Your Ticket to Ride -
TourBC 2011
The Final Frontier
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PageQ: What does it cost?
A: The cost of the tour is Cdn $1,145.00. 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. A Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 12% is added to the registration fee and all participants must pay that tax.
Prior to March 15th, we offer a discounted rate to anyone who has been on the tour before or is on our mailing list. To get on the mailing list, go to the Registration page; click to be put on the early bird list.
Participants are expected to provide their own bicycles,
helmets, and camping equipment. Rentals of bicycles can be arranged
in
Q: Can a non-rider join the group?
A: We do offer a reduced non-rider rate for those who want personal support or have a partner who would like to come along on the trip. This person should have their own transportation. Contact Danelle at tourbc at tourbc.net (replace at with @) for details and registration form.
Q: Can I pay in US $s?
A: You can certainly pay in US Dollars.
Because of the fluctuating exchange rate, determine the
Q:
If I
have to cancel, can I get a refund?
A: TourBC offers a 90% refund up until May 15th. In some cases, we may be able to apply your registration amount to another tour in another year. 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
We will have registration set up between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 16th in one of the parking lots (follow the TourBC arrows). 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.
Complete directions on how to get to the start will be sent to you once you register.
Q: How Do I Get There?
A:
Both WestJet (www.westjet.com)
1-888-WESTJET (937-8538) and Air
Greyhound Bus (www.greyhound.ca)
1-800-661-TRIP (8747). The bus does take bikes as luggage if they
are boxed. Bikes can also be shipped by Greyhound Courier. The
bikes must be boxed and the prices depend on size of the box and distance
being shipped.
Via Rail (www.viarail.ca)
1-888-VIA-RAIL (842-7245) travels to
Amtrak is another option (www.amtrak.com)
1-800-USA-RAIL (872-7245) from the US. Amtrak is associated with ViaRail
in
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: When you register, a list of
motels will be sent to you. This list contains information on
accommodation the nights before and after the tour in addition to motels which are
located close to our campsites during the tour, should you decide to spend
one or more nights in a motel.
Q: When and where do I pick up my participant package?
A: We will have registration set up between 4 p.m.
and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 16th, in one of the parking lots at the
university. 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. If you are only going to arrive on Sunday morning,
you will need to have your bicycle inspection completed by your local
mechanic. I have a form that needs to be signed by your mechanic to
certify that an inspection of your bike has taken place. I must have
this form before you start the ride.
Q: Is There Parking Available at the start?
A: Parking will be available at the
university. There is an additional charge for this.
Q: Is there a motel option?
A: In 2011, TourBC will offer a list of motels
which are located as close as possible 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 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. We will provide you
with coloured luggage tags to put on your luggage so it can be easily
identified. Luggage for motels is separated in the luggage truck to
ensure it gets delivered to your motel.
In cases where motels are located at some distance from the
campground, we will pick up and drop off luggage, but any other
transportational needs will be on an "if available" basis.
Q: What will the Weather be like?
A: The Final Frontier is
travelling through the Thompson-Okanagan region of the province.
We are going through mountains on the 3rd and 5th
days and we will be in and around the lakes and water the whole
time. It is wise to come prepared for a variety of weather,
including some inclement weather, and some hot days. We
also suggest checking a website like www.theweathernetwork.com
for the long range forecast just before departing for TourBC.
Q: Will I be able to do laundry along the route?
A: Yes, there will be laundry facilities at several
locations along the route.
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 are expected to have the following items:
- cycling
helmet (Mandatory by law in BC)
- sunglasses
or some form of eye protection
- cycling
gloves
- flashing
red rear light
- 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 (provided by TourBC)
- map
(provided by TourBC)
- spare
cash for souvenirs, etc.
- sunscreen
- tool
kit
- camping
gear (transported by TourBC)
- lock
for your bicycle - required
Although our mechanic escorts the tour, and our tour leaders
are skilled at road side repairs we recommend that you come prepared to
undertake minor road side repairs yourself.
We might not always be right where you are when you need us.
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 ensure we don't get rained on)
- A
rear view mirror
- camera
- fly
repellent ***
- first
aid kit (see below)
- swimsuit
- handkerchief
- hand
cleaner
In my small first aid kit, I carry:
- Ibuprofen
for pain or fever
- antibiotic
ointment (eg. Polysporin) for cuts or scrapes
- bandages
- Micatin
for athlete's foot
- antihistamines
for itching from bites
- Tums
for upset stomach
- disinfectant
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
- Therma-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 travelling,
not only for the cold, but in case of sunburn or anything else. I usually
carry 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 bandana 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 if you have to.
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 70 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 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 longer 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. On the
extremes, riding 150 km or 40 km uphill in one position can be
challenging.
Q: What Support Do I Get?
A: TourBC provides you with 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.
If you are taking any medication, then you have a pre-existing
medical condition.
The mechanical support is provided on a charge-out basis.
Our mechanic will assess the problem and tell you what the charges are
likely to be. Pre-tour bike tune-ups are advised and you should come
to the tour with a road-worthy bike.
Our massage therapy team provides massages for a fee and
massages can be pre-booked. You will be sent an email before the
start of the ride advising you how to pre-book.
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 towel, extra clothing or to carry things like
sunscreen and your camera. 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 two photographers who will be shooting video and
snapping photos along the route. A souvenir 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, sports drinks, and snacks. You will
be advised if there is any change to this format.
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 "après 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 2011 is no
exception. 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: Can I bring my dog on TourBC?
A: Dogs will need to be transported from campsite
to campsite. We are unable to provide this service. However if
you have a non-riding companion who has their own transport, or you wish
to pull a trailer, we have no objection to this. You would
need to provide food for the dog. Also, some campsites do not allow
dogs which might mean staying in a motel and leaving the dog there while
you join the group to eat. This year
Salmon Arm prohibits dogs.
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
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
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 @)