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Ontario By Bike Ride Itinerary 1
ONTARIO BY BIKE RIDE ITINERARY
HAMILTON-BRANTFORD-PORT DOVER
What You Need to Know THE ESSENTIALS
Ride Start Locations & Parking Options: It is suggested that
you check parking permissions to ensure vehicles are permitted to
park overnight.
University Plaza, 101 Osler Drive, Dundas, Ontario
Dundas Trail Centre, 650 Governors Road, Hamilton
Public parking lots near trailhead and as marked in Hamilton
Cycling Map Start Time: Weekend long or two day ride, Ride Finish
Location –
Option 1 – Port Dover
Option 2 – Simcoe
Option 3 – Ride route in reverse direction Getting Back to Start
Options: Drop off a vehicle at either end; have someone pick you
up; take a taxi; rent a bus for passengers / van for bikes; ride
to/from start and finish or consider using combo of GO Transit
train and bus services on Lakeshore West into Hamilton. VIA Rail
Service (with baggage car) is available from Union Station, Toronto
and from Windsor Train Station. Your Bike: Ensure you arrive to
start with a bicycle in good working order, appropriate outwear for
conditions, and refreshment. Helmets are recommended. Bike stores
located in Brantford, Paris (summer months only) and Port Dover.
Details below. Digital Route Maps: Not essential, but you may
choose to download App on Smartphone, to use
while riding. This route and ride itinerary was compiled for the
September 2015 weekend long Ontario By Bike Ride and is made
available to share with individuals and groups that may be
interested in same ride.
www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851070925 (Route without Paris
addition)
www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851093101 (Route with Paris
addition)
www.ridewithgps.com/routes/10325515 (Alternate mapping platform)
Print Map: In addition to route sheets and maps provided, make sure
you pick up a copy of the
Brant/Brantford Outdoor Adventure Map or Norfolk's Local Food
Wineries & Breweries Travel Map or Hamilton Cycling Map, as all
maps show all trails and cycling routes in region.
Disclaimer – This route is a suggested route only. The route is
primarily on multiuse trails, but there are also some connections
using roadways. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety,
must use both trails and streets with caution and do so at their
own risk. Always wear the proper safety gear when cycling, ride
sensibly and abide by all laws. Each route should be evaluated by
each individual cyclist based on their level of experience, comfort
level in cycling on trails and roads, weather conditions, time of
day, and any road obstacles. Ontario By Bike / Transportation
Options and all others involved in the development of this route do
not assume any liability whatsoever for cyclists using this
information and travelling upon this route.
http://www.hamilton.ca/streets-transportation/biking-cyclists/cycling-routes-mapshttp://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851070925http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851093101http://www.ridewithgps.com/routes/10325515http://www.brant.ca/en/discover-brant/resources/Outdoor_Adventure_Map.pdfhttp://www.norfolktourism.ca/map-your-way-to-spring/http://www.norfolktourism.ca/map-your-way-to-spring/http://www.hamilton.ca/streets-transportation/biking-cyclists/cycling-routes-maps
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Ontario By Bike Ride Itinerary 2
Overnight Accommodations: Comfort Inn Brantford, 58 King George
Road, Brantford. Phone: 519-753-3100 Best Western Plus Brant Inn
and Conference Centre, 19 Holiday Drive, Brantford. Phone:
1-877-341-1234 Arlington Hotel, 106 Grand River Street North,
Paris. Phone: (226) 227-1767 River Ridge Bed and Breakfast, 232
West River Road R.R., Paris. Phone: 1-866-286-7722 Comfort Inn
Simcoe, 85 Queensway E, Simcoe. Phone: (519) 426-2611 Ontario By
Bike Certified Bicycle Friendly Businesses: View Here (Brant) &
Here (Norfolk)
Day 1: Dundas to Brantford (Option additional Paris) 47km (or
71km)
Ride Start Location: University Plaza, 101 Osler Drive, Dundas,
Ontario or start location of your choice.
21km - Heart's Content Organic Farmstead Call ahead to farm and
let them know you would like to visit, they welcome groups of
cyclists and do provide catered lunches if pre-booked. Located just
off the trail, the Heart's Content Organic Farmstead is 500m after
21km trail marker, after Parsonage Rd, and only place trail passes
through farmstead, with a house on north and barn on south. Basic
washroom facility available onsite.
