Spring Rally 2023


Camaraderie, Fun, Community, Knowledge, Practice

How is a Rally different from a Grand Depart?
Rather than having a gathering on the first morning and then spreading out over the route, a rally is structured to allow us to camp at a common destination each night. We have mapped out routes for Friday, Saturday and Sunday and these will be shared with those attending. These are unsupported rides. Riders are encouraged to join as individuals or as pairs, or more, and help each other out. As with a Grand Depart, come prepared to ride and camp regardless of the weather.  

If you are interested in participating, read on!
You are invited to express your interest in the Log Driver’s Waltz Spring Rally, aimed at building community, sharing bikepacking experience, and building diversity.

Dates:
May 12-14, 2023   FULL
May 5-7, 2023  FULL
Please use the Contact page if you would like more information or would to be added to the waiting list.

​If you submitted a survey please check your email for the Confirmation of Date (Intention to Ride) Form.
We are limited to 30 riders at a time. We will attempt to accommodate all who wish to attend. A waiting list will be established if necessary.

  • You need to complete this survey (Closed) in order to receive "Intention to Ride" form. 
  • The "Intention to Ride" form will be sent out 5 weeks prior to the date and should be completed ASAP.
  • Please complete this as individuals i.e., each person in a household would submit a separate survey.​



Friday’s camp spot is only a short ride from Ottawa so it will be possible for local riders to do an after-work ride to start the weekend adventure. Water, toilets and a picnic shelter are available. It is advisable to bring enough food for Friday evening, Saturday morning and road food for Saturday morning at least.


Suggested Itinerary
  • People ride from Ottawa on Friday (May 5  or May 12) to a designated camping spot (Champlain bridge to camping 15 kms)
  • Friday camping - participants carry and prepare their own food and drink - bikepacker social in pavilion or around campfire(s)
  • Saturday ride to near Pakenham - informal group/individual 89 km ride (could be shortened)
  • Saturday camping - participants carry and prepare their own food - beverages available for purchase on site - bikepacker social
  • Sunday ride to Ottawa- informal group/individual ride 75 kms with option to shorten (distance back to Friday night camp 65 kms with option to shorten)


We hope our proposal will bring together a diverse group of riders for a fun-filled weekend of bikepacking adventure. We also hope it will be an accessible way to learn more about bikepacking by doing, and provide opportunities for a rich exchange across different circles of riders. We have two weekend’s planned. Each weekend will have a maximum of 25 spots. We will keep a waiting list if necessary.

​Gender Equity
As you might know our long term aim for the LDW is for diversity and gender equity. We will reserve 50% of the spots on each weekend for people who identify as women, trans or non-binary. If there are unfilled spots three weeks before the rally we will open them up to the general population.


Cost 
Riders are responsible for paying their camping fees on Friday night. ($10-15 per person depending on numbers)
Camping on Saturday: $10 to support portable toilet rental. We’ll pass a hat! (Any excess donations will go towards LDW website and related expenses.)

Keeping it Local
As this is a weekend event we would like riders who live reasonably close to Ottawa to make up the majority of the riders.

Parking
For our out of town friends, it will be possible to drive to the camp spot Friday night, park for the weekend and ride back to your vehicle Sunday afternoon. Free parking available at the campground.

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.
​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!
Please tell your friends all about your experience on the Log Driver's Waltz and encourage them to try it!  Thanks!
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