Cluck Yeah: The NEW Bush Chicken ADV Loop
What do you get when you stitch together the Gravel Crusher, Timber Trail and Pick-Axe Loops? One legendary 1100km, 4-day adventure ride packed with gravel, grit and the kind of good times Ontario’s Highlands is built for.
The Bush Chicken, named after the skittish partridge often spotted bursting from the ditches, is made up of 60% glorious gravel and 40% surfaced, fun twisty roads. On a map, the loop even resembles its feathery namesake.
Suitable for all adventure bikes with decent tires, this route connects some of the best backroad riding in the province. If you’ve ridden the individual ADV loops, you’ll love how this route ties them all together into one big cluckin’ route.
Hugging the outside boundary of Ontario’s Highlands, this route threads its way through Renfrew (Ottawa Valley), Haliburton, Hastings, Lanark, Frontenac, and Lennox & Addington counties, visiting communities like Wilberforce, Palmer Rapids, Barry’s Bay, Calabogie, Pakenham, Sharbot Lake, Tweed, Gooderham, Minden, and Haliburton.
What makes this loop so special?
Yes, the roads are a blast with their challenges sprinkled through and scenic payoffs. But what really makes this ride unforgettable? The people. Off the bike, the small towns along the route deliver something special.
The folks in the small communities along the backroads are so damn kind its mind blowing. Maybe it’s because they don’t see many dusty bikers and their curiosity is piqued, or maybe it’s just in their DNA to welcome visitors to their small towns.
Either way their welcoming hospitality stays with you. The moments that turn into stories shared around the fire, or over beverages once the helmets come off.
Things you should know.
– The Bush Chicken is perfect for two riders or larger groups. We always recommend riding with a buddy for safety and shared stories.
– Fuel and amenities are spaced out frequently, offering breaks along the way
– Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in places, so be sure to download offline maps or bring a GPS. A new paper map will be available in early 2026.
– Expect the unexpected: farm dogs might chase you, deer could get spooked, bush chicken may be rustled and your nostrils and bike will get dusty
– After rains there will be mild water holes and the freshly graded roads can be described as riding in baby poo… (translation: soft, sloppy and slippery)
– Always stay to your side, especially on narrow two track.
– You might encounter farmers, logging equipment, or locals walking. Always slow down and give a wave, or stop to chat
Tips on planning your ride.
Step 1. Fire up a group chat. Rally the crew.
Step 2. Pick a date (we recommend 4-5 days)
Step 3. Determine your starting point. Minden (west), Tweed (south), or Carleton Place (east) are popular for amenities, but you can start anywhere on the loop.
Step 4. Download the GPX file to your device(s).
Step 5. Plan how far you want to travel and where you want to stay each night. We find around 350km per day gives you lots of time to explore, chat, eat and take pics. The larger communities have more amenities but there are also incredible places to stay with amazing food in the smaller rural areas.
Step 6. Build your snack arsenal (Pro tip: your local bulk food store is your friend). May we suggest:
– Honey dusted cashews
– BBQ peanuts
– Peanut butter M&M’s
– Wasabi Peas
– BBQ Sesame Sticks
Step 7. Pack up and go.
The Bush Chicken is the perfect loop for those looking to get off the beaten path and feel the heartbeat of a region that loves motorcycle riders. Get your flock together and twist that throttle.