2023 Grand Départ
Dedicated to Michel Collette
Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Almonte/Mississippi Mills, Ontario
What is a Grand Depart?
A Grand Depart is a group of bikepackers who meet to ride a predetermined route, leaving at the same time and riding in a self supported manner.
It is an opportunity to meet other bikepackers and have a common shared experience.
It is a participation event. 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.
Meeting up with other riders and leaving together adds excitement.
The Grand Depart date is set well in advance so riders must plan to thrive in what might be less than optimal weather and deal with last minute reroutes as required.
Challenge by Choice:
This year there are three distances to choose from: 800 km, 380 km and 1600 km.
This is not a race, but some riders are motivated to test themselves against the route under defined conditions. These riders may have their time recorded and should follow the self supported "rules" for either solo or pairs.
Riders are encouraged to "tour" the route if that is their preference. There is no time limit for riding the route. Riders may choose their own pace and may make their own choices about how closely they follow the route, and whether they ride in a pair. a group or solo.
The Grand Depart is very much challenge by choice.
When you have read everything on this page and are ready to commit, please indicate your intention to ride in the Grand Départ by completing this form. The form can also be found embedded at the bottom of this page.
Please don't say "scratched" !
“People say when they can’t complete a route, that they "scratched". We’re of the opinion that anyone that shows up to the start has already put in a great effort. It’s so hard to get to the start these days, let alone complete these things. Ideally, we don’t hear the word scratch,” says Adams. “We have different levels and awards on our website because it’s not possible for everyone to complete the route. But they’ve still gone to their fullest extent. If I ride 200km in two days and that’s as far as I can go, that’s just as valid as someone who rides 800km in two days. Although the route isn’t easy, we want to have different ways to make it accessible.”
Jen Adams in Canadian Cycling Magazine. https://cyclingmagazine.ca/gravel/log-drivers-waltz-grand-depart/
Rider Recognition:
Riders who complete all or some of the route are encouraged to submit a photo for inclusion in the appropriate Log Driver's Waltz Award (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Tourer). As well as recognizing your accomplishment it is encouraging for other riders who are considering the route. It is also a bit of a serotonin boost for the route developers ;-) . Thanks!
The "Official" Route (800 km):
The Log Drivers Waltz is an 800 km route with 7267 metres of climbing according to RWGPS. The actual amount of climbing, based on data from many riders is closer to 9500 metres. See more information on the first three pages of this website. Riders are welcome to ride the route anytime of the year between May 15 and November 15 as this is when the trails in the Gatineau Park are open to bikes.
The Grand Départ version of the route will be finalized, barring last minute construction or other trail or road closures, two weeks before the ride. Please use the existing route maps on https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/ for planning purposes.
Date: Saturday, July 29, 2023
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Almonte/Mississippi Mills, Ontario
What is a Grand Depart?
A Grand Depart is a group of bikepackers who meet to ride a predetermined route, leaving at the same time and riding in a self supported manner.
It is an opportunity to meet other bikepackers and have a common shared experience.
It is a participation event. 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.
Meeting up with other riders and leaving together adds excitement.
The Grand Depart date is set well in advance so riders must plan to thrive in what might be less than optimal weather and deal with last minute reroutes as required.
Challenge by Choice:
This year there are three distances to choose from: 800 km, 380 km and 1600 km.
This is not a race, but some riders are motivated to test themselves against the route under defined conditions. These riders may have their time recorded and should follow the self supported "rules" for either solo or pairs.
Riders are encouraged to "tour" the route if that is their preference. There is no time limit for riding the route. Riders may choose their own pace and may make their own choices about how closely they follow the route, and whether they ride in a pair. a group or solo.
The Grand Depart is very much challenge by choice.
When you have read everything on this page and are ready to commit, please indicate your intention to ride in the Grand Départ by completing this form. The form can also be found embedded at the bottom of this page.
Please don't say "scratched" !
