On Road Cycling
Road cycling in Grey County has been described as world class. And that’s because it is. With endless combinations of roads that twist and turn throughout the Beaver Valley and beyond, there is always a new road to explore. And as you ride past everything from elk farms to apple orchards, the rural roads of Grey County will become a favourite road cycling destination.
Below are ten rides ranging in distance and difficulty. These are only suggestions. They’re all loops so you can start or finish at any point on the map, and go in either direction. It’s really up to you.
Check out our handy Google Map links for different rides. Mix and match each of them to suit your riding skill and desired length. Print up a couple maps, or grab one of our Grey Bruce Maps (free at tourist information booths) and start highlighting. Don’t be afraid to try the road less traveled (as long as it’s paved). You never know what you’ll find out here.
Banks and Ravenna (31 km)
The tiny intersections of Banks and Ravenna are the climaxes of this short, but challenging ride. The climb up the Escarpments starts it off, but gets you into the beautiful rolling hills of Grey County. Be sure to check out the Ravenna General Store for incredibly delicious and calorie-filled baked goods.
MAP
Rob Roy/Kolapore Loop (43 km)
Taking you from just outside Collingwood all the way up to Rob Roy, Kolapore and back again, this loop is a great loop for the beginner to intermediate rider. With tons of great scenery along the way, this is an easy way to fall in love with riding in Grey County.
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Meaford-Walters Falls (60 km)
Starting in Meaford this ride takes you up into the Georgian Highlands and out to the tiny hamlets of Bogner and Walters Falls. Check out the falls while you’re there or keep on trucking to the scenic lookout of Epping and the great ride down the Beaver Valley’s ridge, back into Meaford.
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The Beaver Valley (65 km)
For a taste of Grey County’s beauty, start at Kimberley and head on down the Beaver Valley. Passing ski resorts and small villages, you’ll eventually come to the town of Thornbury, where there’s lots of choice for refreshment (why not a cooling dip off the Thornbury Pier?), before following the shoreline to Craigleith and onwards, back up the valley to Kimberley.
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The Beaver Valley Photo by: Peter Taylor
Shoreline to Valley (78 km)
A great ride that includes just about everything Grey County has to offer. From the shoreline along Highway 26, the climbs near Banks and the rolling scenic terrain of the Beaver Valley, this ride has it all.
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The Metric Century Club (100 km)
This metric century has its share of ups and downs. Long climbs and descents on the Escarpment offer amazing views. A glimpse of the beautiful Beaver Valley on Grey Road 13 takes you through quaint towns like Kimberley and Heathcote where bakeries offer a delicious way to replenish those calories.
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Another Well-Earned Pint (106 km)
Starting or finishing in Neustadt means just one thing; a well-earned pint at the impressive Neustadt brewery. This metric century takes you throughout the Grey Highlands, passing through beautiful farm fields with long straight sections of great scenery and good roads.
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A Well-Earned Pint (126 km)
A meandering roll though Grey County takes you up the Escarpment and south into Dundalk and beyond. The best part of this ride? The knowledge you earned every calorie contained in that pint of freshly brewed Creemore Springs Premium Lager pulled straight from the source in Creemore.
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Photo by: Colin Field
Collingwood to Grey Highlands (132km)
This ride will take you from the water level at Collingwood all the way up to the Grey Highlands. That means lots of ups, but it also means lots of downs. You’ll also get a great look at what the Beaver Valley has to offer in terms of amazing road riding.
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A True Century (170 km)
Purists will argue that a metric century is not a true century. So here’s the antidote. Just over 100 miles of Grey County’s finest; the long climbs up the Beaver Valley, the rolling beauty of the Grey Highlands, the falls of Eugenia and all the little nooks and crannies in between. This is a monster of a ride, but one that you’ll be able to brag about to friends (cyclists or not) for the rest of your days.
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Double Metric Century (205 km)
If an imperial century isn’t enough for you, then you probably don’t need this guide. But here’s a double metric century (what a mouthful!) to soothe your need for miles and miles of tarmac. Covering Meaford, Thornbury, Eugenia and Collingwood all in one day is one hell of a feat. You’ll see just about every view, hamlet and small town out there… Good luck!
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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
