BOGS & LOCKS
By the Numbers
Distance: 410 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 3500 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 80%/20%
Non-pavement surfaces are in the form of gravel roads, unmaintained roads, and rail trail
The Bogs & Locks bikepacking route is a grand loop in central Ontario – a course that wanders between hushed gravel roads, cozy trails and backcountry paths that carve a sinuous route in the landscape. Those who take the journey will be captivated by the sylvan settings, forested landscapes, placid bogs and the lockstations of the Trent-Severn waterway. A journey punctuated by the eyesome.
Highlights Include:
Glide along the historic Doube Trestle Bridge perched over marshy woodlands. Constructed in 1883 as one of several bridges on the Grand Trunk Railway mainline.
Visit several Trent-Severn Waterway lock stations – part of the Trent-Severn
Waterway National Historic Site that is maintained by Parks Canada. These can be a great place to camp.
Taking advantage of some of the most picturesque gravel roads in southcentral Ontario.
A ride through the Kawartha Highlands region offers superb wilderness cycling where, yes, you’ll spot several tranquil bogs.
Riding a portion of the Great Northern Bikepacking Route
Fueling up on the famous Kawartha ice cream
Pedalling along the smooth Victoria Rail Trail to the charming community of Kinmount
A chance to take advantage of lakeside backcountry camping
A visit to friendly small communities including Hastings, Coe Hill, and Omemee.
Stop by several unique destinations including Marmoraton Mines, Ranney Suspension Bridge and the Kinmount Model Railway.
Navigation
The link below is the route file you need to navigate this route. It would be a challenge to properly navigate with a paper map.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43623851
You can use this file to navigate the route using a navigational device such as Garmin and Wahoo, and on your mobile phone using the Ride with GPS app. The benefit of having the file on the Ride with GPS mobile app is that you will be able to see the points of interest (POIs) during your trip. These include accommodation and food options. Zoom in on a particular area of the route as some POI’s overlap and some of them are not visible when zoomed out.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
To download the route to the mobile app, go to the BT 700 Route Library using this link (https://ridewithgps.com/clubs/8322-bt-700-bikepacking/routes?) and click on the Bogs and Locks route. From here, click on the Save tab at the bottom and choose Download for Offline. This will let you access the route while on course even when not connected to the web. Note: you can also download the route to Garmin devices using this method.
Additionally, in the route file map displayed on the top of this web page, you'll see a "send to device" tab on the top. Clicking this while using your mobile device will let you directly upload the route to the Ride with GPS app. More info on this process here.
If needed, here is a tutorial from Ride with GPS on how to import a route that you have saved in your Ride with GPS route library from the mobile app directly to your Garmin or Wahoo using bluetooth.
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts free of charge. Normally this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. All you will need is to sign up for a free Ride with GPS account. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member.
Here is a good article about the pros and cons of using a smartphone to navigate with the Ride with GPS app.
When navigating with the mobile Ride with GPS app, it’s best not to rely solely on voice prompts as sometimes they can steer you in the wrong direction. The line on the map remains the best navigation tool.
If running the Ride with GPS mobile app as you ride you can enable Live Logging so friends and family can follow your journey in real time. This is available for Basic and Premium members. It uses only a small amount of data.
If downloading a .gpx file DO NOT click on ‘Reduce to 500 Points’. This will result in poor navigation. Here is some additional information on downloading the route to your navigation device.
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here is a tutorial on how to break up a route into two or more segments. Note: you'll need to save the route to your route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments.
The route can be updated or modified at any time, so it's best to review the route file in advance for trip planning purposes but only download the file shortly before your ride so you have the most up-to-date route.
If you run into issues downloading the route onto any of your devices or navigating it let me know and I can try to provide assistance.
Trip Start
The launching point for the route is Lindsay where multi-day parking is available. But riders can start and finish at any other point along the route. The route can be completed in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, with no clear advantage to either direction.
Difficulty
The Bogs & Locks route is not the most demanding route in the province in terms of length, ruggedness and elevation gain. It can be considered a good option for somewhat novice bikepackers but one that will also satisfy more experienced riders. It’s certainly not the hilliest route around, but there are sections of testy inclines that require greater efforts. There are also some rougher sections on a handful of unmaintained roads and lesser-quality rail trail. For the most part, there are resupply and accommodation options at regular intervals of the route.
Trip Duration
It should take most riders between 3 to 4 days to complete the route. Bogs & Locks was designed to be a touring route and not a racing route. But nothing is stopping a keen endurance cyclist from gunning for a time goal. Like most bikepacking routes, it's best not to overestimate how fast you'll get through the ride.
