Going Back to Cali (Full Cycle Edition)
- RideGravel.ca
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Location: Clayton, Lanark and Renfrew Counties, Ontario
Estimated Gravel Time: 70%
Full Route Map:
Distance: 89.3km (Full Route)
Alternate Route (73.4km): The overall length of the main route can be shortened by approximately 15km by taking Tatlock Rd., rather than looping around Clayton and Taylor Lakes. However, be aware that Tatlock Rd. lacks a paved shoulder and has a speed limit of 80km/h. That said, traffic along this section of pavement is generally quite light. Download GPX File
Looking for the original 72km loop beginning in Clayton? Find a link to the route description HERE.
Suggested Tire Width: 35mm or wider
Amenities: The village of Pakenham provides access to a traditional small-town store (Nicholson's Sundries) as well as a coffee shop (Keeper's Coffee). Meanwhile, a historic general store can be found in the hamlet of Clayton.
Parking: Anyone participating in Full Cycle’s Shield and Valley Gravel Series are advised to park at the Cartwright Springs Brewery just east of Pakenham. Otherwise, public off-street parking can be found at Clayton Taylor Park, the Clayton Community Centre, or in the village of Pakenham at the Stewart Community Centre or Pakenham Beach.
Full Route Description:
The following describes the Full Cycle Edition of Going Back to Cali, and presumes riders are starting from the Cartwright Springs Brewery near Pakenham. Not participating in Full Cycle’s Shield and Valley Gravel Series? Then try starting from the village of Pakenham. Otherwise, beginning from the Community Centre in the village of Clayton provides riders wtih the option to shave the loop's overall length by approximately 72km.
Exit the Cartwright Springs Brewery via Deer Run Rd. to Waba Rd. What follows is an extended stretch of asphalt that continues for 7km along a nice paved shoulder. Upon reaching Campbell Side Rd., make a left as the shoulder narrows and meanders south-west eventually reaching Bellamy Rd. From here, riders head south for another 8.5km, eventually leaving the pavement behind upon reaching the route’s namesake, California Rd.
For the next 7km, riders will be treated to a rollercoaster of slightly technical single lane dirt. While travelling on this renowned stretch of unmaintained, keep an eye out for various ATV trails and hydro line cuts that dot this section of the loop, as they provide access to several potential rest stops.
After crossing the main hydroline cut, California Rd. gives way to Darling Rd. More than just a way to access California Rd., Darling Rd. is a special section of the route in its own right, consisting of a wonderful mix of narrow and twisty tree-lined dirt and exposed farmland. But be sure to pack your climbing legs, as this portion of the loop includes a number of steady ascents.
Upon reaching Tatlock Rd., riders can shorten the loop by making a left and heading east towards the hamlet of Clayton. Otherwise, continue to Wolfe Grove Rd. where riders will have a choice. Make a left here and continue to 8th Concession B., which rejoins the main route at Rosetta Rd. Otherwise, continue across Wolfe Grove Rd. and follow a saucy bit of unmaintained that features several technical sections, before spitting you out onto Rosetta Rd.
Make a left as the route continues north-east back to Wolf Grove Rd. Stay on the wide paved shoulder for just over 3.5km, before briefly returning to gravel via Bowland Rd., followed by a paved descent to the village of Clayton and its historic general store.
From here head north along Bellamy Mills Rd., a sublime 7km stretch of winding gravel to Ramsay Concession 7. Following a quick left-right, continue on Bennies Corners Rd., crossing the pretty bridge over the Blakeney Rapids to the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail.
Make a left and follow the trail for another 11km, once again crossing the Mississippi River and past the village of Pakenham to Barr Side Rd. Here, exit the trail and follow Barr Side Rd. west back to the Cartwright Brewery, where a cold pint awaits.
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