Stories from the Saddle
We want to hear your story, and so do others with an interest in bikepacking!
The most important part of any journey is the impact that it has on the participant(s). On this page we are honoured to share the accounts of riders on the Log Driver's Waltz as well as the other routes that we have shared with you.
The routes are the blank canvases on which riders paint their own pictures.
Below you will see the write-ups and videos submitted so far. Please let us know if you have a story to tell by using the contact form.
The most important part of any journey is the impact that it has on the participant(s). On this page we are honoured to share the accounts of riders on the Log Driver's Waltz as well as the other routes that we have shared with you.
The routes are the blank canvases on which riders paint their own pictures.
Below you will see the write-ups and videos submitted so far. Please let us know if you have a story to tell by using the contact form.
2024
Second Annual Spring Rally
Courtesy of:
https://www.instagram.com/thekindnessgene/
https://www.instagram.com/thekindnessgene/
Riding in the Grand Depart
Courtesy of Serge Gouin.
www.instagram.com/sego.touring/
www.instagram.com/sego.touring/
Courtesy of @saltybeard_adventures
2023
Rider: Meaghan Hackinen
Route: Log Driver’s Waltz
After making plans to fly out from BC to attend the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit in Chelsea, Quebec, I started looking around for other regional adventures that I could pair with my visit. Since my travel didn’t align with the Log Driver’s Waltz grand depart in July, I opted to do an Individual Time Trial (ITT), which gave me the flexibility to choose both my starting point and the most ideal weather opportunity. My goal was to beat the current Fastest Known Time (FKT) of 49 hours and 43 minutes, set by fellow BC bikepacker Cory Ostertag in 2022. To achieve this, I knew that I’d need to dial in my fitness, gear, logistics, and mental game. I’d also be counting on a bit of luck (or whatever you want to call it when the universe is smiling down on you).
The actual work of planning an ITT versus preparing for a grand depart-style event weren’t too different. I put the same energy into studying the route and noting resupply, elevation profile, and challenging sections. After hearing so many miserable accounts of tackling the rough and rooty Gatineau Park trail climbs near the end of the course, I made the decision to start at the covered bridge in Wakefield to get that out of the way while my legs were fresh. I also opted to start at the leisurely hour of 9:00 am so that when the inevitable cage match with the sleep monster arrived, I’d be full hearts, so to speak—rest reservoirs all topped up.
One factor I did have to consider was that I’d be the only person on the leaderboard for my ITT attempt. As someone who thrives off competition, it would be difficult for me to race against the clock, without the motivation of other dots to keep me going. Instead, I set time targets at resupply points so that I could gauge whether I was on track to reach my ambitious goal.
On June 22, 2023, I shot out of Wakefield on my trusty Salsa Cutthroat, Amelia. I used Apidura backcountry bags, including a top tube bag, full-frame bag with hydration bladder, feed sack, and downtube bag; conspicuously absent was a seat post bag, handlebar bag, or any semblance of sleep kit. To beat Cory’s time, I’d have to travel fast and light, and keep my stop time down the bare minimum. My game plan involved speedy resupplies, stops to top up water, and one longer break to freshen up in the bathroom. In general, I kept to it: and the great thing about seeing yourself succeeding is that the process only gets easier as you snowball confidence and self-assurance. I watched my pace tick up as I wound through the Rideau Canal bike paths in Ottawa; Jen and Eric were both on course to offer encouragement in passing. Everyone else probably saw my poorly re-applied sunscreen and thought I was some sort of slovenly maniac, but that was fine by me: I didn’t have time for conversation anyways.
I had a few advantages, like a new dynamo-powered light so I could ride all night and not worry about charging my lights or devices off of battery packs, as well as familiarity with about 50% of the route—including Gatineau Park—from training rides and shorter tours over the past month. I’d also chatted with others who had ridden the course, including past FKT holder Chris Panasky, who also happened to be my Chelsea host.
Nothing can quite prepare you for the experience of riding non-stop for 24-plus hours, however. With the help of a 10-minute afternoon cat nap in the shade of a church in Shawville, I held strong until the 36-hour mark—around sunset on day two. From there on out, I had to harness every ounce of inner she-woman strength to get through the climbs in Mont St Marie and inch my way toward the finish. I walked my bike more than I’d care to admit; I stopped eating; when rain began to pelt down around midnight, I found myself in an imbecilic stop-start routine of pulling my rain jacket on and off in the humid night, batting away mosquitoes that pierced my soft fleshy bits despite the downpour.
Despite all that, I reached my start point at Wakefield covered bridge in a record time of 43 hours and 33 minutes, shaving more than six hours of the previous FKT and coming in ahead of even my best projections. It was 4:33 am. In typical bikepacking fashion, no one was around to hand me a finishing beer or acknowledge my accomplishment. So, I snapped a selfie and in what is likely the most Canadian of celebratory acts, pedalled to the nearest Tim Horton’s drive-thru for a Double Double and Timbits.
My advice for anyone attempting a fast time on the LDW route? Do your research on the course (the handy RidewithGPS POI map is a great place to start), ride within your limits, and don’t forget to have fun! Whether I was ripping toward Sharbot Lake on leafy forest roads as the sky paled toward sunset or shouldering my bike over slabs of rock in the Lanark Highlands while being chased by scourges of biting insects in the dark, I never forgot just how lucky I was to be rambling around the backroads of the Gatineau and Ottawa Valleys. Though my experiences with the passing landscapes were fleeting, the whole of my LDW ITT has taken shape as something irreplicably beautiful; a once-in-a-lifetime ride that I had the good fortune of embarking upon.
Thank you, Jen and Eric, for this incredible opportunity.
Instagram: @meaghanhackinen
Route: Log Driver’s Waltz
After making plans to fly out from BC to attend the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit in Chelsea, Quebec, I started looking around for other regional adventures that I could pair with my visit. Since my travel didn’t align with the Log Driver’s Waltz grand depart in July, I opted to do an Individual Time Trial (ITT), which gave me the flexibility to choose both my starting point and the most ideal weather opportunity. My goal was to beat the current Fastest Known Time (FKT) of 49 hours and 43 minutes, set by fellow BC bikepacker Cory Ostertag in 2022. To achieve this, I knew that I’d need to dial in my fitness, gear, logistics, and mental game. I’d also be counting on a bit of luck (or whatever you want to call it when the universe is smiling down on you).
The actual work of planning an ITT versus preparing for a grand depart-style event weren’t too different. I put the same energy into studying the route and noting resupply, elevation profile, and challenging sections. After hearing so many miserable accounts of tackling the rough and rooty Gatineau Park trail climbs near the end of the course, I made the decision to start at the covered bridge in Wakefield to get that out of the way while my legs were fresh. I also opted to start at the leisurely hour of 9:00 am so that when the inevitable cage match with the sleep monster arrived, I’d be full hearts, so to speak—rest reservoirs all topped up.
One factor I did have to consider was that I’d be the only person on the leaderboard for my ITT attempt. As someone who thrives off competition, it would be difficult for me to race against the clock, without the motivation of other dots to keep me going. Instead, I set time targets at resupply points so that I could gauge whether I was on track to reach my ambitious goal.
On June 22, 2023, I shot out of Wakefield on my trusty Salsa Cutthroat, Amelia. I used Apidura backcountry bags, including a top tube bag, full-frame bag with hydration bladder, feed sack, and downtube bag; conspicuously absent was a seat post bag, handlebar bag, or any semblance of sleep kit. To beat Cory’s time, I’d have to travel fast and light, and keep my stop time down the bare minimum. My game plan involved speedy resupplies, stops to top up water, and one longer break to freshen up in the bathroom. In general, I kept to it: and the great thing about seeing yourself succeeding is that the process only gets easier as you snowball confidence and self-assurance. I watched my pace tick up as I wound through the Rideau Canal bike paths in Ottawa; Jen and Eric were both on course to offer encouragement in passing. Everyone else probably saw my poorly re-applied sunscreen and thought I was some sort of slovenly maniac, but that was fine by me: I didn’t have time for conversation anyways.
