The best gravel rides around Brandon

Komoot features 12 gravel bike trails around Brandon. These routes offer a range of challenges, with 3 considered moderate and 9 classified as difficult. The wider Brandon area, including options on platforms like Bikemap, offers over 40 cycling routes suitable for gravel riding, ensuring a diverse selection for all skill levels.

Yes, for families or those seeking an easier ride, the urban trail system along the Assiniboine Riverbank offers 17 km of scenic routes through wetlands and prairie grasses within the city limits. Additionally, the City of Brandon's 'Share the Road' Bicycle Corridor is a 20 km route that circulates the city, connecting to existing pedestrian pathways and passing through various city parks, which can be suitable for a relaxed family outing.

The region is known for its varied landscapes. Routes often feature rolling hills, aspen and bur oak forests, mixed-grass prairie, and wetlands. The Assiniboine Riverbank trails offer picturesque views along the river, while areas like the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area provide routes through diverse forest and prairie ecosystems. For a challenging and scenic ride, consider the Cluny Abbey town – Cluny loop from Mâcon, which covers 162 km through varied landscapes.

Brandon's gravel trails offer a rich tapestry of natural and historical sights. You might encounter rolling hills, dense forests, and open prairies. Notable natural features include the unique 'Spirit Sands' sand dunes in Spruce Woods Provincial Park (east of Brandon) or the over 200 lakes and wetlands in Turtle Mountain Provincial Park (south of Brandon). Along some routes, you might also pass by historical sites like the Tunnel du bois clair or the Vergisson Rock.

Yes, for those looking for a significant challenge, the Cluny Abbey town – Cluny loop from Mâcon is a demanding 162 km route with substantial elevation gain, typically taking nearly 10 hours to complete. This route offers an extensive exploration of the region's diverse terrain.

The best time for gravel biking in Brandon is generally from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and trails are clear of snow and ice. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and fall provide cooler rides and vibrant scenery. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Parking availability varies by trail. For urban routes like the Assiniboine Riverbank trails, parking can often be found near the Riverbank Discovery Centre. For trails in areas like the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area, designated parking lots are typically available at trailheads. It's always advisable to check specific trail information for precise parking locations.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around Brandon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the moderate Route de Montmelard loop from Dompierre-les-Ormes and the more challenging Col de Gerbet – Col de la Grange du Bois loop from Sologny. These circular routes make planning your ride and return easier.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Brandon, with an average score of 3.0 stars from over 5 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, which includes rolling hills, river valleys, and prairie landscapes, offering a good mix of challenges and scenic beauty. The variety of routes, from moderate loops to more demanding long-distance trails, is also frequently highlighted.

For advanced riders seeking a challenge, the Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area offers singletrack mountain biking trails that can be suitable for gravel bikes, depending on skill level, with multiple loops ranging from 2 to 7.5 km. Additionally, several difficult routes listed on komoot, such as the Montmelard – Vergezicht loop from Matour, feature significant elevation gain and varied terrain.

Brandon, as a city, offers various accommodation and dining options. For specific recommendations near trailheads, it's best to consult local tourism resources. The Riverbank Discovery Centre, a hub for the Assiniboine Riverbank trails, is a good starting point for information on nearby amenities. For broader information on what Brandon offers, you can visit brandontourism.com.

While Brandon itself is characterized by rolling hills, the surrounding region offers some notable climbs. You can find several mountain passes that provide challenging ascents and descents suitable for gravel biking. Examples include the Col de la Grange du Bois, Col de la Sibérie, and Col de Gerbet, which are often incorporated into longer, more difficult routes.