Bikepacking for all
The Log Driver's Waltz Virtual Panel Discussions were held in February.
Thanks to all the knowledgeable LDW Alumni who enthusiastically shared their insight and experiences.
If you missed them don't worry! The Video of Panel 2 and interview with Ben Glossup
are now on the LDW Youtube channel!
Do you have questions about:
- riding the Log Driver’s Waltz?
- the Grand Depart?
- the route options?
-general bikepacking topics?
Scroll down on this page!
For further discussion please join us on the LDW Tips and Planning Facebook Group
Thanks to all the knowledgeable LDW Alumni who enthusiastically shared their insight and experiences.
If you missed them don't worry! The Video of Panel 2 and interview with Ben Glossup
are now on the LDW Youtube channel!
Do you have questions about:
- riding the Log Driver’s Waltz?
- the Grand Depart?
- the route options?
-general bikepacking topics?
Scroll down on this page!
For further discussion please join us on the LDW Tips and Planning Facebook Group
Feeling Safe
For an experience to be enjoyable, feeling safe is a prerequisite. Many of us belong to groups that make us targets. It goes without saying that being part of a marginalized group be it by race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation adds a layer of complication to the planning and execution of a bikepacking trip. Do what you need to do to feel safe while on your bikepacking trip. Consider riding in pairs or small groups for added security and camaraderie.
Some riders find that riding at the time of the Grand Depart adds to their level of comfort due to the fact that there are numerous other riders on the route at the same time. Following other riders on Trackleaders allows them to know that they have company. They often end up camping with other riders or even joining up to ride together for portions of the time.
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)
Another way to increase one's comfort with riding a route is to do some exploratory rides short sections as day rides. These reconnoitering (recce) rides allow you to check out possible accommodation or resupply points or/and gain some experience on parts of the route that might be a bit more physically or navigationally challenging. While out there you will also get a general feel for the route. Some people may want to ride the whole route in sections (See Touring Award), while others might want to do just a few sections. Regardless, it can be reassuring to have some familiarity with portions of the route. And, hey, if you decide that day trips is what pleases you most, that is a great discovery!
Outreach: Growing the Bikepacking Community
In 2022 seven riders of 30 who started at the Grand Depart in Almonte identified as female, which is less than 25%. Even though this is quite low, it is not as low as it is for some routes, and it is not as high as others. Using the number of female riders as a metric for other under-represented groups it is apparent that bikepacking in general has a significant distance to go until there is diversity that reflects the general population and gender balance. Our team of two route developers is 50% female and we are committed to doing our best to grow the percentage of women, trans and non-binary riders on the Log Driver’s Waltz to 50%.
In the early months of 2023 we will be holding an on-line information session for those who identify as women, trans women or non-binary. We will also hold session open to anyone who has questions about the route and bikepacking in general. Details will be shared by social media.
For an experience to be enjoyable, feeling safe is a prerequisite. Many of us belong to groups that make us targets. It goes without saying that being part of a marginalized group be it by race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation adds a layer of complication to the planning and execution of a bikepacking trip. Do what you need to do to feel safe while on your bikepacking trip. Consider riding in pairs or small groups for added security and camaraderie.
Some riders find that riding at the time of the Grand Depart adds to their level of comfort due to the fact that there are numerous other riders on the route at the same time. Following other riders on Trackleaders allows them to know that they have company. They often end up camping with other riders or even joining up to ride together for portions of the time.
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)
Another way to increase one's comfort with riding a route is to do some exploratory rides short sections as day rides. These reconnoitering (recce) rides allow you to check out possible accommodation or resupply points or/and gain some experience on parts of the route that might be a bit more physically or navigationally challenging. While out there you will also get a general feel for the route. Some people may want to ride the whole route in sections (See Touring Award), while others might want to do just a few sections. Regardless, it can be reassuring to have some familiarity with portions of the route. And, hey, if you decide that day trips is what pleases you most, that is a great discovery!
