Information provided here is provided in support of the ride portion of the Old Nipissing Road 150th Celebrations and Commanda Summerfest 2024 and on August 17th, 2024.
This information is provided as reference only to support exploring some local history.
Note that Missing Link Adventure Tours are not members of the organizing committee for this event, we are happy to host information for reference to support exploration of regional routes. We are not able to respond to question about Commanda Summerfest in general.
Overall event details (External third-party links):
www.facebook.com/events/458281620186328
Have some local adventure - Explore Old Nipissing Road:
Experience what challenges awaited Settlers arriving in the region by taking a hike or bike along the remaining sections of the Old Nipissing and adjoining roads. We are providing some details on options to experience some of these roads. Did you know that our region contains a huge part of the Trans Canada Trail, which include Old Nipissing, Rye and Jersualem Roads? This is your chance to discovery local history on a trail network that extends coast-to-coast-to-coast!
Optional starting information for all rides:
- 9 AM suggested start-time or ride at your leisure. Leave time in your day to check out the other events as part of Commanda Summerfest.
- Starting from Ironwood Heritage Crafts; 288 Rye Road (Google Maps link), located approximately 2km south of the trailhead sign at the junction of Rye Road and Highway 522, on the left. Gord at Ironwood Heritage Crafts has kindly offered to be a departure and parking spot of cyclists. Additional options may exist at municipal areas within Commanda.
'Scavenger Hunt' - Managed by the Forgotten Trails Association:
- Take and share a photo of you out exploring Nipissing Road and surrounding area.
- One entry (up to 5) for each different road or plaque pictured and shared.
- Click here to open Discovery Routes interactive site with information on historical plaque placement
- Tag the following trail supporters (Instagram and Facebook links provided as examples):
Discovery Routes Trail Organization
The Forgotten Trails Association
- The Forgotten Trails Association will have their 'Trail Tales Table’ set up outside the Commanda Museum ( Where Old Nipissing Rd meets Hwy 522) 10 am -3 pm where hikers or cyclists can start and bring in their scavenger hunt results to get entered into prizes. We’ll move to the Commanda Community Centre 4-6 pm when final draws on prizes will take place.
- Scavenger Hunt and Riding and Hiking question can be sent to forgottentrails@gmail.com
Cycling Route Information:
Interested in cycling retreats in the Almaguin Highlands?
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Out-and-Back Options:
- Depart from Commanda and follow Rye Road towards King and Jerusalem Roads as far as is suited for you.
- Gravel road surface
- Loop options start at 50KM
Suggested Loop Options:
- All routes are self-guided, self-supported and self-paced. You will need water and food for riding and a printed map or GPS unit.
- The area is hilly. A gravel or mountain bike are recommended.
- Explore the Old Nipissing Road area by bike or hike at your leisure, and then take in the other festivities as part of the Commanda Summerfest 2024.
- These are hilly gravel routes. It is recommended that you are very comfortable riding these distances before attempting.
- Note that different options split at King Road/Riding Ranch Road to travel around different sides of North Eagle Lake. The East side of Eagle Lake presents a less hilly option.
- Only follow Rye Road to the 522. Do not continue to the end of Booth Road.
If you have a question about the routes, reach out to us info at mlat.ca. For information on the other events, please refer to the Commanda Museum contact information provided above.
We (Missing Link Adventure Tours) are not able to attend on the day due to previous commitments. We did re-visit the Old Nipissing Road while on a bike packing trip in July, and enjoyed it and our visit to the Commanda General Store.
Wishing everyone an enjoyable day out exploring the area!
50KM Loop Option:
www.strava.com/routes/3246639819545744260
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- Loop around Eagle Lake and see the Rye and Jerusalem sections.
80KM Loop Option:
www.strava.com/routes/3249461428791654084
100KM Loop Option:
www.strava.com/routes/3246641014488371102
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- Passing through Magnetawan, see the entire 'Northern' stretch of the Nipssing Road, Rye and Jerusalem Road sections
- Includes some trail sections
170km Loop Option:
www.strava.com/routes/3246643126017234846
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- The '150th' 'Full' option, covers a huge loop that covers the modern day portion of Nipissing Road, from Seguin Falls, through Magnetawan and back up to Commanda.
- This is a very challenging route and includes significant remote sections. Only experienced riders should attempt this option. Includes over 2000m of elevation.
Interested in exploring more of the region? Stay with us!
Note that we are booked for the weekend of August 17th. E-mail us for availability 🙂