Riding and Relaxation – The New Type of R&R
There isn’t a rider on the planet who wouldn’t appreciate a massage after a long day in the saddle. Riding and roughing it don’t have to go hand in hand, and this is especially true for Ride the Highlands. If you favour destinations that offer the ultimate relaxation experience, we’ve created the perfect riding and relaxation trip for you. Let’s call it the new type of R&R. Check out this new loop which has been tailored for couples or girlfriend group rides.
The Route
This route is a hybrid of the Dynamite Alley and Rideau Ridge loops and it’s designed to maximize your super chill state of mind. It will guide you to overnight accommodations with some added pampering, restaurants that source fresh local ingredients and stops along the way including treats, fun and lookouts.
Click map to view route
Get Pampered
There are many great accommodations that line the twisty routes of Ride the Highlands, but there are two that stand out for offering a little extra pampering and relaxation with on-the-spot spa services. Once you check in after a long day of riding, get out of your leathers and into your robe. You can choose from a selection of relaxation options that will tend to your rider needs.
Let’s face it, after a full day of riding, especially if you’re leaning forward on a sport bike, your back could probably use a massage to remove any knots and strain you’ve put on it. Your skin can also take a beating from all the wind you endure on a bike, so why not give a facial a try? Make your reservation at the following accommodations to receive some added relaxation:
- Sir Sam’s Inn and Water Spa (Haliburton) – Become fully relaxed in their unique WaterSpa
- Best Western Plus Perth Parkside Inn & Spa (Perth) – Choose from a selection of their speciality massages
*Book your treatments at the same time as you book your accommodations
Eat Fresh, Eat Local
Local food is something Ride the Highlands prides itself on. Many of the restaurants that dot our routes use fresh local ingredients that go straight from a farm to your table. Make sure you stop at these locations – after all, that’s why they invented saddlebags:
- Twin Fires Restaurant – Sir Sam’s Inn (Haliburton)
- Rhubarb (Carnarvon)
- Fiddleheads (Perth)
- Lumbertown Ale House (Arnprior)
- Yellow Canoe Café (Merrickville)
Treat Yourself
If you’re going to indulge, you might as well go all the way. Ride the Highlands has many bakeries that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Stop at one or all of these delicious locations to pick up treats including butter tarts, sticky buns and pastries.
- North Folk Café & Bakery (Perth)
- Wildflower Bakery (Havelock)
- The River Bakery (Tamworth)
- Hidden Goldmine Bakery (Madoc)
Places worth Stopping For
Sometimes it’s hard to stop riding when the roads are so good, but we think there are a few places you might want to see along the way. These locations are a mix of local history and great views. Of course, you want to ensure enough time for some relaxation at the end of the day, but these places are worth stopping for.
- Avro Arrow Monument (Barry’s Bay)
- Szare Szeregi, Warsaw Polish Monument (Barry’s Bay)
- Kamaniskeg Lake Lookout (Combermere)
- Bonnechere Caves (Eganville)
- Rideau Canal (Smith’s Falls)
- Westport Bend (Westport) – the only reason to stop is to turn around and do it again
Make this trip as long as you want. Leave early on a Friday for a weekend away, or spend a few nights at each location for some added relaxation. Start planning your trip today.