Outreach: Growing the Bikepacking Community
In 2022 seven riders of 30 who started at the Grand Depart in Almonte identified as female, which is less than 25%. Even though this is quite low, it is not as low as it is for some routes, and it is not as high as others. Using the number of female riders as a metric for other under-represented groups it is apparent that bikepacking in general has a significant distance to go until there is diversity that reflects the general population and gender balance. Our team of two route developers is 50% female and we are committed to doing our best to grow the percentage of women, trans and non-binary riders on the Log Driver’s Waltz to 50%.
In the early months of 2023 we will be holding an on-line information session for those who identify as women, trans women or non-binary. We will also hold session open to anyone who has questions about the route and bikepacking in general. Details will be shared by social media.
Is “Wild” or “Stealth” Camping for you?
Again this is a personal choice, but the idea of solo wild camping (i.e. not in an organized campground and on one’s own) is a big step for most people. If this is a goal of yours, work up to it in steps that suit your personality, situation and temperament. Perhaps you can first camp as part of a group at a municipal, provincial, national, or commercial campground and then try camping as part of a group on crown land or to get used to the idea of camping without amenities. From there you might want to try a solo overnight in a wild setting that you are familiar with, perhaps even the same spot you had previously camped with a group.
Again, remember there is no “rule” in bikepacking that says that solo camping is the ultimate experience.
Riding the LDW; Let Us Count the Ways...
Prior to developing the Log Driver’s Waltz we took eight days to ride the Butter Tart 700.. On that trip we carried only spare clothes, food and water and stayed indoors every night. It was actually our first experience following a curated route. We felt that camping would have been a bit too much to organize in terms of gear and bags and besides it was meant to be our summer holiday so we decided to take advantage of the services along the way.
As we were developing the LDW we did many recce rides. By the time we made the route public we had ridden every kilometer at least once.
In the first year of the LDW, 2020, we rode it as a pair over a period of 9 days with a combination of camping and indoor accommodation.
In 2021 we rode it twice, each time bringing a friend to introduce them to the route. The first trip was also our friend's first bikepacking trip and we rode together for the first five days. After the intensive “tutorial” she rode the 300 km solo and we veered off to add 700 km to our trip as part of our Tour Divide 2022 preparation. In the fall we rode the LDW with another friend and completed it in 8 days. On both these trips we stayed indoors two nights and camped on the others.
As a new challenge, in 2022 the Grand Depart we decided to ride it solo. We had completed the LDW route multiple times and had finished the 4400 km Tour Divide as a pair, but riding solo was a new experience that involved a different sort of planning. All of the topics discussed on this page came into play for each of us. On this occasion we each camped for the three nights we were out. Completing it solo was a big confidence booster for both of us.
In 2023 Jen did the Half/Demi and Eric did the Full once more solo.
In 2024 we each took on the Saint Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown as solo riders which meant a lot of time on our own over the summer. We also did an Adventure Ride on the LDW with a couple of friends in late September. Slowing down and showing offs some of our favourite spots was very rewarding.
What's next?
If we were looking at this as a progression it might be logical to say that the next step would be completing solo rides on an unfamiliar route. We shall see. Riding together is really the best!
Again this is a personal choice, but the idea of solo wild camping (i.e. not in an organized campground and on one’s own) is a big step for most people. If this is a goal of yours, work up to it in steps that suit your personality, situation and temperament. Perhaps you can first camp as part of a group at a municipal, provincial, national, or commercial campground and then try camping as part of a group on crown land or to get used to the idea of camping without amenities. From there you might want to try a solo overnight in a wild setting that you are familiar with, perhaps even the same spot you had previously camped with a group.
Again, remember there is no “rule” in bikepacking that says that solo camping is the ultimate experience.
Riding the LDW; Let Us Count the Ways...
Prior to developing the Log Driver’s Waltz we took eight days to ride the Butter Tart 700.. On that trip we carried only spare clothes, food and water and stayed indoors every night. It was actually our first experience following a curated route. We felt that camping would have been a bit too much to organize in terms of gear and bags and besides it was meant to be our summer holiday so we decided to take advantage of the services along the way.
As we were developing the LDW we did many recce rides. By the time we made the route public we had ridden every kilometer at least once.
In the first year of the LDW, 2020, we rode it as a pair over a period of 9 days with a combination of camping and indoor accommodation.
