We are offering four different route options this year and, if enough are interested, we are considering the idea of a Grand Depart date so for those who'd like to bike with others, "stay tuned":
1. the classic EC Way 100 mile route;
2. the Essex-Kent Grand Tour (or "EKG 300k”) which is a 300k route that takes in both Essex & Kent Counties.
3. The interim "Almost" Paved ECW100 and/or the Roadie 111-Miler
OR,
4. the new Rough Rider 100k Trail Loop. (Email us if you have a fat bike and want to give this challenging ride a go.)
Ours thanks to Dan Potvin of Le Bike Shop for lending us a fat bike so we could check out the roughest section of the Rough Rider route.
Great Destinations along the ECW100 is a useful resource for finding great places enroute.
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BE PREPARED:
These are unmarked bike routes of exceptional distance. Orienteering and map reading skills are important. Follow the map! Have a plan for breakdowns, flats and let others know about your plans. This is not an organized guided tour or sanctioned event in any way. It is simply a plotted route with a suggested timeframe (Apr 29 - Sept 4th) for a solo or group ride. The route is also open to ride at any other time of year.
The routes are flat and scenic and loaded with amenities and things to see & do. But a note of caution. Flat rides means you must pedal every inch and the openness of some sections means the headwinds can be challenging - pushing you along nicely one way - then facing you later when you circle back! It is advisable to plan looping in the direction that'll have you finish with a nice tailwind.