Gravel Camp - Guest Information
Key To Do items:
Dietary info - Before July 31st - If you haven't already done so, or if there are any recent changes, please advise of any dietary restrictions or preferences ASAP.
Example: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan, other allergies, severity and, if severe, any additional health information you want us to know!
We are happy to accommodate your needs, we just need to know ahead of time.
Review details and ask questions - Please review the details here and send us any questions so we can update this page!
Location and Contact
Event Dates: August 6-9, 2026
Location: Missing Link Adventure Tours (Google Maps), 805 Stisted Road North, Burk's Falls, ON
Contacts:
Rob's cell 705-783-7573
Julia's cell 705-783-5098
We recommend sending Rob a text with your arrival plans as this also get his number in your phone should you need to connect at any point over the weekend.
E-mail Rob at info@mlat.ca
Check In
Guests can check in anytime after 3PM on Thursday. As a reminder, dinner is not provided on Thursday - our first meal together will be Friday breakfast. Guests are welcome to plan on a shake-down ride Thursday if their travel plans allow. Several options suggests are provided below.
Seasonal 'House Rules'
We will provide an orientation for guests upon arrival - in addition, we are providing some key bits that help make for a smoother group experience.
1) Spray on products - You are welcome to use spray on products (e.g. sun screen / bug spray) but we ask that they only be applied outside in the parking lot to avoid getting oil and residue on the walls, linens and floor....(it's very hard to clean up and others might have scent allergies).
2) We ask that you remove outdoor footwear, including bike shoes, at the front entry. It can be tempting to sneak in a last min pre-ride bathroom break but we hope to avoid memories of your cleat types on our stairs. It also significantly aids in keeping the building clean over the course of a weekend.
3) Sinks - yeah, we have a lot of them in the kitchen. Meal prep is a busy time and we need to keep the prep area clear of bodies. A sink is provided for filling the kettle and rinsing bottles, glasses etc. just inside the kitchen closest to the living room. Empty glasses can be left on the table or counter in the kitchen. The coffee & tea bar and kettle are always available.
4) Snacks on the bike overnight on the porch (bike storage area) - we haven't had a problem yet, but we will remind guests to double check that snacks aren't left in bike bags etc. Sealed gels are likely fine, but a bag of trail mix might attract the wrong overnight crowd. We will provide the camping crew with some additional options for storing items inside overnight.
(Tip - the china plates in the rooms are provided as coasters :-))
Meals
About Santosha Farm meals: Our default menu is gluten free and maximizes seasonal veggies from our Farm while supporting the fueling needs of hungry cyclist. We feature a variety of proteins. Sometimes complete meals are vegetarian, other times not. If you have preferences, please let us know.
Breakfast - We typically aim for breakfast between 7:30-9:30 AM. We start the coffee train pretty early!
On route snacks and hydration – routes will include as close to the 50km point. To support checking out some new route options, we recommend packing an extra bottle on bike or in a jersey pocket.
Lunch - To support longer routes, we will aim for earlier starts, on route stop options for snacks and a slightly later lunch (1-2).
Dinner -- We typically aim for dinner to be served between 6:30 and 7:00 PM
Routes and Riding Info
We have a selection of routes that will highlight some of the area's great riding, touch on the history of the region and feature some local attractions.
If you are not familiar and comfortable with using GPS navigation (phone, GPS unit, bike computer) please contact ahead of time. It is no critical for the weekend but helps to know each guests scenario for being out on route.
The weekend will feature three days of riding, to help us work up an appetite. You can self-organize into groups. Typically 2 groups form and naturally meet up at planned stops and follow the planned routes. But, this is your weekend - you are free to explore on your own. The key to successful riding in the area is riding at your own pace and having adequate snacks and hydration. The area is known for being hilly. There are certain spots we will aim to be at together and routes can be adjusted, within reason, to add or reduce distances.
Route detail may be updated in advance of our 2026 dates. We are working on highlighting our classic favourites while keeping things fresh for returning guests who have stayed with us multiple times and ONE who will be staying multiple times in August!
Saturday and Sunday approx ride start times between 9-10. Adjusted for group intention, weather and finalized route distances.
Draft routes - full schedule/itinerary TBC:
Thursday Options:
30km - like around the block with extension to Harrison Lake Road
Friday (80km):
Fisher Creek - Boundary Road - Deer Lake Road (Strava) (RidewGPS)
Lowell from the SportLab will join us Friday afternoon to talk about recovery approaches and nutrition.
Saturday (100km):
Pevensey Road - River Road - Rodeo Road (Strava) (RidewGPS)
A tour up to Sundridge around Lake Bernard and back on Rodeo.
(The elevation spike at 61km is and artefact from the terrain before the overpass went in - the ground layer hasn't been updated for the fact they blaster a channel through the hill)
Sunday (70km):
New loops option around Burk's Falls with stop option at Screaming Heads (Strava) (RidewGPS)
Additional riding details and recommendations:
- Guests are responsible for their safety while riding, adhering to the rules of the road, riding safely, dressing for the conditions, choosing an appropriate route and staying fuelled and hydrated.
- Government of Ontario Bicycle Safety Information
- We will provide Strava and RidewithGPS links and daily GPX files before the event. (Strava links above)
- Please let us know if you prefer printed copies of routes.