In 2021 we rode it twice, each time bringing a friend to introduce them to the route. The first trip was also our friend's first bikepacking trip and we rode together for the first five days. After the intensive “tutorial” she rode the 300 km solo and we veered off to add 700 km to our trip as part of our Tour Divide 2022 preparation. In the fall we rode the LDW with another friend and completed it in 8 days. On both these trips we stayed indoors two nights and camped on the others.
As a new challenge, in 2022 the Grand Depart we decided to ride it solo. We had completed the LDW route multiple times and had finished the 4400 km Tour Divide as a pair, but riding solo was a new experience that involved a different sort of planning. All of the topics discussed on this page came into play for each of us. On this occasion we each camped for the three nights we were out. Completing it solo was a big confidence booster for both of us.
In 2023 Jen did the Half/Demi and Eric did the Full once more solo.
In 2024 we each took on the Saint Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown as solo riders which meant a lot of time on our own over the summer. We also did an Adventure Ride on the LDW with a couple of friends in late September. Slowing down and showing offs some of our favourite spots was very rewarding.
What's next?
If we were looking at this as a progression it might be logical to say that the next step would be completing solo rides on an unfamiliar route. We shall see. Riding together is really the best!
A Personal Challenge/ Challenge by Choice
Leaving home to go on an overnight trip with a loaded bike can be a nerve wracking event. If it is your first time it is more so. Something to keep in mind is that all bikepacking trips have an element of uncertainty to them and that is perhaps why we do the activity in the first place.
Of course too much uncertainty can lead to anxiety on the trip or may even end the trip prematurely. As we are all different and we come from different backgrounds we each have our own level of comfort. Generally as we gain experience and as we become more comfortable with the bikepacking we can plan and execute more challenging trips. However the main goal is to enjoy the experience. There is no “rule'' that says that each successive trip has to be longer, harder, more remote or whatever. A good quality trip is one that leaves you wanting to go bikepacking again. The person who knows you best is you, so while you are planning and are out on your trip; listen to yourself. Certainly listening to the opinions and experiences of others is a great place to start and in fact we all do this continuously whether it is in our daily lives or our bikepacking lives. Hopefully we can agree that it is best not to measure the success of our trips in relation to what someone has posted on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.
Leaving home to go on an overnight trip with a loaded bike can be a nerve wracking event. If it is your first time it is more so. Something to keep in mind is that all bikepacking trips have an element of uncertainty to them and that is perhaps why we do the activity in the first place.
Of course too much uncertainty can lead to anxiety on the trip or may even end the trip prematurely. As we are all different and we come from different backgrounds we each have our own level of comfort. Generally as we gain experience and as we become more comfortable with the bikepacking we can plan and execute more challenging trips. However the main goal is to enjoy the experience. There is no “rule'' that says that each successive trip has to be longer, harder, more remote or whatever. A good quality trip is one that leaves you wanting to go bikepacking again. The person who knows you best is you, so while you are planning and are out on your trip; listen to yourself. Certainly listening to the opinions and experiences of others is a great place to start and in fact we all do this continuously whether it is in our daily lives or our bikepacking lives. Hopefully we can agree that it is best not to measure the success of our trips in relation to what someone has posted on Instagram, Facebook or YouTube.
Accommodation: Motel or Camping?
Social media is full of photos and videos of riders doing epic rides in exotic and remote locations. With few exceptions these people started off with an overnight trip near their home.
Maybe they took a tent and cooking gear, or maybe they stayed in a bed and breakfast or a motel and ate in restaurants. Start where you are comfortable. If you aren’t an experienced camper, ease into it. Perhaps you could practice sleeping out in the backyard or at a friend’s cottage. Or you could forgo the tent all together and sleep indoors as you gain confidence and experience in planning your route, nutrition, and hydration, packing your bike and riding back-to-back days with bags on your bike.
Social media is full of photos and videos of riders doing epic rides in exotic and remote locations. With few exceptions these people started off with an overnight trip near their home.
Maybe they took a tent and cooking gear, or maybe they stayed in a bed and breakfast or a motel and ate in restaurants. Start where you are comfortable. If you aren’t an experienced camper, ease into it. Perhaps you could practice sleeping out in the backyard or at a friend’s cottage. Or you could forgo the tent all together and sleep indoors as you gain confidence and experience in planning your route, nutrition, and hydration, packing your bike and riding back-to-back days with bags on your bike.
