The following routes are mainly gravel cycling routes exploring what I’ll call the Northern Greater Toronto Area including Durham, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, and Muskoka.
The routes are all designed as day trips generally in the area of 80-120km.
My Ride Report of The Motherload – 75k Version – A Tale of Seven Hills – April 2021
The Motherload – Loop 1 was inspired by The Motherload as crafted by Tiago. Although only 75km, it feels much longer. Loop 1 throws a little bit of everything at you, including three epic climbs, beautiful views, double track, hard-pack gravel, a rough gravel climb and descent, a little bit of pavement to rest the legs, and of course the epic climb north out of Terra Nova.
My Ride Report – The Motherload – Loop 2 – A Photo Journal
The Motherload – Loop 2 is the second loop I crafted off Tiago’s The Motherload. The route starts in Creemore and gets the two big climbs of the day out of the way early. With lots of gravel, crazy climbs, no winter maintenance roads, the Garmin confusing maze known as Devils Glen, and a 15km paved downhill section returning to the start, it’s a great day on the saddle.
My Ride Report – Exploring Gravel – Burk’s Falls Loop – East of 11 – August 2021
My Ride Report – Exploring Gravel – Burk’s Falls Loop – West of 11 – August 2021
Ride Report by Tiago Varella-Cid from Team Colin’s Blog – Summer 2020
Pedal Poetry – Riding a Painting – Burks Falls Gravel Loop in Autumn – September 2020
I first learned about the Burks Falls Loop in the summer of 2020 while reading Team Colin’s blog post noted above. It sounds like an excellent route and is on my must-do list for 2021.
My Ride Report of the Simcoe County Loop Trail – August 2020
Biking in a Big Cities – Simcoe County Loop Trail – September 2020
Ride Cycle Spin – Bikepacking the Simcoe County Loop Trail and More! – August 2020
The Simcoe County Loop Trail is an excellent intro to bikepacking and is popular as both a one or two day route. The 160km route is 90% on trail and passes by a number of towns including Barrie, Elmvale, Penetanguishene, Midland, Victoria Harbour, Coldwater, and Orilla.
Disclaimer – All opinions expressed on this blog are my own and are based on my experiences researching and riding various gravel and bikepacking routes. These routes are unsupported, unmaintained, and unsanctioned. Anyone attempting these routes should do their own due diligence to ensure the route files are current, that they’re not crossing private property and that the route and conditions are within their own abilities. Everyone’s riding abilities are different and extreme caution should be used when attempting any new routes as route conditions are constantly changing. I also do not guarantee that the information I’ve shared is up to date. You are responsible for your own safety, and I accept no responsibility for any injuries or property damage that may occur if you decide to attempt these adventures on your own.