Situated in Southwestern Ontario, the BT 700 is an 800 km loop (it used to be 700, hence the name) in southwestern Ontario designed for any rider who revels in unpaved backcountry roads, testy climbs, and trails through thick forests. The route as a whole is designed to be an adventure cycling route, mainly using unsurfaced riding surfaces, that bundles southern Ontario’s greatest hits into one neat package. Are you ready to join the butter tart fellowship?
Born out of a curiosity to explore Southwestern Ontario’s lesser known nooks and crannies, the BT 700 is a grand, multi-day jaunt that makes use of a combination of gravel roads, rail trail, bounding two-track, forest singletrack, rugged unserviced roads, and just a whisper of tarmac to take riders through varied landscapes and the rugged beauty of this chunk of Ontario. It should be considered a mixed surface, all-terrain route, and too rugged to be considered a pure gravel ride. Along the way, you’ll come into contact with inviting rivers, widescreen vistas, lush green pastures, charming communities, and plunging waterfalls. A somewhat demanding route full of two-wheel challenges for cyclists of all abilities and one that benefits old-fashioned ‘rough stuff’ attitudes. It is not designed to be the easiest, most direct, or fastest route, but one that inspires a sense of adventure. As always, take a breather and a photo opportunity. A bikepacker’s toil is invariably worth the effort. Of course, butter tarts are the terrior of the route. Covering the route under your own steam will surely work up an appetite for the route's namesake treat.
The BT 700 is billed as a touring route for a multi-day adventure — not a race — so if you are after an ITT or FKT, you do so on your own accord and at your own risk.
By the Numbers
Distance: 810 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 7,200 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 85%/15%
Not ready to take on the full BT 700? It's possible to ride the shorter and easier BT 700 Light route.
To obtain the detailed route file, go here.
Route Detours
1. The covered bridge in West Montrose (399km of the route) is slated for construction work beginning Aug 11 and will not be possible to cycle through. The necessary detour is to take Line 86 from Katherine Street.
2. A portion of the Elora Cataract Trailway at Erin (337.5km of the route) might be closed for construction (rumours that people are still going through). If impassible, take this detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52104527
Highlights
The journey starts in St Jacob’s Mennonite country, where the surrounding dirt roads are home to more horse-and-buggies than cars.
Plenty of thrilling terrain for those who like some technical challenges on a ride.
A visit to Lake Huron, home to perhaps Ontario’s best sunsets.
Grand views in escarpment country.
Riding the dirt through five provincial parks allows for plenty of forest-bathing.
Tapping into a bounty of long forgotten backroads where few venture.
Two photogenic waterfalls
Nature reserves and conservation areas dot the route to deliver the singletrack and forest two-track that is requisite for a true bikepacking adventure.
Pass through small communities that never seem rushed and are full of welcoming smiles.
A collection of quaint general stores, each with its own character, history, and butter tart recipe.
Some on Ontario’s most welcoming rail trail.
Microbreweries and cider houses to help celebrate a love for bikepacking.
Trip Start: The designated start and end point is the red tractor at Ecocafe in the village of St. Jacob’s (and a good place for a victory photo at ride’s end). But the route can be commenced and finished at any point along the loop that best suits a rider. The route can be cycled either during the yearly Grand Depart or at any other time of year that best suits you. The route is designed to run in a clockwise direction towards Lake Huron to allow for a couple of days of flatter riding and conditioning before the steeper inclines begin.
Car Parking: Multi-day parking in St. Jacob’s is available for BT 700 participants. And the township is providing it for free. If you are in need of parking space, let me know using the contact page and I will provide you with a permit.
Difficulty: This is no gentle, smooth gravel road meander. Some rougher sections, steep climbs, tricky descents, and route length make the BT 700 a little less accessible to off-road touring beginners. Ontario may not have lofty mountains, but this route is most certainly hillier than you think it’s going to be. What some of the hills lack in length, they make up for in angry grades. Some of the rowdier sections might involve a few minutes of hike-a-bike. Those with mountain biking experience will likely find the route more manageable. Nevertheless, if you are adequately prepared, in decent physical condition, and have a positive attitude towards embracing adventure, you will enjoy the route even if not a bikepacking veteran. This route can be attributed a 7/10 difficulty grade, but this is very subjective based on experience, fitness and the amount of days allowed to complete the loop. Remember, the degree of difficulty can also come down to how fast you are riding the route. A more casual touring pace is likely not as arduous as a go-fast-as-I-can pace. The photos in the gallery below will give you a sense of some of the riding conditions.
