Bike Camping - Ardrossan to SWC - Sat, Sep 8 2012, Sun, Sep 9 2012

Bike Camping - Ardrossan to SWC (9/8/2012)

The Basics:
Event Type:		Overnight
Event Location:		East of Edmonton
Date(s) & Time:		Sat, Sep 8 2012, Sun, Sep 9 2012  11:00 AM  (Carpool Departure: 10:15 AM   *log in for location*)
Registration Cut Off:		Sat, Sep 8 2012 8:00:00 AM
Event Duration:		2 Days, One Night - Saturday to Sunday
Difficulty Rating:		D4: Moderate to Difficult
Event Coordinator(s):		Andrew H Christine T You must be logged in to get the Event Coordinator contact information.
Member Cost:		$7.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)
Participant Info:
Who's Invited:		Members Only, 18 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:		32
Minimum Group Size:		4
Number Registered So Far:		6 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted:		No
Itinerary:
Saturday afternoon: An unsupported bike camping ride from Ardrossan, along country roads to Callingwood Cove, then to Strathcona Wilderness Area. We check in to Strathcona between 3 PM and 4 PM for orientation, and then push our bikes in less than 0.5km to camp site #1, which we have reserved. There is no biking allowed on their trails - we have to either push in (it's not hard), or lock the bikes at their facility and carry our gear in. No alcohol is allowed at Strathcona Wilderness Area. Please don't bring any - we are registered under Edmonton Outdoor Club and we will be mindful of making a good impression - not an unfortunate one! Saturday Evening: After orientation we'll get our camp set up, and depending on how quickly that goes we can maybe do a little bit of hiking/exploring around the SWC. Saturday Night: Nothing beats a good campfire while camping so as long as there isn't a fire ban we can enjoy some great conversation around the fire pit. Sunday Morning: Once everyone is up if it's early enough we may be able to again do some hiking/exploring of SWC but we must be packed and ready to check out by 3 PM. Sunday Afternoon: We'll enjoy a shorter ride back to the meeting place. Everyone must be prepared to be self- sufficient on this trip. You must bring your own camping gear, water, food and so on. The site will accomodate up to 32 people. Campsite #1 at SWC has bunk houses, so if you don't want to haul a tent, you can sleep inside one of those, therefore reducing the amount you'll need to carry on your bike. If you want to share cooking gear with someone you will have to arrange that yourself - there will be no pre-trip meeting or pre-planned sharing. Firewood and water are provided (yay!!). Keep in mind that you not only have to haul your gear and food on your bike, but you also will have to walk in approximately 0.5km to the camp site with it. Plan accordingly, and feel free to contact Andrew for ideas, suggestions and tips. Riding Route for Saturday (approx 45km): To Callingwood Cove: Behind the Tempo station, turn left (east) onto the service road that runs behind the gas stations (RR 223). Turn right (south) onto RR 824. Turn left (east) onto Hwy 221A just before the railroad tracks. Continue to Twp 530 Turn right (west) onto Twp 530 for just a few feet - go under the train bridge, then turn left onto RR 221 and ride past Katie's Crossing - where we will stop for ice cream. Continue south on RR 221 to Wye Rd. Turn east (left) onto Wye Rd and continue to RR 215. Turn right (south) onto RR 215 and continue to Twp Rd 520 Turn left (east) onto Twp Rd 520 and continue into the community of Callingwood Cove. As you enter the community, the road will curve several times (right, left, right, right). We'll stop for a lunch/snack break at the picnic area on the right (look for picnic tables and basketball hoops). To Strathcona Wilderness Area: Retrace our steps out of Collingwood Cove Turn right on RR 213 Turn right at Wye Rd/AB-630 E Turn left toward Range Road 211 Turn right at Range Road 211 Road curves left to stay on Range Road 211 - pass through the community of Antler Lake Turn left at Township Road 530 Map Back to our Meeting Spot on Sunday (~14km): West along Baseline to Ardrossan where we meet up with our original route Retrace our steps along the original route to the meeting spot. PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS: The EOC treasurer is not processing payments for this event. I have already paid a reservation for 16 people, $88. BRING CASH - SMALL DENOMINATIONS - to pay me back directly for your portion of the reservation(we'll split it evenly). It will be $7 each ($5.50 with a donation round up)with a full group, but if there are less the price will change and we'll modify accordingly. If there are more people register, the site can accommodate up to 32 people at and additional $5.50 per person, or $7 with the donation round up. Bring exact change as Andrew won't be able to make change.
Required Items to Bring: - Bike - Helmet ** NO EXCEPTIONS** NO HELMET = NO RIDE AND NO REFUND - Bicycle Repair Kit: Tools, Spare Tube and Pump $ for camping $ for ice cream $ for brunch at Country Boyz - Camping gear - sleeping bag, etc (see our Backpacking Checklist for ideas) - A method of carrying all of your gear while you cycle, and for walking in and out of the camp site (ie. bike bags, panniers, buckets or a bike trailer) - A set of clothes to wear on the bike. - A set of clothes to wear off the bike. - A warm jacket (even if its crazy hot outside it can get cold at night). - Rain gear - Toiletries - A flashlight and/or headlamp - Appropriate shoes (ie. if you have clip shoes for cycling, remember to bring other shoes for walking in to camp) - Picnic/lunch/snacks for Saturday lunch at Callingwood Cove - Food for Saturday supper, Saturday and Sunday Breakfast and Saturday lunch - Water sufficient for the weekend - riding (Potable water will be available from the Information center during the day) Fun, friendly attitude and CAMP STORIES! Recommended Items to Bring: Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need. - Personal first aid items - Gloves - A hat - Extra socks - Camera - Sturdy bike chain and lock - Reflectors (ie. reflective vest) - Sunscreen - Insect Repellent
How to Get There:
Event Directions:		Take the Yellowhead Hwy 16 and head east past the intersection for Highway 21 (to Fort Saskatchewan). Farther along, on the right-hand side of the road, you'll see a pull-off with an Esso station - exit there and head to the Tempo gas station behind the Esso.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):		51Km
Carpool Departure Time:		10:15 AM
Carpool Location:		Log in for location
Carpool Directions:		Log in for directions
Carpool Cost:		The event coordinator(s) will help you to arrange a centralized carpool if you require it, but it's not guaranteed. Please DO NOT pay your driver en route. Passengers will pay the coordinator, and he/she will distribute the money to the carpool drivers. SO PLEASE BRING CASH!!! Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $14.79 (calculated at total Km * $0.29, effective Thursday, November 21, 2024). This is based on $0.09/Km for maintenance, plus current gas price divided by 9. This cost will be multiplied by the number of carpooled cars, and divided by the number of carpool participants.
Notes:
- Strathcona requires 1 week notice to cancel, or our reservation fees are forfeited. - Reservation is for 16. Feel free to add yourself to the wait list. If there are enough on the wait list the maximum participants can be increased up to 32. Keep in mind this is Alberta and the weather can change at a moment's notice, so ensure you have travelling clothes appropriate for potential cold or hot weather, as well as appropriate camping gear to keep you warm and comfortable. - We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines at all times while participating in EOC events. - Please scroll through and read the entire online waiver when you sign up. - Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:		$7.00/Person
Cost Includes:		Camping reservation/fees for Strathcona Wilderness. Total cost for the reservation is $88. That translates to $7 each, including a small donation to EOC (this assumes 16 people attending) We'll split the costs evenly, to be paid at the event meeting spot.
Make a Payment:		Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the EOC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.
Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully! *Note: Please be absolutely sure by September 1 that you'll be attending, as that's the cut-off for a refund from the SWC.