Bicycle Touring 101 is about all forms of bicycle touring whether it's fully loaded touring, light/credit card touring or supported/group touring. The following article was submitted by Marion Perry from the SaskCycling Association and offers people an opportunity to join a group tour as it works it's way across Saskatchewan.
Join the Saskatchewan Cycling Association (SCA) in a once-in-a-lifetime event called the Centennial Ride to commemorate 100 years of Saskatchewan pride. This tour will cross the province travelling from our western border to the eastern border through Saskatchewan’s scenic parkland landscape.
Two ride itineraries have been planned: a full 8 day (710 km) border-to-border crossing and an abridged version consisting of 3 days (260 km). Both are supported by baggage and assistance vehicles.
The Centennial Ride commences on July 24 in Lloydminster and concludes on July 31 in Duck Mountain Provincial Park, with stops at historic sites and community events along the way. Ride distances will range between 55 and 105 km per day.
The Centennial Ride is a recreational event geared to cyclists of varying styles and experience levels. Tour-style bikes are not a requirement. The assistance vehicle accompanying the group will carry the group’s luggage and be available to assist cyclists with mechanical challenges. Cyclists who elect to ride less than full-day increments will have the luxury of hopping a ride in the assistance vehicle.
If you elect to participate in the 8-day tour, transportation is provided for you, your gear, and your bike to and from the ride (round trip starting and ending in Regina or Saskatoon). If you chose the 3-day option, you are responsible to provide your own transportation to Humboldt to meet up with the tour; your return transportation to Humboldt will be provided.
To fuel up each day during the Centennial Ride, snacks and beverages will be provided. Accommodation options include camp sites or hotels/motels along the route. You will be provided with suggestions for optional evening meals and activities to allow you to customize your cross-Saskatchewan ride to your taste, enabling you to celebrate Saskatchewan’s centennial year with true prairie flair.
Make this family-friendly cycling tour the highlight of your summer! Registration is now open and only the first 50 applicants will be guaranteed a spot on the tour.
The Centennial Ride itinerary is as follows (asterisks* denote the 3-day option):
Saturday, July 23 – Arrive in Lloydminster for registration at 3:00 pm and a participant meeting at 4:00 pm
Sunday July 24 – Cycle from Lloydminster to Maidstone (55 km)
Monday July 25 – Cycle from Maidstone to Battleford (84 km)
Tuesday July 26 – Cycle from Battleford to Blaine Lake (104 km)
Wednesday July 27 – Cycle from Blaine Lake to Wakaw (104 km)
Thursday, July 28 – Cycle from Wakaw to Humboldt (105 km)
Friday, July 29 – Cycle from Humboldt to Wadena (95 km)*
Saturday, July 30 – Cycle from Wadena to Canora (99 km)*
Sunday, July 31 – Cycle from Canora to Duck Mountain Provincial Park (66 km) and return home in the evening*
The route and costs are subject to finalization closer to the event. Current estimated costs, including accommodation, are as follows:
| Number of Days | Camping Accomodations | Hotel/Motel Accomodations |
|---|---|---|
| 8 day ride | $350 (Deposit $50 *) | $550 (Deposit $50 *) |
| 3 day ride | $135 (Deposit $50 *) | $210 (Deposit $50 *) |
* Deposit cheques should be made payable to the SCA.
Interested in more details? Contact the SCA by telephone (306-780-9299) or email (cycling@accesscomm.ca). A website with full details, conditions, and registration form, will be completed soon and a link to it will be posted on the SCA website. Watch for it!
Submitted by Marion Perry.
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