Muskoka is full of delightful hidden nooks and crannies just waiting to be discovered, perhaps by paddling down a river, daytripping by car, or touring the winding pathways. And one of the best ways to explore the twists and turns of the local countryside is by bicycle.
There are innumerable makes and models, and it can be daunting to try to make the best selection. We asked Matt Todd and Kristi MacDonald of The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst what type of bicycle they would suggest for people who want to explore the back roads of Muskoka.
“If you want just one bike for the cottage,” says Kristi, “it should be a dual-purpose model.” Hybrid multi-purpose bicycles combine the assets of a road bike and mountain bike, with tires somewhat wider than the former, but narrower than the latter, providing stability on rocky trails and narrow roads with loose gravel.
The ‘Whistler’ is a recreational bicycle that is ideal either on or off the beaten track, designed to serve urban commuters as well as dirt-road trekkers. The ‘Cyclocross’ is intended for road oriented cyclists, offering greater speed and a road-bike style of seating.
Custom adjustment prevents the aches and pains of an uncomfortable ride, and the ‘fit station’ at the Bike Shop ensures that every bike that leaves the shop is right for its rider. “We service what we sell,” says Matt, “and we will do lifetime adjustments free of charge.”
Cycling can be a social sport, and riders often want to share their enthusiasm with other bike buffs. Anyone is welcome to show up at the Bike Shop on Friday evenings at 6 to tour the roads together, or meet at the trails at Buckwallow on Wednesdays at 6:30 for mountain biking.
Kristi and Matt are both personally passionate about biking, just for its ‘pure pleasure’, and they love watching people grow in the sport. Beginners who start with an entry-level bike often advance to higher-end road or mountain models as they gain more skill and confidence.
Whether you take advantage of Muskoka’s superb trails, or just bike down your own cottage road, you are sure to be rewarded with the exhilaration of the ride and glimpses of the hidden riches of nature that are so easily missed from the car window or boat.
