Any cyclist with a sense of adventure won’t feel foolish taking a deep dive into Ontario’s agricultural heartland. The Farmers Folly is a bikepacking route designed to offer up a bounty of riding surfaces tracing 400 kilometres of cropland, marshes, time-worn bridges, native forests and big-sky views.
Start your journey in the village of St. Jacob’s, located in the heart of Mennonite country, and from here strike out into open countryside on sun-smashed country roads before rolling into all the tree-lined barely there roads that a bikepacker could yearn for. Here, in the land of no winter maintenance, there are few signs of human presence. It all seems untamed. A vapid corn-strewn landscape this is not.
It is not designed to be the most direct route possible (that would be rather yawny), but instead one that wends through the most enticing locations that this region of Ontario offers up to help inspire a sense of two-wheel adventure. Places that will remain unbent by tourism, the crazy pace of modern world. But this is not a route that requires expert bikepacking skills or carrying pounds of food and water as services come regularly.
In the end, you can revel in one of Ontario’s most cherished bikepacking rewards – the chance for a victory photo at St. Jacob’s most famous tractor.
By the Numbers
Distance: 415 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 3100 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 75%/25%
Non-pavement surfaces are in the form of gravel roads, unmaintained roads, rail trail and forest track.
Highlights
Take off in the heart of Mennonite country where you can try to out-pace the horse and buggies.
Farms of all shapes, sizes and colours.
Quite country roads that are the epitome of gravel grinding.
A big traverse around Luther Marsh, a wetlands area of the Grand River watershed that is known for its biological importance.
Will it be traditional or a raspberry coconut butter tart at the Belwood Country Market?
A glide to the plunging Hogg’s Falls along Lower Valley Road – one of the most picturesque gravel roads in southern Ontario.
A collection of captivating and lonely unmaintained roads that are one of the routes most enticing rewards.
Time-worn bridges that leave you reminiscing about years gone by.
A pedal along the Elora Cataract trail, one of the provinces best kept rail trails.
Multiple crossings of the Grand River - the largest river that is entirely within the southern Ontario’s boundaries.
Wind down in a handful of charming and welcoming small communities.
Take a trip around the picturesque Woolwich Reservoir.
Route Note: During the fall hunting season cycling access to Luthar Marsh is only permitted on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and no access during the deer hunt between Nov 1 and Nov 7 ( https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Luther-Marsh.aspx). On days where you are not permitted to enter from the southern part of the park you can take this bypass of the southern part of the marsh and enter at the north end where it is a wildlife preserve and no hunting is allowed. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41133676
Navigation
The link below is the route file you need to navigate this route. It would be a challenge to properly navigate with a paper map.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36625138
You can use this file to navigate the route using a navigational device such as Garmin and Wahoo, and on your mobile phone using the Ride with GPS app. The benefit of having the file on the Ride with GPS mobile app is that you will be able to see the points of interest (POIs) during your trip. Zoom in on a particular area of the route as some POI’s overlap and some of them are not visible when zoomed out.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
To download the route to the mobile app, go to the BT 700 Route Library using this link (https://ridewithgps.com/clubs/8322-bt-700-bikepacking/routes?) and click on the Farmers Folly route. From here, click on the Save tab at the bottom and choose Download for Offline. This will let you access the route while on course even when not connected to the web. Note: you can also download the route to Garmin devices using this method.
Additionally, in the route file map displayed on the top of this web page, you'll see a "send to device" tab on the top. Clicking this while using your mobile device will let you directly upload the route to the Ride with GPS app. More info on this process here.
If needed, here is a tutorial from Ride with GPS on how to import a route that you have saved in your Ride with GPS route library from the mobile app directly to your Garmin or Wahoo using bluetooth.
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts free of charge. Normally this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. All you will need is to sign up for a free Ride with GPS account. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member.
Here is a good article about the pros and cons of using a smartphone to navigate with the Ride with GPS app.
When navigating with the mobile Ride with GPS app, it’s best not to rely solely on voice prompts as sometimes they can steer you in the wrong direction. The line on the map remains the best navigation tool.
If running the Ride with GPS mobile app as you ride you can enable Live Logging so friends and family can follow your journey in real time. This is available for Basic and Premium members. It uses only a small amount of data.
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here is additional information on when to break up the route into smaller chunks and when to reduce track points of a .gpx file. Note: you'll need to save the route to your route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments.
The route can be updated or modified at any time, so it's best to review the route file in advance for trip planning purposes but only download the file shortly before your ride so you have the most up-to-date route.
If you run into issues downloading the route onto any of your devices or navigating it let me know and I can try to provide assistance.
Start your journey in the village of St. Jacob’s, located in the heart of Mennonite country, and from here strike out into open countryside on sun-smashed country roads before rolling into all the tree-lined barely there roads that a bikepacker could yearn for. Here, in the land of no winter maintenance, there are few signs of human presence. It all seems untamed. A vapid corn-strewn landscape this is not.
