Plaid Goat group rides on their own do not cost anything above and beyond your General Admission entry. Some group rides, however, will use shuttles and those do require a Demo Shuttle Wristband (only $20/day or $30/weekend).

To help you make the most of your trail time at Plaid Goat, for those interested in shuttles, we are partnering with Alberta 66 MTB, Peak Shuttlesand Moose Trail Overlandto fast track you to a variety of trailheads throughout the Bow Valley.

Some shuttles are connected to group rides, where others simply drop you off so you can independently enjoy the trail at your own pace. Some shuttles will have a pick up and return option, where others will finish close enough to the festival site that you can ride back with ease.

For those partaking in scheduled activities with advanced sign up, please arrive 15 minutes before the stated time. At five minutes before departure, we’ll reassign no show reservations to walk up customers.

NOTE: Shuttling with demo bikes must be approved by each bike brand. This is the responsibility of each vendor and participant, and is especially the case if you’re contemplating a longer ride.

For the following group rides, we ask that you self-assess your skill level very carefully to ensure that you’re signing up for the right group. If you have questions, ask the coordinator at the meeting point for an overview of each level. It’s important to note that the assessment will be done for each ride by the individual rider.

Meeting Point 1 is located at the bus pull out in front of the Main Lodge. Look for the Plaid Goat black flag as this will be a popular meeting point for activities requiring shuttles.

Meeting Point 2 is located in the Expo area at the Plaid Goat Merchandise Tent. Look for the Plaid Goat grey flag as this will be a popular meeting point for activities not requiring shuttles.

Here’s how the schedule looked for 2019:

Friday June 21

Public Speaker

5:30 pm – 5:45 pm WildSmart Bear Safety for Bikers + Bear Spray Demo
This is your chance to learn from one of the community’s wildlife education associations on how to use bear spray and other safe recreation tips.
Details: Outside Beer Hub

Group Ride – [SHUTTLE]

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Prospector “A” Group Ride with Alberta 66 MTB
Prospector is one of the most talked about rides in the Bow Valley. A local favourite that integrates technical trail features and rock slabs. Enjoy the trail with some of the best folks you’ll find with Alberta 66 MTB, who also happen to be great coaches and guides.
Level: Advanced/black
Details: Limited to 10 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meeting Point 1

Group Ride – [SHUTTLE]

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Prospector “B” Self Led Ride
Start at the Exshaw Legion on this group ride and enjoy what locals deem as the best ride in the valley. Get done early enough and enjoy a refreshment back at the Legion while you await your return shuttle.
Level: Advanced/black
Details: Limited to 10 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meeting Point 1

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

5:30 pm Yakima Reclaimer/Riders of Rohan Hot Laps begin ‘til 8:30 pm
Grab a shuttle for one of two advanced black trails; take your pick on Riders of Rohan or Reclaimer. Ride back to the Nordic Center and do it again.
Level: Advanced/black
Details: Continuous, unscheduled/walk up, meeting Point 1

Group Ride – No Shuttle

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm WinSport Canada Beginner/Intermediate Kids Group Ride
WinSport Canada is known for their kids programs and will be offering two different levels of group rides; beginner and intermediate for the wee ones. Occurs on the Nordic Centre trails.
Level: Beginner/intermediate
Details: Limited to 8 people per level, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meet at the WinSport booth

Group Ride – No Shuttle

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Shred Sisters Rocky Mountain Demo Group Ride
Offering everything from bike set up info, to a group ride with like-minded ladies, top it off by testing out Rocky Mountain Demo Bikes. Free, but pre-sign up required. Trail to be determined on Friday night.
Level: All levels welcome
Details: Meet at the Rocky Mountain Bicycles expo tent, sign up here

Group Ride – No Shuttle

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Retro-Ride with Dirk
Step back in time and ride the Classic 24 Hours of Adrenalin “Modified” Loop at the Nordic Centre. Bring out those ageless bikes for a rip with a crew who loves to hit it up old school.
Level: Intermediate
Details: Limited to 15 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meeting Point 2

Saturday June 22

Skills Clinic – No Shuttle

9:00 am – Safer Cycling Calgary Level 1 FUNdamentals of Cycling
A beginner course designed to teach the very basics of riding bikes in a gentle, supportive manner. Not taught on the road or mountain bike trails. Ages 4 – 13 only. $80/participant.
Level: Beginner/green
Details: Limited to 8 kids, Meeting Point 2, sign up here

Self Led Full Day Experience

10:00 am – CAMBA’sNo Limit Poker Contest
Gather as many stamps as possible through 11 different methods of goodness. Some stamps are ride rewards, where others are simply social. Prizing is through the roof, so show your support and don’t be a goof! Winner announced at the Craft Beer Hub at 7:00 pm.
Level: Members only
Details: Unlimited, Get poker cards at the CAMBA booth, info here

