GREAT ANNAPOLIS RIDE
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All meals
Lunch and dinner on day 1 and breakfast on day 2
Light snacks and water at rest stops
Camping
Waterfront camping with amenities
On-site licensed restaurant
Support
On-route support and ride guide
SAG vehicle
Bike mechanic
Luggage transport
Plus
Friendly & experienced ride leaders
Live entertainment
a weekend bike ride through Nova Scotia's scenic Annapolis Valley
Great Annapolis Ride is a great way to explore the Annapolis Valley wine's region on two wheels. Enjoy a relaxing bike ride down country roads, past charming orchards and picturesque wineries. Your weekend getaway will start at Grand-Pré National Historic Site on Saturday heading out along a coastal route featuring the world’s highest tides. Spend Sunday taking a leisurely pedal through open farmlands under a sun-kissed sky to our final destination, Mercator Vineyards.
On Day 1, choose between a classic 84km ride or the more challenging 107km (Grande) ride. Now back in its third year, the Great Annapolis Ride has a little something for everyone, whether you're a fit or soon-to-be fit cyclist.
support cycling in the community
We believe in supporting cycling in the communities where we work and a portion of your registration fee will go to Bicycle Nova Scotia (BNS) to support the great work they do to develop cycling in the province.
Bicycle Nova Scotia is the peak cycling body in Nova Scotia. They are committed to supporting and building a provincial cycling culture through increasing access to, and participation in, safe cycling. They provide education and advocacy, and actively work with the province to improve conditions and cycling infrastructure so that cyclists of all ages and abilities can enjoy the thrill, enjoyment, and practicality of riding a bike.
THE RIDE INFO
CHECK IN:
Check in opens at 8:00am at Grand-Pre National Historic Site. Make sure you allow plenty of time to check in, collect your pre-ordered GAR 2023 jersey, load your luggage and prep your bike. Bank Bikes will be at the start for any last minute technical issues you may have.
START TIME:
We begin rolling out in small groups from 9:00am.
PARKING:
While parking is available at Grand-Pré National Historic Site, we encourage riders to get dropped off at the start and picked up at the finish. If you park overnight at Grand-Pré National Historic Site, it's only a short pedal from the finish at Mercator Vineyards back to the car park. Your luggage is hassle free too as we will make sure it gets back to Grand-Pré for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
We will be riding on country roads and a well maintained bike trail. All roads are paved and comfortable to ride on but there are some rough patches.
RIDE GUIDE:
You will receive an electronic ride guide closer to the date, which has all the information you need for the ride.
ON ROUTE:
It is a fully-supported ride with experienced riders providing help and encouragement along the way. We will also have signage at key intersections and a SAG vehicle to ensure you get to the campsite.
BIKE MECHANICS:
Bike mechanics will be available in case you have an unfortunate mechanical breakdown or need a tune up at the campsite.
REST STOPS:
There will be rest stops at key points along the way where you can top up your water and refuel.
WHAT TO BRING:
We allow each rider to bring 15kg of luggage on the ride so working out what to bring can be the hardest part of preparing for the ride.
Here are some of the essentials we recommend:
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sleeping pad & sleeping bag
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change of clothes
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torch or headlamp
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flip flops
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personal medication
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tent
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sunscreen
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towel
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toiletries
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bidon
GREAT ANNAPOLIS RIDE PRICES
GAR 2023 CYCLING JERSEY
limited time only**
$79
DON'T FORGET TO PRE-ORDER YOUR LIMITED GAR 2023 CYCLING JERSEY WHEN YOU REGISTER!
Features:
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COOL-FRESH LIGHT AND BREATHABLE FABRIC
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FULL LENGTH INVISIBLE ZIPPER
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SILICONE GRIP AT HEM
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THREE REAR POCKETS
All jerseys are final sale (No exchange or return) so please pay very close attention to sizing.
**Pre-order by May 21
THE ROUTE
start / campsite / finish
lunch stop
rest stops
*All routes are subject to change to ensure a safe and successful cycling event.
DAY 1
Grand-Pre to Scots Bay
Distance 107km Gain: 1395m (Grande)
Distance 83.7km Gain: 900m (Classic)
Leaving Grand-Pré National Historic Site, the ride will begin with an easy pedal down the Harvest Moon Trail, along centuries old dykelands and past the picturesque towns of Wolfville and Port Williams. It’s a great way to warm up and loosen the legs.
For those looking for a bit more riding today, take the Grande route, heading south along Grand-Pré road to the verdant fields of the Gaspereau Valley. After a cruise alongside the river it’s time to head up into the forested roads of South Mountain. The long grind uphill is worth it as you’ll have some amazing panoramic views of the valley on the way back down before joining your fellow riders at Port Williams.
After our first rest stop, it's an easy spin so take advantage of the magnificent views of Minas Basin and its ever changing coastline with the world’s highest tides. Enjoy riding one of the best cycling roads you’ll ever see before putting your head down for the climb up to our lunch spot. It’s a tough hill but the spectacular views will leave you breathless and speechless.
After lunch we head inland, following the base of North Mountain past rustic farms and orchards. It’s a relaxing ride to get you geared up to ascend North Mountain. At the top, we have a long easy pedal past a patchwork of mountain pastures and woods. You're almost there, just a final descent to go, so sit back let gravity do its work and enjoy the views of Cape Split on your way down before arriving at our destination on the shores of the Bay of Fundy. Grab yourself a drink and relax, you’ve earned it!
