Route name: Island View Drive
Distance: 85 km - Advanced
Surface:Paved (some paved shoulder)
Start: Kelso Beach Park
Interactive Map - Ride with GPS
The Name says it all… Though one of the longer rides, the spectacular, views of the bay and islands are worth every kilometer. Starting at Kelso Beach Park this tour climbs the escarpment in stages via Grey Rd 17. At Ben Allen stop for a drink then turn around to see what you have just climbed. Owen Sound Bay stretches below you, north to south, with the City of Owen Sound on the right. Now continue north to Lake Charles. You can see glimpses of the small lake through the maples and ash trees on the left. At Oxenden turn left onto Grey Rd 1, also called Island View Drive. Just before the road plunges down a fairly large hill is a gravel track road that leads to Bruce’s Caves. If your bike can handle the kilometer or so of the track road you can follow the hiking trails to the caves that are cut into the base of the Niagara Escarpment.
Further down Grey Rd 1 is Colpoy’s Scenic Lookout. From here you can see the deep blue expanse of Colpoy’s Bay and the three islands of Griffith, White Cloud and Hay. Next you will come to the village of Big Bay. The general store is famous for its ice cream and other treats. The short lane on the left takes you to the government dock and the cool stony shores of Colpoy’s Bay. Time to take your shoes off and cool down or a quick swim if time permits.
Back on Grey Rd 1 you will follow the shoreline as it curves around to the south. The bay that you see through the trees is now called Owen Sound Bay. When the main road turns and heads up a long hill, look for Presquile Road on your left. This quiet little road drops along the shore for a pleasant ride along the waterfront then climbs a very steep grade to a plateau. At the plateau you climb a long grade back up the escarpment. On your left is the Cobble Beach Golf Links, with great food served up in the Sweetwater Restaurant and Bar. At the top of the hill is Grey Rd 1. Turn left and ride the paved shoulders back to Kelso Beach.
