Detours: Bikepacking, Ultra-Cycling and Adventures by Bike

"The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t a race; it’s an invitation. An opportunity for anyone curious about bikepacking to show up, ride at their own pace, and share the experience. It brings people together—whether you’re pushing yourself against the clock or taking time to enjoy the landscape and small communities along the way.”

That’s how Jen Adams and Eric Betteridge describe the Log Driver’s Waltz—a stunning 800-kilometer bikepacking loop weaving through Ontario’s Ottawa Valley and into Quebec. For them, it’s all about community, shared experience, and adventure at your own pace.

In this episode, Jen and Eric share how decades of adventure together—17-day canoe trips, countless rides through their home region, and racing the Tour Divide—led them to create this unique route. The Log Driver’s Waltz isn’t just about the terrain (though with 75% unpaved roads, forested trails, and rugged paths, it’s no joke). It’s about inviting riders to show up, ride how they want, and share the experience.

We also dive into what it’s like to ride as a couple, how they balance different rhythms on and off the bike, and why building an inclusive bikepacking community matters. Plus, Jen and Eric explain how the Log Driver's Waltz became part of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and how they’ve intentionally created stepping stones—from accessible rallies to the full 800k loop—to help more people get into bikepacking.

If you’ve ever been curious about lining up for a Grand Depart, wondered how to build confidence for your first bikepacking trip, or thought about what it takes to ride (and create) a route like this, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The story behind the Log Driver’s Waltz and its ties to Canadian culture
• How decades of adventure—from canoe trips to the Tour Divide—shaped Jen and Eric’s approach to route building
• Riding as a couple: balancing different strengths, rhythms, and goals on the bike
• The creation of the St. Lawrence Bikepacking Triple Crown and fostering connections across the region
• Why community-building, safety, and accessibility are at the heart of the Log Driver’s Waltz
• How the route offers something for everyone—from those chasing FKTs to riders seeking a leisurely multi-day adventure
• Tips for tackling the route, including bike setups, resupply points, and managing its surprisingly punchy climbs

Details & Links for the Log Driver's Waltz

• 2025 Grand Depart: August 23rd,8 AM, Almonte Hills, Ontario, Canada
• Spring Rally: For those who want to experience the route in more digestible chunks
• Log Driver’s Waltz Official Website
• Log Driver’s Waltz Tips & Planning Facebook Group
• Follow Jen & Eric’s updates and rally details on social media @thelogdriverswaltz

As always, a huge thank you to Albion for supporting Detours this year.

Follow along:

• Follow Detours on Instagram: @detourscycling
• Follow Mel on Instagram: @melwwebb
• Follow Albion on Instagram: @albion.cycling

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