Canada Bikepack Summit returns to the Rockies for its third year
Canmore, Alberta hosts a weekend or riding, sharing and learning all about bikepacking
Set in the Rocky Mountains, near the starting point of the classic Tour Divide bikepacking route, Canmore, Alberta is a perfectly natural location for the third annual Canada Bikepack Summit.
From 14-16 September, the third edition of the Canada Bikepack Summit will bring together riders of all experience levels to go on group rides, learn more about bikepacking, and meet other similarly interested cyclists.
Riders can learn tricks of the trade sessions where experienced bikepackers share tips and strategies on planning, packing, and wilderness safety. There will also be presentations where riders share their adventures from trips to far away places, and here in Canada.
The keynote speaker for this year’s conference is Alaskan bikepacking phenom Lael Wilcox, an incredibly talented rider who has set the Tour Divide record, and who helped pioneer the Baja Divide route.
A range of seminars and presentations will take place over two days, including practical “Bikepacking with bears – how to hang food and not bearspray yourself” and “The Joy of Hike-A-Bike” as well as sessions on First Aid, bike repair, DIY bike gear, and bikepacking with family.
Scott Felter of Porcelain Rocket will be presenting “Life on Mars” documenting his trip to Peru’s Puna de Atacama region, and Nathan Siemens on “The Lost Elephant.”
In addition to daily rides on trails around Canmore and the Bow Valley, there will be an overnight trip in the Kananaskis before the summit looking to put theory into practice.
The Canada Bikepack Summit was originally spearheaded by Ryan Correy, an accomplished Canadian mountain biker and bikepacker who passed away earlier in 2018.
Summit organizers Megan Dunn, Tim Johnston and Jeff Bartlett are continuing the summit as a legacy to Correy’s efforts and his influence on the Canadian bikepacking community.
Registration is limited, so if you’re interested go find out more at the Canada Bikepack Summit website, where you can also register for this years event.