It is not designed to be the most direct route possible (that would be rather yawny), but instead one that wends through the most enticing locations that this region of Ontario offers up to help inspire a sense of two-wheel adventure. Places that will remain unbent by tourism, the crazy pace of modern world. But this is not a route that requires expert bikepacking skills or carrying pounds of food and water as services come regularly.
In the end, you can revel in one of Ontario’s most cherished bikepacking rewards – the chance for a victory photo at St. Jacob’s most famous tractor.
By the Numbers
Distance: 415 Kilometres
Total Ascent: 3100 metres
Unpaved/Paved: 75%/25%
Non-pavement surfaces are in the form of gravel roads, unmaintained roads, rail trail and forest track.
Highlights
Take off in the heart of Mennonite country where you can try to out-pace the horse and buggies.
Farms of all shapes, sizes and colours.
Quite country roads that are the epitome of gravel grinding.
A big traverse around Luther Marsh, a wetlands area of the Grand River watershed that is known for its biological importance.
Will it be traditional or a raspberry coconut butter tart at the Belwood Country Market?
A glide to the plunging Hogg’s Falls along Lower Valley Road – one of the most picturesque gravel roads in southern Ontario.
A collection of captivating and lonely unmaintained roads that are one of the routes most enticing rewards.
Time-worn bridges that leave you reminiscing about years gone by.
A pedal along the Elora Cataract trail, one of the provinces best kept rail trails.
Multiple crossings of the Grand River - the largest river that is entirely within the southern Ontario’s boundaries.
Wind down in a handful of charming and welcoming small communities.
Take a trip around the picturesque Woolwich Reservoir.
Route Note: During the fall hunting season cycling access to Luthar Marsh is only permitted on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and no access during the deer hunt between Nov 1 and Nov 7 ( https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Luther-Marsh.aspx). On days where you are not permitted to enter from the southern part of the park you can take this bypass of the southern part of the marsh and enter at the north end where it is a wildlife preserve and no hunting is allowed. https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41133676
Navigation
The link below is the route file you need to navigate this route. It would be a challenge to properly navigate with a paper map.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36625138
You can use this file to navigate the route using a navigational device such as Garmin and Wahoo, and on your mobile phone using the Ride with GPS app. The benefit of having the file on the Ride with GPS mobile app is that you will be able to see the points of interest (POIs) during your trip. Zoom in on a particular area of the route as some POI’s overlap and some of them are not visible when zoomed out.
Use this link to download the Ride with GPS mobile app. https://support.ridewithgps.com/hc/en-us/articles/17499515359643-Import-GPS-files-in-the-app
To download the route to the mobile app, go to the BT 700 Route Library using this link (https://ridewithgps.com/clubs/8322-bt-700-bikepacking/routes?) and click on the Farmers Folly route. From here, click on the Save tab at the bottom and choose Download for Offline. This will let you access the route while on course even when not connected to the web. Note: you can also download the route to Garmin devices using this method.
Additionally, in the route file map displayed on the top of this web page, you'll see a "send to device" tab on the top. Clicking this while using your mobile device will let you directly upload the route to the Ride with GPS app. More info on this process here.
If needed, here is a tutorial from Ride with GPS on how to import a route that you have saved in your Ride with GPS route library from the mobile app directly to your Garmin or Wahoo using bluetooth.
If you become a BT 700 Bikepacking Club Member (no cost) you'll be able to download the route using the Ride with GPS mobile app and access its navigational features including voice prompts free of charge. Normally this is only available for Premium Account subscribers. All you will need is to sign up for a free Ride with GPS account. Anyone with a free or paid Ride with GPS account who clicks this link will be added to the club and automatically approved. Here is some more info about the benefits of being a club member.
Here is a good article about the pros and cons of using a smartphone to navigate with the Ride with GPS app.
When navigating with the mobile Ride with GPS app, it’s best not to rely solely on voice prompts as sometimes they can steer you in the wrong direction. The line on the map remains the best navigation tool.
If running the Ride with GPS mobile app as you ride you can enable Live Logging so friends and family can follow your journey in real time. This is available for Basic and Premium members. It uses only a small amount of data.
Some GPS navigation devices, including the Garmin eTrex, have a track-point limit to the .gpx files they can store. And some devices just don't function optimally when working with a lengthy route and large route file. For this reason, breaking up the route file into smaller segments might be necessary. Here is additional information on when to break up the route into smaller chunks and when to reduce track points of a .gpx file. Note: you'll need to save the route to your route library on Ride with GPS before splitting the route into shorter segments.
The route can be updated or modified at any time, so it's best to review the route file in advance for trip planning purposes but only download the file shortly before your ride so you have the most up-to-date route.
If you run into issues downloading the route onto any of your devices or navigating it let me know and I can try to provide assistance.