I had a few advantages, like a new dynamo-powered light so I could ride all night and not worry about charging my lights or devices off of battery packs, as well as familiarity with about 50% of the route—including Gatineau Park—from training rides and shorter tours over the past month. I’d also chatted with others who had ridden the course, including past FKT holder Chris Panasky, who also happened to be my Chelsea host.
Nothing can quite prepare you for the experience of riding non-stop for 24-plus hours, however. With the help of a 10-minute afternoon cat nap in the shade of a church in Shawville, I held strong until the 36-hour mark—around sunset on day two. From there on out, I had to harness every ounce of inner she-woman strength to get through the climbs in Mont St Marie and inch my way toward the finish. I walked my bike more than I’d care to admit; I stopped eating; when rain began to pelt down around midnight, I found myself in an imbecilic stop-start routine of pulling my rain jacket on and off in the humid night, batting away mosquitoes that pierced my soft fleshy bits despite the downpour.
Despite all that, I reached my start point at Wakefield covered bridge in a record time of 43 hours and 33 minutes, shaving more than six hours of the previous FKT and coming in ahead of even my best projections. It was 4:33 am. In typical bikepacking fashion, no one was around to hand me a finishing beer or acknowledge my accomplishment. So, I snapped a selfie and in what is likely the most Canadian of celebratory acts, pedalled to the nearest Tim Horton’s drive-thru for a Double Double and Timbits.
My advice for anyone attempting a fast time on the LDW route? Do your research on the course (the handy RidewithGPS POI map is a great place to start), ride within your limits, and don’t forget to have fun! Whether I was ripping toward Sharbot Lake on leafy forest roads as the sky paled toward sunset or shouldering my bike over slabs of rock in the Lanark Highlands while being chased by scourges of biting insects in the dark, I never forgot just how lucky I was to be rambling around the backroads of the Gatineau and Ottawa Valleys. Though my experiences with the passing landscapes were fleeting, the whole of my LDW ITT has taken shape as something irreplicably beautiful; a once-in-a-lifetime ride that I had the good fortune of embarking upon.
Thank you, Jen and Eric, for this incredible opportunity.
Instagram: @meaghanhackinen
José Smolders and Tijmen Moltmaker- Our LDW Experience
First time bikepacking on gravel for the two of us. We already did all the separate components of what LDW could entail: biking holidays (with a trailer, with a kid, on a rowing bike even), cycling gravel and MTB-trails, cycling inclines and distances and camping. But now it will be all these things together (we only left the kid out of the mix this time). The pressure rose slightly when we were referred to in the local CBC news item about the LDW as ‘the family from Holland who will do this as their first tourist outing’. But after a lovely get-together with Jen and Eric we felt confident and enthusiastic, they gave us great tips and the best advice: just enjoy, it’s about the journey and not the destination and keep talking to each other. So we did!
Day 1
Ottawa - California Rd 137km 6hr41min 744hm
Started in some drizzling weather, after dropping our daughter at friends. At one point it looked like we were heading back to the Netherlands, but we picked up the right route again. Unfortunately, the campsite around White Lake didn’t accept tents anymore and there were no hotel alternatives. So we ended up crown land camping under Hydro-lines, which gave this first day more adventure, a bit more discomfort and a lot more mosquito-bites than anticipated.
Day 2
California Rd - Sharbot Lake 88 km 4hr34min 1141hm
A bit of a tough start after camping in the wild. We packed as quickly as possible, had a muesli-bar breakfast and got on the gravel-roads again. Especially rough to get started without coffee as we forgot to bring matches/lighter to start the stove (rookie-mistake!). This was a day with more cycling and surface challenges; loose gravel, smooth dirt road and sometimes ankle deep through water or mud and taking roads where an MTB would have been our regular choice of weapon. Constantly going up and down, literally and even mentally, as we didn’t had the good-food-plan worked out well. We treated ourselves with a hotel tonight in Sharbot Lake and good food to recover.
Day 3
Sharbot Lake - Calabogie 110 km 5hr38min 1452hm
After a good night sleep and an excellent breakfast at The Cardinal we took off with a new plan: good food and take it as easy (in speed or route) as we find fit for a cycling holiday. So, there was a great sandwich and coffee after 50km in McDonalds corner and a snack stop with carrot cake at 80 km. We also found today that we have a different way of dealing with ankle deep water on the path: José prefers walking through with her shoes off, while Tijmen rather cycles 3 km extra to bypass it. It became clear today we won’t be official finishers of the Log Driver’s Waltz. Firstly, because of the detour we took, the less adventurous route to Calabogie, with 30 km and 800hm less than the original. Instead of technical cycling we could actually look around and see the most amazing lakes and scenery. And secondly, a spoke in Tijmens’ rear wheel broke with twenty kilometers to go, for which we needed to find a bike mechanic first before we dare to ride on uneven paths again.
Day 4
Calabogie - Renfrew - Pakenham - Ottawa 142 km 5hr40min 654hm
Day four was a day with changing plans all the time. First we went to Renfrew to go to the only bike mechanic in the area. Unfortunately, there was no one in the shop who could fix a new spoke, so we ate the disappointment away with comfort food and good coffee. Next plan, cycle back to Ottawa for a bike mechanic in two stages, so we could keep the holiday feeling. We booked a cabin in Pakenham to enjoy the rest of the day with kayaking etc. Unfortunately, after cycling to Pakenham, buying lunch and supper in a great grocery store, we received a message they overbooked the cabin and it wasn’t available. So, plan three came into place, cycling back to Ottawa with supper in our backpacks.
Day 5
Rest day and get the spoke fixed at The Cyclery, Ottawa
Day 6
Ottawa - Wakefield - Low - Lac Sainte Marie 137 km 5hr34min 1277hm
New spoke. New plan. New excitement. We combined and slightly adapted three routes we had found online (thx Rodd Heino and the Log Driver’s Waltz for the inspiration) and went up north to Lac-Sainte-Marie through Ottawa valley from the Gatineau side, Champlain, Gatineau Parc with the hills and rocks and lots of farms, fields and forest. What a beautiful trail 53, such a pleasure to cruise on. This was such a perfect day. Tailwind, awesome gravel, beautiful sceneries, good coffee stops brought us to a lovely B&B, with a very warm welcome.
Day 7
Lac Sainte Marie - Ottawa 107,50km 4hr30min 841hm
Today we combined the routes again, now the parts we didn’t ride yesterday. José had quite heavy legs after 600 km in 5 days, even the 10% inclines felt heavier than the couple of 20% we encountered before. Luckily it was more down than up and we were cycling home to see our daughter again after a week. We passed a pitoresque public toilet on the veloroute des draveurs, covered wooden bridges, the Paugan dam and stopped at great lunch spot in Wakefield. And then, crossing the Alexandra bridge, with beautiful view on Ottawa and Parliament Hill, it actually felt like coming home.
Thoughts after this trip
José: It was a long time dream for me to go on a bit more adventurous bike trip with a less strict timed plan. That worked out on this trip, to see from day to day what is possible/preferable and how we could turn the circumstances and even problems into our advantage. I discovered that good food is really important for my holiday feeling and that I really prefer the variety in the landscape and I like the wide views. I found it less enjoyable on the parts of the route where relentless steep climbs on loose gravel and rocky surface made me walk numerous times, I rather keep cycling. Although these paths also bring you to places where tarmac never will, that did add to the adventurous feeling!