When to Ride
The route can be enjoyed from May to October. Perhaps the ideal season for riding the Bogs & Locks is late summer and fall when the peak of bug season has passed.
What to Ride
The Bogs & Locks was designed as a gravel-oriented bike trip, so the recommended format is a drop bar bike with 700c, 650b or 29-inch wheels. If using 700 wheels, it’s advised to use 38mm tires or larger for improved comfort. Tires narrower than 38mm could make the ride less fun, especially on the rougher unmaintained road and rail trail sections that can be chunky in spots. Tires in the range of 1.9 to 2.3 will work well on 650b or 29-inch wheels. Anything fatter than that can be overkill. A rigid or hardtail MTB would also be perfectly suitable for the route and a good option on some of the rougher stuff for overall comfort. Good gear ratios will make it easier to tackle some of the punchy inclines when loaded down with gear. Run tubeless if possible to mitigate the chances of flats in some of the rockier areas.
Tough Stuff
Depending on the time of year, bugs can be a serious nuisance, including the dreaded dear fly.
The summer months can bring steamy conditions, especially on some of the exposed roads. Make sure to take appropriate precautions including carrying enough water to beat the heat.
Occasionally, the route must veer onto paved roads with heavier traffic flow. Ride with awareness during these times.
Some sections of unmaintained roads and paths can be rough and require a greater degree of bike handling skills. Dismount and hike with your bike when needed.
The upper portion of the route including the ride through Kawartha Highlands Provincial park is where you’ll find most of the testy inclines.
Expect to see ATV traffic on some sections of rail trail. Unfortunately, some drivers are not as courteous to cyclists as others.
Route Updates
The route will be updated as needed. However, if you ride the route and come across any route issues or services that I should know about please contact me about this.
Lastly
It must be stressed that the route is entirely unsupported and unsanctioned with no insurance provided. All riders are responsible for their well-being on the Farmers Folly route and ride at their own risk. The route developer takes no responsibility for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other circumstance that might happen to individual riders cycling the Bogs & Locks route. There is no guarantee of route conditions at any given time and the route developer takes no responsibility for disrupted route conditions. You are entirely responsible for your safety and decisions that are made including accommodation and necessary detours. It is advised to study the route map and make note of your supply options as well as some possible detours (these are marked with a Control Point symbol). If you are not comfortable riding a section of the route take any necessary alternatives. Planning and due diligence is imperative as is riding within your means. People "racing" the route do so at their own risk.
Distance: 410 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 3500 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 80%/20%
Non-pavement surfaces are in the form of gravel roads, unmaintained roads, and rail trail
The Bogs & Locks bikepacking route is a grand loop in central Ontario – a course that wanders between hushed gravel roads, cozy trails and backcountry paths that carve a sinuous route in the landscape. Those who take the journey will be captivated by the sylvan settings, forested landscapes, placid bogs and the lockstations of the Trent-Severn waterway. A journey punctuated by the eyesome.
Highlights Include:
Glide along the historic Doube Trestle Bridge perched over marshy woodlands. Constructed in 1883 as one of several bridges on the Grand Trunk Railway mainline.
Visit several Trent-Severn Waterway lock stations – part of the Trent-Severn
Waterway National Historic Site that is maintained by Parks Canada. These can be a great place to camp.
Taking advantage of some of the most picturesque gravel roads in southcentral Ontario.
A ride through the Kawartha Highlands region offers superb wilderness cycling where, yes, you’ll spot several tranquil bogs.
Riding a portion of the Great Northern Bikepacking Route
Fueling up on the famous Kawartha ice cream
Pedalling along the smooth Victoria Rail Trail to the charming community of Kinmount
A chance to take advantage of lakeside backcountry camping
A visit to friendly small communities including Hastings, Coe Hill, and Omemee.
Stop by several unique destinations including Marmoraton Mines, Ranney Suspension Bridge and the Kinmount Model Railway.
Navigation
The link below is the route file you need to navigate this route. It would be a challenge to properly navigate with a paper map.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43623851
You can use this file to navigate the route using a navigational device such as Garmin and Wahoo, and on your mobile phone using the Ride with GPS app. The benefit of having the file on the Ride with GPS mobile app is that you will be able to see the points of interest (POIs) during your trip. These include accommodation and food options. Zoom in on a particular area of the route as some POI’s overlap and some of them are not visible when zoomed out.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
To download the route to the mobile app, go to the BT 700 Route Library using this link (https://ridewithgps.com/clubs/8322-bt-700-bikepacking/routes?) and click on the Bogs and Locks route. From here, click on the Save tab at the bottom and choose Download for Offline. This will let you access the route while on course even when not connected to the web. Note: you can also download the route to Garmin devices using this method.
