LDW Spring Rally
April 26-28, 2024
May 3-5, 2024
"Such great memories from that ride" - Messkitmagazine
ride the ldw Spring Rally Route anytime!
The LDW Spring Rally Route (LDWSR) is intended as a low stress way to get into bikepacking, the first trip of the year or simply a weekend getaway, this route starts and ends near the Champlain Bridge in Ottawa, but riders can start the loop where it is most convenient for them. Ideally most local riders will start from their home.
On the LDW Spring Rallies riders leave after work meet up and camp at Wesley Clover Campground on Friday night. On Saturday night after riding self-supported for the day riders relax at the rustic and restful campground at Cartwright Springs near Pakenham with its stream and cold beverages.
Making it a two night trip gives riders the opportunity to practice setting up camp and packing their gear twice in a weekend. Besides waking up in a tent on Saturday morning makes the two days feel like a more significant trip.
Food and beverages are available along the way in Stittsville, Carleton Place, Almonte and Pakenham on the first day. If needed there are also bike shops in Stittsville, Carleton Place and Almonte. On the second day a favourite stop is Arnprior for coffee and a second breakfast. Carp comes just in time for lunch and then more services appear as the route crosses the outskirts of Kanata.
It is best to pre-arrange your camping at either of the camping places in order to avoid disappointment. Other options for accomodation can be found if camping is not your thing.
Some riders skip the first night of camping and ride this as an overnighter.
Note: Road and path closures due to construction are difficult to predict. Be prepared to detour. Detours are usually well signed.
On the LDW Spring Rallies riders leave after work meet up and camp at Wesley Clover Campground on Friday night. On Saturday night after riding self-supported for the day riders relax at the rustic and restful campground at Cartwright Springs near Pakenham with its stream and cold beverages.
Making it a two night trip gives riders the opportunity to practice setting up camp and packing their gear twice in a weekend. Besides waking up in a tent on Saturday morning makes the two days feel like a more significant trip.
Food and beverages are available along the way in Stittsville, Carleton Place, Almonte and Pakenham on the first day. If needed there are also bike shops in Stittsville, Carleton Place and Almonte. On the second day a favourite stop is Arnprior for coffee and a second breakfast. Carp comes just in time for lunch and then more services appear as the route crosses the outskirts of Kanata.
It is best to pre-arrange your camping at either of the camping places in order to avoid disappointment. Other options for accomodation can be found if camping is not your thing.
Some riders skip the first night of camping and ride this as an overnighter.
Note: Road and path closures due to construction are difficult to predict. Be prepared to detour. Detours are usually well signed.
Follow @thelogdriverswaltz on social media for updates.
Thanks to all who have expressed interest. A waiting list has been established. You may join the waiting list by completing the form linked at the bottom of the page.
Camaraderie, Fun, Community, Knowledge, Practice
This is low stress, supportive opportunity to learn and share.
Riders with a wide range of experience gather each evening to share their stories from the day.
Riders often form loose groups during the day.
Friendships develop, confidence is gained.
How is a Rally different from a Grand Depart?
The LDW Spring Rally will cover a small portion of the LDW. The overall distance is 150-180 km depending on the route taken each day. 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.
Riders should be prepared to ride 60-80 km per day for a total of 150=180 km over the weekend.
For some this ride might be a stepping stone to riding the LDW Half/Demi in the Grand Depart.
If you are interested in participating, read on!
Signup for the 2024 Log Driver’s Waltz Spring Rally, aimed at building community, sharing bikepacking experience and building diversity in the sport, will open soon.
There is a limit of 35 riders on each. Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend. A waiting list will be established if necessary.
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
Experience has shown that the LDW Spring Rallies attract a diverse group of riders for a fun-filled weekend of bikepacking adventure. They are an accessible way to learn more about bikepacking by doing it, and provide opportunities for a rich exchange across different circles of riders.
To keep the "family & friends" vibe going and to avoid overwhelming the facilities at the campgrounds, each weekend will have a maximum of 35 spots. There will be a waiting list. Don't give up hope!
Inclusion/Bikepacking for All
Our long term aim is for diversity and gender equity in the LDW and in the sport of bikepacking. We will reserve 50% of the spots on each weekend for people who identify as a member of an under-represented group, eg., women, trans, non-binary, BIPOC, person with a disability & others . If there are unfilled spots three weeks before the rally we will open them up to the general population.
In 2023 traditionally underrepresented groups made up close to 50% of the participants.
In 2023 all riders who expressed interest were accommodated as we opened up a second weekend due to demand.