Tijmen: This week had been awesome. We started the Log Driver’s Waltz, had to change plans after a mechanical and learned a lot about what we like on the bike. It was really nice to get to know Ottawa and its surroundings from a different point of view, there are so many nice places and awesome routes to ride. Maybe I’m not a real bikepacker (I missed the fast rides this week, after a couple of long days on the bike I get bored a bit), but this was definitely a trip I will remember.
First time bikepacking on gravel for the two of us. We already did all the separate components of what LDW could entail: biking holidays (with a trailer, with a kid, on a rowing bike even), cycling gravel and MTB-trails, cycling inclines and distances and camping. But now it will be all these things together (we only left the kid out of the mix this time). The pressure rose slightly when we were referred to in the local CBC news item about the LDW as ‘the family from Holland who will do this as their first tourist outing’. But after a lovely get-together with Jen and Eric we felt confident and enthusiastic, they gave us great tips and the best advice: just enjoy, it’s about the journey and not the destination and keep talking to each other. So we did!
Day 1
Ottawa - California Rd 137km 6hr41min 744hm
Started in some drizzling weather, after dropping our daughter at friends. At one point it looked like we were heading back to the Netherlands, but we picked up the right route again. Unfortunately, the campsite around White Lake didn’t accept tents anymore and there were no hotel alternatives. So we ended up crown land camping under Hydro-lines, which gave this first day more adventure, a bit more discomfort and a lot more mosquito-bites than anticipated.
Day 2
California Rd - Sharbot Lake 88 km 4hr34min 1141hm
A bit of a tough start after camping in the wild. We packed as quickly as possible, had a muesli-bar breakfast and got on the gravel-roads again. Especially rough to get started without coffee as we forgot to bring matches/lighter to start the stove (rookie-mistake!). This was a day with more cycling and surface challenges; loose gravel, smooth dirt road and sometimes ankle deep through water or mud and taking roads where an MTB would have been our regular choice of weapon. Constantly going up and down, literally and even mentally, as we didn’t had the good-food-plan worked out well. We treated ourselves with a hotel tonight in Sharbot Lake and good food to recover.
Day 3
Sharbot Lake - Calabogie 110 km 5hr38min 1452hm
After a good night sleep and an excellent breakfast at The Cardinal we took off with a new plan: good food and take it as easy (in speed or route) as we find fit for a cycling holiday. So, there was a great sandwich and coffee after 50km in McDonalds corner and a snack stop with carrot cake at 80 km. We also found today that we have a different way of dealing with ankle deep water on the path: José prefers walking through with her shoes off, while Tijmen rather cycles 3 km extra to bypass it. It became clear today we won’t be official finishers of the Log Driver’s Waltz. Firstly, because of the detour we took, the less adventurous route to Calabogie, with 30 km and 800hm less than the original. Instead of technical cycling we could actually look around and see the most amazing lakes and scenery. And secondly, a spoke in Tijmens’ rear wheel broke with twenty kilometers to go, for which we needed to find a bike mechanic first before we dare to ride on uneven paths again.
Day 4
Calabogie - Renfrew - Pakenham - Ottawa 142 km 5hr40min 654hm
Day four was a day with changing plans all the time. First we went to Renfrew to go to the only bike mechanic in the area. Unfortunately, there was no one in the shop who could fix a new spoke, so we ate the disappointment away with comfort food and good coffee. Next plan, cycle back to Ottawa for a bike mechanic in two stages, so we could keep the holiday feeling. We booked a cabin in Pakenham to enjoy the rest of the day with kayaking etc. Unfortunately, after cycling to Pakenham, buying lunch and supper in a great grocery store, we received a message they overbooked the cabin and it wasn’t available. So, plan three came into place, cycling back to Ottawa with supper in our backpacks.
Day 5
Rest day and get the spoke fixed at The Cyclery, Ottawa
Day 6
Ottawa - Wakefield - Low - Lac Sainte Marie 137 km 5hr34min 1277hm
New spoke. New plan. New excitement. We combined and slightly adapted three routes we had found online (thx Rodd Heino and the Log Driver’s Waltz for the inspiration) and went up north to Lac-Sainte-Marie through Ottawa valley from the Gatineau side, Champlain, Gatineau Parc with the hills and rocks and lots of farms, fields and forest. What a beautiful trail 53, such a pleasure to cruise on. This was such a perfect day. Tailwind, awesome gravel, beautiful sceneries, good coffee stops brought us to a lovely B&B, with a very warm welcome.
Day 7
Lac Sainte Marie - Ottawa 107,50km 4hr30min 841hm
Today we combined the routes again, now the parts we didn’t ride yesterday. José had quite heavy legs after 600 km in 5 days, even the 10% inclines felt heavier than the couple of 20% we encountered before. Luckily it was more down than up and we were cycling home to see our daughter again after a week. We passed a pitoresque public toilet on the veloroute des draveurs, covered wooden bridges, the Paugan dam and stopped at great lunch spot in Wakefield. And then, crossing the Alexandra bridge, with beautiful view on Ottawa and Parliament Hill, it actually felt like coming home.
Thoughts after this trip
José: It was a long time dream for me to go on a bit more adventurous bike trip with a less strict timed plan. That worked out on this trip, to see from day to day what is possible/preferable and how we could turn the circumstances and even problems into our advantage. I discovered that good food is really important for my holiday feeling and that I really prefer the variety in the landscape and I like the wide views. I found it less enjoyable on the parts of the route where relentless steep climbs on loose gravel and rocky surface made me walk numerous times, I rather keep cycling. Although these paths also bring you to places where tarmac never will, that did add to the adventurous feeling!
Tijmen: This week had been awesome. We started the Log Driver’s Waltz, had to change plans after a mechanical and learned a lot about what we like on the bike. It was really nice to get to know Ottawa and its surroundings from a different point of view, there are so many nice places and awesome routes to ride. Maybe I’m not a real bikepacker (I missed the fast rides this week, after a couple of long days on the bike I get bored a bit), but this was definitely a trip I will remember.
Route: Grand Départ on the The Log Driver's Waltz
Rider: Eric Betteridge.
“I was stoked to meet up with so many riders at Equator Coffee Roasters before rolling out of Almonte. It was difficult to keep the excitement and pace manageable for the first few km, but by the time I had passed Lanark and had hit the Bathurst Line I had begun to settle into a rhythm. It was fun to ride beside different people for short periods, but I tried not to go into deficit; a long ride!
In Sharbot Lake I ran into a pretty large group of bikepackers many of whom were just leaving as I arrived. With my goal being to camp in the North Frontenac Highlands I needed enough food to get me to Calabogie the next morning but by supper time I had prematurely finished most of my day food. I got a good burger meal and a pot of tea at the restaurant at Sylvania Lodge and had a chance to chat with @swarbrj , Mitch Sinclair & Sean Swarts. Ben Hamilton rolled in and filled his bottles just as I was leaving and we ended up riding together as darkness fell. At Mair Lake we caught up to Sarah Caylor and Jeff Mullen. As it was 11 pm, Jeff and I ended up camping there while Sarah and Ben continued one. Little did we know that Mikey Intrabartola and Daniel Jordan were camped in the next site.
The second morning, which followed my first sleep in a bivvy sack and which I have to say was quite pleasant (thanks Parham Momtahan for the loan) I used some of my remaining water to hydrate my muesli and then popped a pill in my other bottle of lake water to purify as I rode. Glad that I did as there wasn’t much open when I got to Calabogie early Sunday morning so I just pushed through with what I had on board. It was a good morning for riding to Renfrew. Lots of tracks in the gravel, which the route developer part of me thought was pretty cool!
Heavily motivated by the thought of a second breakfast on arrival, I nonetheless enjoyed the ride, especially Toms and Sammons Roads.