“People say when they can’t complete a route, that they "scratched". We’re of the opinion that anyone that shows up to the start has already put in a great effort. It’s so hard to get to the start these days, let alone complete these things. Ideally, we don’t hear the word scratch,” says Adams. “We have different levels and awards on our website because it’s not possible for everyone to complete the route. But they’ve still gone to their fullest extent. If I ride 200km in two days and that’s as far as I can go, that’s just as valid as someone who rides 800km in two days. Although the route isn’t easy, we want to have different ways to make it accessible.”
Jen Adams in Canadian Cycling Magazine. https://cyclingmagazine.ca/gravel/log-drivers-waltz-grand-depart/
Rider Recognition:
Riders who complete all or some of the route are encouraged to submit a photo for inclusion in the appropriate Log Driver's Waltz Award (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Tourer). As well as recognizing your accomplishment it is encouraging for other riders who are considering the route. It is also a bit of a serotonin boost for the route developers ;-) . Thanks!
The "Official" Route (800 km):
The Log Drivers Waltz is an 800 km route with 7267 metres of climbing according to RWGPS. The actual amount of climbing, based on data from many riders is closer to 9500 metres. See more information on the first three pages of this website. Riders are welcome to ride the route anytime of the year between May 15 and November 15 as this is when the trails in the Gatineau Park are open to bikes.
The Grand Départ version of the route will be finalized, barring last minute construction or other trail or road closures, two weeks before the ride. Please use the existing route maps on https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/ for planning purposes.
New this year!
The LDW "Half/Demi" Route (380 km)
The LDW "Half" is designed to give riders the opportunity to participate in the Grand Départ without committing to 800 km.
The first 300 km of the LDW Half are the same as the Log Driver's Waltz Official Route. At Renfrew riders turn south east and ride back to Almonte via Pakenham, a good resupply point.
A fastest known time will be recorded for this route. Riders who complete it will be recognized. Please send your name and a photo of you and your bike and hopefully the statue of Dr. James Naismith in downtown Almonte.
A map of the route may be seen by clicking this link. For planning purposes (food, water, accommodation use the map with points of interest (POIs) on this page: https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/
Ayant l’habitude de rouler en solo, sur de moyennes distances, il y a quelque chose dans ce type d’événement de groupe qui me motive à ne surtout pas abandonner!
(Being used to riding solo, over middle distances, there is something about this type of group ride that motivates me not to give up!)
Marie-Pierre Savard, Montreal QC 3d 15h 41min (2022) First Woman and new LDW Fastest Known Time (FKT)
Riders may ride alone, in pairs, or small groups, it is entirely up to them. One of our goals is to make the Log Driver's Waltz and bikepacking in general accessible and riding as a pair or small group can provide a level of comfort and security. Many riders enjoy the thrill of a solo self supported ride and that works, too!
Of course riders are welcome to ride the route at any time of their own choosing as an unsupported time trial or as a tour.
Fastest Known Time (FKT):
Solo:
Riders who are attempting a "Fastest Known Time" (FKT) start at the same time as other riders but must complete the ride as a solo effort. All the other rules below apply.
Pairs:
Pairs are able to share resources, draft and otherwise support each other. Riders should stay together. Time is based on the last of the pair to arrive. All the other rules below apply.
Single Speed:
To date, to our knowledge, this has not been attained on the Log Driver's Waltz. There is "first" here waiting for you.
Tandem:
We'll add this category if there is interest.
Unicycle:
We'll add this as well, if requested!
"I like climbing, and coming from British Columbia, I do a lot of it. But the climbs on the Log Driver's Waltz route just hit differently. They are steep, relentless and simply drained my energy in a way that I wasn't prepared for. I totally underestimated how difficult this route is and have a new appreciation for how challenging bikepacking can be."
Cory Ostertag, Squamish BC, 2d 1h 43min (2022)Current FKT and 2022 Grand Depart Overall Fastest Time
The LDW "Half/Demi" Route (380 km)
The LDW "Half" is designed to give riders the opportunity to participate in the Grand Départ without committing to 800 km.
