The last time I rode this trail was in the summer. On this occasions the trees were bare and I was very well aware of a road running alongside the trail. At first I was disappointed and was moaning about how the road was impinging upon the peace and quiet. As I went along the trail, I realized that this is in fact a beautiful trail, and that it’s real splendour lies in the fact that it runs alongside the Grand River for it’s entire length.
From the Parking lot at 210 Water St N in Cambridge to the town of Paris and back is about 42 KM.
You can also park at 11 Forbes St in Glen Morris or at Penman’s Dam in Paris.
22 Comments
Clipless here on two bikes , flat aluminum on one.
Clipless all the way – but you already knew that was how I would swing.
I used to ride from Hamilton to Cambridge on it before my back went and I lost most of my vision. Exhausting rides but I regret not a one. Good scenery and a lovely trail.
Thanks for the video. I live in West Galt so have ridden this trail many times. I really enjoy it.
Going north from River Bluffs park quite a nice trail.
No clipless pedals for me. I broke my shoulder a few years ago by failing to get my foot out in time and snapped it on a curb. First broken bone of my life.
I love this trail. Whenever I am too sensitive to be around cars (who generally want to murder cyclists), I ride from my place in Kitchener to the end of the trail right before it goes into Paris, turn around and head home. It's about an 80k ride – easy, satisfying and soothing to the mind. Glad you liked it in the end. The mill is my point for a snack break, and the outlook for a pee break!
Great video Andrew! Are you still planning to host a social ride mid May?
I live 100 meters from the William St Bridge. On the trail, did you notice the tiny "waterfall" on the Southside of the trail about 1.5km in from Paris?
And always Clipless
Also, is it a Walnut seed pod?
I have always clipped my shoes In I find it controls the bike way more… But that’s just because I’m used to them. I also do a lot of offloading, but the rail trails are my favorite. only one time when I went over a small cliff when I didn’t expect it and landed on both wheels properly I got stunned for a moment didn’t unclip my feet and fell over sideways… That’s the only time in my life it’s ever happened and I’m old ha ha ha.
As for the tree, I think it’s a Kentucky coffee tree seed pod
A lot of that garbage around the grand washes up during flooding. Pretty distressing how much garbage is floating in the Speed and the Grand. It's a shame how many people around here litter. They like to pick the most beautiful places to go and do it too.
Thanks for sharing your experience on the C to P RT.
It made me laugh when I heard about you accidentally recording part of your video in slow motion….and I like how you made the most of it instead of trashing it! I too had an experience where I recorded the entire day of a bikepacking trip in fast motion…and was able to make the most of it!
As for peddles, I don't clip in and rarely ride flats…instead, for me, I find using PowerGrips (no affiliation or business interest). Been using them for the past 15 years. I like the versatility of using whatever shoes I want while still having my foot adhered to the peddle.
Looking forward to your next ride!
Cheers!
I always clip in for road, gravel and easy singletrack. I switch to flats for MTB trails with more technical features.
So it's not only Toronto that has trails closed for construction. When they close here, you know it will likely be several years before they reopen.
Used clips until I had to make a sudden stop and could get unhooked leaving permanent scarring on my knee.
I also find that my ankles would stiffen up on long rides.
Only platforms from now on.
Also, that seed pod is extraterrestrial and will replace you with a copy.
Once I tried clipless pedels/ with mountain bike shoes I’ll never go back. Tried road shoes first and fell down the stairs leaving the house for my second ride. That was it for them. Now when I test ride my wife’s bike to tune her gears I find myself constantly lifting my feet of the peddles. You don’t realize how much you end up pulling on the up stroke when riding after riding clipless for a while.
It is a nice trail, I live near there.
Looks like we rode the trail the week before. I prefer flats – I have never been comfortable in clip ins.
Shocked to see no e-bikes allowed on that trail . Won’t be going ! I’ll spend my money in another area.
Many years ago I went from Hamilton to Cambridge along this trail. It was a loooong haul and upon reconsideration, I should have gone the other way – more down hill.
I've been clipping in since 1995 I haven't looked back.
For touring, I prefer using flat pedals, but also having velcro straps for the attachment. You set them once and you don't have to walk on SPD eggshells all the time. You can wear whatever shoes you want. My city bike has SPDs and I love them, but touring means stopping, walking, and going into locations that might not want SPDs on their floor.
I don't have confidence that I can swing my foot out of a clipped pedal suddenly if I needed to. Great video! The Glen Morris to Paris ride is one of my favourites.