2022 Grand Départ
What is a Grand Depart?
A group of bikepackers who meet to ride a predetermined route, leaving at the same time and riding in a self supported manner. There is no registration, no support, no insurance and no prizes. It is not a race or organized event. Each rider assumes complete responsibility for their own safety.
Riders may indicate their intention to ride by filling out this form after reading all the following information.
Riders may ride alone, in pairs, or small groups, it is entirely up to them. Riders who are attempting a "Fastest Known Time" (FKT) start at the same time but must complete the ride as a solo effort. All the other rules below apply.
Of course riders who cannot make it to the Grand Depart are welcome to ride the route at any other time of their own choosing.
Riders who complete all (or some) of the route may submit a photo for inclusion in the appropriate "Log Driver's Waltz Awards" page!
Update-Two routes to choose from:
In order to provide an option for riders on a tight time frame or who may wish to test themselves on a shorter route, riders may choose between two routes: The start date, time, and place will be the same.
A group of bikepackers who meet to ride a predetermined route, leaving at the same time and riding in a self supported manner. There is no registration, no support, no insurance and no prizes. It is not a race or organized event. Each rider assumes complete responsibility for their own safety.
Riders may indicate their intention to ride by filling out this form after reading all the following information.
Riders may ride alone, in pairs, or small groups, it is entirely up to them. Riders who are attempting a "Fastest Known Time" (FKT) start at the same time but must complete the ride as a solo effort. All the other rules below apply.
Of course riders who cannot make it to the Grand Depart are welcome to ride the route at any other time of their own choosing.
Riders who complete all (or some) of the route may submit a photo for inclusion in the appropriate "Log Driver's Waltz Awards" page!
Update-Two routes to choose from:
In order to provide an option for riders on a tight time frame or who may wish to test themselves on a shorter route, riders may choose between two routes: The start date, time, and place will be the same.
Date: August 20, 2022
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Almonte/Mississippi Mills, Ontario (Exact Location of Start and parking suggestions TBA)
Routes: Log Driver's Waltz (800 km) or L'EGGs Route (350 km)
Inspiration:
This ride is in the spirit of the big event in North America, the Tour Divide.
It is highly recommended that anybody interested in this ride read the relevant information on this site
Things to keep in mind, and rules of the ride:
Before and during your ride it is your responsibility to:
Change in Plans?
Life happens. Sometimes plans need to change. If you sign up but then cannot come, please send an email via our "Contact" page and we'll modify the sign up list. Thanks!
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Almonte/Mississippi Mills, Ontario (Exact Location of Start and parking suggestions TBA)
Routes: Log Driver's Waltz (800 km) or L'EGGs Route (350 km)
- Use existing route files/maps for planning.
- Official routes will be released in late July 2022.
- Updates will be announced on Instagram and Facebook- Follow us!
- A TrackLeaders.com link will be provided closer to the date.
Inspiration:
This ride is in the spirit of the big event in North America, the Tour Divide.
It is highly recommended that anybody interested in this ride read the relevant information on this site
Things to keep in mind, and rules of the ride:
- Some parts of this route are remote, with minimal services during long stretches and through forested areas home to Black bears, raccoons and other forest animals.
- Carrying a Tracker device is recommended but not required, cell service is "limited" to "none" in some areas of this route.
- Flashing (blinking) lights, reflective gear and light coloured clothing to make riders more visible are highly recommended. Bikes should be outfitted with lights for riding in the dusk, night or dawn.
- This is a self-supported ride, and outside support is not allowed. If you need it, or think you might need it, better bring it.
- Services along the route are fair game; hotels, restaurants, pubs and stores are all available for use, as long as goods and services are not pre-arranged, eg., no food or equipment drops/delivery unless it is to a Canada Post Outlet c/o General Delivery.
- Camping options both primitive and at campgrounds, and other accommodation options can be found on the RWGPS map and supplemented with your own research. Due to Covid hours/days of operation may have changed.
