Oct 3 - Tiny Beaches Rd to Wasaga Beach

Mild October weather had me itching to get out on the Rebel today. I took a leisurely ride on Tuesday along Tiny Beaches Rd from Penetanguishene to Wasaga Beach.

Road Trip: 107 km 
Map: Wasaga Beach 

What a beautiful day to get out and ride. I left around 9am and the temp was already around 19C. Tiny Beaches Rd is a road that you should not exceed 40km on, so it makes for a nice leisurely ride that will take you all the way into Wasaga Beach. This time of year most of the cottagers are not here during the week day, and the permanent residents are hiding I suppose LOL. I didn't seen many cars until I got to Wasaga Beach.

It was a ghost town when I stopped in Balm Beach

Not much happening right now on the beach in Wasaga, but then again it is a Tuesday.

When I stopped at the famous Wasaga sign there was no one around.

Of course I had to get the famous sign pic. 

As I was putting back on my gear a convertible pulled up behind me, I suppose they wanted their pic at the sign too. Glad they pulled up after I got my pic.

When I turned down Sunnidale Rd S. from Mosley I couldn't believe all the new housing going in. It stretched what looked like for miles. (Shutter) I guess new development is everywhere, even Penetanguishene is under construction with all new housing, although none of it is very affordable for the average person, especially when some of it is starting at $844,000! I digress...

When I got back to Penetang I had always wanted to take a picture of this lemonade stand on Water St. that is kind of like a landmark around here. Although I have never seen anyone actually selling Lemonade there. I know there is a story behind it, and it has been there for quite sometime, but I can't remember what it is. Anyway, I pulled over and finally got my pic.

Until next time, Keep.... 

Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride

Sept 23 - Eagle Lake

Took advantage of the great weather on Saturday and mapped out a little ride that would bring us past Eagle Lake.

Round Trip: 100 mile / 160.93 km
Map: Eagle Lake 

We headed out on the 518 E towards Kearney. The trees are turning and it made for a colourful show. The 518 also has sweeping curves and passes close to Beaver Lake where you can stop and take in the view. (Obviously we didn't stop but I had snapped a few pics back in October of 2021 when I was on the Rebel - I never did get around to blogging about that tour...) Anyway, we stopped for gas at Fetterley's Gas & Convenience in Kearney, which was a buzzing hive of activity with ATV's and Pick Ups gassing up for their days festivities. We continued on the 518 which then morphs into Chetwynd Road. For the most part, Chetwynd is a fairly nice paved road, with twisty curves and hills. Although there is a section that becomes hard packed dirt with a smattering of gravel. It doesn't last long, and then back to pavement. I have no clue why they didn't pave the entire length of road, just a mystery of the road lol. It has been like that since I can remember. Staying on Chetwynd brings you into Burk's Falls via Yonge St. This time Chetwynd morphs into Yonge St.  

We stopped at the Stan Darling's Village Park  on Ontario St (520). We have been there before back in June and I wrote about it, although at the time I didn't know the name. 

Onward we went, turning onto Pickerel & Jack Lake Rd, avoiding hwy 11 as much as we can. It too morphs into another road which is called Berriedale Rd. We turned left onto Pevensey Rd then hooked onto hwy 11. You could continue along Muskoka Rd (Berriedale morphs into Muskoka Rd when you cross over Pevensey) But for a paved road it gets very rough. We were only on hwy 11 a short jaunt until exiting at Sundridge (hwy 124)

We then turned at Mountain View Rd (only one way to turn and that is left) It passes over hwy 11 and then we turned right onto Tower Rd. It abruptly ends with a stop sign and the cross road (Ottawa Ave.) is split into a Y.  It was a little confusing as there was no sign that said Ottawa Ave, although there was a sign that showed Municipal Rd S and another that said to Eagle Lake. 

Municipal Rd S. dumps out at Eagle Lake Rd where we turned left and stopped just past the Eagle Lake Narrows Country Store to take in the views and admire some of the spectacular colour display that the trees were showing. 

