FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DAILY DISTANCES: |
Canada is really big, and some of the daily mileage also appears to be big, but if you have done a 100 km ride, then you can do this trip! This is not a race, breaks and exploration of the towns is encouraged, so remember:
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LEGS: |
No, this isn't where you will find info on getting new legs, stronger legs, or where to rent legs, sorry.
When we started talking about this adventure, many people said "I have always wanted to do that! But I can't take that much time off work, away from family, etc." So the route has been broken up in to 5 legs with beginnings and endings around larger centres with airports and other logistical necessities. People looking to do a portion, or a few portions, of the route are asked to choose a leg. Refer to the route for info on each leg. |
TERRAIN: |
Canada is a diverse country and the terrain will also vary in each province. Many people think the Rocky Mountains will be the most challenging, but roads in Canada tend to go around, rather then over, the mountains and they follow the train tracks. Since trains can't go up a grade steeper then 6%, the roads generally are not all that steep either.
The challenge, and beauty, of the prairies is the open spaces, and the reason we are traveling from west to east. Winds tend to move west to east and it is in the open landscape that we are most exposed. It is the first part of Ontario, as we enter the Canadian Shield that will be the most challenging with steeper climbs that repeat along the shores of Lake Superior. Road conditions will also vary as some provinces put more money in to road repairs then others, so we will have some beautiful smooth pavement and some rougher roads. Our experience will take us on some highways with wide shoulders, quieter secondary highways, residential streets, and even bike paths. Rest assured that we have selected routes that are traveled by cyclists from all over the world. |
GROUP RIDING: |
Riders are encouraged to ride at their own pace and comfort zone; both in terms of speed and group riding abilities. You will find the riders that are the same speed as you and that you enjoy riding with, and those people may change daily depending on how you are feeling. Riding as a peloton, or at a set speed, will not be enforced.
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SUPPORT VEHICLE: |
There will be 1 to 2 support vehicles and the riders will be expected to participate in the driving. A schedule will be set prior to the trip so each rider will know when it is their turn to drive. This will help give the body a rest from the riding and help keep costs low. The van will carry luggage, snacks and water and will stop at locations pre-determined before the start of the ride (every 30-50 km). The drivers each day will be responsible for picking up supplies and will be the main contact person. Communication between the riders and drivers will be done via personal cell phones.
The support vehicle will also respond to any emergencies as needed, such as broken equipment or ill riders. Cyclists interested in a 4 wheel shuttle will need to make that decision at the half way point each day. The support vehicle will not be driving up and down the route, it will drive ahead to a pre-determined spot, support all riders, then drive ahead to the next stop. |
ACCOMMODATIONS: |
Riders participating in a leg of the journey will be asked to book their own hotel rooms prior to the start of the ride. Suggestions are listed in each itinerary so we can stay as a group, but booking of the hotel (and choosing a roommate if desired) is the responsibility of each rider.
Billeting for riders doing the entire journey is being organized; however, there will be some evenings where a hotel will be the only option. Know someone in a community we are going through who would be willing to host a few riders? Please e-mail Petrina. |
FOOD: |
Fees include food in the van and some group meals that will be organized along the way. For the most part, riders will be responsible for paying for their own breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and treats that you stop for along the way.
Look in the itinerary for each leg for the dinners that are included in the trip fees. |
EQUIPMENT: |
All riders are responsible for their own equipment, making sure it is in great condition, and fixing mechanicals such as flat tires. In the event of a larger case mechanical, such as a broken piece of equipment, then the support vehicle can be called and a trip to the closest bike shop will be made.
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CHARITY: |
This ride is not attached to a charity; however, if you would like to ride to benefit a charity that is encouraged with the following asks:
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