One Last Ride – Our Last Mountain Biking Adventure

Because every ride counts, and every adventure leaves a mark.

The Changing Seasons in the Rockies

Autumn in the Canadian Rockies is pure magic. The trees turn golden, the air grows crisp, and every outdoor adventure feels like a farewell to summer. At Dare and Explore, we always try to stretch the season just a bit longer. Any day with double-digit temperatures — anything above +10°C — is a day we make sure to enjoy outdoors.

Normally, by the end of October, the city already sees freezing temperatures and the first snowflakes. But this year was different. We were lucky to have several mild weeks, and with that came the idea: let’s plan one last ride before winter truly arrives.

Like every year, our goal was to finish the season with something special — a longer, more challenging route that could feel epic. A ride to remember while the snow covers the trails for the next few months.

Planning the Ride: Chasing One More Adventure

About a week before, we started planning. We wanted a route that combined everything we love about mountain biking: technical climbs, flowing descents, beautiful forest sections, and a good challenge.

We decided on a 20 km route in Bragg Creek, with about 790 meters of elevation gain — two main climbs (the second steeper than the first) and two long descents. The plan required two vehicles, since we’d start and finish at different points.

We had our GPS routes loaded, maps ready, and the excitement building. The weather forecast looked promising: 2°C in the morning, warming up to 9°C by noon — a cold start, but manageable.

By midweek, everything was confirmed. Our group of four friends was ready: Ignacio, Shawn, Lindsay, and myself.

The Team: Friends Who Share the Trail

Every group has its dynamic, and ours was no different.

Ignacio is a close friend and one of my longtime adventure partners. We’ve shared countless road and mountain rides, including the 116 km Banff–Lake Louise route. His strength is on the climbs, but every year his downhill skills get sharper.

Shawn is the all-round outdoorsman. Climber, hiker, skier, mountain biker — you name it. We’ve shared rock faces, ski tours, and even some backcountry expeditions.

Lindsay, his wife, brings balance and positivity to every trip. We’ve done family rides together, and while she’s strong on the climbs, her descending technique is smooth and confident.

And then there’s me — Ernesto Lozano, founder and director of Dare and Explore. I’ve spent over 15 years exploring the Canadian Rockies, sharing their beauty with friends and clients. I hold certifications in Avalanche Safety Training, Lead Climber, Ski Instructor, and Wilderness First Aid, but above all, I simply love the mountains — being in them, learning from them, and helping others experience them safely.

The Start: A Frozen Morning in Bragg Creek

We met early at Shawn’s place, loaded the bikes onto the rack, and hit the road. The thermometer read –6°C, colder than expected.

During the drive, I messaged Ignacio to let him know we were on our way. We dropped off his vehicle at the end of the route, loaded his bike onto ours, and continued toward West Bragg Creek, where the ride would begin.

When we arrived, it was still –5°C, and the air bit sharply against our faces. We waited about twenty minutes hoping the sun would warm things up, but the temperature barely changed.

So we did what bikers do best: layered up, zipped our jackets, checked our tire pressure, and started pedaling.

The route opened with a steep, technical climb — the kind that gets your body warm in just a few minutes. Two kilometers in, we were already removing layers, our breath visible in the crisp air, hands still a bit numb but spirits high.

The First Problem

At the top of the first climb, I noticed something off — my rear tire was losing air. A flat. And, of course, I didn’t have the repair kit with me.

We quickly decided that I’d take a shortcut down and wait for them at the end of the route. I pumped some air into the tire, adjusted my helmet, and started descending.

The trail began rough — rocks, roots, tight corners. Then it opened up into smooth, flowing singletrack. The kind of descent that feels like flying, where you can let go of the brakes and just flow with the mountain.

After about a kilometer, I stopped for a quick break. The air was still cold but the sun had started peeking through the trees. I looked back and saw someone coming down the trail — it was Shawn. I decided to wait for him.

Seconds later, I heard the unmistakable sound of a crash: the scrape of metal and gravel, a short cry, and then silence.

The Accident

I dropped my bike and ran uphill.

Shawn had slid off the trail and fallen a few meters down the slope with his bike. When I reached him, he was standing, dazed but conscious. He had dirt on his face and a visible injury on his right shoulder.

A quick visual check showed he was responsive, alert, and — thankfully — not seriously hurt. By then, Lindsay and Ignacio had arrived. We had him sit down, checked for swelling, and realized his shoulder was likely dislocated or strained.

We improvised a sling using a strap and gave him some pain relief tablets. True to his nature, Shawn tried to brush it off:

“I’m good. Let’s keep going,” he said with a grin that fooled no one.

But his body language told another story. He was pale, stiff, and clearly in pain.

We decided to end the ride right there. The plan shifted from “epic adventure” to “safe evacuation.” Ignacio would go ahead to fetch the vehicle while we guided Shawn down carefully.

He tried riding a few short sections, but the pain made it difficult. Step by step, we descended together.

The Long Way Down

By the time we reached the point where I had left my bike, my rear tire was still holding some air — just enough to continue. We followed the first descent all the way down and found a route that avoided the second climb, leading us gradually back toward the trailhead.

The pace was slow, but steady. The good thing was that the cold was no longer an issue — the effort and focus kept us warm.

Eventually, Ignacio met us with the vehicle at the road. We loaded the bikes and gear, and headed to pick up the other car.

In the truck, Shawn — normally full of stories — was quiet. When I asked how he was feeling, he admitted the pain was getting stronger. He and Lindsay decided to go straight to the hospital.

A few hours later, we got the message we were all waiting for: no fractures. Just a serious shoulder strain. Relief washed over all of us.

Lessons from an Unexpected Day

“One Last Ride” didn’t go as planned. But that’s the beauty and unpredictability of the outdoors — it keeps you humble.

It reminded us of why preparation is everything. At Dare and Explore, safety is always our top priority. All our guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid and Avalanche Safety, and we always carry satellite communication devices, detailed maps with alternative routes, and full first-aid kits.

The mountains are stunning, but they demand respect. Conditions change quickly, and even the most experienced riders can have a bad moment. What matters most is teamwork, calm decision-making, and being equipped for whatever comes your way.

More Than Just a Ride

On the drive back home, I replayed the day in my head: the frozen morning, the climbs, the laughter, the fall, the teamwork. Every ride teaches you something new — not just about the trails, but about life itself.

Our “One Last Ride” wasn’t the perfect epic we had envisioned, but it was a true adventure — full of lessons, friendship, and gratitude.

In the end, that’s what outdoor life is all about: embracing uncertainty, staying connected, and celebrating every moment we get to spend in the mountains.

As we packed up the bikes, our hands still cold and our hearts full, we all thought the same thing:

“Winter is coming… but we’re already dreaming of the next ride.”

Final Thoughts

At Dare and Explore, this is what we live for — real adventures that connect people to nature and to themselves. We love sharing the beauty of the Canadian Rockies through mountain biking, climbing, hiking, skiing, and so much more.

If you’re looking to experience the Rockies beyond the tourist spots — to ride the hidden trails, discover waterfalls, and explore wild forests — join us on our next adventure.

Because the mountains will always be there, waiting for us.And we’ll be ready to explore them.

Contact Us.