38km - "Brock's Crossing" Parkette, Brantford
A possible rest stop in Brantford at the trailside parkette
called 'Brock's Crossing'. Restroom facilities located at adjacent
Brantford and District Civic Centre. Easy access to downtown
Brantford along city streets.
44km –Glenhyrst Art Gallery & Comfort Inn, overnight
accommodation
Optional stop at the grounds of the Glenhyrst Gallery on the
trail. Also location of Glenhyrst Tea House. Hotel is located at 58
King George Road and can be accessed through some quieter back
streets from the Glenhyrst Gallery. Note: Please be advised that
high traffic volumes are found when crossing Paris Road. Please use
extra caution when crossing.
47km – Comfort Inn Brantford – Overnight Accommodation - 58 King
George Road Located 3km from trail, and a ride through residential
streets. Please note caution above on routing..
44km – 71km – Paris Return - Optional Ride Extension
Optional ride extension from Brantford to Paris and return.
Those seeking to ride further on Day 1 can choose to continue along
the trail an additional 12km following the Grand River to the
beautiful small town of Paris. Many cafes, restaurants, patios and
shops. The additional ride distance return, including 3km from
trail to hotel is approximately 27km to Paris and back to
hotel.
Note: Please be advised of sunset times when riding this route.
Do not ride on the trail in twilight or dark.
Day 1 Evening Recommendations
Zanders Fire Grill House and Brew 190 King George Road, located
less than 1km from hotel.
http://www.brantfordcomfortinn.com/http://www.bestwesternbrantford.com/http://www.arlingtonhotel.ca/http://www.riverridgeretreat.com/http://www.choicehotels.ca/en/comfort-inn-simcoe-hotel-cn295http://ontariobybike.ca/ontario-cycling-map/search-by/region?value=County%20of%20Branthttp://ontariobybike.ca/ontario-cycling-map/search-by/region?value=Haldimand%20&Norfolk=http://www.heartscontentfarm.blogspot.ca/http://www.heartscontentfarm.blogspot.ca/http://www.glenhyrst.ca/http://www.zanders.ca/
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Ontario By Bike Ride Itinerary 3
Other Activities – See additional visitor information sheet for
more restaurant, attractions and activity suggestions.
Day 2: Brantford to Simcoe or Port Dover (48km or 61km) Ride
Start Location: Comfort Inn Brantford, parking lot 17km – Mt.
Pleasant – Optional Stop
Turn left at Burtch Road/Trail Intersection and head into
village. The Windmill Country Market has washrooms and a variety of
baked goods, drinks and other food available. Market located at 701
Mount Pleasant Road, Mt. Pleasant.
37km – Waterford Black Bridge & Waterford Heritage
Agricultural Museum 159 Nichol Street, Waterford
Riders will enjoy the panoramic views riding atop of the Black
Bridge. To access Waterford and services, turn left after bridge
and ride a short distance towards town and the Waterford Heritage
& Agricultural Museum (WHAM. Take a tour around the museum and
learn more about the rich agricultural heritage of the area.
Restroom facilities available (when facility is open). Other
services in town include cafes, convenience store and other
attractions. Try Kerrys St James Street Eatery for lunch.
48km - Simcoe – Optional Stop and Ride Finish Location
This is a great place to end ride and take the rest of an
afternoon exploring Simcoe. Stroll the quiet streets or rest
riverside in one of the community's parks, stop at the famed Blue
Elephant Pub. (See additional visitor information sheet for
suggestions).
