Adventure Time!
What About Adventure?
Motorcycling can be one of the best ways to explore new places and experience new things. There is arguably no better way to explore the Canadian landscape than on two wheels. Sharing these adventures with like-minded riders makes them even more rewarding. That’s what UTRC is for!
One of UTRC’s purposes is to offer members opportunities to explore the Canadian landscape through planned group-rides. All planned group-rides are single-day trips and are categorized into three difficulties.
Please note that the difficulty categories only exist as guides for newer members and aren’t strictly enforced; participation is entirely dependent on the member.
All participants of group-rides will rendezvous at 33 Bay Street, M5J 2Z3 (The mailing address of UTRC), as it is right beside the on-ramp to Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway.
All individual costs associated with the group ride (i.e. fuel, food and gear) are the responsibility of the participant. Refer to the Legal page for more information.
All participating members must bring a valid driver's license and proof of insurance with them on any group-ride (and ideally on every ride).
All participating members must also bring the signed waiver form (see below) to the rendezvous point before adventures.
A quick inspection will be performed by UTRC officers before any ride to ensure that the mandatory road safety requirements are met.
Algonquin - Summer of 2019
Forks of credit rd. (Novice)
Additional Information
Located one hour north west (70 km) of the St. George campus, the Forks of Credit Rd. is home to one of the two hairpin turns in Southern Ontario, it is also the way to the Forks of Credit Provincial Park and Belfountain Conservation Area. The 3.8 kilometer stretch hosts a total of 10 turns, one of the which is the hairpin turn. At the end of the road, there is a small cafe (Higher Ground Cafe at 17277 Old Main St, Belfountain, ON L7K 0E5) and parking lot for bikers and tourists. During weekends in the summer, this stretch is filled with bikers who are looking to explore the edge of their tires without going through all the hassle of a track day.
The 3.8 kilometer stretch is relatively controlled, and due to the terrain police speed traps nearly impossible to set up, not saying that you should speed... However, during July and August, the 3.8 kilometer becomes crowed with tourists and cars and make it difficult to enjoy. Visits during May and June are advised, and UTRC will only host group rides to this location during late May and June.
4 kilometers north west of the forks of credit rd. is an Ultramar petrol station should you need it. Speaking from experience, it is best to head out from Toronto with half tank of gas, so by the time you get to the forks of credit rd. you'll be left with a quarter tank, which is ideal from some canyon carving. Not too much weight, and not too much out-of-gas anxiety. On the way home, stop by the gas station which is conveniently located on the southbound of the road.
This adventure is rated at Novice difficulty, as it is relatively easy to access from downtown Toronto, and the route is well supported by infrastructure, making refueling, bathroom stops, lunch breaks and medical emergencies easy to attend to.
The daily itinerary for the Forks of Credit Rd. adventure is as follows: (Itinerary may be subjected to change, below is for reference only. All participants will be notified of changes at least 24 hours in advance.)
09:00 - Rendezvous at 33 Bay Street
09:30 - Depart from rendezvous point after participant attire and vehicle inspection
10:30 - Arrive at Forks of Higher Ground Cafe (17277 Old Main St, Belfountain, ON L7K 0E5)
11:00 - Prep vehicle for canyon carving (Measure and adjust hot tire pressure etc.)
11:30 - Go have fun and get rid of the chicken strips!
12:00 - Return to Higher Ground Cafe for lunch
15:30 - Go to the Ultramar Petrol Station to refuel
16:00 - Head back to Toronto
17:00 - Arrive back at 33 Bay Street, group is dismissed.
King/Vaughn Twists (Novice)
Additional Information
Similar to Forks of Credit Rd. This adventure is a dedicate canyon carving ride. The key difference being this location is much more secluded than Forks of Credit Rd. with absolutely no tourist traffic and very little passing traffic. This road is essentially an access road to the residences and businesses located in the area. In case you are wondering, there are 2 residence, 1 business and 1 farm along this route, so there really is not a lot of traffic.