- The routes utilize municipal roads that are a mix of paved and gravel.
- The riding in the region is remote. Beyond the lunch stops, do not plan on being able to access supplies on route.
- Plan on carrying at least 2L of water (2 bottles). You can refill at the lunch stops.
- We recommend having tubes, tools and a pump.
- Pack your preferred riding snacks
- Pack any “body care” items you might need (e.g. sun screen)
- Pack seasonally appropriate clothing options for variable weather
- We will provide ample time to enjoy the routes.
- Ride at your own pace.
- The routes will NOT be signed.
- The routes will NOT have a fixed guide. We will be monitoring everyone out on route and emergency contact info will be provided.
- The routes are mainly loops, with relatively easy navigation. Guests should consider their navigation approach adhead of the weekend.
- If you have questions about modifications (longer/shorter) please reach out. We want to provide a rider appropriate challenge while working within logistical constraints.
- There are multiple beaches in the area, we recommend bringing a suit, flip flops and beach towel (we provide towels for accommodation but ask that you bring your own for the beach 🙂
Social time - things to do:
Folks typically relax on the porch or head to the beach but providing some options on off-bike things to do.
Swim Spots: (Bartlett) – our usual spot or (Big Doe)
The Workroom (fabric and sewing store in Sprucedale and our collab partner on Handmade Getaway retreats)
Screaming Heads (likely part of a route over the weekend)
Crystal Caves (likely NOT part of a route over the weekend)
Your Stay
The LINNK
In the guesthouse where you’ll be staying, the bedrooms and bathrooms are all upstairs. The bedrooms and bathrooms are shared, and everyone will have their own bed. The kitchen, dining and living area are on the main floor. We have a small and quirky book selection, along with some cards, puzzles and board games. The kitchen is where we make all of your meals, and where you are likely to find us during your stay.
We do have Wifi, but it is rural Wifi and can be unreliable. If there is anything you need access to online, we recommend downloading this before your arrival. If you have a critical need to check in let us know.
Building the guesthouse has been a labour of love, and we have built it using sustainable and non-toxic materials wherever possible. As you’ll see below, we provide eco friendly soap, shampoo and conditioner that is safe for our septic system. We ask that you consider leaving your usual bath products at home, as well as products with very strong scents so that those with scent allergies can also enjoy our space (Julia also has a scent allergy). We also ask that you don’t bring bottled water, as you can drink water from any tap in the guesthouse, which is tested on a regular basis.
If you’d like to enjoy an outdoor campfire or sit outside on the porch in the evening, you will want some warmer clothes. We also recommend bringing rubber boots/hikers if you want to go for a walk around the farm.
We look forward to sharing fresh produce with you!
what we provide:
-bed linens
-towels – shared bathmat and hand towel in the bathrooms, individual face cloth and bath towel
-coffee, tea – herbal and caffeinated
-shampoo, conditioner and body wash
-meals during your stay (starting Saturday AM)
recommended items to bring:
-slippers
-outdoor gear (appropriate clothes and boots that match the season)
-we have several types of tea, but if you have a favourite, please bring it
-a flashlight if you want to walk in the evening
-personal pillow if preferred
-beach towel and suit, beach shoes – please bring your own beach towel, we have you covered for towels back at our place (post ride swim options nearby)
Bike and riding items:
-clothing for variable weather and three days of riding
- spare tubes and tools, repair kit - check or top-up your sealant
- your preferred on-bike snacks (bars, gels and powders)
- bottles
- chargers etc. (consider your shift lever batteries)
- helmet and shoes
- if disassembling your bike for transport, double check for thru-axles or quick release, seat posts, bags or batteries.
The regular things, but sometimes a list helps with packing!
We store bikes on the porch overnight.
Food items:
Own food? We have a small amount of fridge space for individual items like cottage cheese. If bringing an item that requires refrigeration to supplement a personal diet, please e-mail me with details. We keep the kitchen and fridge clear of gluten. There are seafood allergies noted within this group.
Please bring your regular on-bike nutrition & hydration (powers, gels, bars) – a packaged bar within your own gear is not an issue in terms of gluten.
We recommend at least two bottles.
Our kitchen and water is certified, inspected and tested by the local health unit. (No need to bring your own bottled water)
Details directions from Highway 11 (Google Maps link above):
The guesthouse is located at 805 Stisted Rd. If you put Missing Link Adventure Tours into Google Maps, it is fairly accurate (they put the location just north of where the actual driveway is).
-Take the #248 exit to Deer Lake Rd/Hwy 518 and turn left at the end of the off-ramp, onto the 518. The small town of Sprucedale is approximately 12km from the highway.
-Once you reach Sprucedale and you’ve passed the gas station, there will be a building on your left called the workroom. Stisted is immediately after that store, and you’ll turn right (north) onto Stisted.
-We are just over six kilometres up that road. You’ll go through residential, then forest and then out into a more open area. You’ll drive up a longer hill, and the driveway will be on your right part way down the hill on the other side. The 911 number at the end of the driveway is 805, and there is a sign for Missing Link Adventure Tours.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all.
Safe travels, and see you soon!
Julia & Rob from Santosha Farm & Missing Link Adventure Tours