Cycling Tips put together this excellent grading system based on riding surfaces and it can be said that the BT 700 wanders between Grade 2 and Grade 5. So you'll definitely come across some "borderline MTB terrain."
Here is some additional information about the route difficulty.
Trip Length: You'll notice that the BT 700 is not designed to go from one point to the next as quickly as possible. The goal is to take riders through the most interesting terrain and scenery possible which means some wandering occurs. Your physical condition, time goals and your schedule determine the pace. As a rough estimate, it will probably take most riders 4 to 6 days to complete the route, with longer trip lengths allowing riders to savour the scenery and more butter tart goodness. But it’s a ride that can also be tackled as a personal time challenge to complete in fewer days by pushing the pace. Please know your cycling abilities and prepare yourself, bike and kit accordingly.
Those who are really ambitious will combine both the GNR and BT 700 in a single ride - they both start and finish in St. Jacob's. Or go big and hard by taking on the BT 700 XL, which is a muscled-up version of the BT 700. Or go really big and tackle parts of the ONXL, which links up all the major bikepacking routes in Ontario and into Quebec.
When to Ride: The route can be enjoyed from May to October, with late June offering endlessly long days of sunlight. Expect the hottest riding conditions to occur in July and August. Bug season normally kicks off in late May (the deer flies seem most voracious in July), so bring along repellent and ride fast when needed. Riding in late September and into October can bring with it a riot of colours (and no bugs!) but with the promise of encountering more variable weather conditions.
Services: Despite the remote feel at times, for the most part, there are sufficient resupply opportunities available along the BT 700 in the form of larger supermarkets, general stores, cafes, and bakeries. In only a couple of cases will riders need to make sure they are packing sufficient water and food. Numerous resupply options are marked on the map file, though they sometimes require a short detour off the course. Again, the master route file can help you plan accordingly. Bear in mind that some eating establishments are closed during various days of the week, so it’s a good idea to confirm operating hours if counting on a particular place to refuel.
There are several places where I have placed a Water Point of Interest on the route file that can offer riders a place to fill their water bottles, in some cases 24 hours a day. (Several Tim Horton's along the route are open 24 hours.) Some riders will find it helpful to bring along a water filter to take advantage of natural sources like streams. Water that is not sourced from municipal water supplies should be filtered.
Overnight Rest Stops: The BT 700 has been designed so that there is accommodation at frequent intervals along the entire route with paid campgrounds, wild camping, B&B’s, Warmshowers, Airbnb, motels, 5 star opulence if that’s how you roll, all being fair game. Sleeping on the ground is not a requirement for a bikepacking adventure. During busy times, such as holiday weekends, it is advisable to book ahead. The master route file lists numerous accommodation options along the BT route. Hipcamp can also be a good resource for finding a place to pitch your tent. I have noted several “wild” camping options that could be used for discreet camping. However, I can’t guarantee these, and all riders are responsible for safely securing their own overnight resting spots – and absolutely leaving no trace along with respecting no trespassing signs. There are also a few areas of crown land such as the Hogg's Falls area where Canadian residents can camp for free.
If you live on or near the route and would like to be a 'trail angel' by providing tenting space for riders, water bottle refill etc. please let me know. This is a great way to build up the bikepacking community and improve rider experiences on the route.
The BT Friends page list some accommodations that are offering discounts to BT 700/GNR/Farmers Folly riders. This includes discounts for accommodation in St. Jacob's where these routes start and finish.
Route Alternatives: I encourage riders to attempt the route as plotted for the ultimate BT 700 experience, but if for some reason things need to be simplified such as dealing with harsh weather or time constraints or simply wishing for an easier ride I have marked several of the hardest sections with a Control Point of Interest on the master route file that will provide a suggested easier detour option. It is a rider’s responsibility to know where these are located and adjust the route as needed. At no time are you required to stick to the route 100 percent of the time. Remember, this is your own two-wheel adventure, and you can hack the route as needed.
Trail Signs: In a few cases, riders will encounter No Exit road signs or misplaced No Trespassing signs along the plotted route. There is no need to find a detour as you can proceed.
Route Updates
The route will be updated as needed. However, if you ride the route and come across any route issues or services that I should know about please contact me about this.
What Bike?
