Sept 10 - Falkenburg Loop

Back on the Harley and riding again with the BF. It has been quite awhile since I have been able to get out on either of my motorcycles. Sad but true. That's life, anyway, today is shaping up to be perfect riding weather, sunny and mild with no humidity making for a pleasant ride.

Round Trip: 125 mi / 201 km
Map:Falkenburg Loop

Started off on the 518 taking Stisted Rd which becomes Ravenscliff. Pretty good roads, and both paved. Maybe the odd rough patch here and there, but overall not bad. We turned off on Hoodstown Rd [45] and then left onto Etwell Rd. Again both roads are fairly easy riding, a few really sharp turns and squiggly with a little twisty thrown in. lol It comes out on Aspdin Rd where we turned right. Then the next side street Domtar we made a left. It is just a short road that ends at Old Muskoka Rd where we turned right.

I hadn't been on Old Muskoka Rd in 5 years. That was back when I first got my Rebel. The road seems a lot more bumpier than I remembered. It was quite rough riding in spots even though it is paved. Not a good Harley riding road lol. Oh well, the way I see it, we were already committed to it, so just ride it out.

We then Made a left at Stephenson Rd 4 W. to get to Lone Pine Rd. This will bring you right into Bracebridge as it dumps out on Manitoba St. Lone Pine Rd starts off a little rough but eventually smooths out. Nice road with very little traffic. As it nears Manitoba St it gets a little more residential. 

Stopped at the beginning of Lone Pine Rd for a little rest after the bumpy ride.

Making a right on Manitoba St. we headed to Falkenburg Rd. I have been on this road a lot of times with my Rebel. It is a nice road with lots of twists and curves. Very nice ride with a fairly smooth surface and even the Harley seemed to handle it fine. 

This morning when I first plotted out the route I had planned on riding part of the Frank Miller Memorial Rte that would take us along Forman and Mortimer Point Rd and loop back up to Rosseau along Peninsula Rd. Well, when we got to the end Falkenburg Rd I just wasn't sure if I was up to some more potentially rough riding roads that could be quite possible on Foreman or Mortimer. So I told the BF to turn right on Brackenrig Rd instead of left. Brackenrig Rd is another great road to ride, although just too short lol. (If you are curious about the original route you can find it at the end of my babbling lol) 

We turned left onto Windermere Rd. keeping right as to continue on Dee Bank Rd.
All wonderful riding. 

When Deebank Rd ended at hwy 141 we turned right heading towards Rosseau. You will never be disappointed riding on 141. Lots of twisties and curves. Although at the time of this riding tour there is construction as you round Skeleton Bay and it is down to one lane, so be prepared to stop at the automatic stop light thingy. At least there was not much traffic so it was just a short delay before we were on our way again.

Construction - one lane

We stopped at the Rosseau Waterfront Park.
Nice place to take a rest before heading back.

We continued up 141 turning right on Cardwell which becomes Aspdin Rd., which heads back into Huntsville. The beginning of Cardwell/Aspdin is a little rough but then whoohoo, they resurfaced most of it since the last time we were on it. It was SWEET! All the rough spots were gone and made for a very pleasant ride with all its twists and curves. Had to slow down when a family of  wild Turkeys decided to cross the road. The little young Turkeys were cute as they waddled across the road, but the adults sure were ugly lol.

We went back up Etwell Rd and Hoodstown to Ravenscliff where we made a right. Next we turned left on Fowlers Rd. Then a left onto Old North Rd until it was time to hook back onto highway 11 for a short spurt. We exited at Novar where we connected onto the 592 back to Emsdale. (Not bad roads if you are wanting to avoid highway 11 as much as possible). 

Until next time, Keep...

Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride

Oh, almost forgot

Here is the extended version of this route

July 8 - Hwy 35 Dorset & 117

 

Round Trip: 96 mi / 142.10 km
Map: Hwy 35 Dorset & 117

The smoke filled air has finally lifted, the humidity has eased and today (Saturday July 8, 2023) looks about to be the best day to ride in awhile. The temp is about 18C heading towards a pleasant 25C with clouds and some sunny breaks mixed in. 

We headed out our usual route along 592 with a short ride on hwy 11 turning off in Melissa. We took Muskoka Rd [3] into Huntsville. CAUTION: stay away from that road! It is under construction and the road went from scraped pavement to fresh gravel. A few times I thought for sure I was going down. But I made it. Thankfully about half way it went back to pavement again. 

