Off Road Cycling

Cross-Country Mountain Biking

 If covering distances on rolling, twisty, singetrack is your idea of a good time, then Grey has got the trail for you. There’s rocky technical sections, burn-inducing climbs and smooth flowing fun out there. When checking out new trails, GPS can always be helpful.

There are several sections of the old CP Rail Trail in Grey County that are great for riding.  The entire trail goes from Dundalk north all the way to Owen Sound covering 77 kms.  There is also the Georgian Trail from Meaford to Collingwood and the Georgian Bluffs Trail from Balmy Beach to Parkhead north of Owen Sound.  The old rail trail provide a smooth gravel surface for the on-road comfort but give the off-road scenery as they cut through Grey County's forests and fields.

Rail Trail Cycling2
CP Rail Trail                                                                     Photo by: Carlo Obillos
  
Nothing can ever compare to getting a local to show you around, but this guide is the next best thing: 
Kolapore
Lots of riders’ favourite spot, Kolapore is part of the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Ski Trails. There are approximately 50km of trails and it is primarily a cross-country ski trail system, but in the summer, there is some classic Grey county singletrack. There are stunning views with a mixture of flowing fun trail and some really challenging technical sections (they’re not too much to walk through). Check out the climbers at Metcalf rock, the peak of Mt. Dhaulagiri and the hardwood forest towering above you.  Maps of the trails are available at the Ravenna General Store. For more information about the Kolapore trails check out kolaporeuplands.org.
GET DIRECTIONS
 
 
An old classic, the Loree Forest is a great place for intermediate to novice riders to get out on the trail and experience some seriously spectacular views. Running from the pull-off parking lot on the north side of the 21st Sideroad, follow the dirt road extension of the 6th Line. Trails can be found on the left, right and dead ahead of this road. Offering spectacular views of Georgian Bay, Loree Forest offers good trails for the beginner to novice rider. Smooth, fast singletrack runs along the Escarpment. For a more challenging trail head on down the Camperdown Road trail. Just don’t expect to be able to ride back up again! It’s a big climb. GET DIRECTIONS
 
 
Massie Hills
Massie Hills is a mellow set of ski trails that serves as a fun, family-friendly section of double track mountain biking in the warmer months. With about 8 km of trail, there is plenty to build up a good sweat, or just roll slowly through hardwood and pine forests. Nothing too technical here, a perfect trail for the beginning mountain biker. Although well-marked it is easy to get lost in here. But the whole area is small enough that you’ll be able to find your way out anyways.  Watch: YouTubeVideo
GET DIRECTIONS
 

Three Stage
Another favourite destination amongst Ontario’s mountain biking set is Three Stage. While it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of trails in here, there is a range of routes that encompass just about everything. Impossible rocky technical sections, fast, flowing singletrack, burn-inducing climbs and sphinctor-clenching downhills are all available in the area. Sometimes you can find maps at Kamikaze Bikes in Collingwood, but thankfully Three Stage is busy enough that if you really, really get lost, eventually you'll run into another mountain biker.  GET  DIRECTIONS


Trout Hollow
The Trout Hollow trailhead is in Beautiful Joe Park in Meaford. A strip of singletrack runs upstream on the eastern side of the Bighead River and is full of beautiful scenery and challenging terrain. While some sections of the trail are seemingly impossible to ride, walking through them is worth it for the amazing sense of solitude found here, just minutes off Highway 26. In the summer months that river water is a refreshing place for a dip after building up a sweat on this scenic masterpiece.
GET DIRECTIONS

Off Road Cyclist
Trout Hollow Trail                                                                  Photo by: Colin Field


Down Hill Mountain Biking

One day downhill mountain biking is going to be huge. What could possibly be more fun than going downhill on a bike all day long? Maybe nothing. But for now the hills are empty and the time is right to get into this ever-evolving sport. And the only place in Ontario that has consistently offered top-notch downhill access is Blue Mountain. Throw your bike in the gondola, hop on and boom, once again you’re at the top. Nothing left to do but go down.

Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain rents everything for the downhill rider. From full-face helmets to arm guards and chest protectors the rental shop at Blue has you covered. Their fleet of Norco VPS downhill bikes will take any abuse you can throw its way. A lift pass for the day is $35. There are a number of different trails for all riding abilities. Check out bluemountain.ca for more information.  GET DIRECTIONS 

HANDY TIPS:

  • The Car Drop - Ever find a trail that you love going down, but hate going up? The solution is the car dop.  Logistically if takes some      organization, but the fun of knowing there's a life at the bottom can keep you riding the same trail downhill all day long.  You aren't saving the planet or getting the best gas mileage possible going the car drop, but there is something you are doing: HAVING FUN!  Get to know the Three Stage Trail and the roads around it and you're on to a great car drop trail.
     

Rentals & Stores:

Cranberry Resort
The Cranberry Resort rents bikes through the Little Ed’s bike store. Rentals vary from $25 for two hours to $45 for eight hours and are KHS comfort bikes. They also have kids’ bikes for rent.
705-445-6600   MAP

Squire John’s
Squire John’s has a fleet of Rocky Mountain XC Stumpjumper, dual-suspension bikes for rent at $50 per day. They also have Rocky Mountain Fusion hard tails for $30 and Specialized comfort bikes for $30.
RR3 HWY 26 West
Collingwood
705-445-1130
Toll Free: 800-303-1334    MAP

 Jolley’s Alternative Wheels
939 Second Ave East
Owen Sound
519-371-1812    MAP

BikeFace Cycling
269 10th Street East
Owen Sound
519-376-9777  MAP

Rail Trail Cycling1
CP Rail Trail                                                                     Photo by: Carlo Obillos



 

 

 

 

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