Rolling Into Fall on the Highland Hustle

Time flies, seasons change, but the ride must go on. Yes, the long warm summer days might be fading to memory, but no need to fret; some of the best cycling opportunities Ontario has to offer are still ahead. Welcome to fall, the rolling hills of Durham and Northumberland counties and the Highland Hustle cycling adventure.

Located an hour and a half east of Toronto, Northumberland County is a world-class cycling destination thanks to the area’s rolling countryside geography, heritage attractions, quaint towns, beaches, accommodations and eateries.

The Highland Hustle cycling route is one of 10 loops connecting the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and The Greenbelt Route. While it can be experienced at your convenience, like so many things in life, it is at its best in the company of a few dozen fellow cyclists. As it happens, the opportunity to join your fellow riders along the Highland Hustle cycling route presents itself on September 17 and 18, 2022, as part of the annual Great Lakes to Greenbelt Farm Fresh Cycle Tours.

Based on my experience last year, I expect good times to be had by all.

Certainly I appreciated the benefits of a two-day organized tour, including the fully-signed loop, GPS maps, delicious samples along the way, friendly people, free parking, lunch and a craft beer at the finish. But it was the ride that will have me back again this year.

I loved the views of Lake Ontario along the Waterfront Trail, then pedalling into the hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine dappled in fall colours. The apple cider at the historic Tyrone Mill was so good. Hanging with the goats and alpacas at Haute Goat was an unexpected highlight, as were the salmon leaping up the Port Hope fish ladder. I can still taste the thick creamy chocolate milk at Sargent’s Dairy and the end-of-the-ride refreshments at Chronicle Brewery and Ganaraska Brewing Company.

We rolled along cycling paths following Lake Ontario’s shore, exploring the historic downtowns of Orono and Port Hope and the landscape of Ontario’s Greenbelt. A few hills provided some challenges and satisfaction, quiet country roads and the solitude to take in the view and chat with old friends and make ones.

At 195km, the Highland Hustle cycling loop is a doable, self-guided challenge over 2 or 3 days, perfect for a long-weekend cycling adventure.

The fully supported Great Lakes to Greenbelt Farm Fresh Cycle Tour takes the experience a step further. Offering a much shorter (64km on Day One; 77km on Day Two), highlight-filled version of the loop focusing on the 3 B’s (bakeries, beaches and breweries).

Need I say more?

You can register for one date or both and make it a weekend trip.

For Additional Information Visit:

• Great Lakes to Greenbelt – Farm Fresh Tours Sept 17 & 18 – Register for one or both days and enjoy beautiful cycling and the bounty of the fall.
• Great Lakes Waterfront Trail – Explore more breathtaking scenery on the 3600km Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, a signed route connecting 155 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes region.
• The Greenbelt Route –  Enjoy day trips or multi-day touring of world-class cycling through Ontario’s Greenbelt.
• Ontario By Bike, Great Places to Cycle – Durham Region and Greenbelt Areas; Kawarthas Northumberland  – Find certified bicycle friendly businesses to eat, visit and sleep, plus more route and ride ideas.

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Sponsored Content Partner: Great Lakes Waterfront Trail / Waterfront Regeneration Trust

Photos and Article by: Martin Lortz / Great Lakes Waterfront Trail