Hi, all. Due to some arm issues, I have been off of technical trails for the last few years. I am now on a V Strom 650 and am already bored of the slab. My bike has all the crash protection, and I would like to find some nice fire road, two track, and easier trails to ride in the Kawartha Lakes area. The tires I currently run are not knobbies, but they are not slicks either. I am sure I will be fine on gravel and relatively smooth trails. I just don't want to be pushing mud and trying to navigate rocky paths. I am on the mend and will eventually get back to more technical riding, but for now I just want to do some slower, relatively light off-road riding. I miss being in the forest, and I miss riding with friends new and old. If anyone has some ideas of some areas that meet my needs, I would certainly appreciate hearing from you. Is it spring yet??
Check out RallyConnex; they do events in that area and generally provide a "dirt" route and an "adventure" route for larger bikes. When it comes time to change tires, Mitas E-07 are a nice balance of lugs for gravel roads and highways. I've gone through two sets so far, quite happy with performance on pavement (including wet pavement) and gravel, and longevity.
If I remember correctly there is hogsback road, near Bethany/Omemee area. I think it was a pretty easy trail that is marked as a road. That being said there may be a steep downhill. Good luck, post up what you find. I am up in that area every now and then.
Thanks for the trail and tire suggestions. I will check out that hogsback road, and think about those tires. Keep the suggestions coming!
I don't ride much in that area but I do know a few fireroads: 1. The paved road leading north from Kirkfield eventually narrows down and becomes a dirt (single lane-I believe) road. It has a unique feel in that there are no houses or farms on that section, just bush. It will end in a T intersection with a similar road going east-west. 2. If you follow the above road east you can work your ways towards Norland. After hwy 35 take the first left off of 45. It ultimately becomes a cottage access road but does go through some nice terrain. There are options to connect with Somerville forest to the east, but these options might be too difficult on a Vstrom.
I was looking around, there's a part of this site devoted to tracks. You might have to be an updated member to access. http://www.odsc.on.ca/.xenforo/index.php?forums/tracks-and-routes.76/
Hey Mr. C I live around the area also and I am in search of the same thing. What did you find over the summer? I found a small dirt/sand circle track labeled as a road, at the very west end of North Monaghan through the lights you get to Stewart and Preston side road intersection, there is access to the sand circle from the west side of preston road but this is a very small place and some houses nearby. See link for photos I also found some spots near Bethany, see link for photos. There are almost more spots out near Marmora quarry and cordova mines. But make sure you plan your gas. https://photos.app.goo.gl/YZzCcyp19XEide8Y7
I ended up also checking out hogsback road. VERY wet after heavy rain, when I say very wet I mean nearly mostly water for the mid section by hayes line. Has anyone successfully done the rocky hill climb at the very north end of Dranoel Rd by Devils Elbow Ski area? I went down but I couldn't get back up taking the wide track (didn't try straight up although it may have been better). That hill seems to be all rock. Still in search of more places for off roading.
Hey, Bonez. Thanks for the info. I am without a dual sport bike at the moment, but I will be looking for something more dirt oriented again. Once I am set up, we will have to go try out a few of the areas you mention. Enjoy the off-season!
It took me a few runs on a crf250, but i did make it up that hill to draenol rd - no easy feat. As far as additional routes for an ADV bike, i would check out the forest area north of 7 just past norwood. You hang a left at the power lines outside of town and snake into there and it switches to an unassumed road. Not too gnarly in there. You can link the rail lines from peterborough to hastings, campbellford, cut over to marmora, and from there towards algonquin. I made it clear through to whitney earlier this year no problems. The real gem of ontario trails lies in the limerick lake area.
There is a fun 60km gravel trail north of Madoc. Take 62 north, take a right on Bannockburn Rd. The trail comes out on 41 south of Clyone.
If you take 62 north it’s Bannockburn Rd If you take Cooper Rd from Madoc take a left at Lingham Rd. Bannockburn turns into Lingham at Cooper. I did this trail for the first time this past September, there were two small water crossings, which was plenty for my level...LOL It was a a lot fun!
Hikerman, when heading North from Madoc on Cooper Rd you'll get to the intersection in 'Cooper' - basically a couple houses at a crossroads. Turning RIGHT (east) gets you onto Lingham Lk Rd (not left - that takes you Hwy 62). The hydro line you end up on is fun, for sure, with a couple wet spots that can get up to the axles or better, depending on the season (but very solid bottom, gravelly/bouldery). Nice bits of elevation with bare granite perches for lunch or photo ops. I have a farm in Madoc and have ridden it a number of times on the KLR, usually pretty loaded up for camping further north.
