i planned my route: gmap. in the end i didn't follow the whole thing because the condition of the rail path was not up to my standards for biking. unfortunately it wasn't a very well groomed path and had fallen branches, tall grass, rocks, or just too much loose gravel to be very enjoyable to bike on. i had to watch where i was going so carefully that i couldn't enjoy the scenery. so i hopped off the path and rode on roads instead.
i've biked on many great rail trails (these are old railroads that have been ripped up and converted into recreational paths, usually with packed fine gravel as a surface which is good for many activities). usually you can keep a decent pace and have a clear path so that they are practical for bike touring and sight seeing. the north simcoe rail trail and tiny trail were way too bumpy and dangerous for viable travel. they'd be better for mountain bikes.
so instead i split off the rail trail and headed across Concession road 4 which was surprisingly smooth (all paved!) and scenic. on the way home i spent a good deal of time on Baseline road. both routes had hardly any traffic, were all paved and i could keep a good speed. good thing, because it was pretty cold this morning (~11C) and i needed to get to Barrie as fast as possible so i could get another hot drink in me.
then i spent 2 hours on the go bus and now i'm home! will that be my last tour of the year? i hope not, but if it stays this cold then it will have to be.
