An Olympic cyclist’s guide to Ontario’s best bike trails

“Getting on a bike trail is like a complete mental escape,” says cycling expert Dede Barry, an Olympic medallist originally from Milwaukee now based in Toronto. “You sort of lose yourself because you’re so focused on the ride. It takes you to another zone.”

She and her husband, Michael Barry, a three-time Olympian himself, run Mariposa, which is renowned for meticulously crafting bikes that cycling obsessives love. In non-pandemic times, they also lead multi-day cycling tours abroad, in destinations like the French Pyrenees and Spain’s Priorat wine region.

Of course, Barry is well acquainted with trails throughout Ontario, too. Read on for a few of her favourites in and around the GTA for riders of varying levels. (If exploring somewhere new, plan your path with a site like Ride With GPS, and download it onto a device you can follow en route.)

For varied terrain close to home: The Don River Trails, Toronto

The Don Valley’s many trails hold a special place in Barry’s heart, because she rides them every day for work. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re seeking the challenge of a rockier path through the ravine, or a smoother, less technical ride away from traffic. “It really lets me wind down at the end of the long workday,” she says. “And even though we’re in the middle of a big city, I don’t feel like I am down in the Don Valley.”

For a beginner-friendly path: The Georgian Trail, Georgian Bay

Every year, Mariposa helps organize a charity ride called the Growling Beaver Brevet. While there are various distances, each segment of the event starts on the Georgian Trail, which stretches 34 kilometres from Collingwood to Meaford. Barry especially loves the serene route during the fall when the leaves are changing colours. Because of its flat terrain and the natural shelter from wind that the trees create, it’s “doable for just about anyone.”

For a scenic intermediate-level ride: The Uxbridge Rail Trail, Uxbridge

A few years ago, inspired by The Tragically Hip hit “Bobcaygeon,” Barry, her husband and their two kids took tandem bikes from Toronto all the way to the cosy Kawartha Lakes village of Bobcaygeon. A chunk of their ride was spent traversing the idyllic Uxbridge Rail Trail to Lindsay, part of Canada’s Great Trail. It’s a quiet, spacious route that’s removed from traffic and great for spotting birds and other animals. Barry says the gravel path isn’t super challenging, though if you’re less experienced, don’t bike in from Toronto. Also, there aren’t many places to stop for water, so travel prepared; once you hit Lindsay, you’ll find plenty of places to grab a bite or rest.

For a more challenging route: Haliburton County Rail Trail, Haliburton

This 35-kilometre stretch, which will take you to the small village of Kinmount, features some stunning scenery. You’ll spot winding rivers, cascading waterfalls and heritage bridges along the way. Barry says the terrain — a mix of marshlands, bumpy gravel and sand patches — can make for a “pretty rough ride” at times, but assures it’s really fun for those confident in their skills.

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.