Pre-ride
The LM Spring 400 Elfmerentocht runs on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Dara Poon filmed this video during her pre-ride, three weeks in advance of the event. (Nigel Press did an independent pre-ride, one week in advance.)
This video explains the concept of the route and discusses some aspects of geography and history related to the eleven lakes on the circuit.
Riders who don’t want to watch the entire video are advised to skim through the following tips:
- 2:14 Cautions regarding Guildford Way bike lane
- 3:12 Location hint for Sasamat Lake info control
- 4:56 Terrain on the gravel trail at Sasamat Lake
- 5:58 Navigation from Lougheed Hwy to Pitt River Bridge
- 15:27 Caution regarding Stave Dam track
- 16:12 Location hint for Lake Errock info control
- 21:44 Mental preparation for Agassiz-Rosedale Bridge
- 27:15 Navigation to Sx̱ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake staffed control
- 33:29 Location hint for Cultus Lake info control
- 37:02 Location hint for Mill Lake info control
- 39:54 Instructions for at Lafarge Lake finish
Chilliwack Lake control on May 9
During the brevet, I ran the staffed control at a campsite in Sx̱ótsaqel/Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, bringing my children Julian and Fabian along for an overnight camping trip. They were extremely helpful with cooking, serving, washing dishes, and consuming the leftovers (musn’t attract bears overnight!). I certainly could not have kept up with the demand during the peak arrival period without their help!
Each rider got a serving of instant noodles (except Matthew, who was in a rush to finish early so that he could be at work the next day).
