FAQ
- Qualifying for the Rocky
- How do I qualify to ride the Rocky?
- I haven’t ridden a brevet series since before 2011 or I’ve never ridden one. Can I qualify for the Rocky this year?
- Entering the Rocky
- How do I register to ride the Rocky and when does registration open?
- Can you give me some details on filling out the online entry form?
- Is there a limit on the number of riders who will be allowed to start the event?
- Refund Policy
- What is the refund policy if I enter the event but can’t participate for some reason?
- Personal Support Vehicles
- Are support vehicles allowed on the route?
- Will my support crew be able to attend the post-ride party?
- Result Reporting
- Will my fans be able to watch my progress on the web?
- Getting to Kamloops
- How do I get to Kamloops?
- Will I be able to obtain transportation for myself and/or my bike from Vancouver to Kamloops and return?
- Can you give me the name of a hotel/motel near the start of ride where I can stay before and after the ride?
- Registration
- When is registration?
- Where is registration?
- What is the registration process?
- What will bike check be like?
- Control Services and Facilities
- What are the sleeping facilities like?
- Will showers be available at all controls?
- Do I need to provide my own toiletries, etc. for use at controls?
- Do I need to bring a sleeping bag or will bedding be provided at the controls?
- I want to make motel/hotel reservations along the route for sleep breaks. Can you provide me with this information
- How does the drop bag system work?
- What types of food will be available at the controls?
- Will vegetarian foods be available at the controls?
- Will the controls have a supply of power bars, gels, and Gatorade available?
- Will mechanical support be available at the controls?
- Will I be able to purchase tubes, batteries and other supplies at the controls?
- Conditions along the Route
- Terrain and Scenery
- How do I survive riding through the Canadian Wilderness?
- Will food and water be available along the route in addition to at the controls?
- What type of weather can I expect to encounter on the route?
- Will there be vehicular support along the route?
- If I abandon the ride how will I be able to get back to Kamloops?
- Will we be advised of any road construction along the route?
- What is a rumble strip and how do I ride with them on the road?
- What is a cattle guard and how do I cross it?
- Medical Coverage
- Do I need my own medical insurance for the ride?
- Souvenirs
- Will I be able to purchase a souvenir t-shirt for myself or my support crew?
- Miscellaneous
- Can I ride the Rocky as a 1000 km brevet to count toward my ACP Randonneur 5000 award?
- Does the 1200 km I ride on the Rocky count toward the total distance for my ACP Randonneur 5000 award?
- What is the Can-AM pin and how do I earn this?
- What is your privacy policy?
- B.C. traffic laws and Rider Safety
- I have a question that’s not answered in this FAQ. What should I do?
- I sent you an email over 7 days ago and you haven’t answered. Why?
QUALIFYING FOR THE ROCKY
How do I qualify to ride the Rocky?
You must have completed an Audax Club Parisien (ACP) sanctioned brevet series including a 200km, 300km, 400km and 600km distance within the time limits and other rules prescribed by the ACP since 01-Jan-2015.
Alternatively, you must have completed an ACP sanctioned 1000km brevet or an RM (Randonneurs Mondiaux) sanctioned 1200km brevet within the time limits and other applicable rules since 01-Jan- 2015. You will be required to provide the location, date and homologation number for the qualifying brevets on your entry form.
I haven’t ridden a brevet series since before 2015 or I’ve never ridden one. Can I register now and then qualify for the Rocky this year?
Yes, but you must provide documentation of successful completion of a 200km, 300km, 400km and 600 km ACP sanctioned brevet series or a 1000km or longer ACP or RM sanctioned brevet by 15-Jun-2016.
ENTERING THE ROCKY
How do I register to ride the Rocky and when does registration open?
To be eligible to ride the ‘Rocky’ a rider must complete either an ACP sanctioned brevet series of a 200km, 300km, 400km and 600km distance within the time limits (and other rules prescribed by the ACP) between 01-Jan-2015 and 15-Jun-2016; or by completing an ACP sanctioned 1000km or and RM sanctioned 1200km brevet within the time limits and other applicable rules since 01-Jan-2015. Riders will be required to provide the location, date and homologation number of each of the qualifying brevets on the Registration form or by contacting the Registration Clerk on or before June 15, 2016. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your guaranteed registration in the event and forfeiture of your registration fee.
