How can I get the current version of the TCAT GPS files for Alberta and British Columbia sections? I have sent several email over the past 4 month to advcanada@gmail.com per the GravelTravel web site, but no response. Any ideas?
Oh, and any suggestions for a source for maps for TCAT? I see Back Road Map Books https://www.backroadmapbooks.com/ has single maps and books. Anyone have experience with these particular maps or have suggestions for another source?
I see nobody ever responded in timely fashion, sorry about that, but maybe my post helps somebody down the road. Been using Backroad Mapbooks for adventures around BC and they are awesome, not 100% precise all the time, but will have lots of roads, trails, campsites etc. so certainly recommended.
They are getting better as user input does the vetting. The authors seem to have compiled every bit of mapping data they could gather up into their product. Consult someone (more than one person if possible) with "local knowledge" before getting very far from the path well traveled.
I have a couple of questions for anyone that's been on the western part of the TCAT. I ask because I'm looking for a relatively easy route for myself (some modest technical experience on a big bike) and my daughter (street experience, no off tarmac, she will likely be on a 650) In the prairies it looks like the route includes either Gravel roads or the birm of a Levy or drainage/irrigation ditch. Is this pretty much typical? In the mountains is the route typically Gravel roads or two tracks? Either Prairie or mountains, is there any single track or technical areas that should be avoided by a novice or a big bike? How many days is a good idea to plan for getting through MB, SK, AB, or BC? Is 2 days per province sufficient? We have about a week available this coming summer and are looking at options.
Those provinces would likely take you three solid weeks. If I had to pick I would do Banff to Vancouver which would be a great one week trip. There is no single track or crazy terrain. Unpaved roads and double track old roads with some pavement here and there to connect the non paved sections.
I didn't realize how long that track is. I went back and did a quick measurement on the GPX file, looks like SK is over 1500km, AB around 1200km and BC over 2600km. Thanks for the response. I will look closer at the BC option. Glad to hear it's a doable route for us with no crazy technical hazards.
Are the gpx files available from some place else other than GravelTravel? I emailed for a copy and donated via PayPal for a sticker but have not heard anything back.
It's odd that Ted hasn't responded back... I know in the past, he's been slow to respond, but for good reasons. I have an old 2017 version (TCAT 5.4) if it'll help anyone. PM me your email address if you want this outdated file.
Sorry folks, seems everyone wanted to plan trips when covid hit. I am working my way through all the email...bare with me. Responded to 500 or so in the past few days and still have almost 2000 to go. Keep in mind I normally get 1 per day.... Stay safe and keeper rubber side down Ted
Hi, I sent a request email to the email address given on the site for the paypal transfer before making the transfer. I've been waiting for a couple of months with no response. I sent one back last night hoping for a return. Does anyone here know if the service is still available for gpx files or has the graveltravel site been on its way without a driver for some time? Thanks !