This is a very important decision when it comes to tackling the BT 700. There are plenty of rugged off-road sections in which certain bike set-ups are better suited to handle. The terrain warrants a hard-tail mountain bike with tires in the 2.0”-2.6” range. Certainly, the route can be tackled on a drop-bar gravel style bike, but ideally it would be outfitted 29-inch or 650B wheels and fatter rubber. A mountain/gravel hybrid like a Salsa Cutthroat would be an excellent choice for this route. The BT 700 has been completed by riders using bikes with 700x32-38 wheels/tires, but most people will find several sections of the route very challenging and will feel more beat up with this wheel size and tire width, especially if carrying gear. At the very least, 700 wheels should to be outfitted with a tire width of 42 or larger and should have some tread (i.e. no slicks). Skinnier tires are not faster and certainly not more comfortable on this route. But, in the end, the best bike for any route is often the one you already have and are comfortable riding. As they say, you really could ride it with any bike, and at some point in the ride it will be the wrong bike.
It’s recommended to use gearing that is capable of riding up steep, rough inclines. A traditional gravel road crankset (say 46/36) may not be ideal, especially if you are carrying gear and a six-pack of butter tarts. Lower gearing, like a 32 front chain ring and/or an 11-42 cassette (or larger), will give you more ability to spin up the climbs. You really can't have easy enough gearing for this route.
A bell is very useful for popular trails, such as the Elora Cataract Trail, where you will be approaching walkers from behind.
Here is some additional information from bikepacking.com about gear selection for your bike including what some of the top guns bring along.
How to Ride: How to ride the route? Let’s go with the acronym DIAWYL – Do It Any Way You Like. (Thank you Patrick from Bikes or Death podcast for putting this out there.) Ride solo, ride with a group. Ride fast, ride very slow. Ride with a media crew, ride without any social media presence. Ride with a sag wagon, ride only self-supported. How you want to take on this route is all up to you and don’t let yourself feel pressured to take a different path. Just be respectful of the land and communities you are passing through.
Supported Tours: Riders who wish to travel lighter can now take advantage of supported tours offered by Ghost Gravel. Click here for details.
Training programs are also available for riders who are looking for professional assistance to get in game-day shape for a bikepacking trip. Click here for details.
Bike Shuttle: Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) members can take advantage of their Bike Assist Program:
https://www.caasco.com/Auto/Roadside-Services/CAA-Bike-Assist.aspx
This service will shuttle you and your bike a certain distance for free. One rider reported using this when he had a mechanical and needed to get to the nearest bicycle shop.
Driverseat Waterloo, Kitchener and Owen Sound have minivans that should be able to service much of the BT 700 route.
https://driverseatinc.com/locations/
Riders can also contact Grey Transit Route (www.grey.ca/grey-transit-route) who have minivans with bike racks that service some areas of the BT 700. Check their website for where they run and their schedule.
Riders are encouraged to post pictures to any social media sites they see fit to help bring others along on the journey. And don’t forget the #bt700bikepacking.
Spread the Word
As you ride around the BT 700 route, it would be great if you could mention to local businesses that you are taking part in it. This is not to boost my ego, but just a way to make more people aware of this cycling route, which will hopefully generate income for small-scale local businesses and improve services available to future riders. I am always on the hunt for land/business owners looking to get involved such as providing tenting space, water for riders, and, in a wonderland, half-priced butter tarts.
And perhaps most importantly, it's essential to tread lightly on the land you use and follow "leave no trace" ethos. Did you know that a bikepacking event in Oregon was cancelled owing to slob behaviour from participants? The goal is to have land owners and businesses along the route look forward to BT 700 riders visiting, not want to shut them out. Here is an excellent visual explanation from Bikepacking Roots on how to properly Leave no Trace.
Communication
You can start up conversations on the BT 700 Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BT700/groups/
If you are active on social media, please tag us in any posts/stories about your ride. @bt700bikpacking Hashtags: #bt700bikepacking
If interested in tackling the BT 700, you send me a message using the contact form and I can supply any additional information you may need.
If you would like to experience some more of the varied terrain that is the hallmark of the BT 700 you can also ride the No Winter Maintenance Challenge route.
Lastly
It must be stressed that the route is entirely unsupported and unsanctioned with no insurance provided. All riders are responsible for their own well-being on the BT 700 route and ride at their own risk. The route developer takes no responsibility for personal injury, damage to personal property or any other circumstance that might happen to individual riders cycling the BT 700 route. There is no guarantee of route conditions at any given time and the route developer takes no responsibility for disrupted route conditions. You are entirely responsible for your own safety and decisions that are made including accommodation and necessary detours. It is advised to study the route map and make note of your supply options as well as some possible detours (these are marked with a Control Point symbol). If you are not comfortable riding a section of the route take any necessary alternatives. Planning and due diligence is imperative as is riding within your means. People "racing" the route do so at their own risk.