The total cost of entry including pre-registration and final registration is $595 CAN. The entry fee covers the cost of food at all controls, blankets, mats and showers at the three major sleeping controls, 2 bag drops per rider ( see FAQ), entry to the Wrap Party at the finish for each rider and a commemorative medal for riders who successful complete the event.
Entry and Registration for the 2016 Rocky Mountain 1200 will be a 2 part process with a Pre-Registration form available on the website, December 19, 2015. Pre-registration with payment of the pre-registration fee ($45 CAN, non-refundable). The purpose of pre-registration is to allow riders who need to make travel or holiday reservations well in advance, the opportunity to hold a position in the event pending final registration. Final payment ($550 CAN) and Final Registration will be open in late Jan. 2016. Once final registration opens, applicants on the pre-registration list will have two weeks to complete final registration before their place on the list is released to a rider on the Wait List.
If riders fail to complete qualification requirements or withdraw for any reason, we will open Registration (Pre and Final) to riders from the Waiting List. They will be emailed an invitation to register in the order they are listed. If you would like to be added to the Wait List, please email the organizers at the address on the Contact Us page. .
Can you give me some details on filling out the online entry form?
Required fields will be indicated on the online entry form. If you do not complete a required field, your entry cannot be processed. Your Age in years is required (by Randonneurs Mondiaux) and must only include numbers.
Please select your food preference as this will help us to plan menus for the event. Omnivore means you eat most things including meat. Lacto-ovo vegetarian means you eat eggs and dairy products but no meat, chicken or fish. If you choose ‘Other’, please specify details such as: Lactose intolerant, Celiac, Gluten intolerant or any food allergies. We will try to accommodate people’s food preferences but do not guarantee it.
Is there a limit on the number of riders who will be allowed to start the event?
Yes. Due to space constraints at some of the controls, the 2016 Rocky Mountain 1200 event will be limited to 115 riders. As it is anticipated that there will be normal attrition due to illness, injury or failure to qualify, an additional 10 applicants will be able to pre-register after which pre-registration will close. These next 10 applicants will be placed on the wait list in the order their pre-registrations are received. As confirmed riders withdraw or fail to complete final registration, names from the wait list will be offered a position in the riders’ list.
If an applicant completes the pre-registration then does not continue with final registration for any reason, please note that the pre-registration fee of $45.00 is non-refundable. The balance of the event fee is due at final registration.
* In 2012, all riders on the wait list were able to ride the event.
REFUND POLICY
What is the refund policy if I enter the event but can’t participate for some reason?
The refund policy is as follows: The Pre-registration fee of $45.00CAN is non refundable. If you have paid the full registration fee and withdraw for any reason before May 2, 2016 you will receive a refund of 75% of the Final Registration Fee ( $412.40 CAN). If you withdraw for any reason between 2-May-2016 and 12-Jun-2016, you will receive a 25% refund of the Final Registration Fee ($137.50 CAN). If you withdraw for any reason after 12-Jun-2016, no refunds will be provided.
* This is the preliminary policy and is subject to change.
PERSONAL SUPPORT VEHICLES
Are support vehicles allowed on the route?
Due to limited parallel travel options, support vehicles will be allowed on the route although you may NOT receive support except at the designated controls. In addition to the designated controls, riders may also receive support at Revelstoke, Roger Pass Summit, and Saskatchewan River Crossing. If a rider receives support from their support vehicle outside of a designated control or these three designated non-control locations, that rider will be disqualified. Directly following or preceding a rider constitutes support and is cause for disqualification.
You must inform us that you will have a support vehicle, the name of your support people and the license plate number of the vehicle. We will have a card available at registration to identify your vehicle as an authorized support vehicle.
Will my support crew be able to attend the post-ride party?
Yes. Each rider will receive a party ticket for himself or herself. Extra party tickets for support crew and friends will be available for purchase at registration.
RESULT REPORTING
Will my fans be able to watch my progress on the web?
Yes, there will be a web site which will list rider check-in times at most of the controls. Some of the Controls have limited or no internet or cellular telephone service. This is not an automated system. It is based on the control staff telephoning in arrival times to a voicemail system and a volunteer transcribing the times and uploading the data to the web. The priority for control staff is supporting the riders, so reporting arrival times for the web may often happen hours after riders reach a control. For just real time reporting it is recommended that a rider carry a personal SPOT GPS tracking device.