I had in the back of my mind few places to camp in Ladysmith if I’d run out of steam by then but my resupply and refuelling in Shawville (canned rice pudding and shawarma from Lello’s) kept me energized.
I arrived at the Ladysmith Hotel just as the kitchen was as closing but thanks to John Kieffer they were convinced to serve me a huge plate of spaghetti which somehow disappeared! A bit later Mikey arrived and the four of us set off around the same time. I was feeling pretty fresh and the company was good. As darkness fell so did the first drops of rain and before long it was pelting down. Just near Venosta we sheltered in the porch of an ATV shop and ended up bivvying there for a few hours.
The predawn ride without rain but with heavy mist was spectacular. We all stopped for breakfast in Gracefield and then left town separately. I ran into John again near Denholm and we rode near each other until Wakefield where I found a Warmshowers host. I was reluctant to ride into the Gatineau Park given my level of fatigue.
The next day was quite enjoyable with the benefit of a good sleep, but even then the technical sections were a bit more challenging than “normal”.
I followed my pattern from last year and had a good sandwich, sweet and coffee at Cafe Les Saisons in Old Chelsea. I preferred to stop there than Ottawa as the timing is perfect.
As I rode along the Rideau Canal a few Dot Watchers cheered me on; it was much appreciated!
Riding through your hometown is both easy and difficult. Route finding is easy, but motivation can flag. I aimed for the Equator Coffee Roasters Stittsville and after a quick coffee, chocolatine and bottle filling stop put my head down and “powered” (ha ha!) on to Almonte.
Other than an unscheduled swim in a large mud puddle/hole on the last unmaintained section it was a smooth ride.
It was great to arrive in Almonte and see Jen Adams and also others at the end hanging around and sharing their experiences. It is a wonderful community and group that came to ride the route. We all had our own experiences but the common elements bind us together. It is an honour to have played a part, along with Jen, in facilitating the Grand Départ.
On a personal level I am happy with what I learned and achieved. I enjoyed riding my new Panorama Cycles TaigaEXP rolling on Woven Precision Handbuilts wheels (shameless plugs for a great local companies ). I also appreciate the loan of from Gene Villeneuve of his seatbag which kept my gear dry in the thunderstorm. From Meg Hackinen (see story below) I took the idea of “rain shorts” and they also proved to be invaluable! It was my fifth and fastest time completing the LDW. Like some others I am already starting to plan for next year.
Rider: Eric Betteridge.
“I was stoked to meet up with so many riders at Equator Coffee Roasters before rolling out of Almonte. It was difficult to keep the excitement and pace manageable for the first few km, but by the time I had passed Lanark and had hit the Bathurst Line I had begun to settle into a rhythm. It was fun to ride beside different people for short periods, but I tried not to go into deficit; a long ride!
In Sharbot Lake I ran into a pretty large group of bikepackers many of whom were just leaving as I arrived. With my goal being to camp in the North Frontenac Highlands I needed enough food to get me to Calabogie the next morning but by supper time I had prematurely finished most of my day food. I got a good burger meal and a pot of tea at the restaurant at Sylvania Lodge and had a chance to chat with @swarbrj , Mitch Sinclair & Sean Swarts. Ben Hamilton rolled in and filled his bottles just as I was leaving and we ended up riding together as darkness fell. At Mair Lake we caught up to Sarah Caylor and Jeff Mullen. As it was 11 pm, Jeff and I ended up camping there while Sarah and Ben continued one. Little did we know that Mikey Intrabartola and Daniel Jordan were camped in the next site.
The second morning, which followed my first sleep in a bivvy sack and which I have to say was quite pleasant (thanks Parham Momtahan for the loan) I used some of my remaining water to hydrate my muesli and then popped a pill in my other bottle of lake water to purify as I rode. Glad that I did as there wasn’t much open when I got to Calabogie early Sunday morning so I just pushed through with what I had on board. It was a good morning for riding to Renfrew. Lots of tracks in the gravel, which the route developer part of me thought was pretty cool!
Heavily motivated by the thought of a second breakfast on arrival, I nonetheless enjoyed the ride, especially Toms and Sammons Roads.
I had in the back of my mind few places to camp in Ladysmith if I’d run out of steam by then but my resupply and refuelling in Shawville (canned rice pudding and shawarma from Lello’s) kept me energized.
I arrived at the Ladysmith Hotel just as the kitchen was as closing but thanks to John Kieffer they were convinced to serve me a huge plate of spaghetti which somehow disappeared! A bit later Mikey arrived and the four of us set off around the same time. I was feeling pretty fresh and the company was good. As darkness fell so did the first drops of rain and before long it was pelting down. Just near Venosta we sheltered in the porch of an ATV shop and ended up bivvying there for a few hours.
The predawn ride without rain but with heavy mist was spectacular. We all stopped for breakfast in Gracefield and then left town separately. I ran into John again near Denholm and we rode near each other until Wakefield where I found a Warmshowers host. I was reluctant to ride into the Gatineau Park given my level of fatigue.
The next day was quite enjoyable with the benefit of a good sleep, but even then the technical sections were a bit more challenging than “normal”.
I followed my pattern from last year and had a good sandwich, sweet and coffee at Cafe Les Saisons in Old Chelsea. I preferred to stop there than Ottawa as the timing is perfect.
As I rode along the Rideau Canal a few Dot Watchers cheered me on; it was much appreciated!
Riding through your hometown is both easy and difficult. Route finding is easy, but motivation can flag. I aimed for the Equator Coffee Roasters Stittsville and after a quick coffee, chocolatine and bottle filling stop put my head down and “powered” (ha ha!) on to Almonte.
Other than an unscheduled swim in a large mud puddle/hole on the last unmaintained section it was a smooth ride.
It was great to arrive in Almonte and see Jen Adams and also others at the end hanging around and sharing their experiences. It is a wonderful community and group that came to ride the route. We all had our own experiences but the common elements bind us together. It is an honour to have played a part, along with Jen, in facilitating the Grand Départ.
On a personal level I am happy with what I learned and achieved. I enjoyed riding my new Panorama Cycles TaigaEXP rolling on Woven Precision Handbuilts wheels (shameless plugs for a great local companies ). I also appreciate the loan of from Gene Villeneuve of his seatbag which kept my gear dry in the thunderstorm. From Meg Hackinen (see story below) I took the idea of “rain shorts” and they also proved to be invaluable! It was my fifth and fastest time completing the LDW. Like some others I am already starting to plan for next year.
2022
John Swarbrick
The Log Drivers Waltz: "Pure Gravel Gold with a Five Day Goal"
Quote of the trip….
“Evvvvry THING is FARTHER than you think!!!” ~Matt Kadey
Day 1 – “Looking for a place to happen, making stops along the way…”
Distance: 182km - Almonte to Silvana Lodge
Elevation: 1850m
Stay: Silvana Lodge camping spot
Avg Speed 19km/hr
Ride Time: 9:32
Re-Supply and Water: Lanark / Sharbot lake / Cheese Factory
The goal for the first day of this ride was 200km to Lavant Station and I am glad I fell short of it. The riding is absolutely beautiful and the elevation is rolling and doable but the distance will start to weigh on you after about 8 hrs. The first real re-supply is at Lanark at about 80km. There is a small grocery place there that I passed over for a sub at the local pizza joint..... Go to the grocery... Across the street in the library there is a nice, clean and - obviously - quiet public bathroom. Fuel and go - awesome! Next stop was Sharbot Lake around 130km - where there is a great little coffee shop. Depending on the day - it can have some weird hours where it closes early so plan ahead. Hit the trail out of town and take a selfie at the train display for fun and head to the Cheese Factory Beck Forty Artisan Cheese) at around 160km. It was VERY tempting to stay here but I had a hunch I should make headway while I could so I pressed on! Around 180km - Silvana Lodge located just off the course to your right is located. Some of the trail notes mentioned there was wild camping near the lake but, if there was, I couldn't find it. I wandered in and asked if they had any camping spots and they offered me one. It was a little steep at $40 but it was getting dark and I was hungry. THIS was the best part. There is a restaurant there that had the MOST amazing "Chinese" food and they were VERY hospitable to me. The reason I was so glad I stopped short is because - from the 180km point - the distance to any other resupply place was SIGNIFICANT and all the Crown Land Camping spots were taken up! BONUS decision for me.