BT?
The 700 stands for the approximate distance, but what’s with the BT? Well, that is a tribute to the butter tart – the quintessentially Canadian sweet treat that has what it takes to fuel any BT 700 participant. There is great debate about which bakery or general store serves up the best butter tart or what should or should not be included (pecans, yes or no? Maybe raisins?). In fact, two Ontario townships have had a spat over who rightly owns “the butter tart trail”. See, serious stuff. Try a few along the route and decide for yourself.
Here is a not-so-scientific survey of some of the best BT locations on or near the route.
Stone Crock Bakery (St. Jacob's)
Shallow Lake General Store
Blackbird Pie Company (Heathcote)
Kimberly General Store
The Bakery (Flesherton)
Ravenna Country Market
Giffens Country Market (Glen Huron)
Belwood Country Market
Born out of a curiosity to explore Southwestern Ontario’s lesser known nooks and crannies, the BT 700 is a grand, multi-day jaunt that makes use of a combination of gravel roads, rail trail, bounding two-track, forest singletrack, rugged unserviced roads, and just a whisper of tarmac to take riders through varied landscapes and the rugged beauty of this chunk of Ontario. It should be considered a mixed surface, all-terrain route, and too rugged to be considered a pure gravel ride. Along the way, you’ll come into contact with inviting rivers, widescreen vistas, lush green pastures, charming communities, and plunging waterfalls. A somewhat demanding route full of two-wheel challenges for cyclists of all abilities and one that benefits old-fashioned ‘rough stuff’ attitudes. It is not designed to be the easiest, most direct, or fastest route, but one that inspires a sense of adventure. As always, take a breather and a photo opportunity. A bikepacker’s toil is invariably worth the effort. Of course, butter tarts are the terrior of the route. Covering the route under your own steam will surely work up an appetite for the route's namesake treat.
The BT 700 is billed as a touring route for a multi-day adventure — not a race — so if you are after an ITT or FKT, you do so on your own accord and at your own risk.
By the Numbers
Distance: 810 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 7,200 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 85%/15%
Not ready to take on the full BT 700? It's possible to ride the shorter and easier BT 700 Light route.
To obtain the detailed route file, go here.
Route Detours
1. The covered bridge in West Montrose (399km of the route) is slated for construction work beginning Aug 11 and will not be possible to cycle through. The necessary detour is to take Line 86 from Katherine Street.
2. A portion of the Elora Cataract Trailway at Erin (337.5km of the route) might be closed for construction (rumours that people are still going through). If impassible, take this detour: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52104527
Highlights
The journey starts in St Jacob’s Mennonite country, where the surrounding dirt roads are home to more horse-and-buggies than cars.
Plenty of thrilling terrain for those who like some technical challenges on a ride.
A visit to Lake Huron, home to perhaps Ontario’s best sunsets.
Grand views in escarpment country.
Riding the dirt through five provincial parks allows for plenty of forest-bathing.
Tapping into a bounty of long forgotten backroads where few venture.
Two photogenic waterfalls
Nature reserves and conservation areas dot the route to deliver the singletrack and forest two-track that is requisite for a true bikepacking adventure.
Pass through small communities that never seem rushed and are full of welcoming smiles.
A collection of quaint general stores, each with its own character, history, and butter tart recipe.
Some on Ontario’s most welcoming rail trail.
Microbreweries and cider houses to help celebrate a love for bikepacking.
Trip Start: The designated start and end point is the red tractor at Ecocafe in the village of St. Jacob’s (and a good place for a victory photo at ride’s end). But the route can be commenced and finished at any point along the loop that best suits a rider. The route can be cycled either during the yearly Grand Depart or at any other time of year that best suits you. The route is designed to run in a clockwise direction towards Lake Huron to allow for a couple of days of flatter riding and conditioning before the steeper inclines begin.
Car Parking: Multi-day parking in St. Jacob’s is available for BT 700 participants. And the township is providing it for free. If you are in need of parking space, let me know using the contact page and I will provide you with a permit.
