March 3/09 17:30 pm - Saskatchewan Cyclist Tour Heads West in 2009

Posted by Editor on 03/3/09
 

Saskatchewan's annual bicycle tour is heading west this summer. About 50 cyclists riding in the Great Annual Saskatchewan Pedal (GASP) will tour West Central Saskatchewan from July 18 - 25. The eight-day trip, organized by the Saskatchewan Cycling Association, explores a different area of the province each year.

The 2009 tour route begins and ends in Saskatoon, and passes through Biggar, Wilkie, Battleford, Unity, Kerrobert, Herschel, Rosetown and Outlook.

The annual tour is designed around opportunities to experience the scenery, culture and history of Saskatchewan. The pace is leisurely. The itinerary includes visits to local attractions and events. A support vehicle carries cyclists' gear.

Among the highlights of this year's tour, cyclists will arrive at Fort Battleford in time to take part in Parks Canada's "Siege of Battleford", one of only four evenings throughout the year when the cannon is fired at the national historic site. The group will visit archeological, paleontological and historic sites at Herschel, where there will also be an opportunity to stay overnight in tipi lodging. The cyclists also hope to get a glimpse of Biggar's historic railroad roundhouse.

Saskatchewan Cycling Association members organize GASP for its affiliated cycling clubs. The provincial event also provides an opportunity to introduce bicycle touring to those who have never tried it before. Club volunteers organize the trip as an affordable vacation. The GASP 2009 trip is limited to 50 participants. Last year, the cyclists toured the Qu'Appelle Valley between Fort Qu'Appelle and Tantallon. The event attracts cyclists from throughout the province.

For more information, please contact:
Darrell Noakes, Vice-President, Public Relations
Saskatchewan Cycling Association
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 343-6399
Email: darrell@darrellnoakes.com


Background Information

GASP 2009 Itinerary:

Day 1: Saturday, July 18, Saskatoon to Biggar
Day 2: Sunday, July 19, Biggar to Wilkie
Day 3: Monday, July 20, Wilkie to Battleford
Day 4: Tuesday, July 21, Battleford to Unity
Day 5: Wednesday, July 22, Unity to Kerrobert
Day 6: Thursday, July 23, Kerrobert to Herschel
Day 7: Friday, July 24, Herschel to Outlook
Day 8: Saturday, July 25, Outlook to Saskatoon

Total distance, about 660 km.

Great Annual Saskatchewan Pedal - GASP 2009
Supported road tour of West Central Saskatchewan July 18 - 25, 2009. 8 days/7 nights. Camping (optional hotel/motel accommodation available each night). Cost: $300 for 8-day trip; $100 for two-day options. Cost includes camping accommodation, support vehicle, snacks; does not include cost of meals, hotel/motel accommodation.

GASP 2009 organizing committee:

Bob Cochran, Regina
Don Cook, Saskatoon
Darrell Noakes, Saskatoon
John Oneschuk, Saskatoon
Ted Quade, Regina
Don Wilson, Regina

Tour Website: www.saskcycling.ca/GASP/gasp.html