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

10:15 am High Rockies South Drop Offs
A newer iconic ride above the beautiful Spray Lakes valley, this lovely trail has a series of drop off options and you’ll return to the Festival on your own power.
Level: beginner-intermediate/green-blue
Details: limited to 12 people, we’ll drop you off at Kent, Sawmill or Buller Pass trailheads and you can ride north back to return to the Nordic Centre at your own pace (by descending Spray Lakes Road). 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 1, sign up here

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

10:15 am Yakima Reclaimer/Riders of Rohan Hot Laps til 6:00 pm
Grab a shuttle for one of two advanced black trails; Riders of Rohan or Reclaimer. Ride back to the Nordic Center and do it again.
Level: advanced/black
Details: limited to 6 per SUV – Continuous, unscheduled/walk up, meeting Point 1

Group Ride – No Shuttle

10:30 am – 12:00 pm WinSport Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Kids Group Rides
WinSport Canada is known for their kids programs and will be offering different levels of group rides; beginner, intermediate and advanced for the wee ones. Occurs on the Nordic Centre trails.
Level: Beginner/intermediate/advanced
Details: Limited to 8 spots per level, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meet at the WinSport booth

Group Ride – No Shuttle

10:30 am Shred Sisters Hosted Ride
A ladies only ride with one of the best female specific coaching companies in the region. Groups will be divided as required. Trail TBC based on the skill level of interested riders.
Level: All levels welcome
Details: Meet at the Rocky Mountain Bicycles expo tent, get info here

Group Ride – No Shuttle

10:30 am – 12:00 pm YYC MTB Hosted Beginner Ride
If you’re still getting into mountain biking or just want a slower pace, this is the ride for you. Tackle some fun trails and avoid the steep and technical stuff.
Level: Beginner/green
Details: Limited to 20 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meeting Point 2

Group Ride – No Shuttle

11:00 am SpecializedAmbassador Social Group Ride
Here’s your chance to ride with Specialized ambassadors from across the region. Join Natalie Rix, Stephanie Nychka, Darcy Neniska and Sarah King as you ride EKG or Soft Yogurt and connections at the Nordic Centre.
Level: Intermediate/blue
Details: Limited to 12 people per group, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meet at the Specialized booth

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

11:15 am Banff Tunnel Drop Offs
Catch a lift to Banff and get dropped off at Tunnel Mountain for a choose your own adventure experience. Pick any combination of rides including: Star Wars, Topp Notch, Coastline, etc. and soak in the National Park views. Be back to the meeting spot by 2:00 pm for your lift back to the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Shuttle pick up spot: Meeting Point 1
Level: varied depending on what you choose
Details: limited to 14, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 1

Group Ride – No Shuttle

11:30 am BC Enduro Series – Stage 6 Preview with STEEDZ Enduro
Stage 6 will have some technical candy, so here’s your chance to dial in the lines and get tips for Stage 6 ahead of the race from members of the areas premiere Enduro team. Includes stage preview and tech chat covering top 5 mistakes people make racing Enduro, top 5 things to bring, and how to train.
Level: Blue/black – intermediate/advanced
Details: limited to 15, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 2

Skills Clinic – No Shuttle

12:00 pm Bike Trials Clinic by Gray’s Bike Fix
Need to find your inner balance? Maybe on a log? Want to hone your inner Danny MacAskill? Come join coach Shawn Gray to learn tips and tricks specific to trials; a first of its kind at Plaid Goat!
Level: all
Details: Limited to 16 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 2

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

12:00 pm Open Shuttles Canmore Banff til 6:00 pm
Arrive at the shuttle meeting point and talk to the shuttle driver to see who else is there and what the plan of attack is. Have an idea? Share it and if it’s a reasonable drive, you have lift off! Common rides will include: East Highline drop offs, Cougar Creek drop offs, and possibly even Banff if you have 4 or more keen folks.
Level: all
Details: Limited to 8 people, Continuous, unscheduled/walk up, meeting Point 1

Group Ride – No Shuttle

1:00 pm The Loam Ranger An Odyssey to the Chutes Group Ride
Alberta’s own Loam Ranger is leading a unique group ride experience around the Canmore Nordic Centre, which included Odyssey and the coveted Coal Chutes. Rub shoulders with this great influencer and all around nice guy. All signed up must be ok with possible camera coverage!
Level: intermediate/advanced
Details: Limited to 15 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 2

Group Ride – No Shuttle

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm WinSport Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Kids Group Rides
WinSport Canada is known for their kids programs and will be offering different levels of group rides; beginner, intermediate and advanced for the wee ones. Occurs on the Nordic Centre trails.
Level: Beginner/intermediate/advanced
Details: Limited to 8 spots per level, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meet at the WinSport booth

