Your Ticket to Ride - WaterWays & Wagon Wheels
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A: The cost of the tour is Cdn $960.00/$800.00 US. The registration fee includes all meals, camping fees, support, and a souvenir DVD. The cost does not include the TourBC jersey, which is an additional fee of Cdn $80.00/$70.00 US or the cost of the rafting trip which is an additional Cdn $100/$85 US. A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 7% is added to the registration fee and all participants must pay this. For participants living outside of Canada, a portion of the GST is refundable. Forms will be distributed at the start of the Tour and must be mailed in after the Tour to collect your refund. Refunds also apply to other purchases made while you are in Canada. We recommend that you apply in writing for your refund, rather than in person when you cross the border to go home. TourBC qualifies for this rebate because we are a camping tour. You should mention this when applying for your rebate.
Participants are expected to provide their own bicycles, helmets, and camping equipment. Rentals of bicycles can be arranged in Vancouver.
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Q: Can I
pay in US $s?
A: You can certainly pay in US Dollars. The fee is $800 US ($70 US for the jersey and $85 US for the rafting trip) and the Tour fee only is subject to 7% Tax (GST). For participants living outside of Canada, a portion of the GST is refundable. Forms will be distributed at the start of the Tour and must be mailed in after the Tour to collect your refund. Refunds also apply to other purchases while you are in Canada. We recommend that you apply in writing for your refund, rather than in person when you cross the border to go home. TourBC qualifies for this rebate because we are a camping tour. You should mention this when applying for your rebate.
Q: If
I have to cancel, can I get a refund?
A: TourBC offers a 90% refund up until May 15th, 2006. In some cases, we may be able to defer your registration to the following year with no penalty. There is no refund after May 15th, even though your reason for pulling out is out of your control.
Q: Where Does the Tour Start?
A: TourBC will be starting in Hope, BC approximately 150 km east of Vancouver on Highway 1 or 7. In Hope, the actual start location of the tour will be from the Hope Recreation Complex on Sixth.
We will have a registration table set up between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 16th, and 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 16th in the foyer of the complex where you will be able to collect your registration package, including jersey, if you ordered one. Included in your package will be your Tour Handbook with maps, directions, profiles, and information for each day of the tour, information about some of the areas we will be cycling through, and some sponsor samples and information.
Before you can pick up your registration package, you will need to go through a mandatory bicycle check which will be set up in the same vicinity. The bike check will be conducted by GuyWires Cycletech, our mechanical support for the tour.
To get to the Recreation Complex from Water Street in Hope (from Highway 7), turn on Wallace (you can only turn one way), then turn right on Sixth, across the RR tracks, the Complex is on your left.
From Old Hope/Princeton Way (Highway 1, Highway 3, Highway 5) turn on Sixth (you can only turn one way) and the Recreation Complex is on your right before the RR tracks. TourBC directional arrows will be posted in Hope.
Q: How Do I Get There?
A: Hope is approximately 150 km east of Vancouver, 205 km southwest of Kamloops, 815 km west of Calgary, 265 km north of Seattle, and 545 km north of Portland. It is accessible by road, rail, and bus.
Road routes - Highway 1 or Highway 7 from the west, Higway 5 from the north, and Highway 3 from the east.
Via Rail - 1-888 - VIA RAIL - http://www.viarail.ca. Please note - The train stops in Hope on its way west to Vancouver. However, on its way east, the train stops in Katz, BC which is just west of Hope.
Greyhound Bus - 1-800-661-8747; http://www.greyhound.ca. The bus does not take bikes as luggage, they go by courier. The bikes must be boxed and there is a minimum $10 fee.
To get to the Recreation Complex from Water Street in Hope (from Highway 7), turn on Wallace (you can only turn one way), then turn right on Sixth, across the RR tracks, the Complex is on your left.
From Old Hope/Princeton Way (Highway 1, Highway 3, Highway 5) turn on Sixth (you can only turn one way) and the Recreation Complex is on your right before the RR tracks. TourBC directional arrows will be posted in Hope.
Q: Is carpooling available?
A: Yes, contact us for a list of participants from your area. In early June, a carpooling request will go out to all participants. If you are driving and have space to take another participant, please let us know at that time. Or if you need a ride, please contact us and we will try and link you up. It is expected that participants will share costs if they are carpooling.