Please follow #bikepackingforall on social.
Cost
Free! Bring a smile!
Riders are responsible for paying their own camping fees, supplying their own food, etc.
Friday night ~$10-15 pp
Saturday: $20 pp
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 but of course everyone is welcome!
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
Thanks to all who have expressed interest. A waiting list has been established. You may join the waiting list by completing the form linked at the bottom of the page.
Camaraderie, Fun, Community, Knowledge, Practice
This is low stress, supportive opportunity to learn and share.
Riders with a wide range of experience gather each evening to share their stories from the day.
Riders often form loose groups during the day.
Friendships develop, confidence is gained.
How is a Rally different from a Grand Depart?
The LDW Spring Rally will cover a small portion of the LDW. The overall distance is 150-180 km depending on the route taken each day. 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.
Riders should be prepared to ride 60-80 km per day for a total of 150=180 km over the weekend.
For some this ride might be a stepping stone to riding the LDW Half/Demi in the Grand Depart.
If you are interested in participating, read on!
Signup for the 2024 Log Driver’s Waltz Spring Rally, aimed at building community, sharing bikepacking experience and building diversity in the sport, will open soon.
There is a limit of 35 riders on each. Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend. A waiting list will be established if necessary.
- You need to complete the "Intention to Ride" Form (see link at bottom of this page).
- Spots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis, with the understanding that underrepresented groups will have access to at least half the spots.
- Every rider must complete their own form.
- If you are keen to ride on the same weekend as a friend or partner, PLEASE figure this out before you submit your forms! You still need to submit a form for EACH person.
- Please choose your dates carefully, demand is likely to be high. If you are able to come either weekend that will make scheduling easier, however you will only be able to participate in one of the rallies once a spot is offered to you.
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 (April 26 or May 3) to a designated camping spot 15 kms from the Champlain Bridge
- Friday camping - participants carry and prepare their own food and drink - bikepacker social in pavilion or around campfire
- The Saturday ride will pass through Stittsville, Carleton Place, Almonte & Pakenham - informal group/individual 89 km ride. A shorter option of ~65 km is available.
- Saturday camping - participants carry and prepare their own food (food from the bbq may be available with pre-order TBD) - beer and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase on site - bikepacker social. There is a flush toilet and a shower. Bring a tarp if you think you will need overhead cover, eg., in case of rain.
- Sunday ride to Ottawa via Arnprior, Carp & Kanata- Did we say coffee in Arnprior?!?! Informal group/individual ride ~75 kms with option to shorten (distance back to Friday night camp 65 kms)
- The link to the RWGPS route will be shared once riders have confirmed their participation closer to the date.
Experience has shown that the LDW Spring Rallies attract a diverse group of riders for a fun-filled weekend of bikepacking adventure. They are an accessible way to learn more about bikepacking by doing it, and provide opportunities for a rich exchange across different circles of riders.
To keep the "family & friends" vibe going and to avoid overwhelming the facilities at the campgrounds, each weekend will have a maximum of 35 spots. There will be a waiting list. Don't give up hope!
Inclusion/Bikepacking for All
Our long term aim is for diversity and gender equity in the LDW and in the sport of bikepacking. We will reserve 50% of the spots on each weekend for people who identify as a member of an under-represented group, eg., women, trans, non-binary, BIPOC, person with a disability & others . If there are unfilled spots three weeks before the rally we will open them up to the general population.
In 2023 traditionally underrepresented groups made up close to 50% of the participants.
In 2023 all riders who expressed interest were accommodated as we opened up a second weekend due to demand.
Please follow #bikepackingforall on social.
Cost
Free! Bring a smile!
Riders are responsible for paying their own camping fees, supplying their own food, etc.
Friday night ~$10-15 pp
Saturday: $20 pp
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 but of course everyone is welcome!
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.
Interested? complete the "Intention to Ride" Form and your name will be added to the waiting list.
Support?
We are always happy to receive donations to support this initiative and further route development. A donation does not constitute a registration fee and is not linked to participation in the Spring Rally.
If you enjoyed this weekend, the Log Driver's Waltz, or any of our other routes, or simply wish to help the stoke, please consider helping us cover the costs of developing and maintaining the route files and website. Thanks!
We are always happy to receive donations to support this initiative and further route development. A donation does not constitute a registration fee and is not linked to participation in the Spring Rally.
If you enjoyed this weekend, the Log Driver's Waltz, or any of our other routes, or simply wish to help the stoke, 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!