59km – Port Dover – Ride Finish Location
Make the final stretch by riding south towards Lake Erie and the
beachside town of Port Dover. Celebrate the end of a great weekend
with a dip in the Lake, shopping in town or cold beverage in a town
that welcomes riders on two wheels. (See information sheet for
suggestions).
http://www.waterfordmuseum.ca/http://www.waterfordmuseum.ca/http://www.norfolktourism.ca/kerrys-st-james-st-eatery/http://blueelephant.ca/http://blueelephant.ca/
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Ontario By Bike Ride Itinerary 4
Visitor Information – Brantford/Paris Situated on the
picturesque Grand River, the city of Brantford is located in the
heart of Southern Ontario. Brantford offers visitors art galleries
and studios, one-of-a-kind shops, a rich sport's heritage and a
world-class theatre. Located further 'upstream' the town of Paris
has been named "The Prettiest Town in Canada". For visitor
information for Brantford and area, visit www.discoverbrantford.com
For additional cycling info and certified bicycle friendly
businesses visit www.ontariobybike.ca/brant
Contact details for Ontario By Bike: Phone: 416-827-2774 or
1-866-701-2774 Email: [email protected] / Website:
www.OntarioByBike.ca
WHAT TO DO: The Bell Homestead Historic Site
(www.bellhomestead.ca) - Open until 4:30pm The site was the
location of one of the most important scientific breakthroughs in
history. In 1874, Alexander Graham Bell sat in a spot he called his
"dreaming place", and pondered the quest for a "speaking
telegraph". Location: 94 Tutela Heights Road Telephone: (519)
756-6220 Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant & Golden Tea Pot
(www.glenhyrst.ca & www.goldenteapot.ca) – Both open until 5pm
The art gallery is located in Glenhyrst Gardens, a beautifully
landscaped 16 acre park on the banks of the Grand River. The Golden
Tea Pot is an elegant tearoom also located in the Glenhyrst
Gardens, where English high tea and low tea is offered if
reservations made ahead of time. Location: 20 Ava Road Telephone:
(519) 765-5932 or (519) 753-3797 The Carnival Museum
(www.thecarnivalmuseum.org/) – Open until 6pm The Carnival Museum
Fun Factory is an interactive indoor midway museum for kids &
adults alike, featuring vintage rides and games to play for prizes.
Location: 114 Alice Street Telephone: (519) 802-7433
http://www.discoverbrantford.com/http://www.ontariobybike.ca/brantmailto:[email protected]://www.ontariobybike.ca/http://www.bellhomestead.ca/http://www.glenhyrst.ca/http://www.goldenteapot.ca/http://www.thecarnivalmuseum.org/
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Ontario By Bike Ride Itinerary 5
Canadian Military Heritage Museum (www.cmhmhq.ca) – Open until
4:00pm Explore the history and heritage of the Canadian Armed
Forces from the War of 1812, through to their involvement in Korea
and Afghanistan. Admission is $5 for adults Location: 347 Greenwich
Street Telephone: (519) 759-1313 Sanderson Centre for the
Performing Arts (www.sandersoncentre.ca) Located downtown Brantford
in Harmony Square. On September 19th, the Brantford International
Jazz Festival is proud to welcome Grammy-nominated Gino Vannelli.
Location: 88 Dalhousie Street Telephone: (519) 758-8090 WHERE TO
EAT:
Close to Hotel Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge
(www.symposiumcafe.com) Located inside the Comfort Inn Hotel
complex, Symposium Brantford welcomes guests with a variety of
soups, salads and entrees at affordable rates. Location: 58 King
George Road Telephone: (519) 756-2023 Speakezzies Café
(www.speekezziescafe.com) Casual fine dining in Brantford that
offers something for everyone, including a selection of wood-fired
pizzas, pastas and entrees. Location: 415 Fairview Drive Telephone:
(519) 757-0621 Al Dente Brantford (www.aldentebrantford.ca) A
varied selection of pasta and other Italian dishes at affordable
rates. Recommended in "Where to Eat in Canada" since 1992.
Location: 250 King George Road Telephone: (519) 753-4303 Zanders
Fire Grill and Brew House (www.zanders.ca) Extensive food and beer
menu, rock memorabilia decorations and outdoor patio. Meet up spot
for evening social 8:30pm onwards, band starts 10pm. Located 1km
from hotel. Location: 190 King George Road Telephone:(519)304-7625
Additional Restaurants Along King George Road both north and south
of hotel are a number of fast food and roadhouse types of eating
options.
