The 2010 Nova Scotia Bicycle Tour will be an enjoyable “best of” adventure, taking in selected prime cycling corners of the province. This event is being planned with casual cyclists in mind. Distances will be between 65 and 70 kilometres (39 to 42 miles) per day.  New or casual cyclists will find this tour quite feasible.  For those who like longer distances, most days will have a few options for extending the daily route which can be combined with riding with the group.

This exciting tour spends a few days exploring three unique regions of Nova Scotia.  The first part we will explore is along the Atlantic Coast.  Perhaps the best known part of Nova Scotia, this shoreline is very scenic, with fishing boats, lighthouses, deserted beaches, and wharves piled high with lobster traps. We follow to coast for two days, arriving at the historic seaport of Lunenburg.

At the beautiful village of Mahone Bay we are transported across the forested interior to Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy side.  Over the next few days we will take in several sections along the coastline of this mighty body of water.  We will visit villages touched by its 13M (40 ft.) tides.   

Between visits to the bay, we will tour through the lush farmland and orchards of the Annapolis Valley. One of the best bicycle-touring parts of Canada, the valley is delightful, crammed with orchards, tiny villages and scenic back roads.

The Nova Scotia Bicycle Tour ends this year at historic Annapolis Royal.  Founded in 1605, it is the oldest European settlement in Canada.  From here there will be transportation back to Liverpool, as well as an option for Halifax.

Friday, July 30
Liverpool to Risser's Beach 60 km (37 mi.)

Our Nova Scotia vacation begins with one of the finest stretches along all the Atlantic Ocean.  We ride eastward from our starting point at the small port of Liverpool.  This is perhaps the best known part of the province, with many attractive fishing villages, rocky coasts and lighthouses. Our first night together is at one of the best beaches in all of Nova Scotia.

Saturday, July 31
Risser's Beach to Lunenburg 61/90 km (37/55 mi.)

Today’s spectacular coastal scenery is among the finest cycling places in all of Canada.  Dublin Shore , LaHave, Riverport  .. there are numerous photogenic villages along the way.  Today will be a relaxed day, allowing several scenic diversions to offer extra cycling. There is Kingsburg beach, Hirtle’s Beach, or to the LaHave Islands. The village of Blue Rocks will be a must see. It is an attractive village east of town, visited by marine painters and photographers. We end the day in one of the most attractive small towns in the country - Lunenburg.  For the rest of the day we can explore Nova Scotia's "City of the Sea". A true seaport town, Lunenburg is a cozy place, filled with amazing architecture and an atmospheric marine setting.

Sunday, August 1
Lunenburg to Windsor 70 km (43 mi.)

We first ride to at Mahone Bay, a very attractive town at the head of a bay with 365 islands. A sailboat haven, we will explore the small town before being transported to the other side of the province. Here we will have an option.  We can explore the town of Windsor for the afternoon, or cycle a selected route around the nearby countryside.

Monday, August 2
Windsor to Look-Off 70 km (43 mi.)

This route is one of the favourite cycling routes of our organizers. While a map-reading challenge, the winding route today will be a joyful meandering along many different country lanes. About mid-day we enter the Gaspereau Valley, a "valley within a valley". We have what will be one of several breaks of the day at on the grounds of a small but very good winery. After passing through the university town of Wolfville we will pass though market towns, ride through orchards, visit a fromagerie and at the end of the day climb to a great campground overlooking the bay and the Annapolis Valley.

Tuesday, August 3
Look-Off to Aylesford 71 km (43 mi.)

We begin exploring the coast of the Bay of Fundy.  We will descend into the tiny lobster port of Halls Harbour.  We can relax on the docks and watch the fishing boats. Here the tides rise dramatically, one of the highest in the world.  In the afternoon we will return to the Annapolis Valley and wander its maze of orchards and family farms.

Wednesday, August 4
Aylesford to Bridgetown 66 km (40 mi.)

Today we explore a "hidden corner" of Nova Scotia, unspoiled coastline, quiet roads, and with beautiful scenery.  The famous Bay of Fundy is again the focus of our tour.  While following the coast, there are some hills, we dip in and out of shoreline villages from part way up the ridge. This will provide us with spectacular views and great downhills.  in Bridgetown will be our last evening together -let's have a party!

Thusday, August 5
Bridgetown to Annapolis Royal 52 km (32 mi.)

Two beautiful choices are available for our final ride. We can follow a roller-coaster shoreline route along the Bay of Fundy, or we can also follow a winding, shorter and flatter route along the valley floor. We end our tour at historic village of Annapolis Royal. Transportation will be available back to our starting point at Liverpool, Nova Scotia, as well as Halifax.

Accommodation
Our trip will be a tent camping adventure. It is possible for 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
Each cyclist can have their own choice of dining. Some prepare meals at our campsites. Participants buy food daily at designated spots and we transport it to the end point. There they will find stoves, cooking equipment, and cutlery - no need to bring any of that gear to the tour. Others prefer to enjoy as many restaurants as the route allows. We will provide a list each day of what you will find along our route.

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
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!)

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.

Deposits - Getting on Board - To secure a spot on one of our trips a $200 deposit is required. Full payment is due 60 days prior to the day of departure.

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 $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.