Difficulty: This is no gentle, smooth gravel road meander. Some rougher sections, steep climbs, tricky descents, and route length make the BT 700 a little less accessible to off-road touring beginners. Ontario may not have lofty mountains, but this route is most certainly hillier than you think it’s going to be. What some of the hills lack in length, they make up for in angry grades. Some of the rowdier sections might involve a few minutes of hike-a-bike. Those with mountain biking experience will likely find the route more manageable. Nevertheless, if you are adequately prepared, in decent physical condition, and have a positive attitude towards embracing adventure, you will enjoy the route even if not a bikepacking veteran. This route can be attributed a 7/10 difficulty grade, but this is very subjective based on experience, fitness and the amount of days allowed to complete the loop. Remember, the degree of difficulty can also come down to how fast you are riding the route. A more casual touring pace is likely not as arduous as a go-fast-as-I-can pace. The photos in the gallery below will give you a sense of some of the riding conditions.
Cycling Tips put together this excellent grading system based on riding surfaces and it can be said that the BT 700 wanders between Grade 2 and Grade 5. So you'll definitely come across some "borderline MTB terrain."
Here is some additional information about the route difficulty.
Trip Length: You'll notice that the BT 700 is not designed to go from one point to the next as quickly as possible. The goal is to take riders through the most interesting terrain and scenery possible which means some wandering occurs. Your physical condition, time goals and your schedule determine the pace. As a rough estimate, it will probably take most riders 4 to 6 days to complete the route, with longer trip lengths allowing riders to savour the scenery and more butter tart goodness. But it’s a ride that can also be tackled as a personal time challenge to complete in fewer days by pushing the pace. Please know your cycling abilities and prepare yourself, bike and kit accordingly.
Those who are really ambitious will combine both the GNR and BT 700 in a single ride - they both start and finish in St. Jacob's. Or go big and hard by taking on the BT 700 XL, which is a muscled-up version of the BT 700. Or go really big and tackle parts of the ONXL, which links up all the major bikepacking routes in Ontario and into Quebec.
When to Ride: The route can be enjoyed from May to October, with late June offering endlessly long days of sunlight. Expect the hottest riding conditions to occur in July and August. Bug season normally kicks off in late May (the deer flies seem most voracious in July), so bring along repellent and ride fast when needed. Riding in late September and into October can bring with it a riot of colours (and no bugs!) but with the promise of encountering more variable weather conditions.
Services: Despite the remote feel at times, for the most part, there are sufficient resupply opportunities available along the BT 700 in the form of larger supermarkets, general stores, cafes, and bakeries. In only a couple of cases will riders need to make sure they are packing sufficient water and food. Numerous resupply options are marked on the map file, though they sometimes require a short detour off the course. Again, the master route file can help you plan accordingly. Bear in mind that some eating establishments are closed during various days of the week, so it’s a good idea to confirm operating hours if counting on a particular place to refuel.
There are several places where I have placed a Water Point of Interest on the route file that can offer riders a place to fill their water bottles, in some cases 24 hours a day. (Several Tim Horton's along the route are open 24 hours.) Some riders will find it helpful to bring along a water filter to take advantage of natural sources like streams. Water that is not sourced from municipal water supplies should be filtered.
Overnight Rest Stops: The BT 700 has been designed so that there is accommodation at frequent intervals along the entire route with paid campgrounds, wild camping, B&B’s, Warmshowers, Airbnb, motels, 5 star opulence if that’s how you roll, all being fair game. Sleeping on the ground is not a requirement for a bikepacking adventure. During busy times, such as holiday weekends, it is advisable to book ahead. The master route file lists numerous accommodation options along the BT route. Hipcamp can also be a good resource for finding a place to pitch your tent. I have noted several “wild” camping options that could be used for discreet camping. However, I can’t guarantee these, and all riders are responsible for safely securing their own overnight resting spots – and absolutely leaving no trace along with respecting no trespassing signs. There are also a few areas of crown land such as the Hogg's Falls area where Canadian residents can camp for free.
If you live on or near the route and would like to be a 'trail angel' by providing tenting space for riders, water bottle refill etc. please let me know. This is a great way to build up the bikepacking community and improve rider experiences on the route.
The BT Friends page list some accommodations that are offering discounts to BT 700/GNR/Farmers Folly riders. This includes discounts for accommodation in St. Jacob's where these routes start and finish.