Additionally, in the route file map displayed on the top of this web page, you'll see a "send to device" tab on the top. Clicking this while using your mobile device will let you directly upload the route to the Ride with GPS app. More info on this process here.
If needed, here is a tutorial from Ride with GPS on how to import a route that you have saved in your Ride with GPS route library from the mobile app directly to your Garmin or Wahoo using bluetooth.
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts free of charge. Normally this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. All you will need is to sign up for a free Ride with GPS account. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member.
Here is a good article about the pros and cons of using a smartphone to navigate with the Ride with GPS app.
When navigating with the mobile Ride with GPS app, it’s best not to rely solely on voice prompts as sometimes they can steer you in the wrong direction. The line on the map remains the best navigation tool.
If running the Ride with GPS mobile app as you ride you can enable Live Logging so friends and family can follow your journey in real time. This is available for Basic and Premium members. It uses only a small amount of data.
If downloading a .gpx file DO NOT click on ‘Reduce to 500 Points’. This will result in poor navigation. Here is some additional information on downloading the route to your navigation device.
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here is a tutorial on how to break up a route into two or more segments. Note: you'll need to save the route to your route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments.
The route can be updated or modified at any time, so it's best to review the route file in advance for trip planning purposes but only download the file shortly before your ride so you have the most up-to-date route.
If you run into issues downloading the route onto any of your devices or navigating it let me know and I can try to provide assistance.
Trip Start
The launching point for the route is Lindsay where multi-day parking is available. But riders can start and finish at any other point along the route. The route can be completed in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, with no clear advantage to either direction.
Difficulty
The Bogs & Locks route is not the most demanding route in the province in terms of length, ruggedness and elevation gain. It can be considered a good option for somewhat novice bikepackers but one that will also satisfy more experienced riders. It’s certainly not the hilliest route around, but there are sections of testy inclines that require greater efforts. There are also some rougher sections on a handful of unmaintained roads and lesser-quality rail trail. For the most part, there are resupply and accommodation options at regular intervals of the route.
Trip Duration
It should take most riders between 3 to 4 days to complete the route. Bogs & Locks was designed to be a touring route and not a racing route. But nothing is stopping a keen endurance cyclist from gunning for a time goal. Like most bikepacking routes, it's best not to overestimate how fast you'll get through the ride.
When to Ride
The route can be enjoyed from May to October. Perhaps the ideal season for riding the Bogs & Locks is late summer and fall when the peak of bug season has passed.
What to Ride
The Bogs & Locks was designed as a gravel-oriented bike trip, so the recommended format is a drop bar bike with 700c, 650b or 29-inch wheels. If using 700 wheels, it’s advised to use 38mm tires or larger for improved comfort. Tires narrower than 38mm could make the ride less fun, especially on the rougher unmaintained road and rail trail sections that can be chunky in spots. Tires in the range of 1.9 to 2.3 will work well on 650b or 29-inch wheels. Anything fatter than that can be overkill. A rigid or hardtail MTB would also be perfectly suitable for the route and a good option on some of the rougher stuff for overall comfort. Good gear ratios will make it easier to tackle some of the punchy inclines when loaded down with gear. Run tubeless if possible to mitigate the chances of flats in some of the rockier areas.
Tough Stuff
Depending on the time of year, bugs can be a serious nuisance, including the dreaded dear fly.
The summer months can bring steamy conditions, especially on some of the exposed roads. Make sure to take appropriate precautions including carrying enough water to beat the heat.
Occasionally, the route must veer onto paved roads with heavier traffic flow. Ride with awareness during these times.
Some sections of unmaintained roads and paths can be rough and require a greater degree of bike handling skills. Dismount and hike with your bike when needed.
The upper portion of the route including the ride through Kawartha Highlands Provincial park is where you’ll find most of the testy inclines.
Expect to see ATV traffic on some sections of rail trail. Unfortunately, some drivers are not as courteous to cyclists as others.
Route Updates
The route will be updated as needed. However, if you ride the route and come across any route issues or services that I should know about please contact me about this.
Lastly
It must be stressed that the route is entirely unsupported and unsanctioned with no insurance provided. All riders are responsible for their well-being on the Farmers Folly route and ride at their own risk. The route developer takes no responsibility for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other circumstance that might happen to individual riders cycling the Bogs & Locks route. There is no guarantee of route conditions at any given time and the route developer takes no responsibility for disrupted route conditions. You are entirely responsible for your safety and decisions that are made including accommodation and necessary detours. It is advised to study the route map and make note of your supply options as well as some possible detours (these are marked with a Control Point symbol). If you are not comfortable riding a section of the route take any necessary alternatives. Planning and due diligence is imperative as is riding within your means. People "racing" the route do so at their own risk.
