Description
Want to discover a new perspective on cycling? If you’re interested in seeing what gravel riding is all about, this ride will have it all. There’s the Gypsum Mine Tract Rail Trail; the Grand River Rotary Trail, which includes some single‑track from Caledonia to York, relaxing hard-packed gravel roads and challenging clay roads; and we’ll visit the new Cayuga Grand Vista Trail bridge.
‘A-B’ riders, join Tour Leader John Swart on this 56 km ‘B’ pace ride – 50% on gravel and 50% on paved roads. Everyone will ride together.
Start Time: 10 am
Start Location: Canfield Roadside Parkette on Hwy 3, just west of the intersection of Hwy 3 and Regional Road 56/32. At this intersection is Cayuga Esso, 6073 Hwy 3. Use this address for your GPS destination. Continue ½ km west of Cayuga Esso on Hwy 3 to parkette (on north side).
Directions to Start if no GPS: Follow Canborough Road west from Fonthill to the Village of Canborough. Take Hwy 3 west through Canfield to the intersection of Hwy 3 and RR 56/32. At this intersection is Cayuga Esso. Continue ½ km west of Cayuga Esso on Hwy 3 to parkette (on north side).
No Cue Sheet/Map/Ride with GPS: ‘Follow the Leader’ Ride
Never been on a gravel ride? Here’s what you need to know.
Equipment: Tires are the key! Any road or touring bike will do as long as the tires are suitable. This ride uses smooth and hard public gravel roads, rail trails and clay roads, but there’s always the chance of looser gravel. For this ride you should have 700x28c tires or larger, pumped to a minimum of 65 psi pressure to avoid pinch flats.
Pace and skill level: Riding gravel requires more energy to push the pedals, so our pace will be slowed down a bit from the usual ‘B’ pace. The extra effort isn’t huge, so don’t be worried. There will be some ruts in the clay, so decent bike handling skills will be important.
Weather: If it is very rainy the day before or on the day of the event, the ride will be cancelled. Dusty bikes are good, but mud is no fun.
If you have any questions, please contact John Swart.
