Cape Breton Island Bicycle Tour

Thursday, July 26

Whycocomagh to North Sydney 94 km (59 mi.)

Whycocomagh is two villages in one. On one side is a community settled by the Scots. On the other is a Mi’kmaq native community, one of several on the island. Our route today will be a very pleasant run around the Washabuck Peninsula, through the once Gaelic speaking village of Iona.

Friday, July 27

North Sydney to Englishtown 67 km (42 mi.)

Boularderie Island is “an island within an island”. Today’s route takes a quiet, winding route around its edge, before facing the first large climb of our tour.

Saturday, July 28

Englishtown to Ingonish 51 km (32 mi.)

We are nearing Cape Breton Highlands National Park! Enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery, and the green dense forests – shame about Cape Smokey Mountain in our way just before our day’s end.

Sunday, July 29

Ingonish to Cape North 51 km (32 mi.)

We follow a roller-coaster shoreline. Bay St. Lawrence is home to whales, often sighted while cycling. It is also bird country, including herons and eagles.

Monday, July 30

Cape North to Cheticamp 68 km (42 mi.)

One of the greatest days of cycling you will ever have! We will challenge ourselves on small mountains that rise up along the Atlantic Ocean. The ride down French Mountain is thrilling, a curving road, which looks out over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, one of the most photographed places in North America.

Tuesday, July 31

Cheticamp to Inverness 66 km (41 mi.)

We follow the Ceilidh Trail, along the shore of the Gulf. We pass a region of French-speaking Acadian fishing villages, and later, into the heart of Nova Scotia’s rich Gaelic music and culture. This is our last night together- let’s party!

Wednesday, August 1

Inverness to Port Hawkesbury 85 km (53 mi.)

Our last day. Enjoy this pretty ride along Cape Breton’s rocky west coast. As the Nova Scotia mainland comes into view, you will no doubt think about our trip around this beautiful, rugged island… from our ride around its inland sea, through the highlands, and along its barren coast. You’ve done it! Fantastic!

-tour escort – Gary Conrod has 150,000 kilometres cycling experience, including every road on Cape Breton Island.

Accommodation

Our trip will be a tent camping adventure. It is possible for non-campers to attend and stay indoors every night of our tour. A limited number of Bed and Breakfasts and motels are along our route. If indoor lodgings are off of 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. We have a large amount of cooking stoves, equipment, and cutlery – no need to bring any of that gear to our 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 )

ACC Registration Form – Right click on image and “save target as” in your browser

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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: note that U.S. “green” domestic postal money orders cannot be used in Canada.

Taxes – All taxes are included.Cancellations

-Prior to 60 days: Cancellations received in writing prior to 60 days before departure will receive a refund less $100.-30 to 60 days: Cancellations received between 60 and 30 days before departure will receive a refund less $200.-Within 30 days: Cancellations within 30 days before departure will receive no refund. The value of the tour registration minus $300 will be available as a credit to a future tour.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.