A Full-on Bro'Mance (93km)

• See Ride on Ride with GPS

Experience Level: Difficult. For experienced cyclists only.
Route Surface: Gravel and paved roads with a few short trails. Rolling terrain. Gravel, cyclocross, hybrid or mountain bike recommended.
Route Length: 93 km

Route Description:
A big day in the saddle, riding through the wide-open farmland to the north, as well as the rolling hills and narrow lanes south of Ingersoll. This route actually combines our “Taste of Embrosia” and “Reverend’s Ramble” routes.

Two-thirds of this route rolls along gravel roads and trails, making for a quiet and safe ride that will take most riders 3½ to 5 hours to complete. Ease into the ride on the park trails and rolling roads that take you out of Ingersoll – you’ll need plenty in the tank as you head north through Thamesford and up to Embro. Once there, consider a pit stop and espresso shot from Kintore Coffee, but don’t linger long.

We make a short diversion north to work ourselves onto narrower tree-lined gravel, turning south for a mostly-downhill return to Ingersoll. Here’s where you’ll want to a light lunch or an indulgent pastry (as well as a bathroom break). If you’ve been battling the wind or just feel a bit spent, you might want to consider ending your ride here.

Be sure to fill your water bottles before tackling the back end of this ride. Pit stops in the last 30 km are a little tough to find. The terrain rolls a bit more now, but it’s well worth it – cruising up and down and weaving back and forth on the quietest roads of the route. Crossing back over the 401, you’ll make your way to Church Line. Stop and admire the old West Oxford United Church – founded by “saddle-bag preacher” Nathan Bangs. With a name like that, the good Reverend must have been a gravel grinder!

Route Notes:
For the most part, it’s the paved sections that require the most attention on this route. Take care when riding on any of the roadways in and around Ingersoll. Make sure to stay to the right side when climbing the hills out of Thamesford. Beware of higher-speed vehicles entering and exiting Highway 401 on Culloden Line and Foldens Line. Slow down when approaching agricultural vehicles. Be aware that gravel roadways are maintained at various times throughout the year, and while generally in good condition, may be in varied states of repair which can include fresh grading. As on all cycling routes, exercise caution at all times. 

Start/Finish Point: Victoria Park, Ingersoll – 125 Centennial Lane, Ingersoll (View Map)

Stops Enroute (Seasonal hours, check website before visiting):

• Tim Hortons - Oxford County Rd No 2, Thamesford (View Map)
• Kintore Coffee Co. - 117 Huron St, Embro, ON N0J 1J0 (View Map) - http://www.kintorecoffee.com/
• The Olde Bakery Café - 120 Thames St S, Ingersoll, ON (View Map) - https://www.oldebakerycafe.com/
• Jakeman’s Maple Farm - 454414 Trillium Line, Beachville (View Map) - https://jakemansmaplesyrup.com/
• Leaping Deer Farm Bakery - 544212 Clarke Rd, Ingersoll (View Map)
• West Oxford United Church – 359395 Church Line, Ingersoll (View Map)

Check out our full FAQ section here. 

Additional Information and Resources:

• Tourism Oxford – www.tourismoxford.ca
• Ontario By Bike - www.ontariobybike.ca/southwestontario (Find locations of certified bicycle-friendly businesses in Oxford County).

Disclaimer:
Cyclists are encouraged to evaluate the route based on level of experience and comfort level on cycling on gravel, and be prepared that dust and gravel may become airborne at all times. By using this route map, cyclists demonstrate they have read and understood the safety rules and disclaimer and agree to be bound by it.  It is a suggested route only. The suggested route does not have formal bike lanes and all cyclists ride at their own risk. Road conditions and traffic levels may vary from time of map printing or posting. Caution and common sense must be used when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Cyclists must comply with the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, C.H-8 as amended.  Oxford County does not assume any liability whatsoever for cyclists travelling upon a suggested route. Oxford County is not responsible for any loss, costs or expenses incurred by cyclists while travelling upon suggested routes.