The King/Vaughn Twists are located 40 minutes (50 km) north of the St.George campus. This 2.9 kilometer stretch hosts 8 turns, 2 of which are apart of a switchback turn, which are very hard to come by in southern Ontario. Personally, I prefer this over the Forks of Credit Rd. simply because of the reduce traffic much sharper turns, and each turn with the exception of the switchback have plenty of run off area should your tires loose traction. This is where I go for some fun knee-dragging without hitting the track.
This adventure is rated at Novice difficulty, as it is relatively easy to access from downtown Toronto, and the route is well supported by infrastructure, making refueling, bathroom stops, lunch breaks and medical emergencies easy to attend to. This stretch of twisties is 2.4 kilometers away from the town of Nobleton with access to gas, food, medical help and mechanical aid.
The daily itinerary for the King/Vaughn Twisty adventure is as follows: (Itinerary may be subjected to change, below is for reference only. All participants will be notified of changes at least 24 hours in advance.)
09:00 - Rendezvous at 33 Bay Street
09:30 - Depart from rendezvous point after participant attire and vehicle inspection
10:30 - Arrive at 4901 King Vaughan Rd. and prep vehicle for canyon carving
12:30 - Go to Nobleton for lunch at Tim Horton's, then return to the twisties
15:30 - Go to Esso Gas Station at Nobleton
16:00 - Head back to Toronto
17:00 - Arrive back at 33 Bay Street, group is dismissed.
Kawartha Highlands Circuit (ADvanced Beginner)
Additional Information
Similar to the Novice level adventures focused around canyon carving rather than sightseeing. The Kawartha Highlands Circuit is loop that runs around the Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park. Within this 263 kilometers of semi-enclosed loop, there are 103 turns, of which 3 are hairpin turns and 13 switchback turns. If Canada could ever host a road racing event, this would be the Isle of Man in Canada, only much longer. Almost all of the 103 turns are un-barricaded turns, meaning you'll have plenty of runoff space in the event of a accident. However, proceed with caution, wild life crossing is especially often during dusk and dawn in the months from April to June. It takes about 2 hours to arrive at the entry to the loop from Toronto.
Given the length and complexity of this trip, I will not only provide a daily itinerary, but compliment it with a more detailed description of each stop.
The group will depart from the rendezvous point, making a pit stop near Peterborough for gas. Then we'll head to Burleigh Falls where the loop begins. About half way through the loop, we'll stop at the town of Maynooth for gas. Then we'll finish the rest of the loop, passing through the town of Gooderham and ultimately finishing the loop hear the town of Lakefield, where we'll refuel and head home.
The daily itinerary for the Long Point Beach & Niagara Falls adventure is as follows: (Itinerary may be subjected to change, below is for reference only. All participants will be notified of changes at least 24 hours in advance.)
10:00 - Rendezvous at 33 Bay Street
10:30 - Depart from rendezvous point after participant attire and vehicle inspection
12:00 - Arrive at Ultramar Gas Station outside Peterborough
12:30 - Arrive at Burleigh Falls
13:30 - Arrive at Maynooth to refuel
15:00 - Arrive at Esso Gas Station outside of Peterborough
15:30 - Head back to Toronto.
17:30 - Arrive back at 33 Bay street ad group is dismissed
LONG POINT Beach & Niagara Falls (ADvanced beginner)
Additional Information
Long Point Conservation Area located around Stub's Grub is home to one of the quietest and cleanest beaches in Southern Ontario. The first image on the Home page was taken at Long Point. If visiting in the mornings in May and June, you'll often be the only person on the beach, and that gives you some time to really escape the busyness of city. On our way home, we'll take a detour and visit Niagara Falls, as it gives us a chance to ride through some lakeside twisties.
Given the length and complexity of this trip, I will not only provide a daily itinerary, but compliment it with a more detailed description of each stop.
