Route Author: Chris Henry
Location: Larose Forest, UC of Prescott and Russell, Ontario
Estimated Gravel Time: 80%
Full Route Map:
Full Distance: 74.7km (46.4 miles)
Alternate Route (44.2km): By taking advantage of the Prescott-Russell Trail, this shortened version of the main route allows beginner riders to experience the sublime unmaintained roads and trails that wind through Larose Forest. Download GPX File
Suggested Tire Width: 35-38mm
Amenities: General stores can be found slightly off route in the villages of Cheney, Clarence Creek, and Bourget. In addition, the Broken Stick Brewery is located just east of the main route, at the Hammond Golf Course Clubhouse.
Parking: The P1 and P7 parking lots in Larose Forest have outhouse facilities, as well as a visitors centre where light snacks and beverages can be purchased. Parking is also available at the northern end of the loop at the Clarence Creek Arena.
Full Route Description:
This route, developed by Chris Henry, combines part of the Ride with Rendall Clarence-Rockland Classic, while also sampling several Larose Forest fire roads, resulting in a lovely mix of quiet tarmac, country gravel, and several sections of easy to manage unmaintained just east of Ottawa.
Starting from the P1/P7 parking lots located in Larose Forest, head north on Indian Creek Rd., a relatively easy to navigate stretch of unmaintained. This section of single lane dirt transitions to hardpack gravel shortly after crossing a small bridge over Indian Creek, as the route continues north to Russell Road.
Make a left here and, following a brief section of pavement, the loop continues north, remaining mostly on a series of treelined dirt roads for 10km to Vinette Rd. This section of the route includes a section of unmaintained (Canaan Rd.) while also providing riders with the opportunity to stop for a pint at the Broken Stick Brewery, slightly off route on Du Golf Rd.
Following just under 6km of quiet pavement, the route returns to gravel via Bouvier Rd. as riders proceed north and south on a mix of tarmac and firm country dirt for 18km to Duquette Rd. From here, continue south on a mix of exposed farmland tarmac and gravel for just over 17km to Bear Creek. Here, the loop winds its way along the northern shores of the creek before heading south on Boileau Rd., eventually crossing the creek via the small wooden bridge.
This last 15km is the route’s unquestioned highlight, as riders meander their way west on a series of single lane gravel roads through Larose Forest, before eventually returning to Indian Creek Rd. and the start of the loop.