Downtown Brantford The Works (www.worksburgers.com) The Works
offers both vegetarian and gluten free options, specializes in
burgers, in addition to beef, chicken and pork options. Licensed
patio downtown, a good option to kick back and relax. Certified
bicycle friendly location. Location: 80 Dalhousie Street Telephone:
(519) 304-6789 Cafe Andreou (www.facebook.com/CafeAndreou) Italian
& Continental Cuisine. This restaurant offers affordable fine
dining in Brantford. Freshly made pastas, locally sourced produce
and a variety of entrée options. Location: 104 West Street
Telephone: (519) 752-9111
http://www.cmhmhq.ca/http://www.sandersoncentre.ca/http://www.symposiumcafe.com/http://www.speekezziescafe.com/http://www.aldentebrantford.ca/../www.zanders.cahttp://www.worksburgers.com/http://www.facebook.com/CafeAndreou
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Ontario By Bike Ride Itinerary 6
Blue Dog Coffee Roasters & Café
(www.bluedogcoffeeroasters.com Specialty coffee from around the
world; this is a great spot to pick up fresh wraps, salads and
sandwiches, as well as great coffee. Open until 5pm on Saturday.
Location: 199 Brant Avenue Telephone: (519) 512-0022
Outside of Brantford The Olde School Restaurant
www.theoldeschoolrestaurant.ca The Olde School Restaurant and Piano
Bar is a converted schoolhouse from the 1870s. Menu options are
numerous and include both vegetarian and gluten free menu items
Location: Paris Rd West and 687 Powerline Rd Telephone: (519)
753-3131
BIKE SHOP (Brantford): Brantford Cyclepath
(www.brantfordcyclepath.com) Brantford Cyclepath is a full service
bike shop with opening hours until 5pm on Saturday. Bicycle
repairs, parts and service all available from this location.
Located less than 2km from hotel. Certified bicycle friendly
location. Location: 225 Fairview Drive, Unit #8 Telephone:
(519)-751-2825
WHERE TO EAT (Paris): The Forks Restaurant (www.theforks.ca)
Located in the certified bicycle friendly boutique Arlington Hotel,
the Forks Restaurant embraces a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing
local ingredients from the surrounding County of Brant, creating
dishes that celebrate freshness. Patio seating available, also
visit the Spokes and Paddle pub for craft brew selection. Location:
106 Grand River Street N Telephone: (226) 227-1767 Stillwaters
Plate and Pour (www.stillwatersplateandpour.ca) Restaurant and
patio with an extensive menu with food sourced as locally as
possible. Rooftop patio with panoramic views of Paris and the Grand
River Location: 61 Grand River Street Telephone: (519) 302-3000
Brown Dog Coffee Shoppe Fantastic patio overlooking the Grand
River. Coffee shop offers baked goods and snacks, as well as great
coffee options with a great view. Location: 63 Grand River Street N
Telephone: (519) 302-0722
http://www.bluedogcoffeeroasters.com/http://www.theoldeschoolrestaurant.ca/http://www.brantfordcyclepath.com/http://www.theforks.ca/http://www.stillwatersplateandpour.ca/
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Ontario By Bike Ride Itinerary 7
Visitor Information – Simcoe/Port Dover Welcome to Ontario’s
South Coast! As we ride into Norfolk County, either stopping in
Simcoe or continuing along to Port Dover and Lake Erie's north
shore; get ready to experience the small town atmosphere and rural
charm of Ontario's Garden. Whether it's the unique architecture and
heritage, museums and historical sites or the beautiful beaches,
and pristine farms and forests; you're certain to love this part of
the province. For visitor information for Norfolk County, visit
www.norfolktourism.ca For additional cycling info and certified
bicycle friendly businesses visit
www.ontariobybike.ca/haldimandnorfolk
Contact details for Ontario By Bike: Phone: 416-827-2774 or
1-866-701-2774 Email: [email protected] / Website:
www.OntarioByBike.ca
WHAT TO DO (Simcoe): Norfolk Arts Centre at Lynnwood National
Historic (www.norfolkartscentre.ca) - Open until 5pm Constructed in
1851, the Lynnwood Campbell/Reid House is both historically and
architecturally unique. The building houses the Arts Centre with a
current exhibition of This is my Place from Norfolk County artist,
Ellen McIntosh-Green. Location: 21 Lynnwood Avenue Telephone: (519)
428-0540 Eva Brook Donly Museum & Archives (www.norfolklore.ca)
The Museum contains artefacts from Pioneer Days to the 20th
century, providing an overview of Norfolk County's history with
selected rooms furnished in the Victorian style. A guided walking
tour starts at 3:30pm on Sunday. Location: 109 Norfolk Street S.