Route Alternatives: I encourage riders to attempt the route as plotted for the ultimate BT 700 experience, but if for some reason things need to be simplified such as dealing with harsh weather or time constraints or simply wishing for an easier ride I have marked several of the hardest sections with a Control Point of Interest on the master route file that will provide a suggested easier detour option. It is a rider’s responsibility to know where these are located and adjust the route as needed. At no time are you required to stick to the route 100 percent of the time. Remember, this is your own two-wheel adventure, and you can hack the route as needed.
Trail Signs: In a few cases, riders will encounter No Exit road signs or misplaced No Trespassing signs along the plotted route. There is no need to find a detour as you can proceed.
Route Updates
The route will be updated as needed. However, if you ride the route and come across any route issues or services that I should know about please contact me about this.
What Bike?
This is a very important decision when it comes to tackling the BT 700. There are plenty of rugged off-road sections in which certain bike set-ups are better suited to handle. The terrain warrants a hard-tail mountain bike with tires in the 2.0”-2.6” range. Certainly, the route can be tackled on a drop-bar gravel style bike, but ideally it would be outfitted 29-inch or 650B wheels and fatter rubber. A mountain/gravel hybrid like a Salsa Cutthroat would be an excellent choice for this route. The BT 700 has been completed by riders using bikes with 700x32-38 wheels/tires, but most people will find several sections of the route very challenging and will feel more beat up with this wheel size and tire width, especially if carrying gear. At the very least, 700 wheels should to be outfitted with a tire width of 42 or larger and should have some tread (i.e. no slicks). Skinnier tires are not faster and certainly not more comfortable on this route. But, in the end, the best bike for any route is often the one you already have and are comfortable riding. As they say, you really could ride it with any bike, and at some point in the ride it will be the wrong bike.
It’s recommended to use gearing that is capable of riding up steep, rough inclines. A traditional gravel road crankset (say 46/36) may not be ideal, especially if you are carrying gear and a six-pack of butter tarts. Lower gearing, like a 32 front chain ring and/or an 11-42 cassette (or larger), will give you more ability to spin up the climbs. You really can't have easy enough gearing for this route.
A bell is very useful for popular trails, such as the Elora Cataract Trail, where you will be approaching walkers from behind.
Here is some additional information from bikepacking.com about gear selection for your bike including what some of the top guns bring along.
How to Ride: How to ride the route? Let’s go with the acronym DIAWYL – Do It Any Way You Like. (Thank you Patrick from Bikes or Death podcast for putting this out there.) Ride solo, ride with a group. Ride fast, ride very slow. Ride with a media crew, ride without any social media presence. Ride with a sag wagon, ride only self-supported. How you want to take on this route is all up to you and don’t let yourself feel pressured to take a different path. Just be respectful of the land and communities you are passing through.
Supported Tours: Riders who wish to travel lighter can now take advantage of supported tours offered by Ghost Gravel. Click here for details.
Training programs are also available for riders who are looking for professional assistance to get in game-day shape for a bikepacking trip. Click here for details.
Bike Shuttle: Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) members can take advantage of their Bike Assist Program:
https://www.caasco.com/Auto/Roadside-Services/CAA-Bike-Assist.aspx
This service will shuttle you and your bike a certain distance for free. One rider reported using this when he had a mechanical and needed to get to the nearest bicycle shop.
Driverseat Waterloo, Kitchener and Owen Sound have minivans that should be able to service much of the BT 700 route.
https://driverseatinc.com/locations/
Riders can also contact Grey Transit Route (www.grey.ca/grey-transit-route) who have minivans with bike racks that service some areas of the BT 700. Check their website for where they run and their schedule.
Riders are encouraged to post pictures to any social media sites they see fit to help bring others along on the journey. And don’t forget the #bt700bikepacking.
Spread the Word
As you ride around the BT 700 route, it would be great if you could mention to local businesses that you are taking part in it. This is not to boost my ego, but just a way to make more people aware of this cycling route, which will hopefully generate income for small-scale local businesses and improve services available to future riders. I am always on the hunt for land/business owners looking to get involved such as providing tenting space, water for riders, and, in a wonderland, half-priced butter tarts.
And perhaps most importantly, it's essential to tread lightly on the land you use and follow "leave no trace" ethos. Did you know that a bikepacking event in Oregon was cancelled owing to slob behaviour from participants? The goal is to have land owners and businesses along the route look forward to BT 700 riders visiting, not want to shut them out. Here is an excellent visual explanation from Bikepacking Roots on how to properly Leave no Trace.
Communication
You can start up conversations on the BT 700 Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BT700/groups/
If you are active on social media, please tag us in any posts/stories about your ride. @bt700bikpacking Hashtags: #bt700bikepacking
If interested in tackling the BT 700, you send me a message using the contact form and I can supply any additional information you may need.
