Spring has arrived and that means cycling season is in full swing around here!
Biking may not be the first activity that comes to mind when you think of a getaway in "cottage country" but pedal power is a great way to experience the region. There's a variety of terrain to suit everyone, from fully paved routes to gravel country roads to dirt trails. Some come to train for an event (we've got some good hills!) while others just want a leisurely spin to take in the scenery and stop at sights of interest.
Early in the season when the mosquitos and black flies are active, you can keep ahead of them by clipping along on your two wheels. In the middle of summer when the days are hot, cool off mid-ride with a dip in a lake. Later, in the fall when the leaves are turning all shades of orange and red, a bicycle is the ideal touring medium to take it all in.
If you're not familiar with the region and wondering where the good routes are that suit your style, there's a handy resource that breaks it all down for you. Bike Cottage Country is a website from Explorers' Edge regional tourism organization. They've organized dozens of routes by sub-region -- check out the many offerings in the Almaguin Highlands for the ones closest to us -- and by style (Tour, Train or Trek). Details with descriptions, maps and directions are there, too.
Don't have a bicycle or can't bring one with you? There are a number of bike shops in Huntsville where you can rent one or get yours serviced. They're also listed on the Bike Cottage Country site.
Want some help narrowing it down? Ask us and we'll be glad to give some advice. In the meantime, here are a few suggested routes to get you started:
TOURING ROUTES
Burk's Falls - Katrine Mini Loop
We like to run part of this loop when training for a marathon or running event. A nice way to do this loop is to start and end in Katrine so you can finish with a swim at the public beach on Doe Lake.
Screaming Heads Loop
Many, many of our guests drive to Screaming Heads to walk through this outdoor artscape but cycling gives you a ride through the countryside and makes a day of it. Take a break at the waterfront park in Magnetawan or stop for lunch in town before heading back to Burk's Falls.
AIM Triangle
A long one but fully paved and a nice way to see some of the villages of the area. And if you follow the Almaguin In Motion (AIM) facebook page, you can see if a group ride is happening while you're here.
TRAINING ROUTES
Sand Lake Loop
A scenic 64k of mostly hard surface (just 4km of gravel) that'll take you through towns with a few opportunities to stop for a swim. You can start from the Almaguin Highlands Visitor Centre as suggested, or start right from here if you don't mind adding more clicks and a bit more gravel as well.
Doe Lake Loop
This is a challenging route with "twisty technical roads, a steady rotation of dirt and pavement, punchy climbs and low traffic" and "features multiple sharp corners after gradients or surface transitions". If this sounds good to you, it gets even better because you can easily adapt the route to start and end right here at the inn. We'll give you two options depending on how much gravel you want to add to the route.
We're happy to share our knowledge of the area and suggest routes, detours or places to catch a breath or grab a bite along your ride. Not only that, our breakfasts will fuel you up so you can hit the road spinning!
To check availability and rates or to book online, click HERE. Or visit our website at www.ferngleninn.com for more information about the inn, the rooms and the property.