GETTING TO KAMLOOPS
How do I get to Kamloops?
You can get to Kamloops by car, plane, train, bus or bike. Please see the getting to Kamloops page.
Will I be able to obtain transportation for myself and/or my bike from Vancouver to Kamloops and return?
Each rider is responsible for getting him/herself and bike to and from Kamloops.
Can you give me the name of a hotel/motel near the start of ride where I can stay before and after the ride?
Information about lodging around Kamloops is here. Please note that the list of hotels includes a selection of accommodation choices near the start only. It is not an endorsement of any of these hotels or motels. Note that standard check-out time in Canada is 11:00.
REGISTRATION (RIDER CHECK-IN)
When is registration?
Registration is Sunday, July 24 from 13:00-19:00.
Where is registration?
At the Kamloops Curling Club, 700 Victoria Street, in the Glover Room.
What is the registration process?
1. Information – As you enter the Registration room, please go to the Information desk to pick up your rider information package. It will include a copy of the Event Waiver, Rules, Bike Check Form, FAQ and information about the area. Please read the Waiver and Rules carefully. You will be asked to sign a copy of the Event Waiver at the Registration Desk.
2. Bike Check – After picking up your package, please take your bike, helmet, reflective vest and Bike Check Form to the Bike Check area. You must have your bike, helmet and reflective vest to complete bike check. Please note that you must have front and rear lights (as designated by the rules) attached to your bike or your bike will not pass bike check and you will not be able to ride. Riders must have a reflective vest that must be worn twilight to sunup. Lights attached to a helmet or clothing are not acceptable in place of lights mounted on the bike. They would be considered as personal extras only.
3. Registration – Take your completed Bike Check Form to the correct Registration Desk. Registration will be set up alphabetically by last name. At the registration desk, you will sign the Event Waiver, receive your Control Card and Route Sheet along with your bike number plate.
4. Bag Drop – Take up to two (2) drop bags to the Bag Drop Desk. Request a bag drop tag for the control locations. One bag labelled “Golden/Clearwater” will go to Golden and then be forwarded to Clearwater. The second bag labelled “Jasper” will go to that location only. All bag drop tags are colour coded for the controls.
What will bike check be like?
Follow this link for a copy of the bike check form (in PDF format) that we will hand you at the start of registration. Each bike must pass the bike check before proceeding to the Registration desk. If your bike does not pass or you are missing a helmet or safety vest, you will not be able to ride the event.
CONTROL SERVICES AND FACILITIES
What are the sleeping facilities like?
Sleeping facilities are in church halls, recreation centres, and gymnasiums. Floor mats and synthetic blankets will be provided at Golden (major control), Lake Louise (limited number), Jasper (major control), Valemount (limited number), Blue River (limited number), Clearwater (major control). The floor mats will be either gym mats or closed-cell foam pads.
Each control will have a supply of ear plugs to block out the sounds of other riders coming and going and the snorers. There will also be a set in the package you receive at bike check. You may also want to bring eye-shades (available from travel shops or on some airlines).
For less communal sleeping arrangements you can choose to book motel rooms at your expense. Please see the lists of nearby lodgings on the control information pages.
Will showers be available at all controls?
No. Showers will only be available at Golden, Jasper, and Clearwater.
In Golden the showers are in the same building as the rest of the control facilities and are available at all hours.
At Jasper the showers are in the Aquatic Centre, approximately 0.8 km from the control, and are only available until 02:00 (Pacific Time) on Wednesday July 27th. As time and circumstances permit, the control volunteers will try to provide a car shuttle between the control and the Aquatic Centre.
The shower facilities in Clearwater are in the same building as the rest of the control facilities and are available at all hours.
Do I need to provide my own toiletries, etc. for use at controls?
Yes, you should include basic toiletries, (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.,) a towel and perhaps a wash cloth in your drop bags for each control where you plan to shower.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag or will bedding be provided at the controls?