The first 300 km of the LDW Half are the same as the Log Driver's Waltz Official Route. At Renfrew riders turn south east and ride back to Almonte via Pakenham, a good resupply point.
A fastest known time will be recorded for this route. Riders who complete it will be recognized. Please send your name and a photo of you and your bike and hopefully the statue of Dr. James Naismith in downtown Almonte.
A map of the route may be seen by clicking this link. For planning purposes (food, water, accommodation use the map with points of interest (POIs) on this page: https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/
Ayant l’habitude de rouler en solo, sur de moyennes distances, il y a quelque chose dans ce type d’événement de groupe qui me motive à ne surtout pas abandonner!
(Being used to riding solo, over middle distances, there is something about this type of group ride that motivates me not to give up!)
Marie-Pierre Savard, Montreal QC 3d 15h 41min (2022) First Woman and new LDW Fastest Known Time (FKT)
Riders may ride alone, in pairs, or small groups, it is entirely up to them. One of our goals is to make the Log Driver's Waltz and bikepacking in general accessible and riding as a pair or small group can provide a level of comfort and security. Many riders enjoy the thrill of a solo self supported ride and that works, too!
Of course riders are welcome to ride the route at any time of their own choosing as an unsupported time trial or as a tour.
Fastest Known Time (FKT):
Solo:
Riders who are attempting a "Fastest Known Time" (FKT) start at the same time as other riders but must complete the ride as a solo effort. All the other rules below apply.
Pairs:
Pairs are able to share resources, draft and otherwise support each other. Riders should stay together. Time is based on the last of the pair to arrive. All the other rules below apply.
Single Speed:
To date, to our knowledge, this has not been attained on the Log Driver's Waltz. There is "first" here waiting for you.
Tandem:
We'll add this category if there is interest.
Unicycle:
We'll add this as well, if requested!
"I like climbing, and coming from British Columbia, I do a lot of it. But the climbs on the Log Driver's Waltz route just hit differently. They are steep, relentless and simply drained my energy in a way that I wasn't prepared for. I totally underestimated how difficult this route is and have a new appreciation for how challenging bikepacking can be."
Cory Ostertag, Squamish BC, 2d 1h 43min (2022)Current FKT and 2022 Grand Depart Overall Fastest Time
New this year, the <<LDW Rewind<<
If 800 km isn't enough...
Riders seeking an extra challenge can attempt the "LDW Rewind" which is 1600 km long and has an elevation gain of ~19 000 metres. Riders will ride the route clockwise and on their arrival at Almonte they will turn around and ride it counter clockwise "Rewinding" the route as they go.
To our knowledge this has not yet been done.
<<Rewind<< riders should follow the "rules" on self support as laid out for the Grand Depart.
Who will be the first?
If 800 km isn't enough...
Riders seeking an extra challenge can attempt the "LDW Rewind" which is 1600 km long and has an elevation gain of ~19 000 metres. Riders will ride the route clockwise and on their arrival at Almonte they will turn around and ride it counter clockwise "Rewinding" the route as they go.
To our knowledge this has not yet been done.
<<Rewind<< riders should follow the "rules" on self support as laid out for the Grand Depart.
Who will be the first?
Planning your ride:
Trackleaders
There are many reasons to register on Trackleaders and riders are strongly encouraged to do so
In order to register with Trackleaders you need to have a SPOT or Garmin InReach with a current subscription. You can borrow or rent if you don't have your own. Any generation of SPOT devices will work and they are readily available secondhand for a fraction of what the new cost of latest version. There is a flexible month by month plan that makes having your own device and activating it when you need it quite reasonable.
Though Trackleaders may be able to provide devices for rent in Canada in 2023 we recommend finding a device elsewhere. It is important to plan this in advance as summer tends to be a time when these devices are in demand.
The link to register on Trackleaders will be shared as soon as it is available.
