Just imagine the thrill of adventure on the open road with a team of other cyclists of your own age. Just imagine the closely-knit group life, the discoveries, the fun and learning, new friends and new places. You will be with other like-minded teenagers, who are active, like the outdoors and cycling and love being part of a group. We are not training for the Tour de France, the cycling destination is only part of the adventure! The real pleasure will be the journey along the way.

Activities / Departure and Arrival / Equipment Transportation / Security / Accomodation and Meals / Bilingual Adventures / FAQ

Activities

Our trips combine natural beauty with a wide variety of activities. Your bicycle is your moving machine. It will take you on a journey filled with action: whether it is kayaking, deep sea fishing, spotting wildlife, cooling off with a swim, catching a movie or hanging out by a campfire. Other highlights of selected trips include canoeing, discovering villages, rafting, mountain biking, hiking, farm stays, beaches, museums visits, historic sites, cultural festivals and events, movies, pizza night and more...

Cycling Camp Departure and Arrival

Please ensure to arrive 30 minutes ahead of the rendez-vous time.

Departure procedure:

• Explanation of tour rules and day-to-day overview;
• Rental equipment pick-up;
• Check-up of every bicycle and luggage installation workshop;
• Explanation of emergency procedures to parents;
• Acquaintance activities for campers;
• And off they go! (picture time...)

Arrival

Arrival time may vary depending on road conditions for the cyclists. It's important to give us a phone number where you can easily be reached during registration, so we can inform you of any change.

Equipment Transportation on the Bicycle

Each camper is responsible for transportation of his/her personal equipment in his saddlebags. You will find a list of recommended equipment here. Key word when packing: stick to the essential! Collective equipment (tents, cooking material, food, first aid kit and mechanical kit) is distributed among all riders, so make sure you leave a bit of room on your rack. One of the tour guides pulls a trailer with a cooler and cooking stove.

Security on and off the Bicycle

La Compagnie des Nomades is fully accredited by the Quebec Camp Association. We meet all standards for safety, camping, staff, program, hygiene, health and ethics. Safety is our first priority and is an integral part of all our trips:

• Cycling routes and trails are safe and chosen ahead of time;
• Helmet is mandatory;
• We require the strict respect of the rules of the road and the Nomad Tours regulations. We teach campers how to safely ride on the road;
• Each group is accompanied by two tour guides ages 20 and over, with extensive group-leading and cycletouring experience and first aid training;
• Groups are constantly in contact with the main office that can immediately take emergency measures in case of need.

Accomodation and Meals

Travelling on the open road makes a nomad out of you: camping in a tent and occasionally in a barn or a shelter! Each rider participates in setting up camp. Eager for new adventures, we break camp each morning to blaze new trails, to discover new horizons and to meet new people. Your group manages a food budget, plans the menu and buys fresh food in grocery stores and local markets. Campers and staff take turns cooking together to provide delicious meals for your group.

We provide groups with a menu prepared with the help of a nutritionnist. It answers the specific needs of hungry cycling teens and ensures food is always fresh and tasty. Preparing great meals is a fun group experience.

Bilingual Cycletouring Adventures

Cycling Camp FAQ

What kind of sleeping bag do I need?
Compressible summer sleeping bags stored in stuff sacks are adequate for all trips. We rent summer bags that compress to approximately 8" x 16", though your sleeping bag doesn't have to be that small. Make sure to line the inside and outside of your stuff sack with a plastic bag to keep your sleeping bag dry in the rain

Can I use a mountain bike for cycle touring?
Yes, you can use a mountain bike. Mountain bike frames are usually strong and the sometimes more comfortable for the rider. They are popular amongst teenagers. Many trips include dirt or gravel road in their itineraries, mountain bikes are often easier to control on these roads. The mountain bike needs to have the eyelets to install a rack properly. We recommend replacing the knobbly thicker tires with tires that have less traction to decrease the friction. Sorry, rear suspension mountain bikes are not designed for carrying panniers for long distances and they are not accepted on our trips. Depending on the trip, road, hybrid and mountain bikes may all be used. Please check the bike type for your trip under the Trips section.

Do I really need a bell and helmet?
Yes, security is our priority! In some provinces a bell is required on all bikes by law for warning pedestrians on cycle paths. Cycling helmets are also required for safety, in some provinces they are required by law for all those under 18. We require that campers use an approved cycling helmet. Helmets for BMX biking or skateboarding are not accepted.