If you would like to experience some more of the varied terrain that is the hallmark of the BT 700 you can also ride the No Winter Maintenance Challenge route.
Lastly
It must be stressed that the route is entirely unsupported and unsanctioned with no insurance provided. All riders are responsible for their own well-being on the BT 700 route and ride at their own risk. The route developer takes no responsibility for personal injury, damage to personal property or any other circumstance that might happen to individual riders cycling the BT 700 route. There is no guarantee of route conditions at any given time and the route developer takes no responsibility for disrupted route conditions. You are entirely responsible for your own safety and decisions that are made including accommodation and necessary detours. It is advised to study the route map and make note of your supply options as well as some possible detours (these are marked with a Control Point symbol). If you are not comfortable riding a section of the route take any necessary alternatives. Planning and due diligence is imperative as is riding within your means. People "racing" the route do so at their own risk.
BT?
The 700 stands for the approximate distance, but what’s with the BT? Well, that is a tribute to the butter tart – the quintessentially Canadian sweet treat that has what it takes to fuel any BT 700 participant. There is great debate about which bakery or general store serves up the best butter tart or what should or should not be included (pecans, yes or no? Maybe raisins?). In fact, two Ontario townships have had a spat over who rightly owns “the butter tart trail”. See, serious stuff. Try a few along the route and decide for yourself.
Here is a not-so-scientific survey of some of the best BT locations on or near the route.
Stone Crock Bakery (St. Jacob's)
Shallow Lake General Store
Blackbird Pie Company (Heathcote)
Kimberly General Store
The Bakery (Flesherton)
Ravenna Country Market
Giffens Country Market (Glen Huron)
Belwood Country Market
Segments at a Glance
St. Jacob’s to Southampton (195km): The route commences in the village of St. Jacob’s, the heart of Ontario’s Mennonite country, and travels through rural areas featuring open farmland, big skies, and close-knit communities towards the sunny shores of Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes. Along the way, the terrain comprises of predominantly good quality gravel roads with a couple of sections of singletrack and rail trail of variable roughness to spice things up. This is classic gravel grinding. This is the flattest and least arduous section of the route, allowing riders to cover mileage more quickly. However, a dreaded headwind can slow your progress on this section.
Southampton to Thornbury (200km): Leaving the lakeside town of Southampton, it’s here where your undulating riding begins as you pass through Saugeen First Nations territory. Moving east, it’s a combination of smooth and bumpy gravel roads, disorderly non-serviced roads, and forest trail as you ride through the little visited and nature-cloaked Georgian Bluffs and then onto the hilly Bayview Escarpment with its widescreen views. You’ll pass through the well-serviced city of Owen Sound before a visit to the thundering Inglis Falls. A well-maintained community trail takes you between the town of Meaford and the terminus of the segment Thornbury.
Thornbury to Mono Mills (230km): Time to get swallowed into the belly of the Butter Tart. A beast of a climb takes you out of Thornbury where riders will then strike through the fetching Beaver Valley, making use of an abundance of gravel and dirt roads and some rougher ‘no exit’ paths. One of the routes most white-knuckled downhills brings riders into the charming village of Kimberly where praise-worthy butter tarts await at the iconic Kimberly General Store. From here, the Lower Valley road is a joy to ride, and don’t miss the opportunity to visit the photogenic Hogg’s Falls. The route then strikes back north following the path of the Escarpment. There are dirt roads everywhere in this region, but some riders will emerge weary from the abundance of punchy climbs. A true highlight is the exhilarating trail riding through the verdant Kolapore Uplands. Now we head back south for arguably the most physically demanding section of the route that involves plenty of tough climbs on rougher (albeit beautiful) little used unmaintained roads and forest track. The unpaved bounty of Grey County and Dufferin County is on full display here. Forest riding abounds as you navigate four provincial parks, with the glide through Mono Provincial Park being one of the prettiest sections of the trip. Overall, this is by far the most rugged and hilliest section of the BT route. So plan your time accordingly.
