Touring Ontario’s Highlands? Ride Smart.
Summer is here and so are the motorcycles. Over the years, Ontario’s Highlands has become the destination to ride, and with the twisty roads and scenic vistas it’s not hard to understand why. As the numbers of motorcycle riders to the area increase, we want to provide a friendly reminder to ride safely and respectfully at all times.
Minimize noise – especially in communities and built-up cottage areas
Please remember that people live in these areas. We ask that you be respectful to those living and cottaging along our awesome roads.
Ride in staggered formation to increase visibility of everyone in your group
With the twisty roads, hills and blind corners, keeping a staggered formation will increase the safety of all riders and will also help to provide visibility to other drivers.
Observe the speed limits especially in built up areas
We all love the winding roads and the feeling of being free, but please understand Ontario’s Highlands is not a closed course race track. Ride the Highlands and Ontario’s Highlands does not condone speeding of any kind. The roads, especially on weekends, can see higher traffic from cottagers and locals. We want everyone arriving home with nothing but great memories.
Watch for hidden entrances along less travelled routes (ie. driveways on the backside of hills, blind corners)
There are many cottage lanes that turn off the main routes. Please be vigilant as these access roadways may not be highly visible especially around bends or over hills.
Watch for wildlife especially in more remote areas, be prepared to stop suddenly
It’s really cool how deep into nature our roads take you, but with that comes wildlife. Keep an eye along the sides of the road for possible animals crossing. Depending on your location, you may spot deer, moose, bears and foxes. Be extra vigilant during dawn and dusk as animals become more active, as well as rutting season (aka mating season).
Share the road
These roads are used by many. Our amazing county roads, paved and gravel, are also sought out by cyclists. It’s important to remember that they seek the same routes we do; they just use them at a slower speed.
Ontario’s Highlands is a rural region, which means farm equipment also use these roads to move between fields throughout the season, with higher frequency during planting and harvest time. Be prepared to slow down, and only pass when you can see and it’s safe for everyone. ATVs are also permitted to travel on some shoulders so be prepared for them.
Always have a charged cell phone
Some of our roads take you into remote areas. Ensure your cell phone is charged in case you need help.
Download the GPX file of the route to your GPS
Cell service can be dicey at times in Ontario’s Highlands. To avoid an unexpected loss of cell service and map directions, download the routes GPX file. Each route has a corresponding GPX file for download on the Ride the Highlands website.
Smart to always ride with a buddy especially on the Adventure Routes
Solo rides are great. They allow you to enjoy some quality time with yourself. However, if you plan on riding any of our adventure routes, we highly recommend you ride with a buddy. There are areas on these routes where you could find yourself in a sticky situation. Having a friend around to help you get through some rocky obstacles or right your bike is a huge benefit.
Tell someone your route and where you are going
There are so many great roads to choose from in Ontario’s Highlands. Whether you decide to ride one of our themed routes, or create your own adventure, it is best to let someone know the general area you plan on riding.
Chat with the locals
The locals in the area are some of the nicest people you’ll meet in the province. Show them the same friendliness.
Support small businesses along the routes
Without these business owners, Ride the Highlands would not be what it is today. Show your appreciation for local communities and businesses by shopping local. There are still many businesses that only accept cash, as well as some roadside farm stands, so always make sure you have a little cash on you to avoid disappointment.
Plan your fuel stops as they may be limited in remote areas
This is not city riding. There are times you might find yourself in remote areas with no fuel access, or towns with gas stations that close at 6pm. Be prepared and plan your fuel stops. We try to keep the Ride the Highlands paper map up to date with fuel stop locations. If you don’t have our map already, be sure to order one before your upcoming trip.
Always ride with appropriate protective gear
There’s a reason for gear…use it.
Ride with communicators when in a group
Not only do communicators allow you to listen to your favourite playlist while riding or to your buddy singing to theirs, communicators also allow you to limit the number of times you have to pull over. As we’ve mentioned before, the roads are twisty and communicators help to avoid unnecessarily pulling over in unsafe locations.
Find safe locations to pull off and take photos
There are some epic views and things to see in Ontario’s Highlands and we love seeing your photos when you share them using the hashtag #ridethehighlands. Just be sure that you are in a safe and visible location if you are pulling over to take a sweet photo of your bike, with the twisty road and stunning vista in the background.
We hope you made it to the end of this blog as our goal is to provide some reminders and tips of how we can all work together to keep everyone safe and happy. It is easier for us to continue developing an epic motorcycle experience when the local people and communities are happy with their two-wheeled visitors. And trust us, they are!
We’re ready and happy to welcome you and your bike to Ontario’s Highlands. Let’s have a safe, happy and fun riding season. For more ways to wander responsibly, visit comewander.ca.