Simcoe County Loop Trail XL Bikepacking

Simcoe County Loop Trail XL bikepacking

Cost ~$15 per person for pre-booked campsite. 
Note: Trip shortened from 3 to 2 days and ~300k to ~200k. 

https://www.tbn.ca/joinus: TBN offers three levels of membership that are valid for 12 months: namely Family, Individual and Student.  Prices are $85, $55, and $30, respectively.  (Membership renewal prices are $70, $40, and $30, respectively). TBN’s 30-Day-Trial membership costs $10 and is valid for 30 days.

Any questions please contact the trip leader Greg Andre-Barrett at overnighttrips@tbn.ca.

Summary:

• Aug 9th Saturday to Aug 10th Sunday

• 2 days and 1 nights camping in provincial parks.

• Cost ~$15 per person for campsite, to be paid to Greg at end of trip. 

• Description: https://www.bikepackingontario.com/simcoe.html 

• This is a relatively flat route with moderate hills as you approach the northern section of this trail.
• Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52089862 (clockwise)

• Distance 206 km.
  Elevation Gain 1,178 m.
  Paved ~103 km 52% (includes ~32 km 15% paved trail).
  Unpaved ~103 km 47% (mostly rail trail).

• Recommend a gravel bike, with 700x38mm or wider tires, for unpaved rail trail and gravel roads.

• Bikepacking/touring bags and camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, mattress, etc).

• Parking available free Saturday and Sunday on waterfront lots with hourly parking shown in orange and dark green on this Barrie parking map.

• Come up Friday (by Go Train etc) and stay overnight for easy start Saturday. Book your own accommodation.

• Contact the trip leader Greg Andre-Barrett at overnighttrips@tbn.ca, as he can loan you a spare set of bikepacking bags and can advise you on what bike and gear to bring.  

Aug 9 Saturday 8am.

• 0 km. 8am Start at Barrie Heritage Park by "Love Barrie" sign across from Meridian Place.

• 29 km. Turn right off rail trail onto Flos Rd 4 West. Follow the route on paved road for a while before rejoining the trail. This avoids some very sandy sections of the rail trail. 

• 39 km. Elmvale Bakery for lunch.

• 40 km. Fresh spring water from this tap located by the side of the road.

• 42.5 km. Rejoin the rail trail. 

• 48.2 km. Wyevale. Washrooms. Convenience store with ice cream etc.

• 62 km. Enter Penetanguishene to plaza with Foodland and restaurants (Burrito Brothers & Dixie Lee Fried Chicken) for dinner/food. Last stop before camping at Awenda PP.  

• Return same route.

• 65 km. Right onto Park Street, left onto Robert Street West, and right onto Champlain Rd.   

• Follow route to Awenda PP. 

• 89.5 km. Awenda PP Ontario Parks Store.

• 94 km. Turn right to Snake Campground (site #292) and Wolf Campground (site #205).  

Aug 10 Sunday:

• 109.5 km. Penetanguishene - Tim Hortons for breakfast. Foodland for food etc.

• 115 km. Midland with various food options noted. 

• 120.5 km. Pass Saint Marie among the Hurons. 

• 127 km. Victoria Harbour. Foodland. 

• 136 km. Waubaushene. About 0.5k off-route Subway, Rise to Fries, Tim Hortons.

• 136 km. Trail pavement turns to gravel.

• 144 km Coldwater. Em's Cafe: Great coffee, grilled sandwiches, and gourmet desserts.

• 170 km. Orillia. Mariposa Market offers amazing freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, meals, and locally roasted coffee.

• 206 km. Barrie - Finish at Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery for celebration dinner and brews. 

Any questions please contact the trip leader Greg Andre-Barrett at overnighttrips@tbn.ca.