Maxville Stravaig (84km)

Location: Maxville, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Ontario

Estimated Gravel Time: 75%

 Full Route Map:

Download GPX File

Distance: 84.4km (52.8 miles)

 Suggested Tire Width: 32mm will be more than sufficient. However, there is always the chance of encountering a freshly graded gravel road (or two), in which case something a bit wider would be beneficial.

 Amenities: The village of Maxville has a convenience store, bakery and pub. A convenience store can also be found in Newington, at the south-western tip of the route. Otherwise, the hamlets of Monkville and Avonmore, both slightly off-route, provide access to food and convenience store options.
 

Parking: Parking can be found throughout Maxville, including the Maxville District Community Centre and Fairgrounds.
 

Route Description:

 The village of Maxville, home to the largest Highland Games outside of Scotland, provides easy access to the exposed farmland gravel and quiet country pavement that predominate the region east of Ottawa.

Starting from the village of Maxville, head south on Main Street to Kenyon Concession Road 17. Here, make a right and continue west as the pavement changes to gravel shortly after transitioning to Allnut Rd.

The route then meanders south-west to Gravel Hill Rd., a 4.5km flat stretch of firm dirt, eventually taking riders to Tolmies Corners Rd. After a brief section of pavement, the loop continues on gravel via Red Town Rd., remaining on a series of exposed dirt farm roads for approximately 13.5km to County Road 43. This section also provides the best access to two potential resupply options (Monkville and Avondale), located just south of the main route.

Upon reaching County Road 43, the loop proceeds south-east on a mix of dirt and asphalt to the hamlet of Newington and the last available resupply option. Exit Newington via Helmer Rd. as the route continues on gravel for 7.2km to Northfield Rd.

Remain on this stretch of quiet twisty country pavement for a couple of kilometres to Willy Allan Rd. Here, the loop once again returns to gravel for a short stretch, before transitioning back to pavement and continuing east to Highway 138.

Upon reaching the country highway, head north for a few hundred metres before ditching the 138 in favour of an odd stretch of paved unmaintained (Earl Rd.) to McMillans Corners Rd. Proceed right and follow this stretch of quiet pavement for just under 4km to Chapel Hill Rd.

Here, the loop returns to gravel as it makes its way north-east to Country Road 20. At this point, riders have the option of heading north and staying on the paved shoulder for 8km all the way back to Maxville. Those choosing to stay on route will make a right onto Diversion Rd and continue on gravel for 10km to Kenyon Concession Road 5. Follow this stretch of country pavement west for approximately 3km back to Maxville’s Main Street and the start of the loop.