Roaming Rally – Explorers Edition 2014
New for 2014 is the Explorers Edition of Roaming Rally. Based on feedback from previous Roaming Rallies there seemed to be a group of folks who enjoyed the rally atmosphere and concept but found the riding too technical and not suitable for larger adventure bikes. We took that advice to heart and came up with the Explorers Edition of the Roaming Rally. Designed for larger dual sport bikes, the EE has a goal to explore remote places in Canada using non paved roads whenever possible. The emphasis is on exploring new areas and getting out into the backcountry rather than on challenging terrain.
2014 will see us travelling in Western Quebec. One of the more remote areas in Canada, we will travel hundreds of kilometers with nothing but wilderness surrounding us. Each year the Explorers Edition will travel to new parts of Canada and travel to places few people have ever seen.
This edition is a team event. Riders need to be on a team of a minimum 3 and a maximum of 6. Teams are used with your safety in mind. The reason behind the team strategy is that if someone gets hurt or breaks down one team member can stay with the injured/stranded rider while the other can team member(s) can deal with getting help.
There is a cost (non-refundable) of $192 per rider. This gets you registered into the rally, a decal for your bike, a Tshirt and one night in lodge that includes dinner and breakfast.
Each bike will be inspected for:
- Proof of insurance
- Bearings (steering and wheel)
- Appropriate tires (DOT knobby)
- Suitability for off road riding
- General Condition
- Working lights, horn, signals
Each team will need to have
- Tow rope
- First Aid kit
- Flashlight
- Spare tubes
- Tire Irons
- Tire inflator
During the initial check in process all riders will be required to sign a waiver form. Once the check in process is complete a decal with be provided that should be applied to your bike. The decal shows you have met the criteria and are ready to ride.
The route travels paved and non paved roads and a few moderately difficult trails. The route is suitable for bikes ranging between 650 – 1200 cc that are designed to travel off road. Although not technically difficult, the route does cover long distances (up to 650 km a day) and has a distances between fuel locations of up to 400 kilometers (TBD). Not to be taken lightly, the remoteness of the areas we will be travelling through brings quite a bit of risk. Getting hurt hundreds of kilometers from the nearest paved road is something that should not be taken lightly.
Like every year the route provided is merely a suggestion. This is not a race nor is anyone going to keep track of whether you rode the route or not. The Roaming Rally is designed to be a rally where like minded folks can get together, ride some fun terrain, explore new areas and have a few cold ones around a campfire.
Each rider and each team needs to be self sufficient, this is essential for your safety and enjoyment.
It is a three night event; each night is at a different location. For 2014 two of the nights are at campgrounds and one night is at a lodge.. Once teams are fully registered lodging information, maps and gps routes will be provided via email addresses indicated during sign up.
We encourage everyone to respect the campground and lodge staff and clean up after themselves when they leave. Convincing campgrounds to host a gaggle of motorbikes is a tough sell. In past years we have had great success and few complaints, please let’s keep it this way.
There is no support truck. You will have to rely on your team mates…that why every team has a tow rope
When is the Roaming Rally-Explorers Edition and how do I sign up?
May 22nd – Check in
May 23rd, 24th and 25th are the rides
We are accepting a maximum of 75 people.
To register please send $192 to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please include in the paypal comments field:
- Your Name
- Your Teams Name
- The bike you will be using
- Your Tshirt Size
- An emergency contact name and number
Once your payment is received you will get an email with how to pay. We use paypal exclusively. We expect the Roaming Rally – Explorers Edition will fill up quickly…
What can we expect?
You can expect a weekend of riding with a bunch of like minded people and enjoying a cold beer at the end of the day. This is a very informal ride. After the riders meeting on the Thursday night the organizers become just one of the gang, and we ride the event like everyone else. This ride is designed for well experienced adventure riders; people who are used to travelling off road on their bikes, being self-sufficient, having the skills and knowhow of what to do if things go wrong. This means we don’t hold your hand. The organizing is in the setting up of the suggested route, getting campgrounds organized, pre-riding the route and getting everyone together for a fun weekend. This comes as a surprise for first time attendees but in the past it has worked well and we hope it does again.
You’ll need to organize your own food and booze. You’ll need to contact the campgrounds (if indicated) and register and cover your camp fees. Once registered, we include details like where food, fuel, booze, etc can be found along the route or close to the campgrounds.
Navigation
The Roaming Rally is a navigational ride. The challenge and fun is in the navigating. Each team must have a minimum of two gps units that are capable of utilizing track files but we strongly encourage every rider to have a proper gps unit. We do not distribute routes, we distribute track files. Not all gps units can use these files correctly, this is very important to understand. Current models that will work are the Garmin 6X series, the Montana, the X76 series, the Rhino, etc. GPS units that do NOT work properly are the zumo and nuvi series along with other car gps units designed for automobiles.
If you are new to using track files we encourage you to practice creating, loading and saving tracks before coming to the Roaming Rally. Using a gps on a motorcycle can be very dangerous. Please do not look at the screen while your motorcycle is moving, pull off to the side of the road or trail in a safe manner and then look at your screen.
We look forward to riding with you in May.
Thanks
GravelTravel.ca
