Gravel lovers take note…

Georgian Trail, just outside of Meaford.

Temperatures dropped this weekend, meaning one thing…the second part of fall has finally arrived.  Time to ditch the arms and legs and pull out the full thermo tights and jackets.  Despite the heavy north west winds that haunt us here during the autumn months, this weekend was perfect if you were looking to see some fall colours.  

Side Road 5, near Banks.

This is the best time of year for gravel rides.  Collingwood has kilometres of gravel, everything from goat path climbs to smooth rail trails.  If the winds are strong, ride from Collingwood to Meaford along the sheltered Georgian trail.  A great carefree ride that takes you on an “out and back” route through Thornbury to Meaford and back.  Stop for a coffee and some goodies (or lunch) at the halfway point, McGuintys Cafe in Meaford.  The Georgian trail is great for highbred bikes, but completely rideable on a carbon road bike, as long as you don’t mind the stone dust.  Most of us spend hours riding this trail in the bad weather on cyclocross bikes.

I spent Sunday venturing around the gravel backroads up on the escarpment, taking in all the colours the fall has to offer.  If your looking for a great gravel ride (on a cyclocross bike or mtb), head west out of town, climb 12th Sideroad, and spend a few hours riding the concession back roads, great anytime of year if you’re looking for a challenge.  As November approaches, get out on those nice days….there isn’t too many left before the snow starts to fly.


Thanksgiving weekend didn't disappoint!

Thanksgiving weekend in Collingwood was ideal for getting out on the roads.  Colder temperatures in the morning, and warm, sunny afternoons made for near perfect conditions for exploring the backroads before the colder weather sets in.  On holiday Monday I took in the Coffee Run with a few friends.  Battling the south winds paid off as we rode through the rollers on Concession Rd 6, the fall colours were at their best.  Unfortunately, the bakery was closed in Creemore due to the holiday, but we were able to grab a quick bite to eat at the Old Mill House Pub.  As we around the corner there were twenty bikes parked parked along the side of the pub, turns out it was the Barrie Cycling Club halfway through their eleventh annual Thanksgiving Monday ride.  It never surprises me to see this many bikes parked along the side of a building in this small town.  The foliage was so stunning that we rode home the same way, just to take in the view in the opposite direction.  

Hope you had time to get out and ride!

Looking south on Concession Road 6, 7km from Creemore



Fall is here...

The last few weeks in the Collingwood has proven to be one of the best autumns on record.  The foliage has been incredible, the mix of reds, oranges and yellows is enough to slow your cadence down forcing you to take in all the colours.  On October 4th, Ontario Parks noted that the colour change was at 60% and the leaf fall was 20%.  

Some of the best routes to ride this time of year include ascending the Pretty River Valley, descending into Maple valley and twisting along Grey Road 13 through the Beaver River Valley toward Kimberley.  The Thanksgiving weekend looks to be some of the best riding of the fall, just remember your bennie, sleeves and legs, temperatures are going to be in the low teens.  Get out and take it all in before the snow arrives.

Looking north at the mid point of the Pretty River Valley Climb.