I would do this again!
Day 2 – “New Orleans is sinking and I don’t wanna swim….”
Distance: Silvana Lodge to Renfrew - 150km
Elevation: 2050m
Stay: Days Inn
Avg Speed: 17.2km/hr
Ride Time: 8:42
Resupply / Water: Calabogie - IMPORTANT - From Silvana Lodge to Calabogie (92km) - there is basically NOTHING - at least not that we saw - in the way of services. In fact - we rode what I think is the most beautiful and remote 80km on gravel - I have ever ridden!
Load up on water at Silvana Lodge. Although you can get to lakes closer to Lavant Station to filter water - if it hadn't been POURING with rain - this would have been one DRY stretch.
At Calabogie - there is an awesome bar to have lunch in ( The Redneck Bistro) and great places to put your bikes while you eat.
I'm not gonna lie - the weather was a drain - so by the time we got to Renfrew - even the most hardcore of us were reaching for the credit cards to book rooms at the Days Inn.
Renfrew has all sorts of places to eat and get supplies.
Day 3 – “Jacques Cartier, right this way…”
Distance: Renfrew to Low - 180km
Elevation: 1722m
Stay: Creepy Picnic Stop off HWY (wildcamp)
Avg Speed: 18.3km/hr
Ride Time: 9:42
Resupply / Notes: One of my fave sections for some reason. As you cross into Quebec - it seems like there are MORE places to resupply and get water. Starting with Portage du Fort - variety store and water. Shortly after that you roll into Shawville at about 60km and right at the main street there is an aweome café ( Café 349) and a grocery just down the street (Joanne’s Valu Mart)
Save some of your appetite though for the AMAZING SANDWICHES at Campbells Bay at the little variety store. It is hidden away on Rue Leslie ( SAQ Agence-Epicerie Kluke) Just after Matt bought one of those pre-wrapped sandwiches like you get from a vending machine – I noticed a HUGE sign at the back DELI – ha ha… blame it on Riders Haze – but don’t miss the home made sandwiches! The are - Awesome!!
After that there wasn't much until Low - and even then just a variety store. Ladysmith and Danford lake are two good ones.
We wild camped at a truck stop outside of town that had these little pavilions over picnic tables. It was last resort but was ok
Day 4 – “It’s a good life if you don’t weaken…”
Distance : 160km
Elevation: 1751m
Stay: Lac Phillipe Campground
Avg Speed: 17.5 km/hr
Ride Time: 9:31
Resupply / Notes: This day was probably the best for re-supply. Gracefield is at 40km, Lac St. Marie is at 70, STOP here for stuff – climb day starts here!
The riding is brilliant with a rest stop lunch stop – in our case RAIN avoidance at about 106km. After that you are on your own until about Wakefield where you can get supplies, see the cool covered bridge and have lunch as well. We stayed at Lac Phillipe Campground. There was ample space – I booked ahead but I don’t really think we needed to based on the population of the park.
Day 5 - “I feel I’ve stepped out of the wilderness all squint-eyed and confused…
Distance: 156km
Elevation 1447m
Average Speed: 17.4
Ride time 8:59
Re-supply / Notes:
Can we call this the “easiest day?”
GIVE yourself extra time on day 4 and 5 for navigating and enjoying Gatinueau Park! Jen has it on her route notes and she is spot on. To add to the fun – I actually got lost leaving Lac Phillipe - and did a HUGE loop around….yep…just like on Gilligans Island…to ….. where I started the day!!
Onward from there Gatineau Park, is of course, wonderful, but on a fully loaded rig, it can be slow going and even….sorry…tedious at times. Before you know it, however, you are on the bridge from Hull snapping shots and feeling touristy. There are numerous places to get food and water in Ottawa and an impressive series of bike lanes and paths to navigate the city. From there is pretty much a straight shot into Almonte with a hard right at Carleton Place.
I stopped in Stittsville for a double shot at Ritual On Main for a stiff coffee and was off to Almonte.
Overall Notes / Reflections:
This route was amazing! The fact that it is named after a slice of Canadiana only serves to make it more charming if not deceptively mundane sounding! Alas, it is anything but!
I think it is the Upanishads that state “the sharpe edge of a razor is difficult to pass over” – well, let me tell you, the slippery side of a floating log ain’t much easier - and THAT my friends is where the similarities of this ride and THAT song really resonate with me. The nature of the route, the scenery, the variety – keeps a rider off balance, just enough to keep things flowing most, if not all of the ride!
The route is impressive in the sheer quantity of remote gravel, not to mention the scenery and winding nature of the roads. The climbing is actually ever present and the single track portion through Gatineau Park comes to the party late but punches the dance card in all the right places.
Four days would have been tough on this route for me to enjoy and appreciate the essence of the ride and the effort put into designing it, given our weather, in my opinion only. This ride could have easily lapsed into a 6 day ride IF it had rained any more. (3 of the 5 were ridiculous) And we were all pretty happy with 5.
I will do it again #1 because it was awesome and, #2 I really do think we missed a lot of really cool scenery on day 2 and 3 due to the volume of the rain.
Thanks to Eric and Jen for creating such a great ride!!
Tailwinds!
John
The Log Drivers Waltz: "Pure Gravel Gold with a Five Day Goal"
Quote of the trip….
“Evvvvry THING is FARTHER than you think!!!” ~Matt Kadey
Day 1 – “Looking for a place to happen, making stops along the way…”
Distance: 182km - Almonte to Silvana Lodge
Elevation: 1850m
Stay: Silvana Lodge camping spot
Avg Speed 19km/hr
Ride Time: 9:32
Re-Supply and Water: Lanark / Sharbot lake / Cheese Factory
The goal for the first day of this ride was 200km to Lavant Station and I am glad I fell short of it. The riding is absolutely beautiful and the elevation is rolling and doable but the distance will start to weigh on you after about 8 hrs. The first real re-supply is at Lanark at about 80km. There is a small grocery place there that I passed over for a sub at the local pizza joint..... Go to the grocery... Across the street in the library there is a nice, clean and - obviously - quiet public bathroom. Fuel and go - awesome! Next stop was Sharbot Lake around 130km - where there is a great little coffee shop. Depending on the day - it can have some weird hours where it closes early so plan ahead. Hit the trail out of town and take a selfie at the train display for fun and head to the Cheese Factory Beck Forty Artisan Cheese) at around 160km. It was VERY tempting to stay here but I had a hunch I should make headway while I could so I pressed on! Around 180km - Silvana Lodge located just off the course to your right is located. Some of the trail notes mentioned there was wild camping near the lake but, if there was, I couldn't find it. I wandered in and asked if they had any camping spots and they offered me one. It was a little steep at $40 but it was getting dark and I was hungry. THIS was the best part. There is a restaurant there that had the MOST amazing "Chinese" food and they were VERY hospitable to me. The reason I was so glad I stopped short is because - from the 180km point - the distance to any other resupply place was SIGNIFICANT and all the Crown Land Camping spots were taken up! BONUS decision for me.
I would do this again!
Day 2 – “New Orleans is sinking and I don’t wanna swim….”
