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</div> <h2 class="wsite-content-title" style="text-align:center;"><strong><font size="6" color="#a82e2e">The Deep Southwest Ramble</font></strong></h2> <div class="paragraph">​<em>Route created by Jennifer Kilbourne</em><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(34, 34, 34)">The route covers 218 miles of gravel, rail trail and pavement in the deep southwest of Ontario. The County of Essex and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent are known for their flat terrain. What this route lacks in elevational challenges, it can make up with strong winds and fresh gravel. There are dozens of wind turbines in this area for a reason! There are many choices for dining and accommodations along the south side (Lake Erie) and the far west end (Amherstburg) of this route. Offerings are fewer and farther between through the middle of these counties, but with some planning, you shouldn't go hungry or thirsty. </span><br />There are a few campgrounds for tenting (reservations strongly recommended), and several options for smaller motels in the larger centres. Traditional Bed and Breakfasts are common in the area, as well as Airbnb options.<br />This north shore of Lake Erie is known for its wineries. In the last few years, several craft breweries have opened as well. <br />The route does not extend into Windsor, but the city isn't far away. If you head north on the ERCA Greenway at the hamlet of McGregor, and merge onto the Herb Grey Parkway Trail, you can ride right into Windsor with minimal interactions with traffic.<br />If riders have time to add an extra day or two to their journey, a trip over to Pelee Island by ferry is possible. This southernmost inhabited part of Canada has a perimeter road that is at least half gravel. There is a campground on the island as well as B&B and inn options. Reservations are strongly recommended. The ferry runs out of Kingsville or Leamington.<br />This part of Ontario typically does not get a lot of snow, extending the snow-free riding season. During the spring thaw (which could be as early as February), mud can be prevalent.<br />32 mm tires would be adequate for this route, but if you get into freshly graded roads, 42 mm will be more comfortable. ​</div> <div><div style="height:20px;overflow:hidden"></div> <div id='923090338326363203-slideshow'></div> <script type='text/javascript'> (function(jQuery) { function init() { window.wSlideshow && window.wSlideshow.render({elementID:"923090338326363203",nav:"thumbnails",navLocation:"bottom",captionLocation:"bottom",transition:"fade",autoplay:"0",speed:"5",aspectRatio:"auto",showControls:"true",randomStart:"false",images:[{"url":"1\/0\/2\/8\/10287165\/picture1.jpg","width":600,"height":800,"fullHeight":800,"fullWidth":600},{"url":"1\/0\/2\/8\/10287165\/picture2.jpg","width":600,"height":800,"fullHeight":800,"fullWidth":600},{"url":"1\/0\/2\/8\/10287165\/picture3.jpg","width":800,"height":600,"fullHeight":800,"fullWidth":1067},{"url":"1\/0\/2\/8\/10287165\/picture4.jpg","width":600,"height":800,"fullHeight":800,"fullWidth":600},{"url":"1\/0\/2\/8\/10287165\/picture5.jpg","width":600,"height":800,"fullHeight":800,"fullWidth":600},{"url":"1\/0\/2\/8\/10287165\/picture6.jpg","width":800,"height":600,"fullHeight":800,"fullWidth":1067},{"url":"1\/0\/2\/8\/10287165\/picture7.jpg","width":600,"height":800,"fullHeight":800,"fullWidth":600},{"url":"1\/0\/2\/8\/10287165\/picture8.jpg","width":800,"height":600,"fullHeight":800,"fullWidth":1067}]}) } jQuery(document).ready(init); 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