We then connected onto hwy 60 heading towards Dwight. Just after the lights at Canal the road merges into a one lane. The BF is in front and I am about a cars length behind, we are in the left lane already. A stupid A$$hole comes up along side just before the right lane ends and starts trying to squeeze in between the BF and me!! Lucky I had been paying attention and I had been watching the idiot in my mirror and noticed he wasn't moving over behind me and had a feeling what he was about to do. I ended up having to swerve over and then had to gun it. Believe me, I had several choice words. Always drive defensively and figure everyone one is out to kill you, because they are! 

We then turned off on hwy 35 towards Dorset and stopped at Dorset Beach Park. 
Very pretty and quite there, despite there were quite a few cars parked around. 

We continued along 35 and turned onto 117. There were signs about a triathlon and delays, lucky we must have missed it and it  was free sailing until turning off on Brunell Rd heading back to Huntsville.

We obviously did not want to take the same route on Muskoka Rd 3 on the way back, so we made a nice detour along Ravenscliff [2] to Fowelers Rd and back to Old North Rd until we had to do the short stint on highway 11 and home.

It was more of a ride, ride, ride day today - of course I am not complaining, it is nice to do those too.

Until next time, Keep

 Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride

June 18 - Aspdin Rd Loop (short version)

Round Trip: 124.6 mi / 200.5 km
Map: Aspdin Rd Loop (short version)

It has been fourteen days since we were out on the bikes, I am going through withdrawls lol. I call this tour my Aspdin Rd Loop short version, (you might by thinking right about now it doesn't look so short lol) Well it is because I do have another version of this that is approx. 284 km lol. This was a mostly an "all riding" tour, you will see why due to the lack of pictures. 

We exited off of Hwy 11 in Melissa and turned ontop Old North Rd. Caution! turning onto Fowlers road almost made my heart stop and actually I did come to a complete stop. As it is, that turn is super sharp, but today sand was all over the pavement. At least I managed to stay upright. Last time I was on these roads with my Rebel I don't recall them being so bumpy and rough. Maybe it is just a different ride on the Sportster or the last winter hasn't been kind to them. 

Fowlers ends at Ravenscliffe Rd where we turned right. We were only on it for a little ways then turned left on Hoodstown Rd [45]. Again, I don't remember this road being rough either, and yet it was. <shrugging> It ends at Etwell Rd where we turned left. Much nicer ride, at least on a Harley lol. Etwell eventually ends at Aspdin Rd. in Huntsville. At least we avoided the boring hwy 11 for a spell. Aspdin is in good condition, considering it is prone to flooding. Lots of sweeping curves and twisties, just a fun road to ride.

Aspdin eventually ends at the 141 in Rosseau. We turned left and stopped at the Rosseau Waterfront park (again) This time we went over to the other side of it instead of where the boats go in.

We continued along 141 into Port Sydney and along [10]. Lots of beautiful views and all these roads are curvy! After turning left on Brunel we shortly turned right onto Britanna Road. Very disappointed with this road. To put it plainly it is just a crappy, very bumpy, and not well maintained road. At least the couple of curves were resurfaced, but the rest of the road is in very poor shape.

Was glad when it ended at S. Portage Rd. where we turned left and finally took a rest at the South Portage public dock.

We headed along N. Portage Rd., Canal (all decent roads) and then onto Hwy 60. We turned left onto Hanes Rd and back onto Ravenscliffe [2] where we road it till it turned into Stisted Rd which brings you into Sprucedale.  

Until next time... Keep on

Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride

May 27 - 1st Harley Ride in Ontario

Now that the Harley's are in Canada, have been transferred over from being American to Canadian.  We had to purchase a KM mileage sticker so it would pass the safety. I ordered the sticker online from the Stickerhaus it took a few weeks to get here, but that is to be expected because it came from Lithuania. It was worth it! 

The Harley's are legal and today (May 27) is going to be our 1st Harley ride in Canada!

Got the saddle bags back on and ready to ride!

The weather is totally cooperating with sunny skies and reaching a high of 23C. This route is a favorite of mine that I have done in many variations. The route will take us over the 518 to Parry Sound then back along the 141. You can view the route here. Depending where you leave from it is 120 miles (193.12 km) round trip. This will be the first time riding this route on my Harley. 

We left around 11am, the day was a beauty. We headed out on the 518, this road has its issues. For all the fun twisty parts to it, there are a lot of rough patches. Just be careful and at this time of year watch for sand that is usually still scattered on the road. 

