The Reverend's Ramble (33km)

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Experience Level: Moderate.
Route Surface: Gravel and paved roads. Rolling terrain. Gravel, cyclocross, hybrid or mountain bike recommended.
Route Length: 33 km

Route Description:
The rolling hills and quiet farm lanes make riding this route simply divine. After riding carefully out of Ingersoll, you’ll find yourself surrounded by corn stalks and tree-lined gravel. You’ll tackle a few hills, but the views will be well worth it. Make sure to fill two water bottles and bring a few snacks along for this ride. There are few pit stops available – and their hours are unpredictable.

Two-thirds of this route rolls along gravel roads and trails, making for a quiet and safe ride that will take most riders 1-2 hours to complete. Consider the ride out of town a warm up. After crossing over Highway 401, you’ll turn onto Union Road, then Curry Road, where the rolling hills turn the road into a ribbon of gravel. Looping down Jordan Line and Cuthbert Road the roads narrow. By the time you turn to swoop downhill on Budd Line, you’ll wonder if you’ve strayed onto a farmer’s track.

Crossing back over the 401, you’ll make your way over 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 the roadways in and out of Ingersoll. 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):

• Jakeman’s Maple Farm - 454414 Trillium Line, Beachville (View Map) - https://jakemansmaplesyrup.com/
• Leaping Deer Farm Bakery and Coffee Shop - 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).

Stay Social &Share your Ride: @TourismOxford #RideOxford

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.