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GREAT ANNAPOLIS RIDE
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The greatest
bike ride in the
Annapolis Valley

 

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Sat July 29- Sun July 30

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

 

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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.

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RIDE INFO

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: 

  • sleeping pad & sleeping bag

  • change of clothes

  • torch or headlamp

  • flip flops

  • personal medication

  • tent

  • sunscreen

  • towel

  • toiletries

  • bidon

Ready To Ride?
Reserve Your Spot Today.

PRICES

GREAT ANNAPOLIS RIDE PRICES

early bird price

until Sunday May 21

$225

*Non Bicycle Nova Scotia members must pay a one-event membership fee of an additional $10 for GAR 2023.

standard price

from Monday May 22

$255

*Non Bicycle Nova Scotia members must pay a one-event membership fee of an additional $10 for GAR 2023.

GAR 2023 CYCLING JERSEY

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limited time only**

$79

DON'T FORGET TO PRE-ORDER YOUR LIMITED GAR 2023 CYCLING JERSEY WHEN YOU REGISTER!

Features:

  • COOL-FRESH LIGHT AND BREATHABLE  FABRIC

  • FULL LENGTH INVISIBLE ZIPPER

  • SILICONE GRIP AT HEM

  • 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

THE ROUTE

start / campsite / finish

lunch stop

rest stops

*All routes are subject to change to ensure a safe and successful cycling event. 

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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.

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ACCOMMODATION

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

Image by Kristaps Ungurs

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
 

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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.

More questions?

If you're not finding exactly what you need, please email sean@kohkosevents.ca.

Ready to ride?

OUR SUPPORTERS

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