Long Weekend Double Feature: Fogorig + Matron Group Rides

Are you keeping it local this upcoming long weekend? Us, too. We're planning on leaving long weekend traffic in the dust (both literally and figuratively) with two open community rides to close out June: ride with us Thursday after work at Fogorig Brewing and again on Sunday morning at Matron.

We had to plan a return trip to Fogorig Brewing to take in the Half Pint (27KM) again: this was so much fun during the lilac season, and we know it'll be a hit any time of year. We'll meet at the brewery at 5:00 to ramble around the beautiful gravel backroads and multi-use trails that connect Campbellford, Frankford and Stirling.

Adam took a ride out to Matron Fine Beer earlier this month and grabbed the most glorious hot dog for lunch. His route that day inspired the Matron South County 55: a new route that starts and ends on the patio just in time to catch some live music and grab a bite when the doors open.

These casual group rides will be guided by Laura and Adam. No one will be left behind (no-drop). Keep in mind that both routes contain long unpaved sections and you should be prepared for loose gravel, high heat and at least couple of climbs. Both routes are Ramblers and are perfect for new riders just getting their feet wet or experienced riders looking for a relaxed route with low elevation.

What’s a Rambler?

bayofquinte.bike’s Rambler routes are established gravel routes that most likely have chipseal and unpaved sections. Expect lots of flat sections with some consistent climbing, as well as 1-2 challenging climbs.

Thursday Details:

We'll meet at 5:00 PM at Fogorig Brewing in Hoards Station. Please arrive a few minutes early to give yourself time to get set up. The Half Pint ride heads northeast from Fogorig, skirting around King’s Mill on some prime gravel roads and then looping back to the brewery.

The anticipated riding time for the Half Pint is two hours or less. This is a “no drop” ride, which means that no one will be left behind, but all riders must be prepared with everything they need to have a comfortable ride, including loading the route on their smartphone or GPS device, as noted in the RSVP details. 

Sunday Details:

We'll meet at 9:00 AM at Matron Fine Beer in Bloomfield. Please arrive a few minutes early to give yourself time to get set up. The route heads out toward Sandbanks Provincial Park, lacing through the park's trails along the waterfront. We're taking the backroads from there toward Milford and back up to the brewery.

The anticipated riding time for the Matron South County 55 route is between three and four hours. This is a “no drop” ride, which means that no one will be left behind, but all riders must be prepared with everything they need to have a comfortable ride, including loading the route on their smartphone or GPS device, as noted in the RSVP details.

RSVP:

We always require every rider to RSVP for bayofquinte.bike group rides. This lets us plan ahead and know how many people to expect, but more importantly, it helps ensure that every rider who joins us is set up for success with event details and the route plan, as well as a basic understanding of the navigation tool Ride With GPS. The RSVP function in Ride With GPS provides your ride leaders a direct line of communication with riders so that we can communicate any updates you'll want to be aware of ahead of a ride.

Not sure you're riding? It's ok to wait to RSVP until you make the decision. You can RSVP right up to an hour ahead of the ride. If you have RSVP'd "Yes" and need to change your status, we'd appreciate if you take a moment to go back to the RWGPS page and change your status to "No".

—> Riders must RSVP in Ride With GPS and be members of bayofquinte.bike. All riders must have the route accessible via their smartphone or GPS device. Rocking a flip phone, no data plan, or a device-free life? You can print the cue sheet or download the route for offline use. No-drop still requires all riders to be self-sufficient.

—> Riders must bring their own bike, helmet, water, tools, tube, and snacks. Always be prepared.

—> All bikes must be in excellent working condition on arrival and should have gravel or mountain tires, and be equipped with front and rear lights and a bell.

—> Riders must be ready to leave at the ride depart time. Please give yourself time to get ready.

—> Please fill out the ride waiver here. Bringing a friend? Please ask them to RSVP and fill out their own waiver.