Welcome & Core Information

Welcome
& Core Information

Welcome to the 2nd VanIsle 1200 !

The VanIsle 1200 (3 a.m., July 21-24, 2010) is a low-key 1200 kilometre randonnee featuring scenic seaside vistas and West Coast wilderness. Starting and finishing in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, the route travels along the Strait of Georgia, in-out across Vancouver Island to the former mill town of Gold River before returning to the drop-bag control at Campbell River and onwards to the northern turnaround at the logging & fishing town of Port Hardy.

Rider Information:
Cost: $225 Canadian which includes C$20 mandatory membership in the BC Randonneurs Cycling Club. (Can$205 if already a member of the BC Randonneurs Cycling Club).
Rider Limit: 40 riders. (Note: Due to ordering deadlines, riders whose registration packages are received after June 7 will only have size Large VanIsle 1200 t-shirts available to them).
Rider Qualification: Registrants will have successfully completed a 1000k brevet or a 1200k randonnee in 2008, 2009 or 2010, or have completed the 200, 300, 400, and 600k brevet series in either 2009 or 2010.
Rider's cycles and reflective material:
- This randonnee is limited to riders pedalling human-powered bicycles or tandems. Cycles with more than two wheels are not permitted, as many of the roads are narrow.
- Riders' cycles must be in excellent mechanical condition as the northern 600 kilometres of the route travels through isolated wilderness.
- A strong front-light and at least one red, rear tail-light are required to be mounted on the bike. Back-up lights and batteries must be carried with the rider.
- Reflective material is highly recommended on rear seat-stays, crank arms and front forks; in addition, a large reflective safety triangle hanging from the seat, seat bag or on the rear side of the rider is also essential for rider safety.
- A reflective vest or sash; and reflective arm and ankle bands are required to be worn at all times by registered riders.
Rider Insurance: Each rider is responsible for ensuring that they have adequate insurance coverage, such as travel medical insurance, liability insurance, travel cancellation insurance and adequate vehicle insurance. It is highly recommended that each rider consult with the appropriate insurance broker to determine the rider's insurance needs.
Cycling is inherently a risky activity. Cycling over long distances over unfamiliar terrain at all hours of the day and in sometimes heavy traffic, as a single cyclist or when riding with a group of unfamiliar cyclists increases the risk of injury. Each rider must be prepared to look out for their own safety and ride cautiously. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable ride experience.
Rider Support: Similar to the Colorado Last Chance 1200, the plan is to have a staffed drop-bag control at Campbell River (250/450k/950k controls); and, staffed bag-drop control at the Gold River Chalet motel (Gold River - 350k). The Rugged Mountain Motel at Woss Camp will be staffed, but with no bag-drop (575/775k controls). For those who ride through at night, the deli at Gold River closes at 10 pm; and the convenience store at Woss closes at 8 pm; all other controls will be 24-hour stores; or have a question that needs to be answered on the control card.
- Be prepared-there is no on-road support. Riders abandoning the ride will notify the organizer of their decision and find their own way back to the start-finish.
- Riders may arrange to have their own private support vehicle. Private support persons may only provide assistance to their rider at the official randonnee controls.
Controls / Drop bags: There will be 3 manned controls, but no food or rooms for sleeping. Drop bags will be transported to-from Campbell River and can be accessed at 285k; 463k; and 934k, and to-from the control at Gold River (350k). Another manned control is at Woss (575k; and on the return about 775k), but there will be no bag-drop there.
Weather: July is usually a fairly good month. However, it usually rains somewhere along the way, usually on the north end of the Island. Temperatures during the day, if it is sunny, could be 21C-27C. Early morning riding just south of Port Hardy can be very cold ... down to 3-4 degrees C. (Usually a very damp cold, sometimes with a mist.)
Wilderness: There are several long stretches of wilderness. We also have black & brown bears that PBP does not have, so sleeping along the road on the way north or west of Campbell River is not recommended!
T-Shirt: Included in your entry fee is a quality, cotton T-Shirt with the VanIsle logo on the left shoulder. They are slightly loose fitting. Indicate your preferred size on the entry form.

Route Overview:
Victoria - Gold River - Campbell River - Port Hardy - Victoria
- Approximately 30,000 feet of climbing, mostly undulating.
- More detailed route information on VanIsle 1200 Route page.

Can-Am Pin:
The coveted Can-Am pin. is awarded to riders who complete a 1200k in Canada and a 1200k in the United States of America in the same calendar year. In 2010, the only Canadian 1200k is the VanIsle 1200. It is planned that Can-Am pins will be awarded at the finish of the VanIsle 1200 for those ambitious riders who complete the Washington State Cascades 1200, which finishes one week before the start of the VanIsle 1200, and who also complete the VanIsle 1200. Those who complete the Shenandoah 1200 and the VanIsle 1200 will also be eligible.
More on the the award and the 2009 Can-Am pin laureates here: Can-Am 2009

Vancouver Island:
- Largest North American Island on the Pacific Coast: 454 kilometres long and 100 kilometres wide; 3,440 kilometres (2150 miles) of coast-line.
- Highest waterfall in North America - Della Falls in Strathcona Park drops 440 metres (1,443 feet).
Learn more about Vancouver Island on a separate page.

There are also separate info pages for information about: Accommodation and Event Locations.
Questions? Be sure to check out the FAQs page.

Ken Bonner
February 2010