Monday August 8 – Day 2
Blue Mountain to Midland – approx. 76km
You must bring your luggage to the luggage truck before eating breakfast. You will be required to identify where you are staying in Midland ( i.e Quality Inn, Super 8 or camping) and place your luggage in the appropriate place. The luggage truck will be parked outside and adjacent to the Blue Mountain Inn by our long-term parking.
Breakfast 7-8am – served at the Blue Mountain Inn ( Kandahar Room)
Official Start: Blue Mountain Inn – 8:30am
110 Jozo Weider Boulevard, The Blue Mountains, ON, L9Y 3Z2
The GWTA mass start and group photo is back for 2022, leaving from outside the Blue Mountain Inn.
Cyclists will ride down Monterra Rd turn Left onto Grey Rd 21 for a very short distance before turning right onto the Georgian Trail section of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
Please ride in single file and be aware of other trail users. The trail will lead you into the town of Collingwood – take care as you cross HWY 26 to continue on the trail through Collingwood.
Sunset Point Beach, Collingwood 13 km rest stop – 9- 9:45am
Today’s route skirts the popular historic downtown of the town of Collingwood. Follow the excellent off road trail system past the regenerated Shipyards district which features the iconic Collingwood grain towers. Head towards beautiful Sunset Point Beach where the Town of Collingwood will host our first rest stop – don’t forget to take in the view of the Blue Mountains behind you with the grain towers in the foreground.
Wasaga Beach, Beach 1 – 36km – 10 – 11am
Get your first taste of the longest freshwater beach in the world – Beach One is the busiest section with all of the typical beachfront stores and eateries – take care as you ride on the trail since there may be sand underfoot. It’s likely too early in the day to check out the beachside bars and restaurants but don’t worry, we’ll be back to stay in Wasaga Beach overnight later this week.
Leaving Wasaga Beach and heading North take in the views of the bay to your left and admire the beach cottages. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail follows mainly River Road and Tiny beaches Road – both of which are rolling roads. Please note that there is no potable water available at Tiny Township beaches – aim to fit up at the GWTA rest stops or by purchasing bottled water
There are many portapotties to be found at the small beach areas as well as general stores and beach snack stops.
Jackson Beach Park – 55km – 10:30 am – noon
Look out for GWTA vehicles in the parking lot operating a pop up rest stop.
Balm Beach – 58km – 11am – 1pm
Balm Beach in Tiny Township has an impressive sandy beach, real washrooms in the parking lot and a handful of small beachfront restaurants. For those looking for lunch or a snack check out one of the following:
Georgian Grill Restaurant and Arcade
The Surf Family Restaurant
Cawaja Pines General Store
Balm Beach Bar and Smokehouse – may be closed on Mondays
Leave Balm Beach via Balm Beach Road (uphill) and head to the village of Perkinsfield where you will pick up the Tiny Trail heading North after crossing HW6. Look out for the potable water refill station on the South side of the road.
Copeland Creek Bridges Trail – 65 km – noon – 2pm
Between Concession 16 and Penatanguishene you enter the Copeland Creek section of the Tiny Trail – this short section crosses the creek 11 times via 11 wooden bridges. There are steep descents into and ascents out of the the first few bridges and you will need to make multiple gear shifts to get uphill out of the ravine. Please make sure that you ride in single file and give each other lots of room – you need to be on top of your gear shifting to manage the terrain and being too close to a person in front of you who has maybe mismanaged their shifting could get you into trouble. The bridges are wooden and will be slippy if it has recently rained. This section is a lot of fun to ride if you are confident in your bike handling skills and you give yourself plenty of space.
If however you would prefer to avoid this section of the route then alternative routing is provided but you should make your decision before leaving Balm Beach.
Penetanguishene – 69 km – 1 -3pm
Enter the town of Penetanguishene via the Tiny Trail – the trail has both paved and crushed limestone sections.
Penetanguishene is a picturesque community at the Southern tip of Georgian Bay. It’s a great spot for a late lunch and/or a drink or ice cream before you head into Midland – we recommend the patio at the World Famous Dock Launch for its great views alternatively you can grab a drink and a snack at the iconic Clarence’s Classics double decker bus – which you will pass on the way into Penetanguishene. In town Captain Ken’s Diner and pub on Main Street has an extensive menu.
Midland – 76Km – 2 – 4pm
Head uphill out of Penetanguishene ( this hill is known as the Pentetanguishine punisher for good reason) and towards Midland via the Mid- Pen link – CAUTION – there is a steep downhill as you leave Penetanguishene on the Mid Pen Link; you are advised to walk your bike down this hill.
Enter Midland on the waterfront trail, passing the giant Trumpeter Swan monument and getting your first glimpse of the murals for which Midland is so famous. You are reaching the end of your day on the bike and we recommend that you celebrate with a well earned beverage on the Boathouse Patio – there’s plenty of seating here.
Midland Accommodations
Campsite: North Simcoe Recreation Centre, 527 Len Self Blvd, Midland, ON L4R 5N6
Hotels:
Quality Inn, 924 King St, Midland, ON L4R 0B8. Bikes are stored in your room.
Super 8 Hotel, 1144 Hugel Ave, Midland, ON L4R 0B1. Bikes are stored in your room.
Register and take your bike to your room. Come down to pick up your luggage from the storage room.
Dinner
Tonight’s dinner is on your own in Midland. Campers are located a short walk into the downtown which has a wide variety of food options including The Boathouse which has a huge patio and Dillons Woodfired pizza
Staying in a hotel? take a cab to downtown or dine at one of the many nearby restaurants.
Super 8 – nearby restaurants include Guac Mexi Grill , Minjis family restaurant on Yonge Street as well as many fast food options.
Quality Inn – nearby restaurants include Kelseys, Boston Pizza, Times Restaurant and Pie Wood Fired Pizza.
Taxis
Busy Bee Taxi: (705) 526-2424
Central Taxi: (705) 526-2626
GB Taxi: (705) 526-5666
