Why the Log Driver's Half/Démi?
There are as many reasons for the Log Driver's Half/Démi as there are for the "LDW Full" or bikepacking in general. It could be a matter of time, experience, fitness or other constraints. The key thing is to get out and have a good time and build experience. We are happy to have the Half/Démi for those times when you want to experience the LDW but can't fit in the full 800 km.
The first part of the Half/Démi follows exactly the same route as the Full, but at Renfrew riders make a right (head south-east) back to Almonte.  Here is the Half/Démi Route with Points of Interest
In the Grand Départ riders on the Full and Half/Démi have the chance to ride together at the start and importantly arrive at the same finish, the statue of James Naismith, where, depending on relative speed they may meet up with finishers of the other route.
It is not necessary to do the Half/Démi before you do the Full LDW, but for some it's a stepping stone to test themselves and refine their gear choice. For others it is the maximum that they want to take on. For others it is a relatively relaxing shorter version of the LDW that fits into a tighter schedule.
Whatever motivates you to ride the Half/Démi, we hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!
We'd like to send a special shout-out to Trevor and Kate who rode a route very similar to this in 2022. We had the Half/Démi but we hadn't shared it as we weren't sure if it was needed in the LDW collection. Their ride and the response to the Half/Démi at the 2023 Grand Départ have answered that question, and the route is here to stay.