Log Driver's Waltz
Route created by Eric Betteridge and Jen Adams
The Log Driver’s Waltz is a 800 kilometre bikepacking-oriented loop consisting of about 80 percent unpaved riding surfaces that weaves in a winning mix of lonely tree-lined gravel roads, rowdy long forgotten unmaintained roads, lovely rail trail, idyllic riverside roads, lake-hugging single lane paths and forested trails in the Ottawa Valley and Outaouais regions of eastern Ontario and western Quebec. All of which beckon to be conquered on fatter tires.
The route showcases the world class sinuous off-pavement riding that is a fixture of the Lanark Highlands, home to quintessential Canadian Shield country and sugar shacks boiling up iconic maple syrup. Not to be outdone is the eyesome backcountry terrain of the the lake studded North Frontenac Parklands of Ontario that is within thousands of acres of crown land (government owned public land) that is the perfect place to pitch a tent or recharge with an invigorating swim. Here, you'll also ride among groves of towering white pine. When your sojourn enters the sparsely populated Outaouais region of Quebec you’ll be welcomed by a ride that wends through forests of sun-dappled leaves, marshes and bucolic farmland on a bounty of hilly or flat, winding and straight country roads. Languid vistas abound. The area also features the Véloroute des Draveurs (“log drivers’ bike route”) that showcases the provinces commitment to encouraging traffic-free long-distance bike travel. A true gift to the route is a ride on the vast network of forested paths through the 361-square kilometre Gatineau Park, an area dominated by green hills, placid lakes and copious views tucked between the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers. Expect a good workout as some testy inclines await you on your approach through the park to Ottawa. A pedal in the nation’s capital Ottawa on an impressive network of community trails and dedicated cycle ways will quickly reveal why this city is one of the country’s most cycle friendly. Take time to soak up the parliamentary and heritage sites and raise a toast at any one of the microbreweries. All of these bikepacking-worthy environs are directly accessible from welcoming, charming towns including Almonte, Sharbot Lake and Gracefield that are home to affable residents and tasty eats to fuel up for the two-wheel adventure ahead.
For detailed information on the Log Driver's Waltz including route files, please visit www.logdriverswaltz.ca
The Log Driver’s Waltz is a 800 kilometre bikepacking-oriented loop consisting of about 80 percent unpaved riding surfaces that weaves in a winning mix of lonely tree-lined gravel roads, rowdy long forgotten unmaintained roads, lovely rail trail, idyllic riverside roads, lake-hugging single lane paths and forested trails in the Ottawa Valley and Outaouais regions of eastern Ontario and western Quebec. All of which beckon to be conquered on fatter tires.
The route showcases the world class sinuous off-pavement riding that is a fixture of the Lanark Highlands, home to quintessential Canadian Shield country and sugar shacks boiling up iconic maple syrup. Not to be outdone is the eyesome backcountry terrain of the the lake studded North Frontenac Parklands of Ontario that is within thousands of acres of crown land (government owned public land) that is the perfect place to pitch a tent or recharge with an invigorating swim. Here, you'll also ride among groves of towering white pine. When your sojourn enters the sparsely populated Outaouais region of Quebec you’ll be welcomed by a ride that wends through forests of sun-dappled leaves, marshes and bucolic farmland on a bounty of hilly or flat, winding and straight country roads. Languid vistas abound. The area also features the Véloroute des Draveurs (“log drivers’ bike route”) that showcases the provinces commitment to encouraging traffic-free long-distance bike travel. A true gift to the route is a ride on the vast network of forested paths through the 361-square kilometre Gatineau Park, an area dominated by green hills, placid lakes and copious views tucked between the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers. Expect a good workout as some testy inclines await you on your approach through the park to Ottawa. A pedal in the nation’s capital Ottawa on an impressive network of community trails and dedicated cycle ways will quickly reveal why this city is one of the country’s most cycle friendly. Take time to soak up the parliamentary and heritage sites and raise a toast at any one of the microbreweries. All of these bikepacking-worthy environs are directly accessible from welcoming, charming towns including Almonte, Sharbot Lake and Gracefield that are home to affable residents and tasty eats to fuel up for the two-wheel adventure ahead.
For detailed information on the Log Driver's Waltz including route files, please visit www.logdriverswaltz.ca
