Hi,
Neat to hear of a new event in Canada.
Couple preliminary questions to get the thread started.....
AR700 (Alberta Rockies 700km) Grand Depart-June 19th 2016 7:00am Mountain Time, Hinton, Alberta.
http://www.albertarockies700.com/https://www.facebook.com/events/1653233641589345/This is a fully self supported bike packing event. The route is over 80% gravel. It will be run similar to events such as the Tour Divide and other long distance self supported rides. The grand depart will take place in Hinton Alberta and the route will end in Coleman Alberta. The route follows the first range of the Rocky Mountains with grueling climbs and epic downhills all along the route. Along the way you will pass through small towns with a history of coal mining, ride beside glacier fed creeks and see some amazing mountains all around you.
This event is fully self supported, no outside help other than what you can find or buy along the way. Services are extremely limited on this route, so you will need to pack accordingly. Water crossings are plentiful in the first half of the route, but may be more sporadic on the second half.
*Can anyone comment on the type of road. I haven't done any google earthing yet but have scanned over the map link quickly.... "80% gravel" from the pictures looks very rideable. What does the other 20% consist of? Singletrack/chunky, loose FSR vs. paved would lead to different tire/bike set ups. Thinking Tour Divide Lite/Gravel grinder vs more trail oriented.
*Is there going to be or is there already a GPX track for the route?
Just something to get this going.....
Adam.