Bruce Wickert, Thu, Jun 29, 11:27 AM
We will get together July 8, in Toronto at the Embassy Suites hotel near the Pearson Airport and it's about time to get more information to you before you arrive.
This also includes an ask from you to complete a travel information survey, primarily for flight information, both arriving and departing. The answers will give us a way trace late arrivers, and give a heads up to make arrangements for someone needing an early departure.
Travel Survey Request
Please click on the link to complete the survey. When you submit, it will send you an email of your inputs, and if it's not right, please submit again (correction is not possible) The last entry will be assumed to be correct.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf7MHiEFTUsRf4y77wPAfSQSuqr17Bdd86JXFhu_JZsWnw_Lg/viewform
Communications and Information
We have a "live" tour website as a central repository for information, It includes hotel and restaurant information, use of RidewithGPS, support vehicle drivers, and participant contact information. Brian is the creator and webmaster
Site is easily changed en-route, and check back often for updates
Links to: (Left hand side of the website)
WhatsApp chat group courtesy of Joanne Slabach (Kevin's spouse)
Add WhatsApp to your phone or and sign up. (Free) and use it to make internet based phone calls, texts, and video calls.
You can also add it to your laptop, to make typing easier.
All planning meetings were conducted using this app using the chat feature
If you have all the participants in you phone's contact list already, then the message author will be shown as the name associated with the phone number.
Use the contact list to add participants to your contact list to avoid seeing a phone number as the author
Group meetings before dinner
Always works, but I will be reading from WhatsApp chat and the Website
Picnic
Each day there will be a picnic available, supported by our luggage van.
Locations are on each day's route map, and will pop up on the cue sheet.
Support Van
We have a luggage van (Ted is bringing it), but we need to share driving responsibilities. Check the tour website for the latest information on who is driving which day. (Volunteers needed) Responsibilities include
Transporting bags in the morning from the hotel to the next hotel
Setting up a picnic for us to enjoy at a time to be determined each day
When possible picking up tired or otherwise disabled riders (secondary to support car)
Support Car
Chuck Swaney has volunteered his car for our support during the tour as the primary vehicle to pick up riders if needed, but we need to share driving responsibilities. Check the tour website for the latest information on who is driving which day.
Support Vehicle Phones
This year, each vehicle will have a dedicated cell phone included, so there will be a common number to call or text.
Vehicle numbers will be posted on the website
Support Vehicle Drivers
Both vehicles will be driven by volunteers
Please bring your driver's license if you are willing and able to drive
Brian Cox will coordinate.
One driver per vehicle per day
Drivers will be discussed at our first meeting Saturday night in the Embassy Suites Lobby @ 5:30 PM
Most Important to Bring
Do not forget your passport. You will need it to board the plane, you will need it to enter Canada, and you will need it on your bike as we cross the border between Canada and the United States. (Two days)
What to Pack
For bike riding
Pedals
Helmet
Cycling shoes to match the pedals
Water Bottles
Cycling gloves
Navigation computer or cell phone with RidewithGPS installed
Lock to safely park your bike during day visits at tourist sites.
Kits for riding
Suggest arm warmers for cool mornings
Raincoat for likely rain on 1 or 2 days (to stay warm)
If you have a La Fayette jersey from past years, BRING IT
For those bringing their own bikes also bring
Spare tubes, patch kit, tire levers, pump, spare tire (optional, but essential if your wheel is not 700C)
The above items are provided by those people renting bikes from Exclusive Sports
We will leave bike travel boxes at the hotel in Toronto, (same hotel 8 and 22 July)
For before and after the ride, very casual clothes that can be packed easily, and worn several times, including a pair of non cycling shoes. (let the cycling shoes rest too)
If you have La Fayette bling from previous years, BRING IT
If possible, pack using a duffle, or other soft sided bag, and try to pack lightly
Electricity is all 120 volt, 60 cycle. (same as the US)
Expected Weather (Weather Information)
First few days will be moist, with daily start near 21C (70 F) rising to 27 C (80 F) with a 60% chance of rain
Forecast likely to change, but be prepared for wet and cool, as well as warm and dry
If you have fenders for your bike, bring them
Meals
Our formidable hotel and restaurant planners have arranged for a variety of breakfasts and dinners, with accommodations for dietary preferences.
Here's what to expect:
All: you will eat anything (typical for me after a long day of cycling)
Vegetarian: you will eat anything EXCEPT meat. This includes Dairy, Eggs, and Fish (seafood)
Vegan: you will eat only vegetables. No dairy, eggs, or fish (seafood)
Some nights (Toronto and Niagara falls) your meal is on your own
Insurance
As you are aware, this group we call Cavaliers La Fayette, or Lafayette Riders, is not formally organized in any jurisdiction, but rather is a group of friends seeking comradery in places outside our home country while touring via bicycle. This has been going on for many years, and Dr. Mas could fill us in regarding the exact date of the first tour. However I would be remiss if I did not remind you that you are responsible for all your medical expenses, repatriation to the US, as well as civil liability, or obtain individual insurance to that effect Group coverage is not possible.
Participants Contact Information (link)
Bruce
Coordinator and Cat Herder