This is a fantastic route - my favorite Alberta ride by far!
My only improvement to the route shown above would be to turn west off of Hwy 22 onto Hwy 549 (around Millarville). Take 549 west to 762 and then head north on 762 to reconnect with Hwy 22 just outside of Bragg Creek. These short sections of highway are paved, have more twisties, less traffic, and better scenery - there are some beautiful homes on 762.
The route is paved all the way. With the exception of hwy 1X, pavement quality is good to great. The pavement on hwy 1X is the sh*ts west of Ghost Lake. Do your best to stay in the left portion of the lane and you'll be fine. I ride pretty aggressively through there (love the twisties) and I noticed a couple of dips on the outer portions of the lanes that would swallow a motorcycle tire easily. There are also very limited passing opportunities once you get into the twists, so get out in front of slow movers early if possible.
There is a gate on hwy 40 that closes a section of the highway (Highwood Pass) for the winter. I believe it re-opens in the latter half of June.
There is a gas station about half way round the loop on hwy 40. It carries premium fuel and is on the north side of the highway.
I get about 220km's/tank with my Hammer. Since I'm coming from Red Deer, I refill in Cochrane, top up on hwy 40, top up in Black Diamond, and then head home.
I usually lunch at "Marv's" in Black Diamond. It's an old fashioned burger/ice cream joint that is usually less crowded than the hotel up the street (the usual stop for most bikers). Plus Marv's serves real ice cream sundaes!
I typically do this route from west to east - I find there's less traffic going this direction.
Oh man, I miss summer!