Route Extras: For riders who want some more riding on rowdy unmaintained roads there are a couple of extra loops worked into the route. These are marked in blue on the route file and occur starting at KM 146 and KM 189.
Trip Start: The designated start and end point is the red tractor at Ecocafe in the village of St. Jacob’s, but the route can be started at any point that best suits a rider. The route was designed to run in a counter clockwise direction, but can also be tackled in the opposite direction. If needed, riders can obtain a room discount at the Holiday Inn in St. Jacob's by using the link on the BT Friends page.
Parking: If needed, riders can obtain a free multi-day parking permit in the start/finish town of St. Jacob's. Contact me if you require this.
Difficulty: The Farmers Folly is not as demanding as routes like the BT 700 and Hasty Highlander in terms of ruggedness and elevation gain. It can be considered a good option for somewhat novice bikepackers but also one that will satisfy more experienced riders. It’s certainly not the hilliest route around, but there are sections of testy inclines that will work up a sweat. There are also some rougher sections on a handful of the unmaintained roads. The middle section of the route between the Flesherton area and Hanover should be considered the most challenging with a few demanding sections - expect some rocks, puddles, and ruts. The photos below can give you a good sense of the terrain that awaits. With the exception of the section of the route between Belwood and Dundalk, resupply points come at fairly regular intervals. This route can be attributed a 4/10 difficulty grade, but this is very subjective based on experience and fitness. 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.
Cycling Tips put together this excellent grading system based on riding surfaces and it can be said that the Farmers' Folly wanders predominantly between Grade 2 and Grade 4, with a bit of Grade 5 tossed in for "fun".
Here is some additional information on the route difficulty.
Trip Length: It should take most riders between 2 to 4 days to complete the route. Two days will require a couple of long days in the saddle, while 3 to 4 days allow for a more casual touring pace. The Farmers Folly was designed to be a touring route and not a racing route. But nothing is stopping a keen endurance cyclist from gunning for a time goal. Like most bikepacking routes, it's best not to overestimate how fast you'll get through the ride.
When to Ride: The route can be enjoyed from April to November. Spring and fall can offer cooler temperatures and fewer bugs, but perhaps less reliable weather.
Overnight Pit Stops: Accommodation options on the Farmers Folly range from established campgrounds to motels to Airbnb. Most options are indicated on the RWGPS route file. I have noted several “wild” camping options along the route 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. There are also a couple of land owners who are offering tenting space.
The BT Friends page list some accommodation 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.
What Bike?
The Farmers Folly was designed as a gravel-oriented bike trip, so the recommended format is a drop bar bike with 700c, 650b or 29-inch wheels. If using 700 wheels, it’s advised to use 38mm tires or larger for improved comfort. Tires narrower than 38mm could make the ride less fun, especially on the rougher unmaintained road sections that can be chunky in spots. Tires in the range of 1.9 to 2.4 will work well on 650b or 29-inch wheels. Anything fatter than that can be overkill. A rigid or hardtail MTB would be also be perfectly suitable for the route and a good option on some of the rougher stuff for overall comfort. Good gear ratios will make it easier to tackle some of the punchy inclines when loaded down with gear. Run tubeless if possible to mitigate the chances of flats in some of the rockier areas. You can use bikepacking style bags or old-fashioned panniers. Remember that a lighter set-up allows of easier riding.
Tough Stuff
Depending on the time of year, bugs can be a nuisance. Especially around Luther Marsh.
On the open country roads wind can be your best friend or mortal enemy. The windmills along route are a tip-off you are not riding in a wind-free landscape.
The summer months can bring steamy conditions, especially on some of the exposed country roads. Make sure to take appropriate precautions including carrying enough water to beat the heat.
There are a few bridges on the route that are marked closed with short barriers. These are easily traversed but be careful hauling a heavy bike over the barriers so you don’t toss out your back.
Ticks are becoming increasingly common in Ontario. Anytime you ride through high grass and weeds be sure to perform a tick check afterward.
Unmaintained roads can turn even more testy in rainy conditions.
Supported Tours: Riders who wish to travel lighter on the Farmers Folly can now take advantage of supported tours offered by Ghost Gravel. Click here for details.
If you are active on social media, please tag us in any posts/stories about your ride. @bt700bikpacking Hashtags: #farmersfollybikepacking
Farmers Folly-GNR
Thirsty for a bigger adventure? You can combine the GNR and Farmers Folly bikepacking routes together for a 795 kilometer trip. Both loops start and finish in St. Jacob's.
More questions? Use the contact form to send me your questions.
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 Farmers Folly 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 Farmers Folly 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.
If you enjoyed your time on the Farmers Folly please consider making a donation to support the route. It takes a huge amount of time and dedication to maintain and build these routes. If you prefer not to use Paypal other donation methods can be arranged. Of course, a donation is not required to ride and enjoy this route.