- For planning purposes use the Log Driver's Waltz Grand Depart Collection of maps.
- The Grand Depart Route will be released approximately two weeks before the depart.
- View Route Elevation Profiles (with surface type and communities) here
- Note: Riders have noticed that the actual elevation gains on the route are closer to 9500m!
- Further updates will be announced on Instagram and Facebook (see footer) and via email for those who have completed the Intent to Ride Form
Trackleaders
There are many reasons to register on Trackleaders and riders are strongly encouraged to do so
- Fun!
- Carrying a SPOT or Garmin allows rider to obtain help when they are out of cell service
- As a rider it is nice to know that there are others out and about. It adds an element of security for many rides and thus makes the ride more accessible.
- Friends and family can follow your ride
- People can come out to cheer you on.
- It makes it fair to all riders who are going for the fastest time possible if they know where each other are
- It helps build interest in the route as people in local communities become dot watchers, some of these are trail angels who provide water and snacks
- Dot watchers from far away and potential future riders can get an idea of the "race flow"
In order to register with Trackleaders you need to have a SPOT or Garmin InReach with a current subscription. You can borrow or rent if you don't have your own. Any generation of SPOT devices will work and they are readily available secondhand for a fraction of what the new cost of latest version. There is a flexible month by month plan that makes having your own device and activating it when you need it quite reasonable.
Though Trackleaders may be able to provide devices for rent in Canada in 2023 we recommend finding a device elsewhere. It is important to plan this in advance as summer tends to be a time when these devices are in demand.
The link to register on Trackleaders will be shared as soon as it is available.
"From the Archives" -- 2022 LDW Grand Depart on Trackleaders
“This was the first time that I had tried to ‘race’ anything like this and for most of the time I didn’t think I could actually complete it. The amount of fun riding, climbing, problem solving and junk food crammed into 68 hours was surreal.”
Ben Hamilton, Grand Depart, 2d 19h 56min
Things to keep in mind, and "rules" of the ride:
The "rules" are based on the honour principle. They are there to guide you and others so that we all have a good time and can relate to each other's experiences a bit more. For those "racing" themselves or others it provides a level playing field for the purposes of comparison.
- Be safe and take sole responsibility for your navigation and well being. Some parts of this route are rough and remote, with minimal services during long stretches. Rest and sleep as necessary to remain fresh and alert. before
- Store food and other animal attractants appropriately.
- Carry sufficient food and water to reach next resupply.
- 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.
- On trails and shared pathways be courteous and yield to other users (hikers, walkers, runners, uphill bikers, equestrians, etc.)
- Carrying a Tracker device (Spot, InReach) is highly recommended as is registering on Trackleaders.
- A rider's time is the total elapsed time, including all stops, that it takes to complete the route.
- FKT riders must be registered on Trackleaders for their time to count. RWGPS or Strava tracks will be used for route verification.
- If you are riding in the solo category, you should carry your own gear, food, water, etc.
- If you are riding in the pairs category, you and your partner may share resources.
- If you are riding in the pairs category, you and your partner should stay together for the duration of the race.
- You may ride with other people, but drafting is not allowed, unless you are in the pairs category and it is your partner.
- 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. Follow provincial laws at all times.
- 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. Camping options both primitive and at campgrounds, and other accommodation options can be found on the RWGPS map and supplemented with your own research. Note: due to Covid the hours/days of operation of some establishments 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
- If you need to leave the route for any reason, you must return to your last location and continue on from there.
- No "sag wagons" or following vehicles as this is not in the spirit of "self supported". This would include leaving gear and retrieving it later by car. If you wish to leave gear you must mail or courier it to your home address.
- Giving unplanned assistance from another rider is allowed.
- "Trail Magic" is good as long as it is offered spontaneously.
- These rules apply to every rider. It doesn’t matter if you are In the lead or at the back of the pack.
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.
Change in Plans?