The group will depart from our rendezvous point at 33 Bay street and make a pit stop at an Esso Gas Station just outside Hamilton at 16 Wilson Street. Following that we'll head to Stub's Grub which marks one of the more reclusive entrances to the beach head. Around lunch time, we'll go to a Tim Horton's located at 10 Main Street in the town of Port Dover. There are also gas stations in Port Dover, and refueling in the town is advised. Then we'll ride through some lakeside twisties en route to Niagara Falls. We'll stop briefly at the Falls to grab a few pictures, no refueling is required, then we head home. It is about 300 km from Port Dover to Niagara Falls and back to Toronto, so no refueling is required on our way home. If the out-of-gas anxiety kicks in, we'll make a pit stop on our way home.
The daily itinerary for the Long Point Beach & Niagara Falls adventure is as follows: (Itinerary may be subjected to change, below is for reference only. All participants will be notified of changes at least 24 hours in advance.)
06:00 - Rendezvous at 33 Bay Street
06:30 - Depart from rendezvous point after participant attire and vehicle inspection
07:30 - Arrive at Esso Gas Station outside Hamilton at 16 Wilson Street
09:00 - Arrive at Long Point Beach and enter the beach near Stub's Grub
12:00 - Leave beach and head to Port Dover for lunch and refuel
13:00 - Arrive at Port Dover for lunch and refuel. 40 mins for lunch, 20 mins for refueling.
14:00 - Leave Port Dover and head to Niagara Falls
16:30 - Arrive at Niagara Falls.
17:00 - Leave Niagara Falls and head home. Stop en route for refuel if needed
18:30 - Arrive back at 33 Bay street ad group is dismissed
Bruce peninsula Sightseeing Line (Intermediate)
Additional Information
This adventure differs from all others at is requires the rider to dismount and hike to the lookout. Don't worry, it is a very short wheel-chair-friendly-hike, and I'm sure you'll be fine. This is also the first intermediate level adventure, meaning you'll be pushing the endurance of your mind and body to the limit. Don't worry, it will still be fun and earns you some bragging right for complete this trip in a single day.
This trip will take you to the most northern point of southern Ontario, the Bruce Peninsula. This adventure will also take you the pride of Southern Ontario, the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula Provincial Park. Due to the fame of this location, all visitors are required to cal in advance and reserve parking spots. But don't worry, all the paperwork will be handled by your President.
Given the length and complexity of this trip, I will not only provide a daily itinerary, but compliment it with a more detailed description of each stop.
First the group will depart from the rendezvous point and take a 5 minute pit stop at a gas station near Orangeville. Then head to Owen Sound via a detour through the Blue Mountains and some lakeside roads. Then we'll head north into the peninsula and stop at the Grotto. Then around lunch time we'll go the the nearby town of Tobermory for lunch and refuel. And then return home via the shortest path.
The daily itinerary for the Long Point Beach & Niagara Falls adventure is as follows: (Itinerary may be subjected to change, below is for reference only. All participants will be notified of changes at least 24 hours in advance.)
06:00 - Rendezvous at 33 Bay Street
06:30 - Depart from rendezvous point after participant attire and vehicle inspection
07:30 - Arrive at Esso Gas Station in Orangeville
10:00 - Arrive at Esso Gas Station in Owen Sound
11:30 - Arrive at The Grotto
14:00 - Leave The Grotto and head to Tobermory for lunch
14:30 - Arrive at Tobermory for Lunch. 1 hour for lunch
15:30 - Leave Tobermory head to Esso Gas Station in Owen Sound
17:00 - Arrive at Esso Gas Station in Owen Sound. Top up and head back to Toronto
19:30 - Arrive at rendezvous point at 33 Bay street, group is dismissed
Algonquin Loop (Intermediate)
Additional Information
I would say that this is ultimate challenge, but it really isn't. So let's just say that this is one of the hardest day trips out there. This is something that really earns you the bragging right. To those of you that don't know, Algonquin Provincial Park is the northern frontier of southern Ontario. Another 2 hours north of Algonquin lays lands that literally have no traces of mankind, literally uncharted territory. So when you are here at Algonquin, know that you on the borderlands between civilization and the vast wilderness of the Canadian Shield.
