Back Road Cycling In Frontenac

Jul 02, 2020

Doug Kennedy, who runs a business, Frontenac Docks, from his home north of Verona, is a familiar figure in the spring, summer, and fall, riding his bicycle while lit up with reflective gear.

Kennedy is connected to a network of cyclists from across Eastern Ontario, and often rides with a club that is based in Kingston. One of his favourite things to do, is to show off the cycling opportunities in Frontenac County. He rides thousands of kilometres each year and is passionate about his sport.

“There are so many fantastic routes for all kinds of riders, throughout Frontenac County," he said.

Kennedy said that gravel road riding is becoming more and more popular, on bicycles that are equally comfortable to ride on asphalt, well maintained gravel, or the crushed gravel on the K&P Trail.

“With the trail complete to Sharbot Lake now, I like to use it in place of Road 38,” he said.

Last year he led several rides in Frontenac County, taking advantage of the trail and some of the scenic roads in Frontenac County that provide for an enjoyable outing.

One ride that he led started from Sharbot Lake, took the the K&P south to the Crow Lake Road. The cyclists then ran the whole length of the Crow Lake Road, past the village of Crow Lake, with its view of the lake, and up and down some substantial hills all the way to Bolingbroke. They then took Lanark County Road 36, past historical farmsteads, before jumping on the trans Canada trail at Maberly for a return to Sharbot Lake. The ride was followed by lunch on a restaurant patio.

“We all had a great day.”

Another ride started off closer to his home base, and ended with a run along the Wagarville/4th Lake Road that joins Parham and Tamworth.

“Hybrid bicycles are a big trend in cycling these days, and the roads that we have in this region are ideal for them. The routes offer options for different levels of cyclists, and great places to see and enjoy. I have not gone up to North Frontenac yet, but maybe this summer. I have heard really good things about it.