Turned left on Oastler Park Dr. and stopped at Oastler Park. We didn't go right into the park, we just pulled around to a picnic area at the beginning of the park.

 

After a little rest we continued on and missed the Rankin Lake Rd. turn, (this usually happens because I like him in the lead, I am just the one who plots our routes LOL - all in good fun) The detour (Oastler leads into a road called Badger Rd.) was a nice paved road, however it only lead to the Sequin Valley Golf club and then your choice of two dirt roads which dead ended.

Got back to Rankin Lake Rd. then on over to hwy 141. We  stopped in Rosseau at the Waterfront park 

Yes, that is me - Thought I would make a rare appearance LOL

After a rest we headed towards Port Sydney, Muskoka Rd 10 to Brunell into Huntsville. We chose to go on Muskoka Rd 3 then onto Old North Rd that brings you to N. Waseosa Lake Rd and no choice but to get on Hwy 11 again. At least you can exit onto the 592 in Novar.

It took me most of the ride to get used to the heavier weight of my Sportster. But by the end of our 120 miles  (193.12 km) ride it was just like old times again. Although riding here is much nicer with a lot less traffic, twisty roads and sweeping curves.There are always plenty of trees and views but not one palm tree in sight LOL.

Until next time... Keep

 Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride

May 15 - Little Rebel Scoot

Doing a little catch up on the writing. I know I promised that I would start posting more often, oh well you know what they say, the best laid plans.....

I have been staying in Emsdale since the BF got back. Hence the lack of rides as my Rebel is in Penetang. We will be getting the Harley's on the road soon. The mechanic will be working to certify them on May 24. It will be a big change from riding my Rebel. I haven't been on my Sportster for 4 years! 

I was back home for a few days in Penetang and to be with Mom for Mother's Day. I also made time to take a quick scoot around on the Rebel. 

The day was on the windy and cool side, after all it is only May. I missed out on the real warm days, oh well. The temp was only about 15C  and it was a little windy. I left shortly after 11am and the wind was on the cool side. 

I decided on a short ride along Upper Big Chute and through Port Severn would scratch my riding itch.

Upper Big Chute Rd.

I then continued over to S Bay Rd and into Port Severn where I snapped a shot along the Port Severn waterfront.

Port Severn Rd N. Just before Lock 45 -Trent-Severn Waterway

By this time the wind was really starting to pick up. 
(I check the weather channel later, said 26km wind with 40km gust!
Well I certainly was feeling those gusts!) 

At least I got out today and I think my scoot of 124km was just what I needed.

Until next time... keep

 Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride

Where did the time go?

 Hi Everyone! or at least the couple people who still follow me - remember me? LOL

It has been quite awhile since I wrote anything. It just seems that time is running faster than ever, or at least faster than me. I wanted to keep up with my riding adventures, but then one thing leads to another and it gets pushed off into a corner to collect dust. I know, excuses. At least I mostly kept up with my riding adventures on my social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook. It was less time consuming to post a condensed version than to write something somewhat intelligent here. (or I was just too lazy) But if I really think about it, I was also a little burned out with writing. I never thought that would happen, but it did.

Well, today seemed to be the perfect wintery (sub zero) snow day to clear the cobwebs and flex my fingers again. It was about time to let you guys know what has been happing the last two years. 

~~ 2020 ~~

I can't believe my last post was May 16 of 2020! I actually rode quite a lot that year, in fact it was one of the rare years that I  was able to ride until November 10. I did 60 rides and rode a total of 12,738km that year! I explored all kinds of back roads from Penetanguishene to Parry Sound and then ventured towards Haliburton.

My first ride of the season I actually wrote about, it was April 25 and I took a little scoot to Lafontaine 

So, I will tell you about one of my adventures that I didn't write about. August 31st I headed towards Kawartha Lakes and checked out Lake Dalrymple and Head Lake. When all was said and done I had road 308 km that day. You can check out the route here

Lake Dalrymple - Aug 31, 2020

Head Lake Kawartha Lakes (Monck Rd 45) Aug 31, 2020

My last ride of the season was November 10th, yes I was in total shock at how warm it was. It was a balmy 23C and November!!  It was a little 132 km ride that brought me along one of my favorite local loops. You can check out the route here.