No. Designated sleeping controls (Golden, Lake Louise, Jasper, Valemount, Blue River, Clearwater) will have sleeping mats and blankets. Note that the major sleep controls are Golden, Jasper, and Clearwater. In Lake Louise, Valmount, and Blue River there will be limited space and a limited number of sleeping mats/blankets. The Beauty Creek control is located in the parking lot of the Youth Hostel. We are NOT providing any sleeping accommodation at the Hostel. Riders can book their own accommodation at the Hostel.
A supply of ear plugs will be available at each sleeping control. Riders should bring their own eye shades (not provided) if needed as some of the controls will not be darkened at all times. If you are often cold when you sleep you should consider putting extra clothing in your drop bags.
I want to make motel/hotel reservations along the route for sleep breaks. Can you provide me with this information?
Information about lodging is on each control page. Please note that this is a list of accommodations only, NO recommendation is implied for any of the lodgings listed.
How does the drop bag system work?
We will transport up to 2 drop bags for each rider with one bag going to Golden/Clearwater and the other going to Jasper. Bags going to the Golden control will automatically be forwarded to Clearwater. Bags going to Jasper will be available only at that control. Bags will be returned to the finish in Kamloops by 18:00 on Thursday July 28th.
Drop bags are to be brought to the bike check on Sunday July 24th between 13:00 and 19:00. At the bike check, riders will tag their drop bags with colour-coded name tags to indicate where each bag is going to. Please make sure your name is on each of your drop bags.
Please restrict your drop bags to a reasonable size and weight as we have limited cargo space in the vans and volunteers have to lift all of them in and out of the vans several times. Maximum size is 10″ x 10″ x 20″ (250 mm x 250 mm x 500 mm). Maximum weight is not to exceed 15 lb (7 kg).
What types of food will be available at the controls?
The food we will provide is simple, hearty food such as meat or cheese sandwiches, eggs, potatoes, vegetarian soups, pasta, cereal, fruit and cookies. More details on the menus will be given on most of the controls pages.
Will vegetarian foods be available at the controls?
Food options without meat will be available at all controls. All soups will be vegetarian and made with vegetarian stock.
Will the controls have a supply of power bars, gels, and Gatorade available?
Gatorade powder will be available at all controls (except the start). The controls will not have Power Bars or energy gels. If you wish these, consider putting some in your drop bags or purchase these items along the way.
Will mechanical support be available at the controls?
No professional mechanical support will be available at the controls. Some controls are in towns with bike shops (Revelstoke, Golden, Lake Louise, Jasper, but these shops will only be open regular hours (approximately 9:00 to 17:00 each day – note that Jasper, Lake Louise, and Golden are in the Mountain Time zone 1 hour later than the Pacific zone).
There will probably be a few tools and a floor pump at each control. Some of our control volunteers are cyclists who maintain their own bikes and may be able to provide some assistance.
Make sure your bike is in good working order before you start the ride and consider bringing some basic repair tools with you.
Will I be able to purchase tubes, batteries and other supplies at the controls?
No supplies will be available for purchase at the controls. Riders are encouraged to bring their own spare tubes and batteries. It is recommended that riders carry at least 2 spare tubes with them along with a set of batteries and put extra batteries, tubes and tires in their drop bags. There are bike stores in the larger centres along the way (Kamloops, Revelstoke, Golden, Lake Louise, Jasper) but the area caters mainly to mountain bikes and you may not be able to obtain spares enroute.
CONDITIONS ALONG THE ROUTE
Terrain and Scenery
A dramatically scenic circle route from Kamloops east towards, and then north through the Rockies, returning to Kamloops south through the picturesque North Thompson River Valley, riders will be challenged by numerous major climbs and travel through 6 world renowned wilderness parks.
