What is Gravel Cycling?
Gravel cycling, simply put, is riding a bike on anything but pavement. It ranges from smooth dirt roads to single track with craggy roots and rocks that might feel more at home for mountain bikers. While there is no perfect standard for different types of gravel routes and the recommended equipment for riding it there are many great resources out there. For the purposes of all of our routes we’ve categorized them based on Grand Fondo Guide’s article on the subject.
Routes
When going for a ride on any route it’s important to remember that recommendations are a matter of opinion and that conditions can change unexpectedly. It’s always better to be overprepared — especially if you’re less experienced — than to head out on a ride and realize you can’t make it to your destination. Riding a category 2 route with a category 3 or 4 setup is going to make it easier to get through the tough sections.
They Cycle believes that riding a bike shouldn’t require access to a car. That’s why all of our routes we have created are public transit accessible.
Taking Your Bike on Transit
Hurtin in Haliburton
Haliburton | 100% unpaved | Category 2 Gravel
This is the race route. The dirt roads were in fairly good condition in 2022 with only a few metres where it might be considered category 3. If you take it easy on these sections, you’ll be treated to a fun and beautiful course. If it rains, it could get muddy!
The people working the aid stations on the route were very helpful and a delight to meet! Stop for a chat and some refreshments as you tackle this hilly route.
BONUS: Much of the route is shaded, keeping the midday sun off your back!
Downtown Gravel Loop
Toronto | 59% unpaved | Category 2 Gravel
Great route for people just getting into riding off road. The trails are generally in good condition and you'll get the feel of dirt under your wheels. Take it at an easy pace and enjoy the scenery. The trails are busy and shared with people walking, out with their dogs, or riding their bikes to work.
Be careful at major road crossings. In particular, you may want to dismount and take the sidewalk for short sections on Eglinton and St. Clair.
Join the route from anywhere and ride either direction. Multiple subway stops are along the route.
Guildwood to Goodwood
Scarborough & Durham | 42% unpaved | Category 2 Gravel
This 108 km route starts at Guildwood GO station and takes the scenic route to Goodwood where many of the exteriors for Schitt’s Creek were shot. If it takes the scenic route to Goodwood, it takes the VERY scenic route back via recently installed the Rouge National Urban Park Northeast and Central trails.
Highlights include a ride along Lake Ontario and the brand new Beare Hill Park with a panoramic view of Scarborough and the Rouge Valley.
The steepest descent, Gates Gully, should be approached with caution. Near the beginning of the route it is often busy and has deep ruts. The approach to the trail at the bottom also has a very short section of large stones and bricks that we would classify as category 4, but is easily walkable.
For a shorter trip or to avoid the trickier sections, you can head north in reverse of the end of the route until you reach Conlins and Military Trail.
Ajax to Uxbridge - Easier
Durham Region | 47% unpaved | Category 2 Gravel
This 80 km route will treat you road surfaces that are often very similar to Hurtin in Haliburton and once you’re out of the city you’ll be able to stretch those legs and get your heart rate up.
Starts and ends at Ajax GO station. As you head north the gradual incline will start to add up — there’s quite a bit of climbing here, which is great if you’re training for Haliburton.
Midway stop in Uxbridge for some food and water.
Ajax to Uxbridge - Harder
Durham Region | 61% unpaved | Category 3 Gravel
Ready for something a little more challenging? This route to Uxbridge from Ajax will take you on some of Durham Region’s best trails. Be warned it’s hillier and more difficult to navigate than the easier version. You’re going to want to be prepared for at least category 3 gravel as you’ll hit wooded single track and, at times, literal gravel.
Hamilton West Loop
Hamilton | 26% unpaved | Category 2 Gravel
Contributed by our friends at Breakfast Cycling Club.
This 27 km loop starts and ends at Hamilton GO station. It follows the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail to Sulfur Springs Road where it loops back into the city. If you want more gravel you can take the rail trail all the way to Brantford!
Waterfall Watcher
Hamilton | 28% unpaved | Category 2 Gravel
Contributed by our friends at Breakfast Cycling Club.
This 40 km loop starts and ends at Hamilton GO station. We decided to call it the “Waterfall Watcher” because of the numerous waterfalls on or near the route. You’ll get a chance for some spectacular views if you take a moment to stop and take it all in. A particular favourite of ours is the relaxing roll down the side of The Mountain on rail trail near the end.
Big Rail Day
Hamilton | 58% unpaved | Category 2 Gravel
Inspired by recommendations of our friends at Breakfast Cycling Club.
This 92 km loop starts and ends at West Harbour GO station and approximately 50 km is spent on stress-free rail trails.
You can go a little off course and follow the rail trail into Brantford for a snack and a water refill. If you can hold out longer, you’ll be taken through Caledonia about two-thirds of the way through.
!! We’ll admit we haven’t ridden the country road section between Brantford and Caledonia, so we can’t provide definitive guidance for this area. We have scoured Google Street View and it appears to be a mixture of category 1&2 gravel and quiet paved roads.