Bidwell Rd - Oro-Medonte November 10, 2020

~~ 2021 ~~

In 2021 my riding season started on March 30th.  I didn't do as many rides in 2021, having broken ribs put a bit of a dent in my riding adventures. For the record, my broken ribs had nothing to do with motorcycling. Even though I missed a month of riding I still managed to get in 35 rides and rode a total of 6,684 km. I spent the summer in the Algonquin Highlands with my BF and found plenty of fun twisty roads to ride. 

My first ride on March 30th  was a very crisp day at 10C and the wind gusts were quite strong at times making the 10C feel like 0. There were still some patches of snow still holding on, Ole man winter didn't want to give up his icy grasp. Suffice to say I only did 82km that day.

Hummingbird Rd - Oro-Medonte March 30th, 2021

Maple Island (520)

I really liked a ride I took through Burk's Falls to Parry Sound on Sept 13th. 

I discovered Bunny Trail (520) road that was super fun to ride, was even paved and had next to no traffic. It helped that I did this ride in September when tourist season was over.  If you would like to check out the entire route you can see it here.

Bunny Trail Rd - Sept 13, 2021

My last ride of the 2021 season was on October 19th riding from Emsdale to Penetang. It wasn't the most scenic of rides going along highway 11. It was more of  "On a mission" kind of ride. It was time to get my bike home to Penetang and put it in storage. I did stop along highway 11 at a day picnic area by the Kahshe River. 

Kashe River - Hwy 11 October 19, 2021

~~ 2022 ~~

My first ride of 2022 was April 2.  How sad looking back, I noticed my riding time is cut almost in half with each passing year. This year I left my bike in Penetang because I had to split my time between Almaguin Highlands and Penetang.  I only took 20 rides with a sad total of 3,776 km for the season. 

April 2nd was actually a beautiful day for so early in the season. It was a perfect kind of day to just jump on the bike with no where in particular to go. I ended up heading towards Barrie along the back roads. I rode 158 km that day, it sure was nice to get back on two wheels again. 

Penetang Rotary Park - April 2, 2022

On one particular adventure on May 5th, my ride took me to Kinmount and Felon Falls. It was a fun ride as it turned out to be a "stop at little attractions" kind of ride that day. If you would like to check out the route you can see it here.

I stopped at Heritage Park in Kinmount to see the Burnt River, what a quaint little town.

This little shack proclaimed that it is the World's Smallest Bookstore. It convinced me.

Took in the view at Felon Falls

On my way back along Monck Rd I just had to snap a pic of this yellow moose. Not sure why he is there or what it means, but it piqued my interest. 

My last ride of the 2022 season was October 5th. I hadn't been riding since August when the BF left for Florida to bring back our Harley's. You heard me right, my Harley! Oh how I missed my Sporty,  but I digress, I will share that story in a little bit. It was a gorgeous day, 20C and sunny. Took the back roads into Barrie and scooted along Ridge Road. It was a pleasant 160 km ride. Too bad it was my last for the season. If you would like to check out some of this route, you can see it here  When I do this route I sometimes take an alternative long way back, you can check that one here.

Line 1 - Oro Medonte Rail Trail

You are probably still wondering about my Harley. It is very exciting, at least for me. If you are not an avid reader of my blog I will explain briefly so not to bore you all too much.

The BF and I were spending our winters in Florida after buying a house there in 2010. We were trailering our bikes, me a Yamaha V-star and him a Honda Shadow. I was a fairly new rider back then, had just got my license in May of 2009. Anyway, it was in 2013 when we were in Florida that we decided to trade in our bikes and buy Harley's. We then just left them there at our vacation house when we came back to Canada. It did mean no motorcycling in Canada for the summer, but the BF was working and so was I so there wasn't much time for it anyway. 

We came back home in April of 2019 and life was getting a little complicated with our aging parents. My mom in Penetang, his mom in Germany. We decided to sell the house in October and to our surprise it sold close to Christmas, the BF drove down with a trailer and got the stuff we wanted to keep out of the house, however we didn't have the time to get the bikes imported to Canada. Besides, the trailer was full and there would not have been room for them. So the plan was to keep them at our friends house in Florida and get them later.  How were we to know the world would go to hell and Covid would kill travel for the next couple of years.

Fast forward to October 2022, finally travel restrictions were lifted and we were ready to bring the Harley's to Canada. There was quite a bit of paperwork and the BF had to fly to Florida to meet the driver and give him the Titles. We used Mackie Transport and I highly recommend them. Although a word of warning, importing is not cheap.