The BF took this one

I was out this way on the Rebel in 2021 and had went the entire Eagle Lake Rd. I remember that it did turn into hard packed dirt/gravel, although I am not sure if it has been paved since then. I had chose to take a left at Park Rd. S. on this tour. Park Rd S looked to be freshly paved and was a pleasure to ride. It passes the Mikisew provincial Park. Park Rd ends and we made a left on Machar Strong Boundry Rd. which is still paved but we were getting close to a few roads that I had marked as questionable. When I map out our routes I try to view the looks of the road on the street view on google. When I went to check out the next few roads, google decided it had no intention of going down them, so I figured they wouldn't be paved, the question was, how bad might they be.

Making the turn onto Hornbrook Rd was a pleasant surprise, it was paved and not in bad shape either. Although that was to end quickly after passing over a cross street. However, even though the pavement was gone the surface was hard packed with just a smattering of gravel. As you know, I have been on paved roads that were bumpy enough to shake the fillings in your teeth. So it was a relief to ride a dirt road that was smoother than some of those paved ones I have been on. When Hornbrook ended at Adams we made a left then a quick right on Cottrall which brings you out onto hwy 124. All these roads were also hard packed and all an easy ride.

We headed right along hwy 124 until making a left onto River Rd. This is another hard packed dirt road that has a smattering of gravel. Very easy to ride that weaves along the Distress River. It ends at hwy 520 by Lake Cecebe. We turned left heading back to Burk's Falls. Last time we were out this way the road was being resurfaced, now it has been completed with nice new pavement to enjoy.

We made our final stop back in Burk's Falls again at the same park before heading home.
(I am sure you noticed the "old school" GPS taped to the BF's bike LOL)

It was a wonderful ride and seeing all the beautiful colours of the changing leaves was spectacular. Although it brings a sadness to my heart because we all know what that means next.

Until next time... Keep

Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride

Aug 19 - Laughlin Falls & Upper Big Chute Rd

Silk Line

I have neglected my L'll Rebel for months, so with the beginnings of a beautiful day, sun shining and temps rising to 23C it was time for solo spin. 

Round Trip: 138 km
Map: Laughlin Falls & Upper Big Chute

I had been browsing google maps when I noticed a scenic spot icon just in Coldwater (Ontario) I have toured around many of those roads in that area, but never noticed it before. Weird how that happens. Anyway, I decided to plot my course to include that spot.

I have always thought Coldwater was a quaint little town as you meandering along River St.  I have been on Upper Big Chute Rd plenty of times, it is a ride that is curvy with plenty of scenery to tantalize the senses. 

This time instead of staying on Upper Big Chute Rd I went straight onto Mt. Stephen Rd. Then with a left on Taylor and a right on Laughlin Falls Rd I pulled up to Laughlin Falls. 

I was disappointed when I seen people milling about. It was a family having some kind of a photo shoot and were spread across the road as the photographer directed them for the perfect poses. Usually my solo rides are through the week, and I rarely run into people, but I should have known better on a Saturday and in prime tourist season. At least the road itself was devoid of traffic.

I parked my bike along the guard rail, unfortunately not where I wanted as to get in the water in the background. At least I could snap a couple pics. 

As I was stowing my camera away one of the gentlemen in the group said to me "Oh, I thought you wanted to take a picture of me" I chuckled and he smiled. Maybe I should have, I rarely take pictures of people. lol

I continued on my way turning onto Silk Line that brought me directly back onto Upper Big Chute Rd. Even though it was Saturday there was very little traffic (on coming) and no one behind me. (Which I suites me just fine) As I rode, a rich earthy aroma permeated the air, the kind of smell you get after a lot rain from the day before. (Friday was a rainy crap day)

I passed by the Big Chute where boats get a ride down to the lake below on a mechanical lift  and continued on to ride the fun and twisty S. Bay Rd. I made a left onto Honey Harbour Rd and went through Port Severn. 

At Lock 45 on Port Severn Rd N I decided to stop just before the lock at the rest area along the river. The parking lot was packed full so I just pulled up on the side to snap a few pics. I barely got one picture snapped when a guy crossed the parking lot. I looked at him and said "I guess that is your jeep?" (who I was blocking) he smiled and said yes. I quickly packed my camera in my saddle bag and as quickly as I could hoped on my bike and left. As I rode off I thought to myself, 'It is too peoplely out here for me"  I headed home.

