Planning to do a "Tour du Canada" : Seeking Advice!

[origanic]

Hello fellow riders.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/pics...nbridge.jpg?v=x

I am here seeking major advice on doing a tour across Canada from British Columbia to Newfoundland. In other words, a "Tour du Canada". I am going with 2 others and planning to sleep in tents and odd hostles. I am here on the Cycling Forums looking for some more information on how to plan and train for a trip of this kind.

Is there anyone else out there who has done anything like this for personal enjoyment? I am looking for advice on how you began planning, tips, maps, etc. We are going to attempt an average of 130 km a day for about 2-3 months. Canada tour is approximately 7750km across so depending on out pace and touring while traveling, we are looking at just over 2 months.

The plan as it stands is to leave in May 2007 (which allows plenty of time to train). Leaving at this time also works out nicely because it will be the summer following my University graduation so I will not be rushed to make it back for September.

So, I am basically looking for ANY advice on planning a trip of this kind. I am sure with all the hardcore cyclists, one of you must have done a large trip like this.


You can e-mail me at sandierox@hotmail. com if you have lots to say, or just posts here will be much appreciated.

Thank you and hope to hear from anyone!

 

[gnz]

Hi, your planned ride sounds really nice!. The only thing I would try to avoid though, is to have a fixed schedule that will demand 100+ kilometres a day for several days in a row. It can get stressful and the idea of a trip like that (well, at least for me) is to relax, enjoy the changing landscape and get to know the towns and places.

Every now and then you will probably feel like you want to spend an extra day or two at the same location. Either the weather is not being helpful (specially those head-windy days) or the particular place you just got to to spend the night is begging to be fully explored the next day.

So, my main recommendation would be to make sure you have an extra week or two as a cushion. The thing with long distance cycling is about the ride not the destination!

Also, I still consider myself pretty much a beginner so don't think Im a pro or something. My longest tour has been of around 5000km in New Zealand for nearly five months. Ive also ridden a bit in Vancouver Island BC and other places. My strategy so far has been to get a guide book (a cycling one preferrably but not necessarily) and take it as a rough base of main places/towns to visit but being always on the lookout of alternate roads or trails. Im particulary fond of alternate routes which seem they will take me away from crowded roads and /or around cities. The best tips usually come from park rangers and other cyclists/travelers you meet along the way.

It is essential to have good, detailed maps (recent, local ones) of the various parts of your route. You can usually get them as you go by visiting park offices and tourist centres along the way. The best maps in NZ were the ones from the local automobile association, so you can probably try the AAA in Canada too.

Mmh, what else? ... be sure to carry the essential food while riding: bread, cheese, slami, jam, peanutbutter, bannanas, canned fruit salad. The most mediocre sandwich tastes like royal food when you are half way of your day's ride, specially after climbing

I would also like to do a route across Canada sometime myself so please make sure to write back and post your experiences after the trip!

cheers, and enjoy... you will probably get hooked on cycle touring as I was.
Gnz

 

[turbonium]

I am doing the exact same thing at the same time! when i graduate! maybe ill pass you by! but i think i am gooing to start here in ottawa first then go to BC, but that will leave out eastern canada. hmmm. i still have time to think. i suggest do litle tours to get used to the camping and stuff. so far i did 2 lil' 2 day tours.

mon email est joelsidhu@ gmail.com so email me if you have any questions, i hardly go on this cyclingforums, i go on others :S

Hello fellow riders.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/pics...nbridge.jpg?v=x

I am here seeking major advice on doing a tour across Canada from British Columbia to Newfoundland. In other words, a "Tour du Canada". I am going with 2 others and planning to sleep in tents and odd hostles. I am here on the Cycling Forums looking for some more information on how to plan and train for a trip of this kind.

Is there anyone else out there who has done anything like this for personal enjoyment? I am looking for advice on how you began planning, tips, maps, etc. We are going to attempt an average of 130 km a day for about 2-3 months. Canada tour is approximately 7750km across so depending on out pace and touring while traveling, we are looking at just over 2 months.

The plan as it stands is to leave in May 2007 (which allows plenty of time to train). Leaving at this time also works out nicely because it will be the summer following my University graduation so I will not be rushed to make it back for September.

So, I am basically looking for ANY advice on planning a trip of this kind. I am sure with all the hardcore cyclists, one of you must have done a large trip like this.


You can e-mail me at sandierox@hotmail. com if you have lots to say, or just posts here will be much appreciated.

Thank you and hope to hear from anyone!

 

[Dijital]

There are three cross Canada blogs/journals that I am aware of. I have read Alan's and am on the last section of Karls. I highly recommend these as both a good read and a guide as to what to expect.

Alan Medcalf http://www.medcalf.ca/
Karl Augenstein http://www.karlaugenstein.com/

I have not read this one YET, but I probably will over winter
Don Peddie http://www.geocities.com/don_peddie/

I am sure you are aware, but for completeness, Cycle Canada http://www.cyclecanada.com/ runs the Tour du Canada each year which is what these three guys completed. http://www.tourducanada.com/

Personally, I think this would be the option I would choose.