Life happens. Sometimes plans need to change. If you indicate that you intend to ride but then cannot come, please send an email via our "Contact" page and we'll modify the sign up list. Thanks!
Please edit your responses on the "Intent to Ride" form as your plans take shape.
2o23 log Driver's waltz Grand Depart
David Tuttle, Brantford, ON
Emily Laflèche, Kanata, ON
Carl Presseault, Gatineau, QC
Marie-Pierre Savard, Montréal,QC
Andrew Woodside, Montréal, QC
Spencer Gough, Waterloo, ON
John Swarbrick, Waterloo, ON
Eric Betteridge, Ottawa, ON
Jen Adams, Ottawa, ON
Wes Bartlett, Ottawa, ON
Beverly Frans, Almonte, ON
Luc Poirier, Almonte, ON
Don Fish, Glen Head, NY
Michael Conrad, Vancouver, BC
Mitchell Sinclair, Ottawa, ON
Sara McMartin, Ottawa, ON
David Burnford, Ottawa, ON
Matt McFarlane, ON
Thierry Gervais-Desrochers, Outremont, QC
Dylan Forrest, Gatineau, QC
David Stowe, Toronto, ON
Adin Maynard, Haydenville, MA
Roger Moore, Beeton, ON
Denis Marchand, Ottawa, Ontario
Dominique Laliberté, Montreal, Quebec
Paul McEvoy, London, Ontario
Grant Hnatiw-Wakulczyk
Pierre SUREAU, Montréal, Québec
Vincent Gauthier, Rigaud; Québec
Christina Vietinghoff, New Maryland, New Brunswick
Sarah Giacomantonio, Halifax
Andrew Durand, Ottawa
Dana Dobbie, Delhi, Ontario
Steve Thompson, Thamesville, ON
Philip Yates, Minden, Ontario
Shahad Salman, Quebec
Jane Marusaik, Ottawa
Sheena Baum, Burnstown, ON
Lukas Baum, Burnstown, ON
Daniel Jordan, Burlington, Vermont, USA
Roland Fletcher, Toronto
Mikey Intrabartola
Antoine Stundner, Orford, QC
Michael Roe, Colchester, Vermont
Mike Feldman, Northville, NY USA
Juan Rivera, Toronto
Sandra Fletcher, Toronto
Jody Dixon, Northville, New York
John Kieffer
Vincent Kelly, Ontario
Joe Moore, Montana
Ian Monteith, Paris, Ontario
John Sanders, London, Ontario
Seb Ferguson, Boucherville, Quebec
Brian Brideau, Courtice, ON
Henri Do, Montréal, QC
Ben Hamilton, Ottawa
François Darveau, Montreal, QC
Jeff Mullen, Richmond, VT
2O23 Independent Time Trials & TOurs
- Riders may leave at a time and point on the route of their own choosing. Singles, Pairs, etc..
Meaghan Hackinen, Kelowna, BC
Disclaimer:
- This ride is not an official event, nor is it sanctioned in any way, there is no insurance. 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 including, but not limited to, ensuring they carry sufficient nutrition and liquids and get adequate rest.
- 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.
NOTE 1: When you have finished filling in the Intent to Ride form you will have to prove you are not a robot using "Captcha". This can be difficult to find if filling it in on a phone. Consider completing the form on a computer. You should receive a confirmation email. If you don't you were unsuccessful and will have to resubmit. You can edit your responses using the link in the confirmation email.
NOTE 2: This form is set up to be editable by the riders. If you wish to change any of your answers later you can use the link in the confirmation email that will be sent to you after submission.
NOTE 2: This form is set up to be editable by the riders. If you wish to change any of your answers later you can use the link in the confirmation email that will be sent to you after submission.
If you enjoyed the Log Driver's Waltz or our other routes, please consider helping us cover the costs of developing and maintaining the route files and website. Thanks!
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Please tell your friends all about your experience on the Log Driver's Waltz and encourage them to try it! Thanks!