All the routes and trails on BikeCottageCountry.ca were recommended by the most informed cyclists in the region – the fine folks who work in local bike shops and who organize local events.  Be sure to stop in to visit them for their insights, products, services and expertise.

Explorers’ Edge extends a big thanks all those who contributed to the inventory of routes on BikeCottageCountry.ca.

 

Algonquin Outfitters – Huntsville & Lake of Two Rivers (Algonquin Park)
“AO” as its affectionately known has a full-service bike shop with rentals out of its Huntsville, Muskoka store, and mountain bike rentals at their Lake of Two Rivers store in Algonquin Park.  Their fat bike rentals have got your winter riding covered too, and they’ve got a map for just about every outdoor adventure you can have in the region.
Visit www.algonquinoutfitters.com

 

The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst
Stop in to see owners Matt & Kristi when you’re touring the historic “gateway to Muskoka.” With their passion for “rocks, roots, roads” you’re sure to enjoy conversing about all things bikes, especially at the in-house “bike bar.” Ask about group rides (on road and off), skate park competitions and Women’s Mountain Bike Camps.
Visit www.thebikeshopingravenhurst.com

 

Ecclestone Cycle Company – Bracebridge
Known as “Muskoka’s Famous Purple Bike Shop,” this converted century home has been a cycling hotspot since 1996. Owners Ian and Allison are big supporters of local racing, and Ian is also the creator of and trail chief at Porcupine Ridge Mountain Bike Park in Bracebridge. Stop in to say hello and to chat about cycling in the “heart of Muskoka.”
Visit www.ecclestonecycle.com

 

Lake Bernard Bicycle Repair– Sundridge
The Almaguin region’s only bicycle repair shop,  Lake Bernard Cycle Repair is situated on the east shore of Lake Bernard about 2 km outside of Sundridge in Strong Twp. Along with general repairs to all bicycles, they offer suggestions on routes and amenities to cyclists visiting our area. The shop is less than a km away from the cycling route around Lake Bernard.
Phone 705-978-3208

 

LivOutside – Bracebridge
Formerly Muskoka Outfitters, owner Peter deMos has turned this unique spot on the Muskoka River into an outdoor adventure centre with trails, clinics, rentals and sales on hand to serve visitors to the region (including cyclists, hikers and paddlers).  Home of the Fat Bikes Canada brand as well, stop here for a demo of these very cool bikes on the trails just outside their door. (The LivOutside trails recently hosted a stop on the 45North Fat Bike Series in February 2016).
Visit www.livoutside.ca

 

Muskoka Pro Bicycle Shop – Huntsville
Located in downtown Huntsville, Muskoka, owners Fred and Caroline van den Bulk welcome visitors into the shop to chat about routes and to check out the “largest bike shop north of Toronto.”  Mountain and road bike rentals are available, and ultra-cyclist Caroline a veteran of multiple editions of Race Across America, offers training for cyclists looking to improve their skills and endurance as well.
Visit www.mpbs.ca

 

Ontario TrySport – Parry Sound
Located in beautiful Parry Sound on Georgian Bay, Ontario Trysport is owned and operated by  David Bialkowski , a NCCP triathlon coach and a veteran of too many triathlons to name – including the Ironman in Kona.  Drop in the shop for rentals and learn about group rides at the Georgian Nordic Activity Centre, and their training forums as well.
Visit www.ontariotrysport.com

 

Parry Sound Bikes
Voted among the “Best Bike Shops in Canada” (2014 & 2015) by CanadianCyclist.com, Parry Sound Bikes is a go-to source for cycling experiences and rental packages in the Parry Sound and Georgian Bay Area. Consider a “Mountain Bike Trail Experience” at the Georgian Nordic Activity Centre, “Ride The Rose Point” tour, and the “Tour The Town of Parry Sound” ride.  Road and mountain bike rentals available as well for your own touring.
Visit www.parrysoundbikes.com

 

More Fine Folks

Bike Muskoka
Bike Muskoka is a helpful portal if you’re looking for information on riding in Muskoka, Ontario. They are also the organizers of the annual spring ride, the Spin The Lakes Tour, now in its 1oth year.  This May event is a favourite with riders seeking to tour around the region’s famous blue lakes and to pedal off the remnants of a Canadian winter.
Visit www.bikemuskoka.ca

 

Discovery Routes Trail Organization
A not-for-profit organization that promotes multi-use trails in Ontario’s Near North, including in the Almaguin Highlands and Loring-Restoule.
Visit www.discoveryroutes.ca

 

Get Outdoors Parry Sound
A great group of go-getters who advocate for outdoor adventure in the Parry Sound / Georgian Bay area. Follow them on their Facebook page for tons of info on cycling, including fat biking at Georgian Nordic.
Visit www.facebook.com/GOParrySound

 

Muskoka Off-Road Cycling Association
With an established team bringing MORCA to fruition, they look forward to sharing with you their trail building & maintenance updates, riding locations, trail conditions and special events. MORCA is working to develop and sustain new and existing trails within Muskoka, while incorporating the unique terrain to enable exciting riding for all skill levels. They focus on promoting positive bicycle culture, and enabling progression within the sport. Safe Riding!
Visit www.morca.ca

 

Pedaling for Parkinson’s
Since its inception, this multi-day fundraising event has grown from 20 participants in 2011 to 280 riders in 2017.  Pedaling for Parkinson’s completed their final event in 2018 having raised over $685,000 that was donated to support Parkinson’s research. Stay in touch with them by following the journey and history of the event on their website.
Visit www.donate.parkinsons.ca 

 

TriMuskoka – Huntsville
TriMuskoka is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization that is passionate about endurance sport training and racing in Muskoka. Their slogan “Naturally Tough” says it all! Check out this group endurance training info, route and race info, as well as running, swimming and more. And all the triathlon info for the region can be found on their helpful site.
Visit www.trimuskoka.com