Given the length and complexity of this trip, I will not only provide a daily itinerary, but compliment it with a more detailed description of each stop.
The group will leave from the rendezvous point before the sunrise, and make a quick pit stop at the ONRoute Station outside of Barrie, which have Tim Horton's for breakfast. Then we head north for 250 km to the small town (or village) of Dwight to refuel and grab some pastries at a nearby family bakery. Afterwards, the group will take the southern route via Haliburton County Road 11. Then we'll need to stop at Linkie's General Store & Gas Bar to refuel and head north to Algonquin Visitor Center. Then head back to Dwight, refuel, grab lunch at the nearby town of Huntsville, go home, making a pit stop near Innisfill to refuel.
The daily itinerary for the Long Point Beach & Niagara Falls adventure is as follows: (Itinerary may be subjected to change, below is for reference only. All participants will be notified of changes at least 24 hours in advance.)
05:30 - Rendezvous at 33 Bay Street
06:00 - Depart from rendezvous point after participant attire and vehicle inspection
07:00 - Arrive at ONRoute Barrie. Quick 30 mins refuel and breakfast
07:30 - Leave ONRoute Barrie, head to Dwight
09:00 - Arrive Dwight. Refuel and grab some pastries
12:00 - Arrive at Linkie's General Store & Gas Bar to refuel
12:30 - Arrive at Algonquin Visitor Center, take a 10 minute break to buy souvenirs
12:40 - Leave Algonquin Visitor Center, head back to Dwight to refuel
13:40 - Arrive Dwight. Refuel
14:30 - Arrive at Huntsville for lunch at the awesome Main St. Local Kitchen
15:30 - Leave Huntsville and head to ONRoute Innisfill
17:00 - Arrive at ONRoute Innisfill, quick pit stop then head home
18:30 - Arrive at 33 Bay Street. Group is dismissed
North Bay Marathon (Intermediate)
Additional Information
This is the ultimate challenge, 1044 kilometers, 11 hours in the saddle. This earns you the right to enter the Iron Butt Association having over 1000 kilometers in a single day. But there is something more important than earning bragging rights, it is that feeling you get when you are on the edge of civilization. For 2 hours you'll ride south of the Ottawa River, across that river is the La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve, a vast stretch of uncharted territory with only a single road passing through it. As you look across the river, be reminded of what is behind you, the last marks of western civilization.
Given the length and complexity of this trip, I will not only provide a daily itinerary, but compliment it with a more detailed description of each stop.
The group will depart from the rendezvous point before dawn and make a pit stop at ONRoute Barrie. The we'll head to Dwight again for a pit stop. Then we will cross the Algonquin Provincial Park and stop at the very tiny town of Eganville. Afterwards we will head to the settlement of Mattawa for fuel and head to the amazing North Star Diner for lunch at North Bay. No refueling is required at North Bay. We'll then head back south to Huntsville to refuel and head home, making another pit stop at ONRoute Innisfill.
The daily itinerary for the Long Point Beach & Niagara Falls adventure is as follows: (Itinerary may be subjected to change, below is for reference only. All participants will be notified of changes at least 24 hours in advance.)
04:30 - Rendezvous at 33 Bay Street
05:00 - Depart from rendezvous point after participant attire and vehicle inspection
06:00 - Arrive at ONRoute Barrie. Quick 30 mins refuel and breakfast
06:30 - Leave ONRoute Barrie, head to Dwight
08:00 - Arrive Dwight. Refuel and grab some pastries
11:00 - Arrive at Eganville for fuel
13:30 - Arrive at Mattawa for fuel
14:30 - Arrive at North Star Diner for lunch. 1 hour.
15:30 - Leave from North Star Diner, head to Huntsville
17:00 - Arrive at Huntsville for fuel
19:00 - Arrive at ONRoute Innisfill
20:30 - Arrive at 33 Bay Street. Group is dismissed