Mono Mills to St. Jacob’s (132km): For the most part, the final section of the BT 700 oscillates between singletrack, rail trail, and gravel roads. The riding is not as demanding as the previous segment. From the crossroads town of Mono Mills, the route enters the longest section of singletrack through the Glen Haffy Conservation area and Oak Ridges moraine. These are generally not technical sections and the flow is generally on a downward slope, but can slow down the riding pace and be a bit tricky to navigate. Areas can be overgrown in the weed season, so caution is needed and a ride through the area should be followed by a tick check. What follows is some additional flowy singletrack fun in Palgrave Forest and Albion Hills Conservation Area. Riders are then awarded for their efforts with a long glide on the well-maintained, flat Elora Cataract Trail, which heads west and towards the finish line. But just when you thought the fun was over a final challenge awaits in the form of some heart-pumping vertical and tricky terrain on the Bruce Trail into Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. A long additional stretch of flat, smooth rail trail brings riders across the imposing Belwood dam and into touristy Elora, home of the mighty Elora gorge. Along the way, a butter tart from the Belwood Country Market comes highly recommended. From here, it’s a mix of pavement and gravel for the return to St. Jacob’s, a heavenly welcome at the end of a butter tart pilgrimage.
St. Jacob’s to Southampton (195km): The route commences in the village of St. Jacob’s, the heart of Ontario’s Mennonite country, and travels through rural areas featuring open farmland, big skies, and close-knit communities towards the sunny shores of Lake Huron, one of the Great Lakes. Along the way, the terrain comprises of predominantly good quality gravel roads with a couple of sections of singletrack and rail trail of variable roughness to spice things up. This is classic gravel grinding. This is the flattest and least arduous section of the route, allowing riders to cover mileage more quickly. However, a dreaded headwind can slow your progress on this section.
Southampton to Thornbury (200km): Leaving the lakeside town of Southampton, it’s here where your undulating riding begins as you pass through Saugeen First Nations territory. Moving east, it’s a combination of smooth and bumpy gravel roads, disorderly non-serviced roads, and forest trail as you ride through the little visited and nature-cloaked Georgian Bluffs and then onto the hilly Bayview Escarpment with its widescreen views. You’ll pass through the well-serviced city of Owen Sound before a visit to the thundering Inglis Falls. A well-maintained community trail takes you between the town of Meaford and the terminus of the segment Thornbury.
Thornbury to Mono Mills (230km): Time to get swallowed into the belly of the Butter Tart. A beast of a climb takes you out of Thornbury where riders will then strike through the fetching Beaver Valley, making use of an abundance of gravel and dirt roads and some rougher ‘no exit’ paths. One of the routes most white-knuckled downhills brings riders into the charming village of Kimberly where praise-worthy butter tarts await at the iconic Kimberly General Store. From here, the Lower Valley road is a joy to ride, and don’t miss the opportunity to visit the photogenic Hogg’s Falls. The route then strikes back north following the path of the Escarpment. There are dirt roads everywhere in this region, but some riders will emerge weary from the abundance of punchy climbs. A true highlight is the exhilarating trail riding through the verdant Kolapore Uplands. Now we head back south for arguably the most physically demanding section of the route that involves plenty of tough climbs on rougher (albeit beautiful) little used unmaintained roads and forest track. The unpaved bounty of Grey County and Dufferin County is on full display here. Forest riding abounds as you navigate four provincial parks, with the glide through Mono Provincial Park being one of the prettiest sections of the trip. Overall, this is by far the most rugged and hilliest section of the BT route. So plan your time accordingly.
Mono Mills to St. Jacob’s (132km): For the most part, the final section of the BT 700 oscillates between singletrack, rail trail, and gravel roads. The riding is not as demanding as the previous segment. From the crossroads town of Mono Mills, the route enters the longest section of singletrack through the Glen Haffy Conservation area and Oak Ridges moraine. These are generally not technical sections and the flow is generally on a downward slope, but can slow down the riding pace and be a bit tricky to navigate. Areas can be overgrown in the weed season, so caution is needed and a ride through the area should be followed by a tick check. What follows is some additional flowy singletrack fun in Palgrave Forest and Albion Hills Conservation Area. Riders are then awarded for their efforts with a long glide on the well-maintained, flat Elora Cataract Trail, which heads west and towards the finish line. But just when you thought the fun was over a final challenge awaits in the form of some heart-pumping vertical and tricky terrain on the Bruce Trail into Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. A long additional stretch of flat, smooth rail trail brings riders across the imposing Belwood dam and into touristy Elora, home of the mighty Elora gorge. Along the way, a butter tart from the Belwood Country Market comes highly recommended. From here, it’s a mix of pavement and gravel for the return to St. Jacob’s, a heavenly welcome at the end of a butter tart pilgrimage.
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