Get Ready to Experience the Southern Rockies

Equipment
To Wear
To Bring
Just In Case
T-shirt or Jersey 
Water  with optional water filter
Windshell
Cycling Shorts with a padded crotch.
Food -- lunch and trail snacks
Flannel Sweater, Pile or Fleece Jacket
Socks -- maybe bring a second pair for after the ride
Map, Cycle Computer,  and Trail Information
Tights/Windpants 
Helmet 
Compass
Rain Jacket & Pants
Shoes -- stiff sole shoes for riding and hiking. 
An old pair of runners or sport sandal can be used for the many stream crossing that exist on many of the trails
Pocket Knife and Bike Tools -- chain tool, multi-tool, spare tubes, pump, chain lube
Headband -- sweat band and one to cover your ears for those cooler times
Sunglasses with UV protection
Binoculars and Camera (don't forget the film)
Thin Toque/Gloves
Cycling Gloves
Pedals -- either clipless or with toeclips, they help on the uphills
First aid Equipment and the knowledge to use it.
Suntan Lotion -- waterproof SPF 15 or higher is recommended.
Common Sense
Don't forget to tell someone where you are going and when you'll be back
Preparation & Planning:
When traveling into the backcountry always prepare for and plan your trip. Some things to remember while doing this include the following:
Prepare yourself for backcountry travel by educating yourself and your companions about where you are going, wilderness first aid, wildlife encounters, low impact travel, and how to be prepared for emergencies.
Remember, it is best to travel in groups
Rapid weather change such as dramatic drops in temperature, rain, and snow are common. Yes, snow in July or late August is not unusual.
Always carry extra clothing, waterproof clothing, snacks, and plenty of fluids. Be be aware that when you are physically exerting yourself that dehydration can be a serve problem. Don't just carry the fluids, drink them often as thirst is a bad indicator of dehydration.
Play conservatively but have fun. Remember that when you are in the backcountry as you are usually a long way from help if some thing goes wrong.
You are not alone, wildlife such as moose, elk, black, or grizzly bears may be encountered. When you encounter wild animals do not approach or attempt to feed them. They may perceive you as a threat and choose to attack you to defend themselves against the perceived threat -- YOU. Many animals die each year due to contact with humans. Some large animals, particularly bears, are shot or relocated because they encounter a human in their home while many smaller animals die due to dietary imbalances caused by humans feeding them HUMAN food.
Respect Yourself, Wildlife, & the Backcountry. Don't let your backcountry travels end in injury or death for you, an animal, or damage to the backcountry.
Important Phone Numbers
Remember that these numbers are only useful if you know where the nearest payphone is or where the last spot your cellular phone worked. 
Cellular phones can be unreliable in the mountainous areas of Southwest Alberta.
911
or
Crowsnest Pass
RCMP 562-2866
Ambulance 562-2255
Forestry 562-3210
Report Forest Fires
1-780-427-3473
Pincher Creek
RCMP 627-4424
Ambulance
627-3700
Forestry
1-403-562-3210
Trail Etiquette (more details)
 
The Rules
Preparation
Know What to Expect
Have the Proper Equipment
Have the Proper Knowledge
Interactions with People
Respect Others on the Trail
Interactions with Wildlife
Minimize your Impacts on Wildlife and Their Home
Trail Use Etiquette
Always Stay on the Trail
Leave Impacts on the Trail not Beside the Trail
Stay off Closed Trails
When Resting Move to a Durable Stopping Place
Land Manager Resources
Talk to Your Land Manager
Respect their Rules
Contribute to their Needs
Waste Management -- Garbage
Pack it Out
Pack Out Whatever else you Find
Repackage Food and Equipment before Leaving to Reduce the Potential Amount of Trash
Human Waste
Use Proper Practices such as Catholes
Be Prepared to Pack it Out
Catholes: What is a cathole?  A cathole is 6-8" deep, 4-6" wide, In an inconspicuous spot where people are unlikely to walk and camp, and at least 70 human steps (65m) for any water, trails or campsite.