Location: Almonte, Lanark County, Ontario
Estimated Gravel Time: 70%
Full Route Map:
Distance: 70.8km (44 miles)
Alternate Route (43.6km): The Almonte Petit Roubaix serves as an ideal introduction to the gravel scene for anyone who is new to the sport, or can also serve as the perfect post-work training ride.
Suggested Tire Width: 32-35mm or greater
Amenities: The town of Almonte has every amenity a rider could want. Convenience stores, coffee shops, grocery stores, pubs and a brewery. The village of Clayton also has a general store on-route, less than 20km from the end of the loop (riding clockwise).
Parking: Metcalfe Geoheritage Park, Almonte
Route Description
This route replicates the Almonte Paris-Roubaix, developed by the Ottawa Bicycle Club and one of the Ottawa Valley's springtime racing classics.
Starting from the parking lot across the street from the Metcalfe Geoheritage Park, ride clockwise through the town Almonte on Perth St., eventually transitioning to gravel on Old Perth Road, a classic section of treelined dirt.
Upon hitting Tatlock Rd,, riders have the option to continue on Old Perth Rd, or veering left on Tatlock for a few meters before turning right onto a small section of unmaintained, before turning right onto Concession Rd 1, likely the hilliest section of the route). Riders then turn left onto Miller Rd, which eventually traverses some exposed farmland, before turning left onto Concession Rd 10B, which includes a series of punchy ups and downs.
Riders then descent on some pavement before turning right back onto gravel via Concession Rd 7A. Continue north and east on a series of gravel and paved roads, before making a right onto Tatlock Road, the route's longest section of pavement before arriving in the village of Clayton (and the Clayton General Store).
From here, continue east on a lovely section of twisty gravel (Bellamy Mills Rd), before turning right onto flat farmland gravel all the way back to the start in Almonte.