Telephone: (519) 426-1583 McFarland's Old Tyme Sweet Shoppe
(www.mcfarlands.ca) Step back in time as you take in all the
delicious aromas of the many treats available in this distinctive
shop. Great selection from truffles and chocolates, to old
fashioned candy and confectionery. Location: 13 Norfolk Street
North Telephone: (519) 429-0202
http://www.norfolktourism.ca/http://www.ontariobybike.ca/haldimandnorfolkmailto:[email protected]://www.ontariobybike.ca/http://www.norfolkartscentre.ca/http://www.norfolklore.ca/http://www.mcfarlands.ca/
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Ontario By Bike Ride Itinerary 8
WHERE TO EAT (Simcoe): Blue Elephant Craft Brew House
(www.blueelephant.ca) In 1992, Blue Elephant opened its doors and
has become a local landmark. They are Norfolk’s first-and-only
“Tied House” (Pub + Microbrewery). Great patio and certified
bicycle friendly location. Location: 96 Norfolk Street S Telephone:
(519) 428-2886 Ferrera…Food with Attitude (www.ferrerafood.com)
Wholesome food from Norfolk County, where you'll experience a meal
created especially for you by culinary artists. Fantastic
sandwiches, soups and salads. Location: 25 Robinson Street
Telephone: (226) 440-3111 Serafina Good Food
(www.serafina-good-food.com) Serafina offers a variety of fresh
foods and baking. From muffins and scones to Panini and quiche,
you'll find a great selection of food options here. Location: 14
Norfolk Street S. Telephone: (519) 426-9990
WHAT TO DO (Port Dover): Port Dover Beach Port Dover is a
beautiful and quiet resort town with a scenic beach. Jump into the
water for a relaxing swim post-ride or soak up the sun on the sand
with some ice cream or other treats from town. Beach access from
Walker Street. The pier is a focal point for anglers, while
visitors and locals watch the fishing tugs return with their
catches. Port Dover Harbour Museum (www.portdovermuseum.ca) The
museum is partially housed in an original fisherman's net shanty.
This museum is dedicated to the history of Port Dover's commercial
fishing industry, which continues to be an important part of local
life. Location: 44 Harbour Street Telephone: (519) 583-2660 Smoke
& Gamble Cellars (www.smokeandgamble.com) A grower and producer
of magnificent wines using cool climate practices, this winery
offers tastings and is located just north of Port Dover. Location:
138 Tisdale Road Telephone: (519) 900-1381 The Dover Cheese Shop
(www.dovercheese.com) Open until 4pm This location specializes in
Artisian cheeses from Canada and around the World and on any given
day, you'll find approximately 40 of the finest cheeses in their
shop! Location: 318-A Main Street Telephone: (519-718-1201
Waterfront Trail (www.waterfronttrail.org) The Lake Erie portion of
this cross Ontario cycling route follows Port Dover's waterfront in
and out of town. If you haven’t had enough riding, pedal east or
west as far as your time or energy allows.
http://www.blueelephant.ca/http://www.ferrerafood.com/http://www.serafina-good-food.com/http://www.portdovermuseum.ca/http://www.smokeandgamble.com/http://www.dovercheese.com/http://www.waterfronttrail.org/
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Ontario By Bike Ride Itinerary 9
WHERE TO EAT (Port Dover): The Crepe House (www.crepehouse.ca)
This location has a great selection of both sweet and savoury crepe
options, including some that have been featured on the Food
Network's "You've Got to Eat Here". Location: 2012 Park Street
Telephone: (519) 583-9018 The Urban Parisian
(www.speekezziescafe.com) Open until 5pm Traditional French bakery
with lunch menu consisting of artisanal baguette, wrap &
flatbread sandwiches, unique daily salads served over fresh greens.
Soup is prepared every morning and is served with fresh bread.
