Why Oxford County will be your next Cycling Destination

You may wonder which country you are in with names like Oxford, Woodstock, Thames River and nearby London, but once there the quintessential Ontario landscape and small town character will soon put you in place.

With hundreds of kilometers of well paved, quiet and relatively flat country side roads it is easy to get your ride on in Oxford County. Scenic agricultural farmlands, and sweeping vistas alternate with patches of tree lined roads just a few minutes ride out from one of the three welcoming centres, Ingersoll, Woodstock or Tillsonburg.

Slow down your ride to enjoy some of the top spots in and around Oxford County. With a long history in cheesemaking, follow the Cheese Trail and try some of the freshest cheese in Ontario. Pamper yourself post ride at the Elm Hurst Inn and Spa. Sample some local baked goods at Leaping Deer Adventure Farm and Market. Visit Tillsonburg Airport, home of the vintage WWII era Harvard Aircraft, and you may be lucky enough to view one of the restored beauties on the runway or in flight, and at the very least enjoy a break at the runway cafe.

To help you plan your cycling trip in Oxford, visit RideOxford.ca a dedicated website for two-wheel travel in the county. Connect with cycling clubs, bike shops, and events, as well as other tourist services such bicycle-friendly accommodation providers. You can also download ride sheets for routes ranging in length from a 16km recreational loop to a 156km Century Ride. You can download or request a print map to be mailed to your house to assist with trip planning.

If trail riding is your thing, both Woodstock with extended trails alongside the Pittock Dam and the Thames River, and Tillsonburg with multi-use Trans Canada trails cutting through town, won’t disappoint.

Mountain bikers have several note worthy options too. The Pines is a popular spot located just east of Woodstock, with trail passes available from the Woodstock Cycling Club. Wildwood Conservation Area has a 34km trail around the reservoir that after the initial few kilometers slips into a more challenging single track circuit route.

With many great ride options find more information on riding in the Oxford plus certified bicycle friendly businesses at:

www.ontariobybike.ca/southwestontario

Also visit: www.rideoxford.ca & www.tourismoxford.ca