Kemble Rock 200 (Weekday)

Route Logistics

• Total Distance: ~200 km
• Format: Loop (Central Hub: Owen Sound)
• Terrain: Rolling and rugged escarpment terrain, highlighted by the coastal ridges of the Bruce Peninsula.
• Surface: 100% Paved asphalt and scenic secondary highways.

This 200km brevet is sanctioned by Les Randonneurs Mondiaux, and can therefore be used as a pre-qualification event for Paris-Brest-Paris 2027. See below for other shorter rides available in this series.

About the ride

Welcome to the Kemble Rock 200, an exceptional loop engineered to showcase the dramatic geological transitions of the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron watersheds. While this classic route is historically known for starting and finishing in the lakeside community of Port Elgin, this year features a deliberate logistical update: we have moved the central hub right into the port city of Owen Sound! Starting and finishing at the local Tim Hortons, riders gain access to ample parking for a smooth day out on the bike.

The route charts a magnificent, expansive counter-clockwise loop that sweeps south through pastoral heartlands, strikes west to the rugged coastline of Lake Huron, and cuts north up the spine of the Bruce Peninsula before a stunning finish.

The Journey Breakdown

Owen Sound to Chesley (0 km – 56 km) Departing from the start control at the Tim Hortons in Owen Sound, your day begins by pushing south into the rolling agricultural heart of Grey County. The quiet backroads climb steadily away from the sound, offering crisp morning air and long views over rural valley lines. Your first control awaits in the historic community of Chesley. Centered at the Chesley Arena, this checkpoint provides excellent amenities, including access to washrooms and covered pavilions for a brief, comfortable respite. If you are already searching for premium fuel, a hot dog stand is often operating on weekends, and a local pizza place sits just a short spin further up Main Street.

Chesley to Port Elgin (56 km – 98 km) From Chesley, the route points due west, tracking toward the expansive shores of Lake Huron. The terrain treats you to long, rhythmic stretches that slice through the beautiful farm fields of Bruce County. As you close in on the coast, the atmosphere changes to a classic beachside vibe as you roll into Port Elgin. This control at the local Tim Hortons offers a familiar comfort to rest and reload, though cross-country through-riders can also utilize the local gas stations to keep their clock moving efficiently.

Port Elgin to Wiarton (98 km – 152 km) Leaving Lake Huron behind, you will chart a northeast trajectory directly across the base of the Bruce Peninsula. This segment is characterized by quiet, low-traffic secondary highways that cut through forested lowlands and past striking limestone outcrops. Your northernmost control is positioned in the iconic base town of Wiarton. The town provides an ideal final refueling oasis at the local Tim Hortons or Circle K before you tackle the escarpment's coastal edge.

Wiarton back to Owen Sound (152 km – 200 km) The final quadrant of the route delivers the crown jewel of the ride as you shadow the western shoreline of Georgian Bay. Heading south from Wiarton, you will ride parallel to the rugged spine of the Niagara Escarpment, tracing the high ridges through the spectacular Kemble area. Keep your eyes sharp for dramatic, high-altitude vistas of the deep blue waters of the sound to your left. A fast, winding descent drops you right back into the Owen Sound basin, bringing you to a triumphant finish at the Tim Hortons start/finish control.