With heavy WNW winds blowing this past weekend along with the rain, the leaves have some how managed to disappear from the trees, leaving behind a grey tinge to the forests. However, that shouldn’t stop you from getting out and riding; with the leaves gone, you see things you don’t normally do during the summer months. This past weekend I rode a fantastic local gravel loop. Half asphalt, half gravel, this ride is great no matter what time of year it is. The first portion of the ride takes you to one of the most scenic points over looking Collingwood. To get there, you have to crawl over a few huge gravel rollers, but its well worth the work. From there you venture into the a short section of the Pretty River Valley just to be side tracked for the quick but steep climb up Reid's Hill. With the warm up done, carry on west towards the Kolapore uplands where Little Germany is nestled amongst swampy lands and thick cedars. This is where the magic happens, sheltered by the forest canopy, the gravel road meanders and you nearly forget where you are. Little Germany has no sign announcing its location, no population to be counted, but when you cross the bridge you have ridden through it. Leaving Little Germany there is a short beautiful climb that winds up and around a few corners and pops you out at Metcalfe Rock, a popular spot for climbers and day hikers. From here, venture on to Ravenna for a delicious lunch at the General Store and then head home via Scenic Caves Road.

Gravel rollers heading toward Pretty River Valley - great scenic look out point

The base of the short climb at Little Germany