With his permission, we are reposting Matthew Kadey’s great update on all things Ontario bikepacking again this year. Thanks to Matt for all his work organizing these events and developing these routes!
See Matt’s 2023 bike packing update here:
See our past Podcasts and articles with Matt here –
All our bikepacking content here including interviews with FKT holders and bikepack experts!
2024 BT 700 Grand Depart
The 2024 BT 700 Grand Depart is set for June 16th leaving from St. Jacob’s. Expect some of the same perks including aid stations and wonderful camaraderie. This year’s event is being organized by Theo Kelsey-Verdecchia, one of those ultra bikepackers who happens to be having a go at the Atlas Mountain race at this very moment. You can sign up here: http://www.bt700.ca/bikepacking-grand-depart.html
This is part of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking triple crown.
I am once again running the bikepacking weekend rally on the No Winter Maintenance route. It will run the weekend of June 1/2 starting in Orangeville. A great chance to enjoy this route at a relaxed pace with a great group of fellow riders. There will be on-site food at the designated camping area and also support on the route. Plus, even more trail options thanks to the inclusion of the Mansfield Outdoor Centre. You can sign up here: http://www.bt700.ca/nwm.html
Reminder of bikepacking routes available in Ontario:
The BT XL, a beefed-up version of the BT 700
Grand Nith Ramble (GNR), which tends to be the best option for early season riding
The Three Amigos, a new route for 2023 that involves a bounty of singletrack
I will continue to plug away at creating the Bruce Peninsula bikepacking route.
The Log Driver’s Waltz will be running their grand depart once again in 2024. It’s slated to commence on July 13th beginning in Almonte, Ontario. It looks like it might be their biggest event yet. More details here: https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/2024-grand-depart-979620-580026.html
Speaking of the Log Driver’s Waltz, the route creators are hosting a couple of virtual bikepacking panel discussions that should be helpful and informative. And I’ll be one of the panelists for the second date. Dates are Feb 21 and Feb 28. You can register here: https://www.logdriverswaltz.ca/bikepacking-for-all.html
Combination and very large bike packing routes in Ontario
For a much longer Ontario bikepacking adventure, it’s now possible to ride the Ontario segment of the mega Great Northern BikepackingRoute from Sault Ste. Marie to Ottawa. I am certainly eager to get more riders out on any portions of this route to give it a good test. I will be continuing my journey on the GNBR this summer as part of my pledge of completion.
For additional bikepacking routes generated by a varied group of riders, you can check out www.bikepackingontario.com. If you have any ideas for routes you want to add to the site please let me know.
And the ONXL now has nearly 8,000 kilometres of connected routes in the province: https://ridewithgps.com/collections/17214?privacy_code=N5piwgwfMc5cdc0q
Bikepacking Resources and links
I produced the first-ever bikepacking cookbook with recipes designed to be enjoyed for breakfast, during the ride, and dinner. Time to turn your ride into a culinary adventure. You can get a free copy of the e-book here: http://www.bt700.ca/bikepacking-cookbook.html
This goes along with my energy balls e-book: http://www.bt700.ca/energy-balls-e-book.html
I’ve attached my bikepacking feature that appears in the new issue of Canadian Cycling magazine that may help you get more out of your two-wheel journeys. Yes, I am preaching the chamois-free life. In this article, I interviewed Ene Underwood about her experiences as a solo female bikepacker who enjoys camping in the wild. Link here (for subscribers only at this time)
Here is an article I put together on the creation of the Great Northern Bikepacking Route for Bikegeardatabase, which is a site with a ton of useful information for the sport. https://www.bikegeardatabase.com/stories/gnbr-with-matt-kadey
Bikepacking Training and Services
Consummate Athlete is now offering bikepacking specific training programs. It’s never too early to start training properly for those testy inclines and big days in the saddle. More information on this program can be found here: http://www.bt700.ca/bikepacking-training.html
You now have the chance to ride any of Ontario’s bikepacking routes in style by making use of the shuttle services of Ghost Gravel. They can arrange transportation of your gear and will also provide food services. And their one-of-a-kind off-road espresso cart will keep riders well buzzed. Think of it as the ultimate sag wagon. Details of this service are here: http://www.bt700.ca/supported-tours.html
Bikepacking Community & Support
I am always eager to hear from individuals interested in being trail angels who can provide tenting space, a bed for an evening, water bottle refills, or any other services for riders. So if you live in the proximity of any of the routes and would like to join this growing community please connect via the links below.
Facebook groups for both the BT 700 and the GNBR.
Happy Riding!
Matthew Kadey MSc., RD
Dietitian, Nutrition Writer, Recipe Developer, Adventure Cyclist
