Two Row by the Grand

In this pilot year, we welcome participants who are students at University of Waterloo or members of Six Nations. In future years, we plan to offer opportunities for participants across the watershed and beyond. There are 10 spots in total with five spots reserved for University of Waterloo students and five spots reserved for members of Six Nations. Learn more and apply here.

An all-surface bike (hybrid, gravel bike, mountain bike, or road bike with 35mm tires or wider) should work well. Helmets are mandatory. Rear lights and an extra tube for your tires are also a good idea but optional. Every rider must take responsibility for showing up with a well-maintained, safe bike to ride. Rentals can be arranged.

Riders will cover approximately 35km average distance per day (and up to 45km maximum) for a total of 350km over 10 days. The pace will be inclusive and the group will ride together (~15km per hour), with a strict “no drop” policy. We stay together.

Terrain will include rail trails, dirt roads, and open roads. The route has been selected to feature connections to the Grand River and the cultural teachings and sites throughout the watershed. We will actively support and share meals, cultural teachings, and other activities with the paddling participants joining the Two Row on the Grand.

A support vehicle will transport gear from location to location and will be available in the case of bike maintenance issues. The group will work together to fix minor mechanical issues (flat tires) or transport to a nearby bike shop when needed.

A full gear list has been curated by the paddling journey, Two Row on the Grand, in their FAQ section. Riders will receive a further gear list for cycling equipment (bike, helmet, and safety lights). A high viz vest will be provided.

The route for each ride will be downloadable as a “GPX” file so that it can be loaded on your phone and/or bike computer. It can also be printed. Details on the inaugural route will be released in early June and is subject to change.

Riders are not required to pay. However, the cost of the journey is approximately $1500 per person. We ask that riders commit to helping fundraise (target pledge of $250) to go toward the scholarship fund that will support the journey. Details and a tax deductible donation page are here.

Please contact us. The crew includes Dustin Garrick, Fridah Silas, and Will Rauch-Davis from the University of Waterloo and Spring Carter from Six Nations Tourism. Please contact us at info@watercycles.bike and sntcoordinator2@sixnations.ca