"I have travelled around the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps and the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty Cape Breton out rivals them all"
- Alexander Graham Bell

Discover one of the best cycling routes in North America! With some of the most magnificent scenery on the continent, this is overwhelmingly Atlantic Canada's most popular bicycle touring route. Enjoy our challenging and spectacular ride this year. Join us on our tour; winding its way through Cape Breton's forested highlands, the tundra-like barrens on top resembling that of Canada's North. Challenge yourself to its mountain climbs and downhill rewards, looking out across valleys, or directly down at the ocean.

Total distance will be a little over 100 km (60 miles) per day. In addition to being a personal challenge, the tour is a social event. You will be encouraged to enjoy the many beaches, look-offs, bakeries, and other distractions the area has to offer. Your baggage will be carried for you between campsites and the support vehicle will be on hand to offer assistance. Since the gear is carried, it allows the use of touring, sport, or mountain bikes. Participants will be from a wide background of ages and levels of experience - there's no pressure. Everyone will cycle in their own style of riding, ranging from sport riders, to "all day dawdlers". You will be sent a tour booklet giving you details on the tour and offer suggestions on what to bring.

When you send in your entry form, you will be sent a tour booklet. It will give you details on this year's tour and offer suggestions on what to bring.
To best prepare, you should arrive in Baddeck on Friday. We will send a list of area motels and campgrounds. Riders provide their own camping gear and utensils. There are many restaurants along the trail. Details will be in your tour booklet.

Saturday, September 4
Baddeck - Ingonish 105 km (65 mi.)

Departing the village of Baddeck we begin our tour with an easy ride through forests and along Cape Breton Island’s rugged seacoast. Near day’s end, we meet our first challenge. Smokey Mountain is spectacular, rising sharply from the shore. From its cliffs, you are offered views far out over the Atlantic Ocean. We end our day at Ingonish, the start of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Our camp will be away from the crowds, in a specially secluded part of the park.

Sunday, September 5
Ingonish - Cheticamp 116 km (72 mi.)

This is the most challenging day of our tour. Over 110 kilometres of coastal mountains separate us from our campsite along the Gulf of St. Lawrence. North Mountain and MacKenzie Mountain present formidable challenges. The downhill runs on both are a worthy reward! There are many enjoyable distractions; Black Brook Beach and waterfalls, whale sightings, deer, moose, panoramic views such as from atop MacKenzie and French Mountains, and the many enticing food stops along the way! We will celebrate our memorable day of cycling with an evening campfire.

Monday, September 6
Cheticamp - Baddeck 103 km (62 mi.)

Our last day together should offer a fairly easy ride. We begin by visiting a region of French speaking Acadian fishing villages. Next, we turn inland, and the atmosphere changes to one of strong ties with Scotland. We will follow the scenic Margaree Valley, world famous for its salmon. Soon afterward, we travel by way of scenic back roads, to our farewell in Baddeck.

Accommodation
Our trip will be a tent camping adventure. It is possible for a few non-campers to attend. A limited number of Bed and Breakfasts and motels are along our route. If indoor lodgings are from our supported list, we will assist with the transport of their gear to and from our campsites. Due to the popularity of the area, early reservations are strongly recommended. Upon request, a listing of motels and Bed and Breakfasts will be sent with confirmation.

Meals
Saturday and Sunday evening meals are provided. Breakfasts are also included for Sunday and Monday mornings. Saturday breakfast and lunches are each cyclist's responsibility. There will be places along our route. There is no need to bring any cooking equipment.

Baggage System
Each morning you will bring your baggage to our truck. You are then free to ride at your own pace. Your bags will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the next campground or indoor selection.

Tour Support
During the ride, our support vehicle will be at your service if you need a lift or other assistance. Maps and information materials will help guide you along the way.

Preparation and Equipment
With several challenging climbs, circling the Cabot Trail requires a moderate level of fitness. Bicycles must be in good working order. Special attention should be given to brakes and tires; these should be of good quality and well maintained. Gearing of 15 or more speeds is recommended. You will be expected to bring a pump, a spare tube and a repair kit. Organizers reserve the right to prohibit any bicycle considered to be unsafe to operate. The weather is changeable in the highlands; be prepared for cold and wet, as well as hot and dry. Helmets are mandatory by law. Participants must be 18 years or older, unless accompanied by an adult. We will carry whatever you feel you need to enjoy the tour. You must supply your own tent and sleeping bag. We will not subject your gear to weighing scales or bag limits. We ask, however, that you do not overdo things- (please - no TVs or lawn chairs!)

Entry Form
Due to the small size of some campgrounds, the number who can take part is limited. When we receive your entry, you will be sent confirmation and tour details. Our Participant Form is below. It requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print. We can also fax, email, or mail you registration forms.



(Adobe Reader required for the forms is free from the Adobe Web site)


Entry Fee
Tour entry is by way of personal cheque, PayPal, money order, or wire transfer.
PayPal registrations are by way of emailed invoice. Contact us by email and we will send you an invoice which takes you to the secure PayPal site.

U.S. participants: Currency rates are valid until the date listed. Note that U.S. "green" domestic postal money orders cannot be used in Canada.

Taxes - All taxes are included.

Cancellations
Canadian or US Registrations
prior to 60 days: Cancellations made prior to 60 days before departure will receive a refund less $100. A credit of $50 will be given toward a future event
30 to 60 days: Cancellations made 30-60 days prior to departure will receive a refund less up to $200. A credit toward a future event will be given of $100.
less than 30 days: Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure have no refund. Credit toward a future event will be given of tour value minus $100.

Euro, Sterling, Other Currency Registrations
Calculations are made using adjustments in Canadian currency with the value of the currency involved at the date incurred.

Cancellation of Event
Atlantic Canada Cycling has never had a cancelled event in its eighteen years. We do, however, reserve the right to cancel any scheduled tour. In this event you will receive a full refund of any money paid. We will not reimburse any related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation of a tour. Purchase of travel or vacation insurance is recommended.

In the unlikely event circumstances beyond our control prohibit departure (severe climate, war, strikes, civil unrest) you will receive full refund of any money paid. Again, in this case we will not reimburse any related expenses incurred as a result of an event cancellation and purchase of travel insurance is recommended.

Applying for the Tour
Tour entry is made by cheque or money order through postal mail. PayPal is also available. We can hold a place for you for two weeks if you give us notification. You will be notified immediately if the tour is filled.

Participant Form and Waiver
All participants must complete a Registration Form and a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk, Waiver. Cycling and the travel experience around it have risks. It is important that you acknowledge and accept these risks before joining. Please read the Waiver carefully and make sure you understand it before signing.