Location: 401 Main Street Telephone: (226) 206-0066 Schofields
Bistro (www.schofieldsbistro.com) Located in a historical space,
this art deco inspired restaurant offers casual gourmet with a
Norfolk flavour and a postcard view of downtown Port Dover.
Location: 237 Main Street Telephone: (519) 583-3400 211 Main A
varied selection of appetizers and entrees at an affordable price.
Outdoor patio with good drink selection. Location: 211 Main Street
Telephone: (519) 583-3251
Additional Visitor Information Ontario By Bike Norfolk County -
www.ontariobybike.ca/norfolk
Ontario By Bike County of Brant and Brantford -
www.ontariobybike.ca/brant
Tourism Hamilton - www.tourismhamilton.com
Hamilton Halton Brant - www.ourtruenature.ca
County of Brant & City of Brantford Visitor Information –
www.brant.ca or www.discoverbrantford.com
Norfolk County Tourism - www.norfolktourism.ca
Ontario's Southwest - www.ontariossouthwest.com
http://www.crepehouse.ca/http://www.speekezziescafe.com/http://www.schofieldsbistro.com/http://www.ontariobybike.ca/norfolkhttp://www.ontariobybike.ca/branthttp://www.tourismhamilton.com/http://www.ourtruenature.ca/http://www.brant.ca/http://www.discoverbrantford.com/http://www.norfolktourism.ca/
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Support Vehicle Number: 1-866-701-2774 MAP 10
ONTARIO BY BIKE RIDE SEPTEMBER 2015 MAPS HAMILTON-BRANTFORD-PORT
DOVER Day 1 – Information and Rest Stop - 38km – Brantford –
"Brant's Crossing" Parkette Parkette accessible from the trail.
Washrooms located at adjacent Brantford and District Civic
Centre.
Digital Route Maps: Not essential, but you may choose to
download App on Smartphone, to use while riding.
www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851070925 (Route without Paris
addition) www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851093101 (Route with Paris
addition) www.ridewithgps.com/routes/10325515 (Alternate mapping
platform) Print Maps: In addition to these route sheets and maps
provided, with print copies available each day, make sure you pick
up a copy of the Brant/Brantford Outdoor Adventure Map at start of
ride, it shows all trails and cycling routes.
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851070925http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851070925http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851093101http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/851093101http://www.ridewithgps.com/routes/10325515http://www.ridewithgps.com/routes/10325515http://www.brant.ca/en/discover-brant/resources/Outdoor_Adventure_Map.pdfhttp://www.brant.ca/en/discover-brant/resources/Outdoor_Adventure_Map.pdf
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Support Vehicle Number: 1-866-701-2774 MAP 11
Day 1 - Overnight Accommodation - 47km - Brantford, Comfort Inn
Day 2 – Connecting back onto SC Johnson From Hotel 58 King George
Street Angeline Street South. Hotel is visible from trailhead. Use
recommended same routing if returning from Paris by bike, and to
access trail on Day 2. Ride between Glenhyrst Gardens and Hotel,
3km.
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Support Vehicle Number: 1-866-701-2774 MAP 12
Day 1 – Optional Ride Extension – To Paris, Ontario Total
additional ride distance of approximately 27km return. Riders will
stay on SC Johnson Trail from Brantford into Paris.
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Support Vehicle Number: 1-866-701-2774 MAP 13
Day 2 – Brantford - Connecting from SC Johnson Trail to Oak Hill
Trail Look out for trail branch. Low volume roads for 1km along
Oakpark Drive.
.
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Support Vehicle Number: 1-866-701-2774 MAP 14
Day 2 – Optional Stop at 17.5km – Mt. Pleasant Turn left at
Burtch Road/Trail Intersection. Windmill Country Market has
washrooms and refreshments. 701 Mount Pleasant Road
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Support Vehicle Number: 1-866-701-2774 MAP 15
Day 2 – Lunch Stop at 38km – Waterford (Various services in
town) Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum is located just
off the trail in Waterford.
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Support Vehicle Number: 1-866-701-2774 MAP 16
Day 2 – Optional Ride Finish Location at 48km
Day 2 - 59km – Port Dover Ride – 61km - Finish Location
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Support Vehicle Number: 1-866-701-2774 MAP 17
.