Cycling Along the Bow: eBiking on the RiverWalk in Calgary, Alberta
The mountains behind Calgary’s skyline are caked in white, as if someone has dumped an entire bag of icing sugar across the craggily mountain range. I’m looking west towards the Rockies, a worthy destination for outdoor adventures. But today, I’m staying closer to the city, seeking out adventure downtown along the Bow River.
With a rented ebike from Bow Cycles, I’m planning to explore the waterside RiverWalk. (A bit of a misnomer, as cyclists are certainly allowed.)
After being warmly welcomed into Bow Cycles, I get outfitted with a large, metallic blue Cube Reaction Hybrid Race ebike and a helmet. I’m told the bike is worth around $5,000.
“Jump on.”
As I perch on the seat, I’m given a rundown of how the ebike works: it can go up to 32 kilometres per hour, but the maximum speed allowed on the RiverWalk is 20 kilometres per hour. I assure the friendly employees that I won’t go that fast.
They show me how to use a heavy-duty bike lock, but given its hefty price tag, I know I won’t leave this two-wheeler out of my sight.
I prove I can ride a bike with a quick pedal in front of the store, then I’m waved off and my adventure begins.
The ebike has already been turned on for me, and I can see my speed on the vivid display. Rather than choosing a speed, I choose levels of assistance, from Eco to Turbo. I start on the lowest setting, which provides a very slight push I can barely feel behind my pedal strokes. It’s simply as if cycling has gotten a bit easier.
For this city-based outing, I’m wearing my 35-litre Fjallraven Abisko Hike backpack, ultra-cozy MEC Fireside Fleece jacket and colourful Outway All-Day Performance socks. With a packed lunch from a local eatery called Joes on 12th, a sugar-boosting blueberry macaroon from Sweet Relief and nearly a litre of water in my sticker-clad Wide Mouth HydroFlask, I’m ready to ride.
The RiverWalk meanders beside the Bow River. This beautiful waterway was named by the Cree who made bows from the Douglas firs that grew on its banks.
Today, the river is half-frozen; a thin crust of leftover snow sits on the icy surface like a glazed donut. Spring is coming: the ice is melting, winter is thawing. Sunshine glints off the deep turquoise waves where breaks in the ice allow blue water to flow.
I cycle in the bike path, using my bell frequently. Runners, dog walkers and fellow cyclists glide along the wide pedestrian and cycling-only pathway. I pause to take pictures, watch birds flutter through the trees and chat with fellow adventurers who are also outside enjoying the early spring bliss.
Winding my way through Prince’s Island Park, I cross over pedestrian bridges and cycle past an adorable café. My route ends at the famous red Peace Bridge. Designed like a tubular cornucopia, it ensconces walkers and bikers in a pier-less sci-fi fantasy stretched across the river’s crackling icy mouth.
I stop to admire the view and munch on my chicken club wrap. When I’m adequately fuelled up, I pedal to St. Patrick’s Island Park. I cruise past a small grassy knoll and a public plaza with ample seating. I’m just getting close to the Calgary Zoo when I decide to turn around. If I keep going, I’ll make it to the new whitewater kayak course and bird sanctuary, but my butt is getting sore and the sun is starting to set.
I end up cycling just over 11 kilometres at an average speed of 7.2 kilometres an hour. The fastest I get up to is 17.5 kilometres, but I never feel out of control—or out of breath. The pedal-assist ebike is the perfect way to explore the city’s outdoors without working up a sweat.
I make my way back to Bow Cycles with cold hands and pink cheeks, happy and content, ready to defrost.
As an 85 yd-old E-bike rider, I enjoyed your piece. Without the pedal-assist, my cycling enjoyment would be limited to the immediate neighbourhood. With a powerful Bik-trix “Juggernaught”, I am able to enjoy forest trails, sometimes even with steep hills. A whole new adventure! So good on you for opening the outlook for us seniors!
Nelson Eddy, Bowser, BC