Q: Where Can I Stay The Night Before and After?
A: Hope has many motel and camping options. When you register, a list of motels will be sent to you. This list will identify motels which are located close to our campsites during the tour, and there will also be motels/camping options for the Hope area.
Q: When and where do I pick up my participant package?
A: We will have a registration table set up between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 16th, and 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 16th in the foyer of the complex where you will be able to collect your registration package, including jersey, if you ordered one. Included in your package will be your Tour Handbook with maps, directions, profiles, and information for each day of the tour, information about some of the areas we will be cycling through, and some sponsor samples and information.
Before you can pick up your registration package, you will need to go through a mandatory bicycle check which will be set up in the same vicinity. The bike check will be conducted by GuyWires Cycletech, our mechanical support for the tour.
To get to the Recreation Complex from Water Street in Hope (from Highway 7), turn on Wallace (you can only turn one way), then turn right on Sixth, across the RR tracks, the Complex is on your left.
From Old Hope/Princeton Way (Highway 1, Highway 3, Highway 5) turn on Sixth (you can only turn one way) and the Recreation Complex is on your right before the RR tracks. TourBC directional arrows will be posted in Hope.
Q: Is There Parking Available at the start?
A: Arrangements have been made for week-long parking to be available at the Hope Recreation Complex. Please advise staff on the registration table that you wish to leave your car. We will show you where it is to be left. You will need to know your licence plate number.
Q: Is there a motel option?
A: In 2006, TourBC will offer a list of motels which are located close to the campgrounds we will be using. A list of the motels will be sent to participants after they register for the Tour. In many cases, we will have block-booked rooms in these motels for a limited time.
Participants who choose to stay in motels are responsible for tagging their own luggage and advising our luggage truck driver, in writing, of the dates they are staying in motels, and which motels they are staying in. To avoid any mix-ups, please prepare a written list to give to the driver, and put the same information on your luggage. Luggage for motels is segregated in the luggage truck to ensure it gets delivered to your motel.
In 2006, we are staying in two locations which have rustic accommodations on site. At Kumsheen Rafting Resort and at Hat Creek Ranch, there are a limited number of tent/cabins. These have floors and beds, but in only a couple of cases do they have washrooms. Also, these facilities are designed for groups and may sleep 6-8 people.
The nearest town to Kumsheen Resort is Lytton, approximately 6 km away. And the closest town to Hat Creek Ranch is Cache Creek, approximately 11 km away. For those who choose to stay away from the camping site, we will definitely deliver and pick-up your luggage. Any other transportation assistance will be on an "if available" basis.
Q: What will the Weather be like?
A: WaterWays and Wagon Wheels is going through some diverse areas, as usual. BC has so many mountain ranges and river valleys that it is difficult to categorize the temperate zones in a general way. The upper Fraser Canyon, Lytton, Lillooet, Cache Creek and Kamloops can be very hot. In those areas you can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s and maybe even the low 30s C. At the same time, we are going to be in some hilly country and you can expect some variable weather. It is wise to come prepared for some inclement weather, but I expect most of the trip to be hot and dry.
Q: Will I be able to do laundry along the route?
A: Yes, there will be laundry facilities at all of locations except Kumsheen Resort and Hat Creek Ranch.
Q: What Should I Bring?
A: TourBC's Suggested What To Bring List
You will probably have done some cycle touring before or will have seen these types of lists. This is Danelle's preferred lightweight list.
Participants should be expected to have the following items:
- cycling helmet (Mandatory by law in BC)
- sunglasses or some form of eye protection
- cycling gloves
- front white light and flashing red rear light - required for 2006
- water/windproof jacket for unexpected weather and stops
- appropriate riding clothing (cycling shorts, jersey*)
- appropriate "off-the-bike" clothing**
- cycling shoes (stiff soled shoes)
- water bottles (2) and a hydration pack
- snacks or energy bars
- map (provided by TourBC)
- spare cash for souvenirs, etc.