- Leave No Trace. This route goes through communities and wilderness areas, please respect all areas of the route and leave it as you found it. If you packed it in, pack it out. More information on "Leave No Trace": https://www.leavenotrace.ca/principles
- This ride and route rely on the goodwill of the many communities along the way. Please be kind and respectful of private property and generous with your support of local businesses.
- If you need to leave the route for any reason, you must return to your last location and continue on from there.
- A rider's time is the total elapsed time, including all stops, that it takes to complete the route. FKT hopefuls must provide a Strava or RWGPS file of their ride. FKT riders may not draft.
Before and during your ride it is your responsibility to:
- Educate yourself about current health guidelines, vaccination requirements, proof of vaccination, etc., in all applicable health units/regions in both provinces and follow them.
- Modify your plans to meet health directives if the situation changes.
- Be respectful of the people you encounter in the areas you are riding through.
- Always make your safety and the safety of others your priority.
Change in Plans?
Life happens. Sometimes plans need to change. If you sign up but then cannot come, please send an email via our "Contact" page and we'll modify the sign up list. Thanks!
2o22 log Driver's waltz Grand Depart
David White, Guelph, ON
David Burnford, Ottawa, ON
Fred Pretot, Montreal, QC
Liz Overduin, Auburn, ON
David Tuttle, Brantford, ON
Marie-Pierre Savard, Montreal, QC
Alex Stephan, Toronto, ON
Ben Currie, Australia
Jen Adams, Ottawa, ON
Eric Betteridge. Ottawa, ON
Emily Lafleche, Kanata, ON
Carl Presseault, Gatineau, ON
Matthieu Sanscartier, Montreal, QC
Matthew Scott, Beamsville, Ontario
Paul Dowswell, Bayfield, ON
Dave Laws, Toronto, ON
Jeff Mullen, Richmond, Vermont USA
David Wright, Ottawa, ON
Paul McEvoy, London, ON
Kyle RobertsMount Albert, Ontario
Theresa White, Ontario
Lee Robinson, Toronto, ON
Zachary Rayner, Toronto, ON
Travis Guile, Bowmanville, ON
Brad Johnson, Cobourg, ON
Cory Ostertag, Squamish, BC
Matthew Kadey, Waterloo, ON
Sky Gabriel Tettero-Crosby, Guelph, ON
Mike Lapcevic, Turrialba, Costa Rica
Spencer Gough, Waterloo, ON
Sebastien Benavides, Montréal, QC
Rob Janelli, Fayston, Vermont, USA
Geoff Agnew, Ottawa, ON
John Swarbrick, Waterloo, ON
Yves Poirier, Apple Hill, ON
2O22 L'eggs Route GRAND DEPART
Sandra MacDowall, Stittsville, ON
Peter MacDowall, Stittsville, ON
Julie Rossall, Georgetown, ON
Peter MacDowall, Stittsville, ON
Julie Rossall, Georgetown, ON
Disclaimer:
- This ride is not an official event, nor is it sanctioned in any way, there is no entrance fee, and there is no prize for finishing.
- All riders are solely responsible for their own safety and security along the route.
- Riders must recognize that there are inherent risks in this undertaking including injury and death.
- This route incorporates multi-use trails, off-road trails and on-road riding. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety, must use both trails and streets with caution and do so at their own risk.
- The route should be evaluated by each individual cyclist based on their level of experience and comfort level in cycling on trails and roads.
- Riders need to consider weather conditions, time of day, and any road obstacles when making their decisions to ride.
- Always wear the proper safety gear when cycling, ride sensibly and abide by all laws.
- This website and the associated Facebook page/Instagram account are only used as a meeting place and area for collaboration and information sharing. The Log Driver’s Waltz website and any and all others involved in the development of these routes do not assume any liability whatsoever for cyclists using this information and travelling upon these routes.