Eastern Canada - Rides around Barrie, ON?

I recently moved to Barrie, ON and would like to know what kind of cycling events there are around here.

Any information on groups rides (both road and mountain bike), road routes/mountain bike trails around the area, good bike shops, cycling clubs, fixed gear events, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Great choice of re-location for a cyclist. We are just south of you but there is a lot of overlap.

Barrie itself can be a bit tricky to get out of but once you find your favourite route out of town there is an exceptional choice of riding in the area. Surrounding area has quiet farm roads (lots are paved but still good choice of unpaved if you prefer that), lake side cottage and beach communities, small towns like Creemore, Alliston and Orillia out and back in a day. Tremendous scenary. Because of this many of the Toronto and Toronto area clubs also ride in the area.

Links

http://www.randonneursontario.ca/ (South Simcoe Chapter, long distance)
http://www.barriecycling.com/
Southern Ontario Century Ride: http://www.cyclecanada.com/socr.htm
Tour du Canada Time Trial: http://www.cyclecanada.com/tdctt.htm
Cycling Friendly Accommodation: http://www.velohospitality.com/search.php?zoom_query=Huronia

Also plenty of Mountain Bike opportunities for organized - http://www.mansfieldoutdoorcentre.ca/
Bike Shops, we know Bikeland http://www.bikeland.ca/ there will be others.

Thanks MCJ for all the links! I haven't checked them out yet, but I am sure they will be very helpful.

I have heard from quite a few Barrie residents that there is a lot of good riding around here. I have also been told about some good mountain biking around here, called Hardwood something or other, I can't remember the name. If anyone knows the name of the place that would be awesome.

Cheers

I have heard from quite a few Barrie residents that there is a lot of good riding around here. I have also been told about some good mountain biking around here, called Hardwood something or other, I can't remember the name. If anyone knows the name of the place that would be awesome.

They're referring to Hardwood Hills (http://www.hardwoodhills.ca/), and yes, it is an excellent place to ride. X-C ski trails in the winter, MTB trails in the summer.

Have fun! ;)

Ginger

There are 3 great areas near Barrie for
1. From Keswick on the east side of Lake Simcoe there are many routes along the lake and to nearby Mount Albert on local paved county roads - flat to gently hilly.
2. A little to the north cycling from Cold Water on County Roads to the Lift Lock, Honey Harbour and back
3. To the west between Alliston and Creemore, plus from Angus near Barrie using County Roads to Tottenham - this is a hilly ride.

Thanks GingerSpice and Windrush for the info.

I can't wait to get out and try some of these rides!

barrie is about the furthest north you can get on GO transit. wanted to do some touring this summer up there.

i was even thinking of going all the way to Algonquin.

Hey, I know this thread is pretty much dead.. but for anyone interested I work at Monovan's bike shop on 149 Bayfield St. We have group rides every Tuesday and encourage people wanting to see some trails to come along. We usually ride free trails like Midhurst, Copeland, and Basslake Sd Rd.

Midhurst is closest and we ride it a lot. We are up for showing people whatever trails they feel like, most of the time it's just the manager, John, and I (Adrian). Please feel free to come along on Tuesday evenings at 6pm. Just come to the shop or meet in the parking lot. Also feel free to ask us about trails in the area. We would love to get a few more people to come ride with us. All skill levels are welcome, we take it pretty easy on Tuesdays and ride the skill level of our guests.

Hope this helps. If anyone still visits this thread.