Group Ride – No Shuttle

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm YYC MTB Hosted Intermediate Ride
Want an intermediate level ride with some of the area’s nicest and most informed coaches? This is the ride for you. Tackle some fun trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Level: Intermediate/blue
Details: Limited to 20 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 2

Group Ride – No Shuttle

2:00 pm Single Speed Social Ride with Two Trail Building Dudes
Are you an awesome person who doesn’t take yourself too seriously, enjoys beer, likes to ride single speeds on singletrack… sometimes at all the same time? Then be sure to come on this ride! May include, but not be limited to adult humour and dirty looks from other trail users
Level: Intermediate/blue
Details: Limited to 12 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 2

Group Ride – No Shuttle

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Sweet Skills MTB Coaching – Co-Ed MTB Basics & Beyond (Beginner Skills Clinic)
One of Edmonton’s premier coaches, Natalie Rix, hosts a basics and beyond skills clinic that will knock your socks off. Enjoy the chance to work with this great coach right here in Canmore!
Level: Beginner/green
Details: Limited to 8 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meet at the Specialized booth

Jump Jam

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Jump Jam
Located at the Canmore Nordic Centre’s Bike Skills Park, the Plaid Goat jump jam hosts all ages & abilities. With generous support from B-Line Indoor Bike Park, Outside Bike and Ski, Fox, etc.
Level: All
Details: See Jump Jam webpage

Group Ride – No Shuttle

3:30 pm Sweet Skills MTB Coaching – Women’s Only MTB Basics & Beyond (Beginner Skills Clinic)
One of Edmonton’s premier coaches, Natalie Rix, hosts a basics and beyond skills clinic for the ladies that will knock your socks off. Enjoy the chance to work with this great coach right here in Canmore!
Level: Beginner/green
Details: Limited to 8 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meet at the Specialized booth

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

4:00 pm – Prospector – Self Led Ride
Prospector is one of the most talked about rides in the Bow Valley. A local favourite that integrates technical trail features and rock slabs.
Level: Advanced/black
Details: Limited to 14 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meeting Point 1

Group Ride – No Shuttle

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm WinSport Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Kids Group Rides
WinSport Canada is known for their kids programs and will be offering different levels of group rides; beginner, intermediate and advanced for the wee ones. Occurs on the Nordic Centre trails.
Level: Beginner/intermediate/advanced
Details: Limited to 8 spots per level, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meet at the WinSport booth

Ladies Hour – Beer Hub

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
An hour dedicated to the ladies of Plaid Goat as a part of Estro-Fest, offering nibbles provided by An Edible Life, swag items and a women’s specific draw. Get more info here.

Ladies Hour – Beer Hub

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
An hour dedicated to the ladies of Plaid Goat as a part of Estro-Fest, offering nibbles provided by An Edible Life, swag items and a women’s specific draw. Get more info here.

Ladies Hour – Beer Hub

7:00 pm
CAMBA’sNo Limit Poker Contest Winners Announced!

Double Fuzz [BAND] – Beer Hub

8:00 pm
Come watch funky rockers Double Fuzzbring down the Beer Hub with some sick tunes and full stop personality!

Sunday June 23

Group Demo Ride – [SHUTTLE]

10:00 am – 12:30 pm Bleed Black on Riders | An Advanced Demo Ride with Graham Agassiz (Aggy) and Evil Bikes – Group Ride
Meet at the Evil Bikes tent, and then move out to your awaiting shuttle. This is a fully kitted out Evil demo social ride with a Canadian legend. This boutique ride has a limited number of spots available.
Level: Advanced/black
Details: Limited to 12 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meet at the Specialized booth

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

10:15 am Yakima Reclaimer/Riders of Rohan Hot Laps til 6:00 pm
Grab a shuttle for one of two advanced black trails; Riders of Rohan or Reclaimer. Ride back to the Nordic Center and do it again.
Level: advanced/black
Details: limited to 6 per SUV – Continuous, unscheduled/walk up, meeting Point 1

Group Ride – [SHUTTLE]

10:30 am – 1:00 pm Prairie View/Jewell Pass – Group Ride with Alberta 66 MTB
This is a longer intermediate classic that showcases a jewel in the Rockies; Barrier Lake. A few hike-a-bike sections are required and good fitness is advised, but the payoff is worthwhile and the views stunning.
Level: intermediate/blue
Details: Limited to 10 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meeting Point 1

Jump Skills – No Shuttle

10:30 am Shred Sisters Air Time Fun Time!
A ladies only jump session with one of the best female specific coaching companies in the region. Enjoy the comfort of figuring out the jumps with like-minded women at the Nordic Centre Bike Skills Park.
Level: All levels welcome
Details: Meet at the Rocky Mountain Bicycles expo tent, get info here