Distance: Silvana Lodge to Renfrew - 150km
Elevation: 2050m
Stay: Days Inn
Avg Speed: 17.2km/hr
Ride Time: 8:42
Resupply / Water: Calabogie - IMPORTANT - From Silvana Lodge to Calabogie (92km) - there is basically NOTHING - at least not that we saw - in the way of services. In fact - we rode what I think is the most beautiful and remote 80km on gravel - I have ever ridden!
Load up on water at Silvana Lodge. Although you can get to lakes closer to Lavant Station to filter water - if it hadn't been POURING with rain - this would have been one DRY stretch.
At Calabogie - there is an awesome bar to have lunch in ( The Redneck Bistro) and great places to put your bikes while you eat.
I'm not gonna lie - the weather was a drain - so by the time we got to Renfrew - even the most hardcore of us were reaching for the credit cards to book rooms at the Days Inn.
Renfrew has all sorts of places to eat and get supplies.
Day 3 – “Jacques Cartier, right this way…”
Distance: Renfrew to Low - 180km
Elevation: 1722m
Stay: Creepy Picnic Stop off HWY (wildcamp)
Avg Speed: 18.3km/hr
Ride Time: 9:42
Resupply / Notes: One of my fave sections for some reason. As you cross into Quebec - it seems like there are MORE places to resupply and get water. Starting with Portage du Fort - variety store and water. Shortly after that you roll into Shawville at about 60km and right at the main street there is an aweome café ( Café 349) and a grocery just down the street (Joanne’s Valu Mart)
Save some of your appetite though for the AMAZING SANDWICHES at Campbells Bay at the little variety store. It is hidden away on Rue Leslie ( SAQ Agence-Epicerie Kluke) Just after Matt bought one of those pre-wrapped sandwiches like you get from a vending machine – I noticed a HUGE sign at the back DELI – ha ha… blame it on Riders Haze – but don’t miss the home made sandwiches! The are - Awesome!!
After that there wasn't much until Low - and even then just a variety store. Ladysmith and Danford lake are two good ones.
We wild camped at a truck stop outside of town that had these little pavilions over picnic tables. It was last resort but was ok
Day 4 – “It’s a good life if you don’t weaken…”
Distance : 160km
Elevation: 1751m
Stay: Lac Phillipe Campground
Avg Speed: 17.5 km/hr
Ride Time: 9:31
Resupply / Notes: This day was probably the best for re-supply. Gracefield is at 40km, Lac St. Marie is at 70, STOP here for stuff – climb day starts here!
The riding is brilliant with a rest stop lunch stop – in our case RAIN avoidance at about 106km. After that you are on your own until about Wakefield where you can get supplies, see the cool covered bridge and have lunch as well. We stayed at Lac Phillipe Campground. There was ample space – I booked ahead but I don’t really think we needed to based on the population of the park.
Day 5 - “I feel I’ve stepped out of the wilderness all squint-eyed and confused…
Distance: 156km
Elevation 1447m
Average Speed: 17.4
Ride time 8:59
Re-supply / Notes:
Can we call this the “easiest day?”
GIVE yourself extra time on day 4 and 5 for navigating and enjoying Gatinueau Park! Jen has it on her route notes and she is spot on. To add to the fun – I actually got lost leaving Lac Phillipe - and did a HUGE loop around….yep…just like on Gilligans Island…to ….. where I started the day!!
Onward from there Gatineau Park, is of course, wonderful, but on a fully loaded rig, it can be slow going and even….sorry…tedious at times. Before you know it, however, you are on the bridge from Hull snapping shots and feeling touristy. There are numerous places to get food and water in Ottawa and an impressive series of bike lanes and paths to navigate the city. From there is pretty much a straight shot into Almonte with a hard right at Carleton Place.
I stopped in Stittsville for a double shot at Ritual On Main for a stiff coffee and was off to Almonte.
Overall Notes / Reflections:
This route was amazing! The fact that it is named after a slice of Canadiana only serves to make it more charming if not deceptively mundane sounding! Alas, it is anything but!
I think it is the Upanishads that state “the sharpe edge of a razor is difficult to pass over” – well, let me tell you, the slippery side of a floating log ain’t much easier - and THAT my friends is where the similarities of this ride and THAT song really resonate with me. The nature of the route, the scenery, the variety – keeps a rider off balance, just enough to keep things flowing most, if not all of the ride!
The route is impressive in the sheer quantity of remote gravel, not to mention the scenery and winding nature of the roads. The climbing is actually ever present and the single track portion through Gatineau Park comes to the party late but punches the dance card in all the right places.
Four days would have been tough on this route for me to enjoy and appreciate the essence of the ride and the effort put into designing it, given our weather, in my opinion only. This ride could have easily lapsed into a 6 day ride IF it had rained any more. (3 of the 5 were ridiculous) And we were all pretty happy with 5.
I will do it again #1 because it was awesome and, #2 I really do think we missed a lot of really cool scenery on day 2 and 3 due to the volume of the rain.
Thanks to Eric and Jen for creating such a great ride!!
Tailwinds!
John
2021
Photo Credit: Darcy Atkinson
Riders: Shan Graszt, Darcy Atkinson
Route: Up and Over Eardley
With a trip planned down to Ottawa, my partner Darcy and I decided to take advantage of some of the beautiful trails through Ottawa and Quebec. After discovering the Log Drivers Waltz, we were delighted to see that there were some shorter routes, as we only had a couple of days riding to play with. We investigated the "QEW - Up and Over Eardley" and after looking at the ride with GPS map featured on the website, decided with our bikes (a Marinoni road bike and a Bianchi fixed gear) it would be in our best interest to flip the route - "QEW - Down and Under Eardley" We started the route out in Ottawa mid day, making our way along the gorgeous Ottawa River and crossed the bridge into Quebec. We very much enjoyed the riding through Quebec and the way they have set up the roads/trails to be safe and pleasant for cyclists. We rode into Chelsea for our first stop, happy to see a lovely field with shade where we could relax and enjoy a sandwich from Biscotti & Cie (and a coffee of course). We hopped back on our bikes and headed towards Wakefield, our next stop. On our way, we made a small detour to the covered bridge, and enjoyed sitting under the bridge in the coolness for a quick break. We stopped in Wakefield, taking advantage of the abundance of beers & snacks at the store directly across from the public dock, where we dipped our feet in the water before heading into Gatineau park for our climb. This part was definitely not for the faint of heart. We managed to successfully make our way to the highest spot on the route. We rested our heads and bodies overnight and woke up to light rain, heading back on the trail, mostly downhill at this point. By the time we got out of Gatineau, the skies had opened up, but luckily we had (mostly) prepared for this, as we put on our rain jackets and rode into the Eardley Depanneur, where we stopped for a quick dry off and some snacks (and a refreshment of course). Lovely farm fields full of cows followed us as we made our way into Quyon(slow at times due to how wet everything was/how skinny our tires were), the rain let up and the sun started shining, as we rolled up to Casse Croute du Village(do not miss this stop! The poutine was just what we needed to feel alive again). From there we waited about 5 minutes and jumped on the Quyon Ferry, heading back across the river into Ottawa as the weather warmed up allowing us to shed some layers. The ride from here into Kanata was definitely slow and warm - a good reminder for us to always resupply when you can - we had forgotten to grab water in Quyon and were on our last sips as we rolled up to a grocery store in Kanata. The ride from Kanata back to our starting point was smooth sailing on the River tail, we were supremely jealous of the trails weaving their way through Ottawa, at the end of summer the trees were lush and after the rain it was a lovely way to end the ride! This journey did not come without its struggles (or tears on my part), but the pros far outweigh the cons and we are so thankful that Eric and Jen put together such a fun and challenging ride we were able to manage without ever having ridden in the area before!
