Riding

Schedule Bib Pickup – All riders must have a bib number attached to their shirt or jersey. These bibs are used to identify you for any repair services and most importantly in any emergencies. Tour officials have emergency contact information by bib number. With the bib is a luggage tag that allows confirmation of your ownership of the luggage. The bibs, T-shirt and other materials can be picked up at your starting location either the evening of June 5th or the morning of June 6th with luggage being dropped off at the same time. There will also be a bib pick-up arranged about one week before the event, but this is not a luggage drop-off. See the schedule page for more information.

Starting your ride – 2026 is going to have a new start procedure. There will be mass starts from CardelREC in Stittsville and from Conlan Farm in Perth. This is to create comraderie and a festive feel to the start. If you need to pick up your bib and drop off your luggage (on Saturday morning), you can arrive at your chosen start location during the scheduled registration hours.

At Conlon Farm, Perth parking is restricted to certain lots there is overflow parking at the nearby High School. Make sure your luggage tag is visible on your bag so  luggage can be sorted correctly at Queen’s. Ensure there are no loose straps that could be a hazard to luggage handlers. Be sure to give your bike a good check out before starting the ride – if you have an issue there are repair services available on-site. Remember to bring some cash as most of the rest stops do not accept debit or credit cards. Also, make certain that you have government issued photo ID with you.

On your ride – Pay attention to the RLCT directional signs, do not just follow other riders. If you’re using a GPS make sure that it was recently loaded onto your computer as there may be changes. Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, a bicycle is a vehicle and must follow the rules of the road. If there are issues on the route, follow the directions of the Road Marshals, SAG vehicle drivers, or police officers. Be mindful of your time. Enjoy the ride but be aware that there are specific cut-off times for your arrival at Queen’s University or the ending locations in Perth and Ottawa.

Arriving at Queen’s University – Follow the signs to the registration desks which are arranged by last name and pick up your room key/card and BBQ tickets, then either go to the BBQ or collect your bag, which will be sorted by bib number, and proceed to your room.  There will be a separate desk for those not staying at Queen’s for BBQ tickets and, if you purchased them, dinner and breakfast tickets.   

Leaving Queen’s University – Either before or after breakfast, drop off your luggage at the area designated for your return destination. Do not leave your car keys in the luggage. Make certain that the tag is visible so that your luggage can be sorted on arrival. Return your room card or key to the Queen’s University desk. Do not leave them in your room! Lost keys cost will cost you $125, lost cards $10. Do a bike check, again there are repair services available at the start.

Returning Home – You do not need to follow the same route back to Ottawa or Perth as you did to Kingston. Keep mindful of the time, particularly if returning to Perth as the cut-off time is early. See the schedule page for details. Pay attention to the RLCT directional signs, the Saturday and Sunday routes may differ.

Returning to Perth or Ottawa – On your return collect your bag. You are not allowed to bring your own alcoholic beverage  to either of the finish locations.