Intro Bikepacking Weekend 2024

October 4-6, 2024, Burk's Falls, ON

We are excited to announce the inaugural introductory bike packing weekend, supported by Missing Link Adventure Tours. 

Sold out as of August 14th!!

Registration Information:

Zone4 Registration page:  (Sold out for 2024)

Registration Cost: $145 + HST 

Discounted early registration:

$120 by July 31st, 2024 

$135 by August 31st, 2024

Total Available Spots: 15  

Included in registration:

  • Camping for three nights. Friday through Sunday (Sunday night is optional).
  • 2 days of riding on beautiful Almaguin gravel back roads...in the Fall! Different routes each day.
  • A mix of practical experience in the company of and supported by experienced facilitators.
  • Optional gear transport to the overnight camping location. Carry what you want! Fancy bikepacking bags not needed.
  • Supplemental food provided - try out your own nutrition strategy knowing additional food will be on hand to keep you fuelled.
  • An experience designed to meet you where you are and help you take the next steps towards independent bikepacking adventures.
  • Hangout with other cyclists and bikepackers and grow the community.

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2023 event photos:

Ready to depart!
Getting sorted on Day 1
Co-guide Colin.
Regrouping
Obligatory stop at the Cornball Store
Downtown Magnetawan
On the Old Nipissing Road
On the Old Nipissing Road
Camp Cuisine
Sunrise at Mikisew PP
Sunrise at Mikisew PP
Gathering the group on Day 2
Storytelling Beachsdie
Homestretch Day 2
Rolling on Day 2

Who is this event for?

This introductory weekend is designed to help cyclists try out bike packing in a supported environment that will include opportunities for both educational and practical experiences.  Some gravel riding experience or MTB experience is recommended, as the routes will feature local gravel road.  Participants do not require prior bike packing experience or camping experience, but they are required to provide their own gear.  If new to camping, participants will be in the company of experienced folks that can assist.

Do I need fancy bags? Nope, a gear transport service will be provided.  Participants will need to carry the minimum amount of food and water they need to complete the daily rides but will only need to carry additional gear if they want to.

 

Overview

General schedule:

  • Arrival on Friday, October 4 and overnight camping at Missing Link Adventure Tours
  • Friday night hangout time and learning sessions with experienced bike packers and adventure riders
  • Riding to the overnight site at Mikisew Provincial Park on Saturday
  • Riding back to Missing Link Adventure Tours via a different route on Sunday and optional overnight camping

Key elements of the weekend are:

  • Hang out and learn from experienced bikepackers and learn while doing.
  • Ride some awesome routes in the beautiful Almaguin Highlands during the incredible fall colours season.

 

About this years facilitators!

We are excited to announce that Robyn Hughes and Ry Shissler will be joining us this year and sharing their experience, which ranges from introducing new riders to cycling and bike packing, being different in the outdoors, and completing epic endurance adventures.  

Ry is the founder and Executive Director of TheyCycle.ca, which aims "to foster a community of cyclists that encourages participation of people from marginalized groups, particularly the gender diverse community."   

Robyn is a member of the Saddle Sisters of High Park, has organized their bike packing adventures and is known for going on some loooong rides. This season, Robyn has already taken on the BT700 and Log Drivers Waltz bike packing routes, with other big plans leading up to our event in October.

Combined, they provide first-hand experience in supporting rides ranging from around the block, to across area codes.  We are grateful for their support of this event.

Our incredible facilitator from 2023, Sarah Caylor, is currently planning on participating at the 24 Hour Solo World Championships in Australia on this same weekend. We wish Sarah all the best in preparation and during the event!

Host site:

Missing Link Adventure Tours (Google maps link)

805 Stisted Road North, Burk's Falls, ON, P0 A1C0

Route and Riding Overview:

Snapshot of optional daily routes. Finalized GPX files to be provided to participants prior to the event.

Intro-Bikepacking-2023-Day-1
Intro-Bikepacking-2023-Day-2

  • Mainly gravel roads with some trail (a few kms) OR an alternate route on all gravel roads
  • Remote riding with some opportunities to refuel, including the legendary Cornball General Store.
  • Total distance is approx 115km with 1400m total elevation over the 2 days of riding (expect moderately challenging terrain) - participants will have lots of time to complete the daily rides.

Gear Required:

  • A gravel capable bike. The standard route includes some atv trail as a small percentage of the overall route, or there is an alternate that uses municipal gravel roads.  Typically, the roads are hard-packed with some loose surface marbles. A 28 width shielded tire is recommend.  A gravel bike is not necessary.
  • Participants should source there own gear, including a tent, sleeping bag/setup, cooking equipment etc.
  • Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville (40min south of the main site) has a great outfitting department.
  • In Toronto, Dismount Bike Shop, has a great selection of bike packing gear
  • To support participants trying to make their own meals, a supplemental dinner option will be available for additional charge.
  • Gear transfer service will be provided. This will enable participants that do not have bike packing specific bags or those who don't want to haul all their gear (maybe you have a big tent - no problem, we'll get it to the overnight campsite). We do recommend that you have sufficient on-bike storage for water, riding food and tools/tubes.

Note on food:

Fueling your ride, especially when having to source on route or carry ingredients, is a huge part of the challenge of self-sufficient bike packing.  We invite participants to focus on trying and failing safely with food and meal prep during this weekend - even if it means your cooking gear is transported for you. 

For example, participants might want the full experience of making all their meals, supplying and carrying all their gear and being self sufficient. Or, they may be looking to gain experience with the process of packing and unpacking, trying out gear, making food etc. WITHOUT the need for carrying all their gear while riding.