The elevation of Kamloops is 350 metres. The route follows the Trans Canada Hwy # 1 east from Kamloops then turns south towards the Okanagan Valley. It then returns north through rolling farmlands and forests. Turning east again to rejoin Hwy #1, the route passes by historic Craigellachie, site of the last spike marking the completion of the cross Canada railway in 1885 before reaching Revelstoke on the mighty Columbia River. This is where the serious climbing begins to the summit of Rogers Pass (1330m) and on to Golden, the first designated overnight control. Continuing east on Hwy # 1 the route passes through Kicking Horse Canyon and over the new Park Bridge, a 400 metre long engineering marvel spanning the Kicking Horse River and then on to Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Leaving Lake Louise the route turns north along the spectacular Banff-Jasper Icefields Parkway. Along the Icefields Parkway, riders will summit Bow Summit, which at 2068 metres is the highest point along the route followed by Sunwapta Pass at 2035 metres before reaching Jasper, the second major designated sleep control. Along the Parkway wildlife and glacier views abound. Leaving Jasper the route turns west along Hwy # 16, over Yellowhead Pass (1146m) through Mt. Robson Provincial Park (the highest mountain in B.C.) to Tete Jaune Cache where it turns south onto Hwy # 5 and follows the North Thompson River towards Clearwater (the third designated overnight control). At Clearwater the route takes an out and back leg to the Wells Gray plateau uplands (returning to Clearwater and Hwy # 5) to Kamloops.
Road conditions are variable along the route. There is a ridable shoulder along most busy sections of the route. On quieter roads or where no shoulder exists, cyclists must share the road with vehicle traffic. Please be courteous.
By law, cyclists must ride in single file only. Do not ride 2 or more abreast and use caution when passing a slower cyclist in traffic.
If you plan to ride in a group or pace line, use extreme caution as loose gravel, rocks and debris may obscure the roadway unexpectedly. Leave a safe margin between riders at all times, particularly a night and in low light situations.
By law, cyclists must wear a helmet at all times. Follow this link for Province of British Columbia cycling laws.
How do I survive riding through the Canadian Wilderness?
Much of the region you are riding through is sparsely inhabited; it’s very empty. On the first day you will pass a number of stores and restaurants up until Revelstoke at 204 km. Once you leave Revelstoke, stores and services are few and very far between. The first services you see might be the last ones you see for a very long time. If you need something, stop and get it!
Outside of the dry area around Kamloops you will probably find streams near the road. Please be advised that these streams likely contain giardia, a stomach parasite. We recommend that you obtain water at control sites, from known safe sources, or filter your water. For more information see BC Health Files.
Wildlife is everywhere, stay alert. Deer, Elk, Cougars, Mountain Goats, Mountain Sheep, Bears and Moose are common sights in the Parks and along all the roads used on this route. Most animals are more afraid of you than you might be of them and will usually try and avoid you. Should you encounter any animal, or animals (an animal jam – the wilderness version of a urban traffic jam) give the animal(s) room. They will usually move on. DO NOT take roadside naps at night.
Will food and water be available along the route in addition to at the controls?
The route takes you through fairly remote country and while there are some services along the way (see your route sheet) we strongly recommend that you stock up on food and water at the control points. NOTE: Services along the parkway are VERY limited –Saskatchewan Crossing & The icefields Centre. There will be a control at Beauty Creek with limited food services.
What type of weather can I expect to encounter on the route?
Expect sudden extreme changes of weather during the ride. Kamloops is generally hot and dry during July with temperatures sometimes reaching 35-40°C. Mountain weather can be very unpredictable with temperatures as low as 0°C (32 F) at night, especially at higher elevations. During previous editions of the Rocky Mountain 1200km, riders have experienced severe heat, heavy rain, as well as snow and sleet in the mountains. Winds can be very strong in the mountain passes and the river valleys.
Will there be vehicular support along the route?
In the spirit of randonneuring, each cyclist is expected to be self-sufficient. There will be several vans along the route to move control supplies. The primary purposes of these vans are to deliver and pick up supplies and drop bags from the controls. Most riders will never see these vans. However, if you are in trouble, particularly if you are toward the back of the group, you may expect some help and encouragement.
If I abandon the ride how will I be able to get back to Kamloops?
If you abandon at a control, volunteers will help you make arrangements to get back to Kamloops. There is Greyhound bus service from most larger towns along the route to Kamloops. The buses DO NOT transport bicycles which must be shipped by courier services. There is no bus service on the Parkway.
If you abandon along the route between controls, you will have to wait for the follow vehicle to pick you up (you might have a long wait) and carry you and your bike to the closest town or control. Control volunteers will assist you to get back to Kamloops, but in the spirit of Randonneuring you will be responsible for making your own arrangements to get back to Kamloops.
