words | Jody Wilson     photos | Clay Dolan

Longer days, increased sunlight, budding maple trees—there are many signs of spring, but nothing is more welcoming to a cyclist than the snow melting on the roads. Riding season—game on! Remembering old favourites or discovering new routes can sometimes be a challenge: some riders pour over maps or spend hours searching Strava for segments. But if you’re one of the “lets just get out and ride” types, here are two road routes that will get you off the couch, and back in the saddle. ASAP.

Certainly one of the most picturesque rides in Southern Georgian Bay is known as the “Apple Run”. This loop is challenging, but with panoramic views of the Beaver Valley, orchards and vineyards, it could quickly become your “go to” evening, weekend or training ride. This ride begins in Collingwood, winds up the Escarpment to Redwing overlooking the northeast portion of the Beaver Valley. From there, you’ll begin a loop through Victoria Corners, Loree and Banks before heading back down Scenic Caves Road.

The “Coffee Run” takes you from Collingwood to Creemore, where you’ll undoubtedly stop to smell the flowers, and get a hit of java. With long, straight roads, this loop is suitable for all riding levels as the terrain is considered to be mostly flat with only a few rolling hills.

The Apple Run Distance: 56km.   Elevation gain: 750m

Starting in central Collingwood, take Sixth Street

heading west out of town

Turn left onto Osler Bluff Road

Turn right onto Grey County Rd 19

Continue onto Side Rd 9

Sharp right onto 10th Line

Turn right onto Side Rd 21

Continue onto 4th Line

Turn left onto Grey County Rd 119

At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Grey Cty Rd 19

Turn right onto Grey Cty Rd 19/Simcoe County Rd 34

Turn left onto 6th St/County Rd 32

 

 

Jody Wilson – gocyclecollingwood.com – IG: @jodydwilson

Coffee Run – Distance: 60-65 km.   Elevation gain: 425m

Starting at corner of Sixth Street & Con. 10 Nottawasaga –

Head south on Con. 10

Turn left onto Sideroad 33 & 34 Nottawasaga

Turn right onto Concession Rd 6

Slight right onto Riverside Dr

Turn left onto County Rd 9

Turn right onto Mill Street, Creemore

Enjoy Café!

Continue north onto Fairgrounds Rd

Turn left onto Sideroad 33 & 34 Nottawasaga

Turn right onto Concession Rd 6

Turn right to stay on Concession Rd 6

Turn left onto Nottawasaga 36/37 Side Rd/Nottawa Side Rd E

Turn right onto Simcoe County Rd 124

Turn right onto Concession 10 N Nottawasaga Rd