Discovering Algoma's untapped adventure biking potential

By: Martin Lortz

As a passionate fan of motorcycles, I take immense pleasure in my time spent on two wheels. I've dedicated countless hours to experiencing different styles of bikes, from tourers and cruisers to sport-tourers, each delivering its own particular sense of excitement. Nevertheless, the adventure bike truly stokes the fire of my zeal for embarking on open-road exploration.

My fondness for exploring Ontario's Algoma country on my motorcycle knows no bounds. The thrill of following pre-planned routes like The Grand Algoma, The Deer Trail, and the winding Hwy 129, as well as the beauty of the Trans Canada Highway along Lake Superior, has been a truly unforgettable experience. While these routes have provided extraordinary road trip adventures, the temptation of a gravel road disappearing into the wilderness always grabs my attention, fueling my desire to explore.With my bike fully loaded, it's time to explore Algoma's untapped adventure biking potential.

The Challenges of Planning

Planning an adventure bike route presents its own set of challenges. While Google Maps may display a meandering path from point A to point B, the actual terrain may differ significantly. Moreover, Google's guidance tends to disappear when there's no phone signal, precisely when you need it the most.

To overcome this, I opted for more traditional research methods, using texts and emails to tap into the local knowledge. Following several suggestions, I connected with Steve and Jim, seasoned adventure riders from Algoma who were eager to be part of the journey.

Day One: Let's Go

Our journey kicked off with a satisfying breakfast at a local diner. It's safe to say our "Power Ranger" gear and matching bikes made us stand out in the crowd. With our tanks topped up, we made a pit stop at the massive loony in Echo Bay before heading north, where the road quickly transitioned from pavement to gravel.

Carpenter Lake Road soon proved to be a test, as it deteriorated into a path that was barely recognizable as a road. We maneuvered rocky inclines, splashed through knee-deep water crossings, navigated sandy bends, and soaked in picturesque lake views – as they say, "smiles for miles."

With the day's most challenging stretch behind us, we turned onto the familiar Ranger Lake Road. Ahead awaited 80 kilometers of winding gravel road, a lunch break and refuel at Black Creek Outfitters, and another 50 kilometres of off-road excitement before finally arriving at our day's destination, Laurentian Lodge.

Laurentian Lodge: A Welcoming Oasis

Perched beside the tranquil waters of Flack Lake, the Laurentian Lodge offered a revitalizing swim and a delectable meal, ending a truly extraordinary day. Its idyllic setting was just right for unwinding and pondering our journey thus far.

Day Two: Into the Wild

The second day started with a delicious breakfast at the MoonLight restaurant in Elliot Lake and a visit to the Fire Tower Lookout for an incredible view. Today's challenge was Hydroline Road, a 46 km off-road track alongside hydro towers best suited for side-by-sides and 4x4s. Our bikes tackled the washouts, mud holes, and rocky terrain with gusto.

Returning to pavement, we cruised along part of the Deer Trail on Hwy 546 and enjoyed a satisfying lunch at Three Aces in Iron Bridge. Our journey continued, taking us over the historic steel trusses of the Dean Lake bridge along a mix of pavement, gravel, and trail; we eventually reached another local landmark, the Little Rapids General Store.

Home Stretch

After facing the daunting task of fixing a flat tire on my bike and traversing a complex network of forest access roads north of Little Current, our journey ended along the winding Hwy 648. Two days and 600 km later, we embraced the spirit of adventure biking: sharing challenging and fulfilling rides with great friends.

Your Next Adventure Awaits

Next time you spot a gravel road winding into the distance and find yourself pondering its destination, remember that it could very well lead to your next extraordinary adventure. Enjoy the journey!