- sunscreen
- tool kit
- camping gear (transported by TourBC)
- lock for your bicycle - required for 2006
The following is a sample tool kit which all participants should carry:
- pump
- patch repair kit (including glue, patches, emery paper)
- spare inner tube
- tire irons
- adjustable crescent wrench
- selection of allen keys
- screwdriver
Optional items might include:
- Fenders (to keep rain off other participants)
- A rear view mirror
- camera and film
- fly repellent ***
- first aid kit (see below)
- swimsuit
- handkerchief
- hand cleaner
In my small first aid kit, I carry:
- Ibuprofen for pain or fever
- triple antibiotic ointment (eg. Neosporin) for cuts or scrapes
- Micatin for athlete's foot
- antihistamines for itching from bites
- Tums for upset stomach
- Tea Tree Oil swabs for cleansing
- Aloe Vera gel for sunburn (carry in a film canister)
- Bag Balm for saddle sores (carry in a film canister)
The following camping equipment is recommended (participants must supply their own camping gear):
- Tent, preferably a 3-4 season with rain cover. ****
- Sleeping bag
- Therm-a-Rest or other suitable inflatable sleeping pad
- Plastic thongs or sandals for wearing around the campsite
- Toiletries (Soap, toothbrush, shampoo, etc...)
- Flashlight
* Every rider has their own preferences of how much clothing they like to bring along. I have found that 2 of everything works well. I also always carry a pair of lightweight tights and a long sleeved jersey (Capilene) regardless of when I am traveling, not only for the cold, but in case of sunburn or anything else. I usually carry my Gore-Tex jacket or a good rain jacket, long fingered glove liners and some light weight booties. And I bring an extra pair of shoes.
** I like to have one pair of baggy shorts, one pair of long pants, 1 short sleeved shirt, a long-sleeved shirt, a light weight jacket and a cycling cap. I keep these for off the bike and keep them dry (no exceptions). I carry a separate pair of shoes for off the bike.
*** A simple, but effective way to keep bugs from bothering you is by wearing a bandanna soaked in bug juice loosely around your neck. This keeps you from directly applying the chemicals to your skin, but does keep the skeeters away.
**** Whether buying a new or used tent, or pulling your tent out of storage for the season, it's a good idea to pitch it and break it down well before the tour. As well, you should develop and practice a "quick unfold" method of folding your tent so that you can put up your shelter quickly in inclement weather.
When buying a tent, make sure to seal the seams. If taking your tent out of storage, check the seams for cracks in the sealer. Regardless, give the tent a once over for holes, punctures, or leaks.
Q: How Should I Bring My Gear?
A: All this stuff, how to carry it? Well...
Remember, everything you bring has to be loaded on and off the truck twice daily, for the duration of the tour. We limit the amount you can bring to 65 lbs total, and the number of pieces to 2. We recommend an army style duffle bag into which all your gear can be stuffed but also ask you to limit the weight of each piece to 35 lbs.
We will not accept hard luggage cases, large bags without end handles, any piece over 35 lbs, or luggage in green garbage bags. Please bear in mind when packing your bag, these bags can get thrown around, rained on, stepped on, etc... We ask that you take responsibility for putting your luggage on the truck each morning.
While we try and take good care of the your luggage, pack your gear the same way you would if you were going to put it on an airline.
Q: What Type of Bike should I use?
A: I always say that you should bring the bike you are most comfortable riding. TourBC is a road tour and for the most part stays on paved roads. I recommend a touring bike or a sportif bike ( both have shorter wheelbases than a racing bike).
If you opt to bring a mountain bike, then I recommend city or slick tires, and possibly racing style handlebars. Riding 125 km in one position can be challenging.
Occasionally, as we have this year, there is an opportunity to take a short diversion which may involve some gravel sections. Often these are optional and rarely are they very long.
Q: What Support Do I Get?
A: TourBC provides you with full medical and mechanical support along the route and at the campsite. Our medical support is there for injuries and ailments which occur on the tour. However, please advise us of any pre-existing medical conditions on the medical form that you are required to return to us.
The mechanical support is provided on a charge-out basis. Our mechanic, GuyWires Cycletech will assess the problem and tell you what the charges are likely to be. Pre-tour bike tune-ups can be arranged by contacting Pete at peterguy@telus.net or by calling him at 604-720-3372.
Our massage therapy team provides massages for a fee and massages can be pre-booked with Amber at srh1@telus.net
We do not provide sag support except for participants who are injured or ill or those who have a mechanical problem which can not be fixed on the road. If you are injured or ill and unable to continue on the tour, we will provide support only until we can get you to the nearest transportation point which will take you back to the start of the tour (bus, etc).