Until next time... Keep

Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride

July 22 - Eagle Lake Rd, Haliburton Area

Round Trip: 182 mi / 292.9 km 

Map: Eagle Lake Rd - Haliburton Area 

I could not have asked for a better motorcycling day. (Saturday July 22, 2023)
No humidity, just good ole' sunshine and warm temps reaching 24C.
We left around 10 am taking hwy 60 to hwy 35.

We stopped in Dorset again at the Dorset Beach Park. (on hwy 35)

If you recall from our last tour we stopped at the same spot.
It was time for a little break and it is a nice place to rest if you are in the area.

We continued along hwy 35 and turned left onto North Shore Rd. 
It is unbelievable the amount of lakes, just gorgeous out this way.

We happened to see the Stanhope Museum

and just had to stop to take a pic of the giant lumberjack statue.

North Shore is a beautiful road to ride. We turned right at St. Peters Rd (at the bridge), although now that I looked at google map you can stay on North Shore Rd then turn right at Stanhope Airport Rd and that would also bring you to the 118. Oh well, maybe next time. 

Anyway after the pleasant North Shore/St. Peters Rd. we turned left on the 118, Ugh! the road was grated and under construction, then it turned to gravel just before our turn off on Kennisis. We made a left on Kennisis Lake Rd . It was time for another stop, so we went past our turn for Eagle Lake Rd. and stopped at St. Andrews Ct. It was a dead end street, and there was a restaurant, Pub Chicken across the street (which was closed as I think it only opens for dinner) We didn't want to eat anyway, lol.

Pretty spot, a little peek-a-boo view of Pine Lake

Where we stopped at St. Andrews Ct.

We then made our way back to Eagle Lake Rd. This was a fun, twisty road with great views. We then made a right turn on Harburn Rd. (Fort Irwin: If you go left you can stop and get some eats just up the road)

Harburn is another great motorcycle road ride. Lots of twisties! But then the fun soon ended, the 118 was freshly paved when we made the right back onto it but a short distance up the road it turned to gravel again. It will be nice when they finish repaving, just not sure how long this will take. Maybe by the time you read this it might be completed. 

So just be prepared if you plan on riding the 118 in this area. Finally around Carnarvon, ON. the 118 became smooth again and we were able to enjoy the sweeping curves. 

We travelled along the 118 into Bracebridge and made a right on Morrow Dr. Time for a break and we stopped at the Muskoka Falls public school. It was a long haul along the 118 and there really isn't many places to safely pull over for a rest stop. 

If you want a little more scenic stop just head a little further up the road to Muskoka Falls Beach. There is usually lots of people there and parking is limited. When we passed by I was correct and glad we had a rest where we did. lol

It was here that we decided to forgo the route I had planned and to just hook onto hwy 11 after we filled up at the gas station on Cedar Lane.  I will save that extended Cedar Lane back road route for another ride. I have to admit, I was tired and just wanted to get home the quickest way. Might have to start planning 2 day trips when riding this many miles LOL

Until next time... Keep

Cruising Through Life & Enjoying The Ride

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

Warm April Day

Today, (Sunday April 16) with the sun shining and the temp at about 16C and climbing I ventured out at about 10am. I just had to take advantage of the beautiful warm weather as tomorrow calls for 10C and rain. The rest of the week is not promising either, temps drop to the single digits and rain/snow mix all week. Unfortunately that is more normal for our April weather here. 

I headed along Baseline Rd. This road has taken a beating over the winter, with spots that are rough but ridable. I went towards Barrie where I would connect with Ridge Rd. North and ride along the water, even though the huge houses hide any view of it.

On my way back I took Bass Lake Rd and then just scooted along 93 and home. It was getting toasty out and finished my ride at about 1pm. Another wonderful 155 km ride. 

Baseline Rd.

 Line 1 at the Oro-Medonte Rail Trail. 

Carthew Bay

For my full ride map details

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…