Please make sure to abide by hygiene and physical distancing protocols, and to continue following Public Health guidelines surrounding COVID-19.
Ride along Laura’s route here!
I would be remiss to write an apple-themed route series and leave out Brighton,
Ontario: home of the best apple-themed festival going. Brighton and the surrounding area (like Codrington) is an incredible place to visit in the fall; if you time it right (and if public health measures allow) you will be able to stop at Applefest, a homecoming of sorts that will always have a special place in my heart. (Note: this year’s festival was virtual.)
Some might say it’s because of the oliebollen, but it also conjures images of bonfires, old friends and waterfront sing-alongs. If you don’t happen to be cycling around Brighton over Applefest weekend, aim for Codrington Farmers’ Market day (Sundays from early May through October.)
But I digress: in absence of festivals and markets, as we’re seeking solo- and
bubble-friendly activities to while away these fall days, we turn to the backroads for inspiration. This route explores some guaranteed gorgeous scenery, including my favourite road in the Bay of Quinte region: Christiani! You’ll know why when you get there.
Plan to break up your day by stopping in Brighton at the Whistling Duck for lunch—you might need a rest between bouts of the rolling Northumberland Hills. You’ll head back out of town along the water towards Presqu’ile Provincial Park, which could serve as an overnight camping spot with a little preparation and a bike-packing setup.
water is always calm and the food and beer selection are thoughtful.
On the Brighton Apples to Apples route, follow some nostalgic roads that remind me of my high school bus route! This route is not for the faint of heart or the skinny of tire: we recommend tires wider than 35mm for optimum comfort on tar-and-chip backroads that might have a few potholes to contend with. Imagine rattling over all those divots in a school bus!
I’ve chosen to start and end this route in Codrington at the library parking area
(which is also the location of the Farmers’ Market in season.)
CLICK HERE: Apples to Apples – Brighton Cycling Route
My top local pics for post-ride nosh are below:
If you’re staying in Brighton:
Timber House’s Rendezvous food truck is a destination of its own accord, with
hand-cut fries and a sleek Airstream trailer setup. The Caesar Poutine to start and Sweet Potato S’mores to finish… You earned it.
If you’re headed back toward Belleville:
I don’t know about you, but a cold-weather ride makes me dream of warm,
comforting curry dishes. I think it’s a sign that Tanjore North Indian Cuisine opened last winter across the street from The Brake Room. Their samosas are my desert island snack.
If you’re headed back toward Trenton:
Call Tomasso’s Italian Grille and order some House Spaghetti and a large Caesar
Salad to go. It’s guaranteed to satisfy the carb cravings you’ve been having for the last few hours. Pro Tip: Use Tomasso’s app so you don’t even have to speak!
Apples to apples: used with reference to a comparison regarded as valid because it concerns two things that are fundamentally the same.
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