Great Annual Saskatchewan Pedal

GASP 2011 - July
Where are we going in 2011?
In 2011 the tour will travel the roads of Saskatchewan's North East.
Stay tuned for details of this tour.

Before the Ride | Planning | En Route | What to Bring | Registering

Registration Form

YouTube video from 2010 GASP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHe-3wD-Z7I&feature=youtu.be
YouTube video preview of 2010 GASP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk01cZe8h0o
YouTube video on 2009 GASP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlUx4A-td58

Article on 2010 GASP           Article on 2009 GASP          Article on 2008 GASP          Article on 2007 GASP         Article on 2006 GASP
Article on 2005 GASP          Article on 2003 GASP          View all the tours on the Saskatchewan Map

Welcome to GASP, a Saskatchewan bicycle ride across some of the greatest frontier of North America.  GASP, is a bicycle tour, and definitely not a race.  Along the way you'll have an opportunity to visit many historic sites, many of which recognize significant events, people and geography of our province.

You'll experience Saskatchewan hospitality first hand on this tour.  Following you will find more details on the facilities, the route, and plans of your hosts.  There are also links to the application / registration form and the SCA membership application form. 

                                   Join us...  for the ride of your life.                                                                       Click to return to top

Routes selected for south in 2012

While selecting the 2010 route, the GASP tour committee decided that in 2011 the tour will go northeast, exploring as far as Melfort, Tisdale and Nipawin. In 2012, the tour will return to the southwest, south of Swift Current, or southeast around Weyburn and Estevan.

Before the ride... 

Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.  The first 40 registered applicants (confirmed by receipt of payment of deposit no later than May 1) will be guaranteed a place in the event.  The remaining balance, based on the option selected by the participant, is due by May 31.  Fees will be returned to those who apply after the registration limit has been met. 

The SCA may cancel the tour because of insufficient registrations or unforeseen circumstances. Cancellation due to insufficient registrations will occur no later than June 15, and registrants notified immediately thereafter. In the event of cancellation due to other causes (e.g. weather or emergencies), participants will be advised as soon as possible, though we regret the SCA cannot guarantee the notice deadline. In no circumstance is the SCA responsible for additional or consequential costs, such as travel (e.g. airline tickets or cost of driving to the event), time off work, vacation costs, etc.

Fees should be paid to Saskatchewan Cycling Association, registration form. 

The deposit of $50 is required by May 1, with payment in full by June 1. Your deposit is refundable up until May 1, after May 1 the deposit is nonrefundable.
Submit form and payments to:
Saskatchewan Cycling Association (SCA)
2205 Victoria Avenue Regina, SK S4P 0S4

Note: All amounts in Canadian funds.

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Tour Fees include
- 1 or 8 nights accommodations in non-electrical campsites (depending on the option is chosen)
- Daily road snacks
- Assistance from the support vehicle
- Daily baggage transportation
- Minor bicycle repairs

Tour Fees do not include
- 2010 SCA membership fees, participants must be SCA members at the time of the tour
- Transportation to and from the start and end of the tour
- Entertainment costs
- Bicycle repair parts
- Park admission fees, if applicable

Be sure a signed application form is submitted for each person wanting to participate in the Tour.  Parents or legal guardians must accompany minors.  Unaccompanied minors will be sent home.  Any minor consuming alcoholic beverages may be charged according to the law and sent home. 

All participants must be members of the Saskatchewan Cycling Association at the time of the tour.  The cost of the SCA membership fee is not included in the costs of the tour. The SCA membership application form and information are available at http://www.saskcycling.ca.

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Planning for the ride... 

GASP is a tour, not a race.  While the trip is carefully planned and supported, every rider is responsible for their own safety and the safety of their fellow riders.  Please follow the rules of the road and listen to the suggestions offered by the tour guides, the sag drivers and the ride officials.

To get the most from your experience, you should be in reasonable shape before the ride begins.  Try to get as many kilometers (or miles) in before the start.  Have your bike inspected and serviced before you arrive.

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En Route…

Daily route maps/marking

Daily route maps will be provided to riders.

During the Tour

You may begin riding each morning at 7:00 A.M.  Luggage must at the designated pickup location by 8:30 A.M.  Plan to ride at a speed which will enable you to complete the day’s ride before sundown.  If you are still on the road at dusk, the sag wagon will pick you up and take you to your destination.