Instagram: @_barbellsandbrews
Route: Up and Over Eardley
With a trip planned down to Ottawa, my partner Darcy and I decided to take advantage of some of the beautiful trails through Ottawa and Quebec. After discovering the Log Drivers Waltz, we were delighted to see that there were some shorter routes, as we only had a couple of days riding to play with. We investigated the "QEW - Up and Over Eardley" and after looking at the ride with GPS map featured on the website, decided with our bikes (a Marinoni road bike and a Bianchi fixed gear) it would be in our best interest to flip the route - "QEW - Down and Under Eardley" We started the route out in Ottawa mid day, making our way along the gorgeous Ottawa River and crossed the bridge into Quebec. We very much enjoyed the riding through Quebec and the way they have set up the roads/trails to be safe and pleasant for cyclists. We rode into Chelsea for our first stop, happy to see a lovely field with shade where we could relax and enjoy a sandwich from Biscotti & Cie (and a coffee of course). We hopped back on our bikes and headed towards Wakefield, our next stop. On our way, we made a small detour to the covered bridge, and enjoyed sitting under the bridge in the coolness for a quick break. We stopped in Wakefield, taking advantage of the abundance of beers & snacks at the store directly across from the public dock, where we dipped our feet in the water before heading into Gatineau park for our climb. This part was definitely not for the faint of heart. We managed to successfully make our way to the highest spot on the route. We rested our heads and bodies overnight and woke up to light rain, heading back on the trail, mostly downhill at this point. By the time we got out of Gatineau, the skies had opened up, but luckily we had (mostly) prepared for this, as we put on our rain jackets and rode into the Eardley Depanneur, where we stopped for a quick dry off and some snacks (and a refreshment of course). Lovely farm fields full of cows followed us as we made our way into Quyon(slow at times due to how wet everything was/how skinny our tires were), the rain let up and the sun started shining, as we rolled up to Casse Croute du Village(do not miss this stop! The poutine was just what we needed to feel alive again). From there we waited about 5 minutes and jumped on the Quyon Ferry, heading back across the river into Ottawa as the weather warmed up allowing us to shed some layers. The ride from here into Kanata was definitely slow and warm - a good reminder for us to always resupply when you can - we had forgotten to grab water in Quyon and were on our last sips as we rolled up to a grocery store in Kanata. The ride from Kanata back to our starting point was smooth sailing on the River tail, we were supremely jealous of the trails weaving their way through Ottawa, at the end of summer the trees were lush and after the rain it was a lovely way to end the ride! This journey did not come without its struggles (or tears on my part), but the pros far outweigh the cons and we are so thankful that Eric and Jen put together such a fun and challenging ride we were able to manage without ever having ridden in the area before!
Instagram: @_barbellsandbrews
Photo Credit: David Wright
Rider: Gene Villeneuve
Route: Log Driver's Waltz
"Slowest Known Time - My Fragmented and Prolonged Journey to Completing the LDW"
In late 2020, before my 50th birthday, I made plans to turn 2021 into a series of epic events on my bike. Over the 2020 Christmas holidays I was thrilled when David Wright, a long-time local cyclist, suggested I join him on the Log Driver’s Waltz (LDW) in August 2021.
In my twenties, I spent a lot of time in a tent on backpacking trips; exploring the Adirondacks, Alaska and the Yukon, or on short bike trips around Ottawa. Throughout my thirties and forties I maintained good overall fitness and endurance, but I never lost that curiosity for adventure. Turning fifty reignited a new spark for escapades on two wheels.
On August 3, 2021 David and I set off to complete the LDW route in four days. By the end of day two we realized we would need five days to complete the route. Unfortunately, I couldn’t add the fifth day due to family commitments and had to abandon the route at the end of day four. David went on to complete the LDW in five days. However, I committed to completing the route in 2021. In total, it took me 87 days to complete the route with six days of riding. I did 939 KMs to complete the route, about 140 KMs more than the official route.
While my story is not the fastest known time; it is a story of rediscovering adventures on two wheels, making new friends, and my journey to the Slowest Known Time on the Log Driver’s Waltz. You can read my complete story here.
Route: Log Driver's Waltz
"Slowest Known Time - My Fragmented and Prolonged Journey to Completing the LDW"
In late 2020, before my 50th birthday, I made plans to turn 2021 into a series of epic events on my bike. Over the 2020 Christmas holidays I was thrilled when David Wright, a long-time local cyclist, suggested I join him on the Log Driver’s Waltz (LDW) in August 2021.
In my twenties, I spent a lot of time in a tent on backpacking trips; exploring the Adirondacks, Alaska and the Yukon, or on short bike trips around Ottawa. Throughout my thirties and forties I maintained good overall fitness and endurance, but I never lost that curiosity for adventure. Turning fifty reignited a new spark for escapades on two wheels.
On August 3, 2021 David and I set off to complete the LDW route in four days. By the end of day two we realized we would need five days to complete the route. Unfortunately, I couldn’t add the fifth day due to family commitments and had to abandon the route at the end of day four. David went on to complete the LDW in five days. However, I committed to completing the route in 2021. In total, it took me 87 days to complete the route with six days of riding. I did 939 KMs to complete the route, about 140 KMs more than the official route.
While my story is not the fastest known time; it is a story of rediscovering adventures on two wheels, making new friends, and my journey to the Slowest Known Time on the Log Driver’s Waltz. You can read my complete story here.
Rider: Kyle Roberts
Route: Log Driver's Waltz
After 6 years of living abroad, The Log Drivers Waltz presented me with an opportunity to immerse myself in the wild Canadian landscapes I had once called home.
My plane touched down at Pearson International Airport in Toronto from Australia in August 29th 2021. Less than one month later I found myself lining up, alone, in the dark, at the beginning of an 800km adventure; A petite depart of The Log Drivers Waltz.
Late September in the Ottawa Valley and Outaouais region of Canada is a gorgeous time of year. The cold, sharp and short days are catalysts in a process of transformation where deciduous leaves return back to the earth and the autumn colours that the area is known for become visible. Beautiful blotches of red, orange and yellow extenuate the lakes, rivers and hillsides of the area but the nights can be long, cold and lonely.
In what might be described by those close to me a “classic Kyle style” I decided I wanted to give the LDW a red hot go. Whereas some would suggest that moving too quickly through a landscape causes one to miss finer details, I would argue that different modes, speeds and styles of traversing a landscape provide different perspectives and there is something I really enjoy about the intimacy and rawness experienced when being pushed to your absolute limits in a remote natural landscape. It inspires a type of vulnerability and connection to nature that is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
I started at 3:28am and in Almonte at the traditional start of the course. By sunrise I had covered almost 70km and and had arrived in Lanark shortly after that. By 11am or so I made it to Sharbot Lake. From there I was pushing to cover another 130km and over 2000 meters of climbing in order to reach Calabogie before 7pm so that I could stock up on supplies for the night. I fortunately just made it to Charbonneaus Grocery Store before closing and then swung by the Redneck Bistro where I loaded up on Hill Billy Bread for the long journey ahead.
Riding into Renfrew and then onwards into and through Quebec from there was like a spiritual experience for me. I can’t describe exactly what it was like for me to ride under the Big Dipper in the night sky after living in the ‘other hemisphere’ for over half a decade, but it evoked a profound feeling to my core that reminded me of camping under the starts as a kid.
Like a bat out of hell I kept slogging onwards through the endless lakes, trees and skunks. The moonlight was bright and helped light up the trail in front of me. As I pushed onwards and onwards I knew at some stage the pendulum effect of fatigue would need to swing backwards and I would be unable to continue without a proper rest. That moment came for me all at once for me in Lac Saint Marie. 525km’s and almost 36 hours straight on the move my body, mind and spirit refused to go any further and I was ok with that. I stayed at Alain’s Auberge on the edge of the Lake and enjoyed an incredibly soothing hot tub on the roof before falling into a deep, deep sleep for many hours.