DAY 2
Scots Bay to Mercator Vineyards
Distance 45.9km Gain: 517m
Kick off day two with a hearty breakfast before jumping back in the saddle. It’s a shorter day today but we do start with a challenging ascent up North Mountain. Not a problem, you’ve got a bunch of friends riding with you and before you know it you’ll reach the peak with its expansive views of the valley. Heading down the other side take your time, sure it’s all downhill but the road curves and there’s traffic around.
Once we’re down, sit up and enjoy the ride as you roll through the fields and farmlands that feed the bellies of Nova Scotia. After we cross over the Cornwallis River, we pass through heavy traffic before tackling the final short but steep hill. It’s now time to kick back and relax as we pedal towards our final destination at Mercator Vineyards on the outskirts of Wolfville and a stone’s throw from our start at Grand-Pré National Historic Site.
There’s so much to do nearby, so if you’ve still got the energy, why not visit some of the wineries, distilleries and breweries that dot the landscape or pop back to Grand-Pré National Historic Site to discover more about the rich Acadian history of the region.
ACCOMMODATION
camping
The Great Annapolis Ride includes overnight camping in Scots Bay. Once you arrive and collect your luggage, you can set up your tent, enjoy a shower, relax and soak in the expansive views of the Bay of Fundy before dining at the Long Table Social Club. If you do need something else, our on-site crew will be happy to help.
Don't worry about your luggage, we will transport it all from the start at Grand-Pré National Historic Site to Scots Bay for the overnight stay and then take it to the ride finish at Mercator Vineyards the next day. If you've left your car at the start, we will also take it back to the overnight car park at the end of the day.
campsite amenities
INFORMATION HUB
DINING
SHOWERS
TOILETS
Don't have a tent or just can't bear the thought of setting up your own tent after a long day riding. We have a limited number of fully set up dome tents available. The dome tents sleep up to four people. Each tent comes with two sleeping pads. Sleeping bags are available for an additional fee.
Our team will set up a dome tent for you so you can kick back and relax at the end of the day.
camping plus
Dome Tent ($80)
* The price is based on double occupancy.
* $10 For each additional person, including a sleeping pad
* Sleeping bags available for $10 each
To book dome tents, please email sean@kohkosevents.ca
The Farmhouse Inn B&B
We get it, camping is not for everyone so we've reserved 5 rooms with private ensuites at The Farmhouse Inn B&B in nearby Canning. Riders who wish to stay at The Farmhouse Inn would need to make their own reservation before April 30. A short 15-min shuttle service will be available to transfer you to and from the campsite for a small additional fee.
To secure a room please contact The Farmhouse Inn directly by calling 902 582 7900 or 1 800 928 4346 or emailing relax@farmhouseinn.ca.
Alternatively, if you're looking for something else check out airbnb in the Canning region.
To see the available rooms click the links below.
Apple Blossom Room ($159 plus HST)
Acadia Suite ($169 plus HST)
Minas Basin Suite ($169 plus HST)
North Mountain Suite (Booked)
Fundy Suite (Booked)
*All rooms are based on double occupancy. A $20 per person surcharge would apply for additional guests.
**These rooms cannot be booked online and can only be reserved by contacting The Farmhouse Inn B&B directly.
***Please note a minimum 2-night booking is required.
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Why choose Nordic Kata Tipi tents?Handcrafted from high quality canvas and ethically sourced late-maturing spruce from Northern Scandinavia, our Nordic Kata Tipis (or Teepees) are a very unique alternative and cater towards people looking for something completely different. Their unique design allows you to incorporate them into absolutely any space as they seamlessly blend into the surrounds of your venue. It means your aesthetic is never compromised. They are simply awe-inspiring and enchanting.
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What are the site requirements?1. Good access for our 4x4 truck with long trailer. Additional fees will be applied if trailer and truck access is restricted. 2. Flat, level ground 3. Well drained ground and free from flooding 4. Free from underground services (septic tanks, cable lines, phone lines, water pipes or anything else that could be damaged by insertion of 60cm stakes into the ground) If you have any questions about the suitability of your event site, we would be happy to schedule a site visit.
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How much space is needed to set up the tents?Each of our Nordic Kata Tipis has a diameter of 34 ft with their sides down and stands approximately 24 ft high. The exact space required depends on the number of tents you desire and the configuration you select. Please refer to our “nordic kata tipi rental” page for more information and give us a call for your set-up requirements.
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I would love to book the tents for an event. What is the next step?Please contact us and we will provide you with a customized quote based on your event. Once agreed, we will send you a booking form and an invoice with deposit details. Once that is paid, you dates are officially secured.
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Is set-up and pack-down included in the price?Yes, we include the set-up and pack-down in the price. Additional fees may be applied if access to the site is restricted.
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Do you require a deposit to book?Yes, we require a 25% non-refundable deposit for tent rental.
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What happens if the weather is terrible?Our Nordic Kata Tipis are custom made using traditional methods and modern technology, making them very strong and waterproof. Rain is never an issue, unless your site is at risk of flooding. If strong winds are forecast, we may need to adjust when we set up the tents and how the sides are configured. If this is the case, we will work with you to determine the best schedule and configuration. As with any outdoor event, we are at the mercy of mother nature; it never hurts to have a plan B.
More questions?
If you're not finding exactly what you need, please email sean@kohkosevents.ca.
