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2025 LDW Spring RallY
Two routes, Three Dates
The "og"
April 25-27, 2025 (primary date)
May 2-4, 2025 (Depending on Demand)
The "ADV"
May 9-11, 2025
Follow @thelogdriverswaltz on social media for updates.
"Such great memories from that ride" - Messkitmagazine
LDW Spring Rally riders who complete the route are eligible for the Bronze Achievement Award!
Intention to Ride Form:
Complete and submit after reading the information below.
One rider per form.
Thanks!
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.
Some riders have participated in the Rallies a stepping stone to riding the LDW Half/Demi in the Grand Depart.
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 and 2024 traditionally underrepresented groups made up close to 50% of the participants.
In 2023 and 2024 all riders who expressed interest were accommodated as we opened up a second weekend due to demand.
Please follow #bikepackingforall on social.
How is a Rally different from a Grand Depart?
The LDW Spring Rally routes have some overlap with the Full LDW route. 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 riders to camp at a common destination each night. As with the LDW Grand Depart, these are unsupported rides. Riders are entirely responsible for their own safety and for carrying their own gear. No sag wagons. Riders should have a plan in case they cannot continue for any reason. 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.
If you are interested in participating, read on!
The 2025 Log Driver’s Waltz Spring Rally is aimed at building community, sharing bikepacking experiences and building diversity in the sport.
There is a limit of 35 riders on each rally date. Every attempt will be made to accommodate all who wish to attend. A waiting list will be established if necessary.
The LDW Spring Rally "OG":
APRIL 25-27, 2025
MAY 2-4, 2025
This is the classic route that the previous two rallies have followed.
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.
The LDW Spring Rally "ADV"
May 9-11, 2025
The Spring Rally ADV Route involves more climbing and some trail riding. It will be most enjoyable for riders who are comfortable on more technical terrain (double track forest roads), steeper climbs and descents and longer distances between resupply points. Low climbing gears and 50 mm or 2.1 " tires are recommended. The route will be shared with riders when they are sent confirmation email.
Camping will be in a public park. Flush toilets are available.
Cost
Riders are responsible for paying their own camping fees, supplying their own food, etc.
Friday night camping~$10-15 pp
Saturday night camping ~$20 pp
Keeping it Local
As this is a weekend event the hope is that riders who live reasonably close to Ottawa would make up the majority of the riders but of course everyone is welcome!
Disclaimer
Riders must complete this Intention to Ride Form
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.
Some riders have participated in the Rallies a stepping stone to riding the LDW Half/Demi in the Grand Depart.
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 and 2024 traditionally underrepresented groups made up close to 50% of the participants.
In 2023 and 2024 all riders who expressed interest were accommodated as we opened up a second weekend due to demand.
Please follow #bikepackingforall on social.
How is a Rally different from a Grand Depart?
The LDW Spring Rally routes have some overlap with the Full LDW route. 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 riders to camp at a common destination each night. As with the LDW Grand Depart, these are unsupported rides. Riders are entirely responsible for their own safety and for carrying their own gear. No sag wagons. Riders should have a plan in case they cannot continue for any reason. 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.
If you are interested in participating, read on!
The 2025 Log Driver’s Waltz Spring Rally is aimed at building community, sharing bikepacking experiences and building diversity in the sport.
There is a limit of 35 riders on each rally date. 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 "Expression of Interest" Form. This is not a guarantee of a spot.
- You will be asked to indicate which date(s) you would like to ride on.
- Riders who complete the Expression of Interest Form will receive a followup emails in March. To ensure these messages don't end up in SPAM you will need to add the email included in the form below to your address book.
The LDW Spring Rally "OG":
APRIL 25-27, 2025
MAY 2-4, 2025
This is the classic route that the previous two rallies have followed.
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 25 or May 2) 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 updated RWGPS route will be shared once riders have confirmed their participation closer to the date.
- For out of town riders: 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.
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.
The LDW Spring Rally "ADV"
May 9-11, 2025
The Spring Rally ADV Route involves more climbing and some trail riding. It will be most enjoyable for riders who are comfortable on more technical terrain (double track forest roads), steeper climbs and descents and longer distances between resupply points. Low climbing gears and 50 mm or 2.1 " tires are recommended. The route will be shared with riders when they are sent confirmation email.
Camping will be in a public park. Flush toilets are available.
- Friday Ride: ~17 km mostly paved
- Friday Camping - Saturday camping - participants carry and prepare their own food . There is a flush toilet on site. A picnic shelter is available.
- Saturday Ride: ~130 km
- Saturday camping - participants carry and prepare their own food . There is a flush toilet on site. A picnic shelter is available and a shower. There is a corner store nearby. Depending on opening hours there is take from a chip truck chip truck and dining in at a pub nearby. Details to follow.
- Sunday ride 80 km to Ottawa. Food at 13, 35, 60, 75 km
- The link to the RWGPS route will be shared once riders have confirmed their participation closer to the date.
Cost
Riders are responsible for paying their own camping fees, supplying their own food, etc.
Friday night camping~$10-15 pp
Saturday night camping ~$20 pp
Keeping it Local
As this is a weekend event the hope is that riders who live reasonably close to Ottawa would make up the majority of the riders but of course everyone is welcome!
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.
Riders must complete this Intention to Ride Form
Support the LDW!
Your donation will help ensure that the LDW is here in coming years. 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!
Your donation will help ensure that the LDW is here in coming years. 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!