Approximately 22 hours after arriving in Lac Saint Marie I was ready again to continue onwards with nearly seized joints and a swollen face where a wasp had stung me the day prior. From there I experienced some of the most gorgeous riding on the route through along the Northern end of the course in Quebec. The fall colours were so beautiful and I felt in tune and at one with my surroundings. I managed to arrive in Gatineau Park a couple of hours before dark and enjoyed the colourful sunset as I rode some of the most fun and technical sections of the course.
74 hours after leaving Almonte I rolled back into where I had left with knees, Achilles and shoulders swollen like balloons. I limped over to my car and instantly fell asleep in the passenger seat. The journey did not come without pain but it was an experience I will cherish forever.
Thank you to Jen and Eric for this incredible opportunity. You have created something truly special and I hope many more riders are able to experience something truly impactful on the roads and trails that are The Log Drivers Waltz.
Route: Log Driver's Waltz
After 6 years of living abroad, The Log Drivers Waltz presented me with an opportunity to immerse myself in the wild Canadian landscapes I had once called home.
My plane touched down at Pearson International Airport in Toronto from Australia in August 29th 2021. Less than one month later I found myself lining up, alone, in the dark, at the beginning of an 800km adventure; A petite depart of The Log Drivers Waltz.
Late September in the Ottawa Valley and Outaouais region of Canada is a gorgeous time of year. The cold, sharp and short days are catalysts in a process of transformation where deciduous leaves return back to the earth and the autumn colours that the area is known for become visible. Beautiful blotches of red, orange and yellow extenuate the lakes, rivers and hillsides of the area but the nights can be long, cold and lonely.
In what might be described by those close to me a “classic Kyle style” I decided I wanted to give the LDW a red hot go. Whereas some would suggest that moving too quickly through a landscape causes one to miss finer details, I would argue that different modes, speeds and styles of traversing a landscape provide different perspectives and there is something I really enjoy about the intimacy and rawness experienced when being pushed to your absolute limits in a remote natural landscape. It inspires a type of vulnerability and connection to nature that is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
I started at 3:28am and in Almonte at the traditional start of the course. By sunrise I had covered almost 70km and and had arrived in Lanark shortly after that. By 11am or so I made it to Sharbot Lake. From there I was pushing to cover another 130km and over 2000 meters of climbing in order to reach Calabogie before 7pm so that I could stock up on supplies for the night. I fortunately just made it to Charbonneaus Grocery Store before closing and then swung by the Redneck Bistro where I loaded up on Hill Billy Bread for the long journey ahead.
Riding into Renfrew and then onwards into and through Quebec from there was like a spiritual experience for me. I can’t describe exactly what it was like for me to ride under the Big Dipper in the night sky after living in the ‘other hemisphere’ for over half a decade, but it evoked a profound feeling to my core that reminded me of camping under the starts as a kid.
Like a bat out of hell I kept slogging onwards through the endless lakes, trees and skunks. The moonlight was bright and helped light up the trail in front of me. As I pushed onwards and onwards I knew at some stage the pendulum effect of fatigue would need to swing backwards and I would be unable to continue without a proper rest. That moment came for me all at once for me in Lac Saint Marie. 525km’s and almost 36 hours straight on the move my body, mind and spirit refused to go any further and I was ok with that. I stayed at Alain’s Auberge on the edge of the Lake and enjoyed an incredibly soothing hot tub on the roof before falling into a deep, deep sleep for many hours.
Approximately 22 hours after arriving in Lac Saint Marie I was ready again to continue onwards with nearly seized joints and a swollen face where a wasp had stung me the day prior. From there I experienced some of the most gorgeous riding on the route through along the Northern end of the course in Quebec. The fall colours were so beautiful and I felt in tune and at one with my surroundings. I managed to arrive in Gatineau Park a couple of hours before dark and enjoyed the colourful sunset as I rode some of the most fun and technical sections of the course.
74 hours after leaving Almonte I rolled back into where I had left with knees, Achilles and shoulders swollen like balloons. I limped over to my car and instantly fell asleep in the passenger seat. The journey did not come without pain but it was an experience I will cherish forever.
Thank you to Jen and Eric for this incredible opportunity. You have created something truly special and I hope many more riders are able to experience something truly impactful on the roads and trails that are The Log Drivers Waltz.
2020
Rider: Anne Drummond
Route: Log Driver's Waltz
After many years of mostly road touring I had grown weary of traffic; the noise and the inconsiderate drivers, and needed to find some new terrain for bike adventures. I had heard from a Warmshowers guest that there were some bikepacking routes being mapped in Ontario. Google very quickly led me to the Log Drivers Waltz and a quick look at the photographs of the route was all it took to know that I had found a new adventure. I love cycling out East in the Fall so October was the perfect time for a quick jaunt on the LDW. Before leaving home I knew most of the campgrounds and other accommodation was closed either because of COVID or because it was late in the season. So I was not able to stick to the exact route nor could I finish the route, however I had a fabulous ride and enjoyed the quiet roads, the bird song, the glorious colours, all the little communities and did I say the quiet roads!
I plan to return later 2022 to ride the rest of the route.
Many thanks to Jen and Eric for creating such a delightful route and so inspiring to meet the two of you at the end of my trip.
See Anne's blog and her amazing photos from her trip here:
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=3U8&page_id=607893&v=1q
Route: Log Driver's Waltz
After many years of mostly road touring I had grown weary of traffic; the noise and the inconsiderate drivers, and needed to find some new terrain for bike adventures. I had heard from a Warmshowers guest that there were some bikepacking routes being mapped in Ontario. Google very quickly led me to the Log Drivers Waltz and a quick look at the photographs of the route was all it took to know that I had found a new adventure. I love cycling out East in the Fall so October was the perfect time for a quick jaunt on the LDW. Before leaving home I knew most of the campgrounds and other accommodation was closed either because of COVID or because it was late in the season. So I was not able to stick to the exact route nor could I finish the route, however I had a fabulous ride and enjoyed the quiet roads, the bird song, the glorious colours, all the little communities and did I say the quiet roads!
I plan to return later 2022 to ride the rest of the route.
Many thanks to Jen and Eric for creating such a delightful route and so inspiring to meet the two of you at the end of my trip.
See Anne's blog and her amazing photos from her trip here:
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=3U8&page_id=607893&v=1q
Rider: Norm Cowan
Route: Log Driver's Waltz
If you live in Ontario or Quebec you don’t have to travel very far for an epic bikepacking experience. If you are testing the waters, pick a section of the The Log Drivers Waltz route and make it an overnighter. If you’ve done an overnighter and want to up the ante, ride the entire route. Either way, with this resource you will benefit from the generosity and experience of other bikepackers. Thank-you LogDriversWaltz. I will be back again next season. See the rest of Norm's blog about his ride here: Badger Bikes
Be sure to check out his video (also found on his blog).
Route: Log Driver's Waltz
If you live in Ontario or Quebec you don’t have to travel very far for an epic bikepacking experience. If you are testing the waters, pick a section of the The Log Drivers Waltz route and make it an overnighter. If you’ve done an overnighter and want to up the ante, ride the entire route. Either way, with this resource you will benefit from the generosity and experience of other bikepackers. Thank-you LogDriversWaltz. I will be back again next season. See the rest of Norm's blog about his ride here: Badger Bikes
Be sure to check out his video (also found on his blog).
Rider: Jim
Route: The Log Driver's Waltz
If you have ridden The Log Driver's Waltz you will see much that you recognize in Jim's video below. If you have yet to ride it then this will give you a "behind bars" sneak preview.
Route: The Log Driver's Waltz
If you have ridden The Log Driver's Waltz you will see much that you recognize in Jim's video below. If you have yet to ride it then this will give you a "behind bars" sneak preview.
|
|
|
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!
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!