Whether you’re part of a cycling club, training and improving your fitness or you are simply looking for exciting new ways to explore Ontario; road cycling is growing in popularity and often a fantastic activity to incorporate into your next holiday. Remember, you can explore road riding without getting completely geared out in Licra (re: spandex). You don’t need a multi-thousand dollar bike either. You can ride a variety of different types of bikes, however I would suggest something other than a fixed gear bike, as road routes may have hills to get up. Comes with the terrain so to speak.
This post’s aim is to provide some insight into what makes a good road-riding destination. These are only my opinions. Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments section, what you think needs to be included!
In my opinion, a good road-riding destination includes most, if not all of the following features:
Great Infrastructure – Well-paved roads with preferably low-volume traffic. If routes bring cyclists along busy roads, there needs to be sufficient cycling facilities, such as a bike lane, paved shoulders or at the very least bike sharrows. What’s the reason good cycling infrastructure makes a difference in helping create a great ride? It allows you to focus more on why your on the road; from enjoying the outdoors, finding a bit of serenity while getting exercise. It can really make or break a good day out on the road. When reading cycling resources, keep your eye out for phrases like paved shoulders, dedicated bike lanes or is they are deemed low volume roads.
Great Resources – Whether it’s a printed cycling map, GPS files or signage; in my mind great cycling routes a defined by thefewer questions I ask while riding. While its not an uncommon sight to see cyclists riding with GPS devices mounted on handlebars, research has shown that cyclists prefer to use printed maps as resources while riding. My preference? I actually prefer to use the GPS files, but on my smartphone. This allows me to simply enjoy my ride. The only problem is the battery life of your phone. Here is my preferred option for staying charged on the road. It is appreciated when those developing the maps produce these files and share them on their website for visitors to simply download onto their GPS devices or smartphones. Again, it is simply one less thing I need to concern myself with while riding. Signed routes also help simplified a ride, but tend to be less frequent in Ontario. Here is a post I wrote about Signed Routes. Remember though. A phone or GPS is no substitute for printed map. Bring a map if they’re available and always let someone know where you’re heading.
Great Scenery – Ontario may not be as grand as the Rocky Mountains or rugged ocean
shorelines like the east and west coast, but it is definitely picturesque in it’s own right. Glimpses of lakes and rivers (which isn’t difficult in Ontario), quintessential Ontario agriculture land and picturesque towns. It’s really the shortest feature listed here, as it isn’t hard to understand – or explain. Great scenery is . When those who’ve planned the routes, have taken the time for directional considerations and thoughtful resting spots they create an experiences that is memorable.
Services (good ones & parking) – Riding through historic villages is great and adds to the beauty of the trip (see above), but if there isn’t anything to see or do, to grab a bite to eat, a coffee or a cold beverage (of your choice), then there is not really a ton of value as a visitor (whether I’m on a bike or driving). What do road cyclists need along their trip? Well firstly, there are less frequent stops if you’re on a training or long distance ride for fitness. In this case, good start/finish locations certainly help. This can be mean low volume roads or dedicated cycling infrastructure in and out of a town. When it comes to services, for me personally, I love a route that has one, possibly two stops along the way – think coffee and baked goods – and ends in community with a great patio or some place that serves up fresh, local food. Check out this great resource when hunting for places to eat in Ontario.. Often a seldom considered amenity by those planning cycle tourism; parking that is preferably free and always safe can even trump services. When you’re riding for training and fitness, you can bring your own snacks, drinks and other treats in the car and when you arrive back fuel up before the ride home. If parking is available in a town, this is perfect. This means you can finish your ride, mount your bike (or put it in your car) and head into town for bite to eat.
Now that you know some of the things to consider when choosing road cycling as a next trip, check out another post I wrote that highlights some great destinations in Ontario for road riding. I’ve provided links for maps, resources and travel sites to help plan your next cycling trip in Ontario!
ontariobicycletouring 
