Ride 12/50 – Crossing the Conestogo River 12 times

One of my previous memorable rides for 2016 was about a month ago when I crossed the Grand River 12 times (OK, it was 11, but the 12th was impassable, even by my standards!).  For my 12th ride of my 50 memorable rides in my 50th year, I decided to cross 12 different bridges across the Conestogo River.

With the warm, sunny weekend we had, I wanted to get in as much riding as possible, so after riding on KW trails on Friday, and a WCC group ride on Saturday, I decided to make my Conestogo River ride on Sunday, and I managed to talk a few friends into joining me.  Tim, Mark and Doug came along and showed great patience while I stopped at each bridge for a photo op (thanks guys!).  We started the ride a little after 8 am, and although it was sunny, the temp was chilly (2-3C).  It soon warmed up as we made our way across bridges out to Conestogo Lake and back for just under 80 km.

Here’s the route I took:  https://www.strava.com/activities/548365196

And here’s the photojournal

Bridge#1 – Northfield Drive.  You can see the remains of the previous bridge in the background.

Bridge #2.  Village of St. Jacobs.  In the distance you can see a train bridge (No, we didn’t ride across that one!)

Bridge #3 – Three Bridges Road, near St. Jacobs.  Just a couple of weeks ago, this bridge was underwater and closed.

Bridge #4 – Hawkesville Road.  This is a longer bridge because the river is quite wide in this area, with numerous small islands.

Bridge #5 – East Hawkesville.  This concrete bridge is frequently underwater in the spring.  Fortunately, it’s been dry enough that we could ride over.  Last fall… I hiked my bike at this bridge through water that was a little too deep…

Bridge #6 – Hawkesville, ON.  Along Hemlock Hill Rd, and part of the KW Classic O-Cup road race.

Bridge #7 – Hergott Road south of Wallenstein.

Bridge #8 – Highway 86, West of Wallenstein.  Major construction here, but one lane was open to allow traffic.

Bridge #9.  Wellington Road 12, near Glen Allan.

Bridge #10. Wellington Rd. 45, near Glen Allan

Bridge #11. Conestogo Lake.  The lake behind me, looking down towards the river.

Bridge #12.  Iron bridge near Conestogo, ON.

These gravel grinders are a lot fun.  Typically, by this time of year, I put the cyclocross bike away and get out on the road and mountain bikes.  This year however, I plan to ride on gravel roads throughout the year, as I find that there’s more opportunities to see the landscape and explore on this cx bike.

Below, Mark and Doug enjoy the ride…