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I've decided I'm going to cycle a long distance trail in Canada

12 replies

VivaLeBeaver · 21/10/2012 17:29

Probably in 2014. Its the Kettle Valley Trail in BC and it looks gorgeous. I'm a bit scared of the prospect of bears though especially as I'll be camping.

Just a bit daunted by sorting the logistics of it as well. Can easily sort out flights to Vancouver but then its getting to the start of the trail. Greyhound do buses, just a bit nervous about them chucking my bike underneath and they have bizarre luggage regultations I can't make head or tail of. They accept bikes in a bike bag, but this is part of your luggaage allowance and you're only allowed one bag. So I can't take anything apart from my bike????

DH doesn't seem very interested in coming so I think it'll be just me, unless I convince one of the girls at work who's really into cycling to come as well.

There is a company that do guided tours, would cost about £1000 if I went with them plus a bit extra for transfers. Wouldtake all the headache out of planning it but its such a lot of money when I could do it myself. Just a bit daunting if I'm on my own.

Anyone done anything similar and have any advice?

OP posts:
howcomes · 21/10/2012 17:40

That sounds like a fun adventure! Why not try posting a question on the relevant forum page on trip advisor.com There are lots of local experts and previous travellers on there who can be very helpful.

ivykaty44 · 21/10/2012 17:42

I have been abroad cycling - but not in Canada, thugh have visitied BC but a long time ago now and winter so went skiing.

I cycled in India over 600km with a groups and a bus as back up.

Your trip looks interesting, bar may worry me, we just had elephants to worry about and tigers Grin

ivykaty44 · 21/10/2012 17:43

bears may worry me - sorry not bar, bars are good

VivaLeBeaver · 21/10/2012 17:48

Thats a good idea about TripAdvisor, will post on some cycling forums as well.

IvyKaty, I bet India was nice. Yes the advantage of going in the group would be the mini bus transporting all the luggage. Maybe if its the trip of a lifetime type thing spending the money would be worth it as it would be less effort on the bike = more enjoyment. Plus the company and local knowledge.

OP posts:
Kveta · 21/10/2012 18:13

god, go with the tour company - unless you are a ray mears type, you will have so much more fun in a tour, plus less risk of bear maulage.

sounds like an amazing trip :)

VivaLeBeaver · 21/10/2012 18:20

Not a Ray Mears type, need to learn how to change a bike tyre!

Have worked out the tour is $2500 which is more than £1000 though. About £1400, plus £800 for the plane. Flipping expensive bike ride it'll be.

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VivaLeBeaver · 21/10/2012 18:22

I was reading all these rules about keep food at least 100ft from your tent, at least 4m off the ground.

Any clothes that you've cooked in must be kept with the food and cooking utensils.

Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Play dead if its a grizzly until you're sure its starting toeat you. Shock

Fight it if its a black bear. Hmm

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Nandocushion · 21/10/2012 18:50

I don't know where you'd be starting on the trail but you can do a short flight from Vancouver to Kelowna, which is on or near the trail itself. I've only been along the bit through wine country in Naramata but it's very pretty. If you're going to start in Hope, it's not a long way from Vancouver - maybe two hours' drive. You might even be able to rent a car for that portion if you couldn't face a Greyhound (I couldn't) - some companies let you pick up and drop off at different locations.

Not much risk of bear maulage on that trail (no grizzlies in that area, I don't think) but you will have to protect the food you bring with you as it will attract black bears.

I'd probably go with the company too (unless you'll be joined by hundreds of gormless non-cyclists). Will it really be that much cheaper if you plan it on your own?

VivaLeBeaver · 21/10/2012 19:08

I think doing it on my own would cost well under £500 for camping and two weeks worth of self cooked food. So I could save 1k by doing it on my own, but I'm going to start saving with the plan of doing it with a group in 2014.

Greyhound say it takes 9 hours to get to Midway which is where the start is. And I've been reading some journals where Greyhound have refused to take bikes even though their website say that they do.

OP posts:
ivykaty44 · 21/10/2012 20:48

if you want to see the trip it was with exodus kerela MIK was the code

EssieW · 21/10/2012 20:55

It sounds fabulous! Some of the rangers do sessions on keeping bears away. It's not too bad though - learn how to put food high up in tree etc. Friends who spend 2 years in Pacific Northwest (and lots of walking and camping etc) only saw a bear once - and that was from a chair lift). Will you have panniers or a trailer? If a trailer, then you could probably take one of the barrels to keep food etc in which are supposed to be a bit better. At least it's not grizzlies though.

EssieW · 21/10/2012 20:56

being nosey..I'd love to know why you've chosen this trail?

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