Come Ride with Us

Destination rides are once-a-month, one-day group trail rides for members of Cycle Stratford. Guests are welcome to join us for a small fee and must sign a waiver.

Destinations are all within easy driving distance of Stratford. On the day of the ride, we meet at the parking lot at Upper Queens Park (at the corner of Richard Monette Way and Christopher Plummer Drive) prior to departure.

Bike transportation is available, but must be arranged in advance. Please contact us by email to register at least 2 days in advance of the ride if you would like to join us at cyclestratford@gmail.com

2024 Schedule – Mark your calendar!

The targeted dates for the upcoming season are:

• May 25, 2024: *** UPDATE: CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER *** Spring on the Trail – G2G

• June 16 – Remote Start Ride, alongside Woodstock Cycle Club (Gravel Ride). 

• July 20, 2024: Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail

• August – Remote Start Ride

• September 7, 2024:  Destination Ride Harriston (Visit with Wayne & Gertie)

• October – Remote Start Ride

Additional details regarding the destinations will be posted here closer to the date of each ride.

*** UPDATE: CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER *** May 25, 2024 – Spring on The Trail (Leaders: Jeanne & Colin)

For the first destination ride of the season, we will meet at the parking lot at Upper Queens Park for departure at 9:00 am.

We will drive to Blyth, where the ride will start and end on the G2G rail trail. Expect a total distance of around 40 km, with rest stops as needed, and a break at the midway point.

Please bring water, snacks and appropriate clothing for the weather. Sunscreen and bug spray are also recommended. After the ride, there is the option to have a late lunch at Cowbell Brewery.

If you are planning to join this ride, please RSVP to cyclestratford@gmail.com.

Here’s what we need to know:

• Your name(s) and number of riders in your party.
• If you need transportation to the trail (or if you can offer a ride). We do our best to accommodate carpooling but there is no guarantee, so please let us know well in advance.
• If you would like to join us at Cowbell; we’ll be making a reservation for the group.

More details will be provided the week before the ride. We hope you can join us!

June – Remote Start Ride

Details: We will join the Woodstock Cycle Club for an 85-100km gravel ride. There will be a stop for coffee/food around the halfway point.  The route will take us to Paris and back to Woodstock on 85% gravel roads and about 15% paved.  The ride will depart from ‘The Pines’, a facility managed by WCC, located just outside of Woodstock. The start time will be confirmed closer to the date.

NOTE: Remote start rides begin/end closer to Stratford and are typically longer in length and faster in pace (more suited for riders who usually join the “Further Afielders” or “Outliers” groups).

July 20, 2024 – Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail (Leader: Roland)

The July 20 destination ride will be on the Brantford to Hamilton Rail Trail. We will depart upper Queens Park at 9:00 am,

and drive to the starting point of Mohawk Park, Brantford,  N3S 6S5 (about 1 hour drive).

The ride destination is Dundas Valley Trail Centre, Dundas, L9H 5E3, an approximate distance of 27 km each way and there are public washrooms available at both ends of ride. NOTE: Participants should pack a lunch for this destination as the concession booth has been permanently closed.

August – Remote Start Ride

Details of this remote start ride will be posted once finalized.

NOTE: Remote start rides begin/end closer to Stratford and are typically longer in length and faster in pace (more suited for riders who usually join the “Further Afielders” or “Outliers” groups).

September 7, 2024 – Destination Ride in Harriston (Leader: Jennifer)

The September 7th Destination Ride will start/end in Harriston, Ontario. Approximately one hour north of Stratford, this 30-40km ride will be out on quieter roads exploring the beautiful countryside.

We will follow up this ride with a visit to Wayne & Gertie’s new home for refreshments (founding members of Cycle Stratford who moved away in 2023). We miss Wayne and Gertie and look forward to a fun ride in their new area.

Details regarding departure time and other information will be posted closer to the date.

October – Remote Start Ride

Details of this remote start ride will be posted once finalized.

Remote start rides begin/end closer to Stratford and are typically longer in length and faster in pace (more suited for riders who usually join the “Further Afielders” or “Outliers” groups).