What makes a good quality bike rack?
Two stay (adequate) and three stay (recommended) racks are the norm because they can hold more weight than single stay racks. Do not purchase a rack with a ''mouse trap'' style carrier. Good racks are made of aluminium (or steel alloy). Norco, Trace, and Mountain Equipment Co-op all sell sturdy racks around 20,00$(CND). Once the rack is installed, we advise you to glue the screws so as not to lose them on the road. Vibrations caused by bumps on the road can often loosen screws and bolts on a bike. Use epoxy type glue, duct tape, or Locktite

What size panniers are needed?
We recommend a combined volume of 40L to 45L for rear panniers. We rent "randonnier" Mountain Equipment Co-op panniers (43L). One pannier holds approximately a fully stuffed plastic grocery bag. If you follow the recommended clothing list this should be adequate for the trip. Remember that the group will stop to do laundry during the trip!

How do I pack my panniers?
Clothing and personal items can be packed inside the panniers. First, line each pannier with a large garbage bag. Most panniers are not waterproof, so this is very important for keeping its contents dry. Even on a sunny day make sure to put all your clothes in the bags. Replace the bags during the trip as needed. To pack, roll your clothes and stuff them into the panniers. Distribute the weight evenly between the panniers. Pack most commonly used items on the top of your bags, such as: mess kit (for lunch), raincoat, sunscreen, bathing suit and towel and your lock. Your sleeping bag, sleeping pad and camping equipment will be strapped on top of the panniers and on the rack.

What type of lock do I have to bring?
For security matters, all the campers must bring a lock along. We recommend the «U» locks, that are more sturdy. This type of lock can be with «numbers» or sold with 2 keys. In the second case, we suggest the campers keep one key handy and hide the other one in a safe place in case the first one goes missing. The «plastic covered metal cable » locks are also appropriate. However, it is preferable to buy a lock with a cable circumference approaching the size of a big marker.

What about the rain?
For your panniers, use garbage bag liners as described above. To protect your sleeping bag, line the inside of its stuff sack with a plastic bag in which you stuff your sleeping bag and wrap another plastic bag around the outside. If the bag on the outside rips, only the stuff sack will get wet! Replace all garbage bags as necessary during the trip. You can also use different size Ziplock bags for other small items that might get wet! If it gets very stormy, the guides will find a safe sheltered spot to stop. While safety is our top priority, be prepared to cycle and camp in light rain! Don't forget your waterproof, or waterproof breathable rain jacket.

Do we need a front handle bar bag?
The front handle bar bag is optional. It is a convenient way to store a camera, sunscreen, map, sunglasses and other small items. This bag should not be too heavy. Make sure to purchase one that has a sturdy attachment as they can loosen easily.

How many and what kind of straps do I need (to fix objects onto the bike rack) ?
You will need at least 3 straps. At Canadian Tire, you will be able to find 3 different and effective kinds of straps, listed here in order of preference: 1) the brand North 49 offers a 60'' adjustable cinch belt with a solid quick release buckle. 2) the brand Coghlan's offers a 6 ft. strap with a strong plastic no-slip buckle. 3) the brand Coghlan's again, offers a pack of 2, 48'' (1.22m) straps (which are smaller, and weaker than the former). Mountain Equipment Coop, as well as other outdoor equipment shops also carry a few types.

Can I bring bungee cords?
For reasons of safety, bungee cords, often with metal hook ends, are no longer permitted on trips.

Do I need spending money ?
Fo all our trips, it is not necessary to bring spending money since we provide food for all the meals and snacks. The cost of all activities, entrances and camping fees are included in the price of the trip. If you really want to bring some money along, we recommend no more than 20$, which is best reserved for souvenirs. You might want to budget $10.00 for your very own La Compagnie des Nomades souvenir t shirt! Please note that any money you bring with you is your responsibility whilst you are on the trip. If for some reason you need money to replace a broken part on your bike or to purchase an essential camping item, the guides can use their surplus budget whilst on the trip. The money can then be reimbursed by your parents at the end of the trip.

Can I bring a cell phone ?
Since we are going on an adventure we want the experience to be different from our everyday lifestyles, which is why it is mportant that cell phones are not brought on the trip. You will be so active and having such a great time that you will not even think about it! The guides communicate with the Nomades office on a regular basis, ensuring that information about location and other important news is passed on. Please note that you will have access to public telephones at the camp sites and other public places should you really need to make a call. You can use a calling card, or with permission, call collect.