Harley's getting ready to go on the truck

Big Truck! Thanks Cecil!

Released from Toronto and heading home

Tucked away in the garage 

The next thing we have to do is get them certified and then we can get them plated. It was too late in the season to bother with that, so that is the plan for this spring. I can hardly wait to ride my Sporty again. I like my Honda Rebel and it is a great bike, but there is just something about my Sporty that revs my engine. 

Well that brings you all up to date, if you visit my social media pages you will see my riding adventures just condensed. I am planning on trying to get a little more writing in this riding season. But I won't promise, just in case. 

Until next time, keep
 




Cruising Through Life & Enjoying the Ride…

Riding the Beaches to Collingwood

Sat May 16, 2020 - The long weekend

My travels today took me along Tiny Beaches Road heading towards Collingwood. I started off at Balm Beach this time. I usually stop more on my rides for photo ops, but today seemed more for riding and clearing my head. (hence my sore butt)

There still wasn’t much open, because of Covid-19, but that didn’t stop people from being out and about. (Me included) Mostly walking or riding bicycles, so it was nice there was little traffic on this route. It was a beauty day, however riding along the water still had a sharp chill in the air. 

I made an unintentional stop at Bluewater Beach on Trew Ave. I thought I was still on Tiny Beaches Road. The boardwalk to the beach was closed, as most municipalities around here chose not to open up the beaches on this long weekend.  A father and son were on bicycles and they stopped. The father was pissed off because the boardwalk was closed and hopped over the yellow tape. Claiming that Ford had opened up the provincial parks and “these small municipalities” were always slow to follow. (Tsk, Tsk on him! It was obvious that he wasn’t from around here.) He beckoned for his son to follow as he wanted to take a photo. The son refused. Kudos kid! At least he had the sense his father did not as to why things were still closed. 

Route: Tiny Beaches Road to Collingwood


Once I got to Collingwood, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to go. I never have been there so I kind of let my bike choose the way. I ended up going through Nottawa and Duntroon. I found myself out in the middle of farmland and not really sure where I would end up. All I knew is that I would be completely lost if I headed towards the posted signs to Shelburne or even Stayner. (I like the adventure of not using maps lol) I made a couple of left turns and found my way back to the 124. When I got back to Collingwood my instinct told me to turn onto Poplar Side Road. (My instinct was a little off as Sideroad 33 & 34 Nottawasaga would have brought me back to Mosely St. sooner, as I later found out) 

I didn’t quite go back the same way sticking to River Rd. out of Wasaga Beach. It was getting late and I was getting thirsty for my glass of wine LOL. It was kind of blind luck that I decided turn down 29 as it brought me directly back onto Tiny Beaches Rd and into Balm Beach. I finally was familiar with the roads again!

You can follow my "lost route back" here: Collingwood, Nottawa, Duntroon and back

Until next time keep...

Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride...

Riding Tiny Beaches

Seems like if we get one nice day, it will surely be followed by four or five crappy ones, so I took advantage of the sunny day on Monday. Temps were mild with just a bit of chill to remind me that we are still a little way off from summer. 

I didn’t mean to take a tour through Thunder Beach on my way to see Cedar Point, although it was a pleasant little side trip meandering through a section of summer cottages and rentals, mixed with immense mansions that overpowered the small quaint community.

I wanted to see the fairy on Cedar Point Rd. that goes over to Christian Island, however, due to covid-19 I was not allowed down the road or anywhere near it. A large lighted sign stated “Residents Only”.  Oh well, I stopped by the Cedar Point Store for a photo op. I am pretty sure that store has seen better days and has been closed for quite some time. 

I continued along Tiny Beaches Rd. Of course, leave it to me to find a little stretch of gravel. At least it wasn’t too bad and only lasted a couple of kilometers.

I wound my way along Tiny Beaches Rd. until it dumped me out at Balm Beach. I pulled along the shore for a photo op and headed home. 

Another time I plan to continue to explore Tiny Beaches Rd. which will lead me to Wasaga Beach.

I admit I had a few turn arounds (ones that I omitted on the route map) and went down a few roads that had me looping back along Champlain Rd to try a second time at getting to Cedar Point. But there is never a wrong road when you are enjoying a ride on a motorcycle. Note to self, Champlain Rd is very twisty, a good one to explore next time.

Motorcycle Route: Cedar Point to Balm Beach along Tiny Beaches Rd. 

Until next time keep,

Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride...