter in the garage then it’s definitely time to double-check the pressure. If you are uncertain how to go about this, stop by any of our 3 locations, and our service team can easily give you tips and tricks and get you topped up with air. Another standard is a well-oiled bike chain. When bikes are left outside or not cleaned often the chain can become “gummy” and also rust, which in turn will lead to drive train damage. Calgary Cycle sells an assortment of lubricants and bike cleaners along with garage floor tire pumps and smaller handheld versions that fit nicely into a backpack. Another reason Tune-ups are important is that it provides you an opportunity to make any adjustments and work with our bike experts on overall fit and comfort, perhaps you would like a handlebar adjustment, or your saddle is too far forward for best posture, we can review these points when you are dropping your bike off.
By keeping the bike properly maintained you can extend its lifespan. Regular cleaning, lubrication and adjustments help prevent wear and tear on critical components that will prolong their usability. If you have a full suspension bike, we highly recommend having a basic shock service (front and rear) for every 30 hours of riding, and an advanced service for every 100 hours of riding. These details and pricing can be found at www.calgarycycle.com under the services tab.
As a friendly reminder, all bikes sold at Calgary Cycle come with a service package, if you are not certain what is included, this information can be found online and is based on the cost of your bicycle. We are always happy to take your call and discuss your specific needs too!
Pro Tip from James, Senior Mechanic at Calgary Cycle South – “Consistent performance requires preventative maintenance on all moving parts – chain wear, cassette, brakes, rotors and bearings! A clean bike just works better!
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