RVA Annual Cycling Challenge
Join the River Valley Alliance for the first annual RVA Cycling Challenge!
IMPORTANT ROUTE UPDATE: Due to construction affecting the originally planned route, the Cycling Challenge has been rerouted. The ride will now travel from Terwillegar Park to the Strathcona Science Provincial Park area and return to Terwillegar Park.
We appreciate participants’ flexibility as we make this change to ensure the ride can proceed safely.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Meet Time: 8:30 AM
Ride Start: 9:00 AM
Estimated Riding Time: Approximately 3–4 hours, including short breaks
The updated route will begin at the Terwillegar Dog Park parking lot in southwest Edmonton. Riders will travel through the North Saskatchewan River Valley trail system toward Strathcona Science Provincial Park before turning around and returning to Terwillegar Park.
The ride will include a mix of paved and gravel multi-use trails, giving participants the chance to experience a substantial section of the river valley trail system.
All participants who complete the challenge will receive light refreshments and an RVA Cycling Challenge completion certificate at the finish.
Ride Details
This long-distance cycling challenge is intended for cyclists comfortable spending several hours riding on a mix of paved and gravel multi-use trails.
The terrain is gently sloping with several hills to climb. Depending on the number of registrants and rider comfort levels, participants may be divided into smaller groups.
Average to avid cyclists can expect the ride to take about 3–4 hours, including short breaks, although individual riding times may vary.
There will be opportunities to leave the ride along the route if you choose not to complete the full distance.
The updated route map will identify water refill stations and washroom locations.
Important Information
- The ride will now start and finish at Terwillegar Dog Park.
- Participants must bring their own bicycle.
- Bicycles must be in good working order, with properly inflated tires, functioning brakes, and working gears.
- A cycling helmet and working bell are required to participate, as there will be many other trail users along the route.
- E-bikes are welcome. Please ensure your battery is fully charged before arriving.
- Please bring water, weather-appropriate clothing, and enough food or snacks for several hours of riding.
- Washroom and water refill locations will be identified on the updated route map.
- The ride will proceed unless significant rain, unsafe trail conditions, or unsafe weather conditions occur. We will notify registered participants of any additional updates.
Parking & Meeting Location
Participants will meet on the east side of the Terwillegar Dog Park parking lot at 8:30 AM for ride instructions before departing at 9:00 AM.
Because the updated route is an out-and-back ride, participants will finish back at Terwillegar Dog Park.
Look for River Valley Alliance volunteers wearing orange safety vests.
If you are running late or are unable to attend on the day of the event, please contact:
Allan Bly
📞 780-233-5205
Registration
Advance registration through the River Valley Alliance is required, and space is limited.
Already registered? Your registration remains valid for the updated route. Registered participants will receive an email outlining the route change and any additional information they need before the ride.
If you can no longer attend because of the route change, please cancel your registration through the link in your original confirmation email as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to another participant on the waitlist.
Updated Route Map