2024 Panels were well attended. Thanks to panelists and attendees for taking the time!
Panel 1: Women, Trans, Non-Binary People
Wednesday, February 21, 20247:00-8:30 PM (Ottawa time)
This moderated virtual panel discussion is intended to provide a safe space for those who identify as women, non-binary, or trans, to share and learn from each other about the Log Driver’s Waltz and bikepacking in general. Through initiatives such as these panels, the LDW Spring Rallies we are working towards our goal of increasing the percentage of underrepresented riders on the Log Driver’s Waltz Grand Depart to 50%.Panelists: Christina Vietinghoff, Dominique Laliberte, Jody Dixon,and Emily Lafleche
Moderator: Jen Adams
Panel 2: Open to All
Wednesday February 28, 7:00 - 8:30 PM (Ottawa time)
This moderated panel discussion is for those who are interested in learning about the Log Driver’s Waltz Grand Depart and bikepacking in general. We will address questions of interest to new and experienced bikepackers alike.
In addition to the topics below we’ll discuss the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown (SLBTC) which is composed of the Butter Tart 700, the Log Driver’s Waltz, and The Adirondack Trail Ride
Panelists: Christina Vietinghoff, Roland Fletcher, Matthew Kadey, Sarah Caylor, Mike Feldman
Moderator: Eric Betteridge
Discussion topics include:
-Personal challenge: How did you approach the LDW?
-How technical did you find it?
-Bike, tires and gearing selection.
-Finding a spot for a really good sleep.
-What do you do that makes you feel safe, either riding or stopping for the night?
-Balancing time on the bike versus resting/sleeping.
-High point/low point.
-Q and A: Questions submitted by the audience.
*There is/was no cost, but donations to help defray subscription costs associated with this event and running the website would be much appreciated. Please see the "Donate" link at the bottom of this page.
Thanks!
Panel 1: Women, Trans, Non-Binary People
Wednesday, February 21, 20247:00-8:30 PM (Ottawa time)
This moderated virtual panel discussion is intended to provide a safe space for those who identify as women, non-binary, or trans, to share and learn from each other about the Log Driver’s Waltz and bikepacking in general. Through initiatives such as these panels, the LDW Spring Rallies we are working towards our goal of increasing the percentage of underrepresented riders on the Log Driver’s Waltz Grand Depart to 50%.Panelists: Christina Vietinghoff, Dominique Laliberte, Jody Dixon,and Emily Lafleche
Moderator: Jen Adams
Panel 2: Open to All
Wednesday February 28, 7:00 - 8:30 PM (Ottawa time)
This moderated panel discussion is for those who are interested in learning about the Log Driver’s Waltz Grand Depart and bikepacking in general. We will address questions of interest to new and experienced bikepackers alike.
In addition to the topics below we’ll discuss the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown (SLBTC) which is composed of the Butter Tart 700, the Log Driver’s Waltz, and The Adirondack Trail Ride
Panelists: Christina Vietinghoff, Roland Fletcher, Matthew Kadey, Sarah Caylor, Mike Feldman
Moderator: Eric Betteridge
Discussion topics include:
-Personal challenge: How did you approach the LDW?
-How technical did you find it?
-Bike, tires and gearing selection.
-Finding a spot for a really good sleep.
-What do you do that makes you feel safe, either riding or stopping for the night?
-Balancing time on the bike versus resting/sleeping.
-High point/low point.
-Q and A: Questions submitted by the audience.
*There is/was no cost, but donations to help defray subscription costs associated with this event and running the website would be much appreciated. Please see the "Donate" link at the bottom of this page.
Thanks!
@mattbawtinheimer (IG)
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Thank you to all who attended the 2023 Panel Discussions .
Thanks to the panelists and to Mark Manners for arranging the Zoom calls!
If you were unable to attend and would like to read a summary please contact us through the website: (https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/contact.html) .
Thanks to the panelists and to Mark Manners for arranging the Zoom calls!
If you were unable to attend and would like to read a summary please contact us through the website: (https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/contact.html) .
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!