Our vehicles, where possible, are equipped with ATOC Topper Racks to ensure we can transport you and your bicycle to camp, in case of injury or illness, or mechanical failure. We carry all your luggage, except what you need for the day. You should have a bag with you that you can carry on the bike for the days when you want to take along your bathing suit and a towel or extra clothing. The complete route is signed for you, and you are given detailed route descriptions and maps in your participant handbook. We have tour leaders on bikes to help you with any problems you may have or just to keep you company.
We have a photographer who will be
shooting video and snapping photos along the route. A commemorative DVD is part of
your registration fee.
We provide you with three full meals
each day, plus, where possible, a water stop in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Please note - on all of our tours, breakfast on the day the tour starts and dinner on the
day the tour ends are not included. At the water stops we provide fruit, water,
juice, and snacks.
In appropriate locations, we liaise with the local community to provide some sort of cultural experience. And, where appropriate, at the end of the ride each day, before dinner "apres tour" refreshments are available at the TourBC luggage van once it is unloaded. There is a small charge for this.
Q: How fit do I need to be?
A: TourBC can be a challenging ride and in 2006, although some of the daily distances are less, we still have a significant amount of climbing. TourBC is not a tour for the rank beginner. You will enjoy it more if you have some experience with cyclotouring and if you are in good physical shape.
Having said that, participants are always surprised by what they can do. Fitness is such a personal thing, it is hard to answer this question well. You will need to train for TourBC. And, in general, your training should consist of doing 50 - 70 km rides starting at least 4 months before the tour. I recommend building up from shorter rides three times a week (this could be a commute to work) to adding in a weekend ride once or twice a month of 50 - 70 km. Before the tour, do at least one 120 km ride. At least once before the start of the Tour, cycle 70 km - 100 km for three days in a row to see what it feels like. Also, it is important to incorporate varied terrain into your pre-Tour rides.
I am willing to work with participants to make sure they are ready for the tour. Contact me at tourbc at tourbc.net (replace at with @) if you would like more detailed information on how to prepare for a 7-day tour or for more details on what type of riding and traffic conditions to expect on the Tour.
The bottom line is, in order to enjoy TourBC, you have to have done some training and come prepared.
Q: Is there a sag wagon?
A: Yes, we have a sag wagon for medical emergencies and mechanical breakdowns. Where possible, our vehicles are equipped with ATOC Topper Racks to be able to carry you and your bicycle back to camp, if necessary. I encourage participants to come prepared to do the entire ride and not to plan on being sagged. Where it is necessary, however, we will provide a shuttle service for participants who are unable to continue riding. If riders are unable to continue with the Tour, we will get them to the nearest transportation point (bus station, etc.) which allows them to return to the start of the ride. Riders are responsible for any costs incurred if they are unable to continue with the Tour.
Q: Can I bring/send my child(ren) on TourBC?
A: Adolescents who are capable of doing the distance and who are accompanied by a parent or guardian are welcome on TourBC. We have found that adolescents under the age of 14 generally find the trip too hard both mentally and physically.
Q: What if I am pestered by someone on the tour?
A: TourBC provides an open, welcoming environment for all participants. We will not tolerate harassment. If anyone has a complaint of harassment, please advise the TourBC staff and we will take it seriously.
Q: What Are The Laws Relating to Bicycles In BC?
A: In BC, the bicycle is considered a vehicle and therefore subject to the same regulations and responsibilities of other road users.
There are a few laws which differ between the US and Canada and between provinces in Canada. Most have to do with inner city driving. One critical difference is the flashing green light at traffic signals. In BC, this means the light is pedestrian-controlled. An advance green is indicated by a green arrow.
In BC, traffic is allowed to turn right on red lights unless otherwise posted.
The basic rules of the road apply in BC.
Ride on the right side of the road,
Ride in single file when there is traffic behind you
Stop at all signaled and signed intersections. Remember to use hand signals if and when appropriate and safe.
Bicycle helmets are mandatory in the province of BC for all ages.
Q: What Else Do I Need To Know?
A: Good Question. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact Danelle at 1-877-606-BIKE (2453), or tourbc at tourbc.net (replace at with @)