Sag wagons will carry snacks, water, bike repair supplies, lists of emergency contacts and first aid supplies.  If you see the sag wagon and wish them to stop, give the driver the “tap on top of your helmet” signal.  They cannot carry personal gear for all the riders so you should come prepared with a bag attached to the bike for the gear you will need for the day, which should include your identification, health card and any information medical personnel may need in the event of an emergency.  Large backpacks are not recommended.  Sag wagons will patrol the established route.  We cannot be responsible for you if you take a detour.

The tour will proceed despite poor weather conditions.  Come prepared with rain gear, including booties or plastic bags for your feet, warm gloves, and clothing appropriate for the temperature.  Windy conditions will likely be encountered.  Do not attempt to “draft” other riders.

Bike Repairs

We strongly advise that you have your bike inspected and repaired before beginning the trip.  Problems do occasionally arise and we will be prepared to do most repairs along the way.  We will have a supply of tires, tubes, wheels, spokes, cables and brake blocks as well as replacement derailleurs.  While there is no charge for repairing your bike, you are expected to pay for any needed supplies.  Please do not ask to borrow the bike repair tools and do not take any parts from the sag wagons before paying.

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Your Accommodations... 

Campers

We have arranged for camping each night in local campgrounds.  The luggage truck will have your gear there at the end of the day.  Campgrounds will all have water and toilets but some may not have showers.  If that is the case, a shuttle service will be made available to take you to the closest facility.  Do not assume hotel guests would welcome you to use their showers.  Please camp in the designated areas and abide by the restrictions as to number of tents on each site.  Please respect the quiet time of 11 p.m. 

Food Services

In some towns, a catered supper and/or breakfast may be available.  We will keep participants informed of those arrangements.  A list of all available food services will be provided to each rider.  Campers are welcome to prepare meals at the campsite provided they can get any needed gear in their allotted baggage space and weight restrictions.

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What to Bring... 

Be sure to bring along enough money to cover your meals and snacks, bicycle repairs, and incidentals, such as souvenirs and telephone calls home.  GASP will continue on schedule despite poor weather conditions.  Weather can greatly vary this time of year so be prepared.  You should pack accordingly.  Here are some ideas on what to bring:

Bicycle equipment

While sag wagons will be able to provide some assistance along the way, any major repair will have to wait until the end of the day.  At the very least you should carry a spare tube, a set of tire levers and a pump.  Even if you can’t change a flat tire, others will be able to help if you have the supplies.  You should bring a bicycle lock, water bottles or a “Camelback” and a seat cover.  A rear view mirror can be very helpful.  Be sure to remember your helmet as it is a required item.

Camping

Tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, small pillow or stuff sack, rope, stakes, flashlight.

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Personal Gear

Bring enough socks, underwear, cycling shorts, jerseys or shirts to last for several days.  Although most communities have a laundromat, they can sometimes be very busy during a tour of this sort.  As well, bring along a good cycling jacket, some long pants or tights for the cold or rainy days and some clothes for off-the-bike wear.  Formal evening wear is entirely an optional luxury!  Packing your gear in waterproof bags is always a good idea. 

Be sure to bring any necessary prescriptions and personal needs as well as insect repellent and sunscreen, a towel and toiletry kit.

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First aid

You may wish to carry a small first aid kit on your bike.  A complete first aid kit will be available in each sag wagon. 

Extras

Consider bringing a journal and pen, a good book, spare glasses, camera, sunglasses, a hat, watch, ear plugs for noisy campers or rowdy hotel guests, your ID and wallet.  We suggest you label clearly label all luggage and personal belongings with your name and contact information. Cyclists are permitted to use rack packs on their bicycles, and ensure that rain gear is carried on your bicycle for easy access. Not all restaurants and hotel accommodations on the ride route accept all credit cards, so ensure you have an alternative form of payment.

Luggage space is limited in the trailers and the SAG wagons. Please observe the following guidelines when packing for the ride:
          ~ For cyclists staying in hotel accommodations, limit your luggage to 2 cubic feet per bag and not to exceed 20 pounds in total.
          ~For cyclists staying in camp ground accommodations, limit your luggage to 4 cubic feet per bag, and not to exceed 40 pounds in total.

Put your name and address on everything you bring.

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Registering... 

Complete and print the registration form and mail the completed application form and cheque or money order in Canadian funds, :

Saskatchewan Cycling Association
2205 Victoria Avenue
Regina, SK
S4P 0S4
or call
Phone: 306-780-9299
Fax: 306-525-4009
e-mail: cycling@accesscomm.ca

If you need additional information, please feel free to contact us at the above phone number or address. 

Refunds
 All refunds must be requested in writing.  Full refunds will be issued if received by the SCA no later than May 31.  Refunds after that date will be subject to a $50.00 fee being withheld.

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