Group Ride – No Shuttle

10:30 am – 12:00 pm YYC MTB Hosted Beginner Nordic Centre Ride
If you’re still getting into mountain biking or just want a slower pace, this is the ride for you. Tackle some fun trails and avoid the steep and technical stuff.
Level: Beginner/green
Details: Limited to 20 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 2

Group Ride – No Shuttle

10:30 am – 12:00 pm WinSport Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Kids Group Rides
WinSport Canada is known for their kids programs and will be offering different levels of group rides; beginner, intermediate and advanced for the wee ones. Occurs on the Nordic Centre trails.
Level: Beginner/intermediate/advanced
Details: Limited to 8 spots per level, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meet at the WinSport booth

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

11:00 am Goat Creek Get a Lift til 4:00 pm
Grab a shuttle to the Goat Creek Trail head that connects with Banff through the Spray Valley.
Level: beginner/green
Details: limited to 6 per SUV – Continuous, unscheduled/walk up, meeting Point 1

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

11:00 am Best of Banff: Lower Stoney and Topp Notch
Located on the Mt. Norquay ski hill in Banff, the fun rip down Lower Stoney is fast and flows well. There are a couple of short climbs at the start, but then it’s all downhill. After this trail is done, get shuttled over to Tunnel Mountain for the Banff signature Topp Notch.
Level: advanced/black
Details: Limited to 14 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 2

Group Ride – No Shuttle

12:00 pm The Gentleman’s Club with Rob Stevens
A bespoke of the finest Nordic Centre trails, curated for maximum shred effect. Led by the inimitable Rob Stevens, the Ride Guide Legend.
Level: Intermediate/blue
Details: Limited to 8 people, Meeting Point 2, sign up here

Group Ride – No Shuttle

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm WinSport Beginner/Intermediate Kids Group Rides
WinSport Canada is known for their kids programs and will be offering different levels of group rides; beginner and intermediate for the wee ones. Occurs on the Nordic Centre trails.
Level: Beginner/intermediate/advanced
Details: Limited to 8 spots per level, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meet at the WinSport booth

Self Led Ride – [SHUTTLE]

1:00 pm Open Shuttles Canmore Banff til 6:00 pm
Arrive at the shuttle meeting point and talk to the shuttle driver to see who else is there and what the plan of attack is. Have an idea? Share it and if it’s a reasonable drive, you have lift off! Common rides will include: East Highline drop offs, Cougar Creek drop offs, and possibly even Banff if you have 4 or more keen folks.
Level: all
Details: Limited to 8 people, Continuous, unscheduled/walk up, meeting Point 1

Jump Skills – No Shuttle

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm WinSport Intermediate/Advanced Jump Skills
WinSport Canada is known for being great coaches and will be breaking down the fundamentals for jumping. Occurs at the Nordic Centre Bike Skills Park.
Level: intermediate/advanced
Details: Limited to 8 spots per level, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meet at the WinSport booth

Group Ride – No Shuttle

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm YYC MTB Hosted Intermediate Nordic Centre Ride
Want an intermediate level ride with some of the area’s nicest and most informed coaches? This is the ride for you. Tackle some fun trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
Level: Intermediate/blue
Details: Limited to 20 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 2

Group Ride – [SHUTTLE]

2:00 pm – Sunny Side Selections: Montane Traverse or Horseshoe Loop – Group ride
Depending on the group’s levels, ride either the Benchlands network or Montane Traverse on Canmore’s sunny side. The ride host will offer up a variety of trail options to help you piece together the best options for your level. Post-ride, the group will bike back to the Nordic Centre sans shuttle.
Level: intermediate/blue
Details: Limited to 6 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, Meeting Point 1

Panorama Tailgate Party with Rundle Mountain Cycle Club (RMCC) Bike & Spa, supported by Canmore Brewing Company

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
While you’re having a post-ride bevy, give your bike a little love and help support RMCC Youth Revolution Programs – Wash & Lube by donation. Want an added reason to come? Enter to win a sweet weekend away at Panorama Mountain Resort just by attending!

Group Ride – [SHUTTLE]

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm Prospector Group Ride with Alberta 66 MTB
Prospector is one of the most talked about rides in the Bow Valley. A local favourite that integrates technical trail features and rock slabs. Enjoy the trail with some of the best folks you’ll find with Alberta 66 MTB, who also happen to be great coaches and guides.
Level: Advanced/black
Details: Limited to 10 people, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meeting Point 1

Group Ride – No Shuttle

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm WinSport Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced Kids Group Rides
WinSport Canada is known for their kids programs and will be offering different levels of group rides; beginner, intermediate and advanced for the wee ones. Occurs on the Nordic Centre trails.
Level: Beginner/intermediate/advanced
Details: Limited to 8 spots per level, 50% pre-sign up, 50% walk up, meet at the WinSport booth