Should you abandon between controls, particularity at night in wilderness areas, we advise that you act to get to the next control as quickly as possible by any means available. Although hitch-hiking is illegal in B.C. It is a common practice, particularly in an emergency situation. A proven strategy is to remove a wheel or turn you bike upside down when attempting to hitch-hike. Canadian’s like to be helpful and a high percentage of vehicles in the area you will be riding through will be pickup trucks. To hitch-hike is a personal decision, you do so at your own risk.
Will we be advised of any road construction along the route?
Summer is when most major road repairs and construction occurs in B.C. and Alberta. Canada Parks has informed us that there will be major re-paving projects along the Parkway. Throughout the route expect to encounter construction work. Please obey the flag persons (It is the LAW). Should you encounter a long delay (seldom longer than 30 mins.) use it to your advantage: eat, sleep, etc.
We will be checking with the relevant highway departments and will endeavour to include information on road construction on the route sheet, at registration at Kamloops and/or at the control before the construction begins.
What is a rumble strip and how do I ride with them on the road?
Rumble strip are dimples cut into the shoulder just outside the white line. They are there to wake drivers who are veering off the road. They, unfortunately, can be hard to see in the dark and especially in the rain. If you hit them, it is important not to panic, but to surely and carefully steer off them again. They will rattle you and your bike but you can keep control.
What is a cattle guard and how do I cross it?
Cattle guards are sections of road where a metal grid covers a ditch, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to pass over but not cattle and other animals.
There are three cattle guards in the first 37 km of the route. It is recommended that riders walk across cattle guards cautiously.
MEDICAL COVERAGE
Do I need my own medical insurance for the ride?
Yes, you will need to have your own personal medical insurance to cover you for the ride. Riders with a valid BC Medical card will not need additional coverage. All other riders will need to ensure that they have medical coverage that is valid in Canada and specifically the provinces of BC and Alberta, to cover them for the duration of the ride.
It is recommended that all riders acquire appropriate travel and event cancellation insurance.
SOUVENIRS
Will I be able to purchase a souvenir t-shirt for myself or my support crew?
Yes. 2016 Rocky Mountain 1200 T-shirts will be available for sale during registration on Sunday, July 24th from 13:00 – 19:00 and if supplies last, at the post-ride party on Friday, July 29th. BC Rando club jerseys, shorts, vest and socks will also be available for purchase.
MISCELLANEOUS
Can I ride the Rocky as a 1000 km brevet to count toward my ACP Randonneur 5000 award?
No. The Rocky Mountain 1200 is a Randonneur Mondiaux sanctioned 1200 km brevet. There is no 1000 km option. The BC Randonneurs have scheduled ACP sanctioned 1000 km brevets for 2016. Please see the club events calendar for dates and locations.
Does the 1200 km I ride on the Rocky count toward the total distance for my ACP Randonneur 5000 award?
Kilometers from the Rocky Mtn 1200 km event can be used toward the total kilometers, but the Rocky event cannot take the place of the stipulated ACP 1000 km.
What is the CAN-AM pin and how do I earn this?
The Can-Am Challenge is an award earned by finishing a Canadian and a US 1200km-or-longer Randonneurs Mondiaux sanctioned Grand Randonnée in a single calendar year. For more information, follow this link to the Can-Am page.
What is your privacy policy?
See our privacy policy page.
B.C. Traffic Laws and Rider Safety
By law, cyclists must ride in single file only, wear a helmet and ride with lights from dusk to sunrise. If you plan to ride in a group or pace line, use extreme caution as broken pavement (particularly in the transition zone from the road shoulder to main roadway) loose gravel, rocks and debris may occur unexpectedly. Leave a safe margin between riders at all times, particularly a night and in low light situations. Follow this link for Province of British Columbia cycling laws.
I have a question that’s not answered in this FAQ. What should I do?
If your question is not answered here or elsewhere on the event web site you can contact us. We will answer your question as promptly as we can. We may also add an edited version of your question and the answer to this FAQ to help other people.
I sent you an email over 7 days ago and you haven’t answered. Why?
We’re not deliberately ignoring you, the most likely explanation is that your email accidentally got caught in our spam filter. Because our address is a well-publicized one, we receive a lot of spam messages for every “real” one. Our filter is good, but sometimes it makes mistakes. Please re-send your email and add a few technical cycling or randonneuring words. We will respond as quickly as possible.