Bikepacking Weekend 2025

This October, our popular bikepacking weekend returns for a third year! Enjoy a beautiful overnight trip on scenic gravel road in the beautiful Almaguin Highlands.

Date: October 3-5th, 2025

Bikepacking Weekend Information:

Zone4 Registration page (opens an external page)

Registration cost + HST and Zone4 processing fee

Registration Cost: $170

Total Available Spots: 15

The 2024 bikepacking weekend crew ready to ride!

Included in registration:

3 nights of camping - Friday through Sunday (Sunday night is optional).
2 days of Fall riding on Almaguin's beautiful gravel back roads! Different routes each day.
Supported by experienced facilitators.
Optional free gear transport to the overnight camping location. Carry what you want! Fancy bikepacking bags not needed.
Warm 'second dinner' by Santosha Farm at the overnight campsite.
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.
Private group campsite with beach.
Campground includes showers and full service bathrooms.

Friday night accommodation option:

Arriving later on Friday or don't want to spend too many nights camping? Stay Friday night in our on-site accommodation the LINNK.

Friday night accommodation $50 + HST. Booked directly - contact us for details.

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Guest feedback of our various retreat options:

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 25 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Gary Swayze 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow, just WOW!

My Missing Link Adventure Tours weekend experience was fantastic! Such a great time hanging out with like minded cyclists and making new friends. Julia and Rob’s hospitality was top level. Julia’s culinary skills are simply amazing. We were delighted beyond words with each dish she served. Farm fresh food that was absolutely delicious! Rob’s knowledge of the local cycling opportunities and flexibility in preparing us tailor made routes was awesome. Some of the best gravel riding I’ve experienced. This was my first experience. I will be back!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alannah Martin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gravel camp was the perfect weekend away and provided the opportunity to push oneself in distance and elevation, as well as overall training load. Rob & Julia are the most gracious hosts. Julia spent the entire weekend working tirelessly on their farm and in their kitchen to prepare gourmet meals with the freshest of foods for us. The food was absolutely exceptional! And Rob did an amazing job of planning out different gravel routes as well as being flexible and altering the weekend to best fit our goals. I'm not entirely sure I would've made it through the 100k in the heat without his support! And it was so inspiring to have to chance to cycle with Adam Hill and learn from a true pro! Other notable mentions were the outdoor shower, the cleanliness of the farm's accommodations, and their lovely dog. I highly recommend this weekend to every foodie cycling enthusiast!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   William Brett Thomas 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful time participating in Gravel Camp at Missing Link Adventures.  Rob and Julia are extremely friendly, welcoming and interesting to hang out with.  The gravel riding in the area is phenomenal....best I've done in Ontario.  The food was second to none.  All fresh, local produce and meat, expertly crafted into a seemingly never-ending variety of dishes.  The house and farm were fun to hang around and explore.  I'm already looking forward to going back with my wife next summer.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   DJ Donna Lovejoy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I stayed at Santoasha Farm during a week long retreat at The Workroom, and WOW, Julia and Rob are the most incredible hosts.  The farm house is modern and very well-kept.  They prepared daily meals for us and every meal was absolutely delicious and nutritious.  It’s clear that Julia and Rob care a lot about their guests, local food and the environment.  I will absolutely stay there again in the future.  Thank you Julia and Rob, you’re amazing!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Niloo Ravaei 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best, most wholesome group biking experiences I've been a part of. Rob and Julia are gems of human beings, and they have a beautiful space that feels so welcoming and peaceful. The food is incredible, all made with fresh ingredients from their farm. And the riding is challenging, but exhilarating.

I was a beginner rider, and even though the trails were fairly advanced (with lots of hills), Rob helped me adjust the routes to my skill level.

Will definitely be going back again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   D Mac 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing cycling getaway with Missing Link.  Rob & Julia are fantastic hosts.  Rob curated incredibly fun & challenging routes everyday and Julia fueled us with some of the most memorable fresh meals I've had.  Can't wait for a return visit!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Julie Toole 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolute pleasure to collaborate with Rob on a women's gravel bike weekend! From start to finish, Rob and Julia took great care of all participants, ensuring everyone's needs were met, from on the bike support to comfortable and super clean accommodations and nutritious farm to table meals catering to different dietary restrictions. And, gorgeous gravel riding up there!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amanda A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. FIVE STARS!
Missing Link Adventure Tours offered the perfect winter weekend experience! The fat bike riding on expertly designed and well groomed trails, the outstanding food, and the beautifully appointed accommodations were only eclipsed by Rob's and Julia's exceptional hospitality. Their passion and knowledge is inspiring! I can't wait to return!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   makeupchick makeup 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nbmba, ‘Girls FROSTY’fatty bike weekend, hosted by Connie H. WAS A BLAST.!  Rob headed Our first night with headlamps &  did a freshly covered snow trail thru the magical forest in which consisted of rolling hills, around the gardens and tobaggan hills to finish by a camp fire with the most delicious farm to table, homemade raspberry almond crust and like a whipped creamy filling topped with raspberries.  Julia is the best at homemade food chef & totally made food from scratch absolutely delicious! Rob & Julia are the best hosts!
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

2023 event photos:

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.

Bikepacking Weekend Overview

General schedule:

Arrival on Friday, October 3 and overnight camping at Missing Link Adventure Tours
Friday night hangout time and learning sessions with experienced bike packers and adventure riders - campfire hangout
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 have three incredible facilitators returning this year.

Ry Shissler

Sarah Caylor

Colin Cordell

Host site:

Missing Link Adventure Tours (Google maps link)

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

Bikepacking Route and Riding Details:

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

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.
Follow vehicle available for heavy or additional gear. Carry what you want while riding!

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.

An example of the warm meal provided by Missing Link Adventure Tours and Santosha Farm for Bikepacking Weekend 2025.