Norway Lake Rd- Puzzle Lake Prov Park May 15th 2021

 Inspired by another local riders exploration a few days ago took a closer look at the area of Norway Lake Rd into Puzzle Lake Provincial Park. So took another closer look at the area on Google maps satellite view. It looked promising but the Google Maps street view feature didn't go all the way so about 8k would be take it as it went.

https://www.strava.com/activities/5304012323/

Being a wee bit creative parked at the side of Gilmour Rd to start the easier gravel ride to the point of where it would get a bit more fun with the road turning more mtb in direction for terrain.

Won't say it was exciting to begin as it was the usual rural gravel roads on Ontario for the first 5.6 km. One point where Norway lake Rd and Thompson Hill Rd intersected was the no exit sign. A sign of things to come?

At about the 5.6 km mark after a left curve there was a parked car which in the end was the end of the gravel road maintained section. There was no sign to mention at this point the road was unmaintained and went pretty quickly from gravel road to minimal maintenance ATV and 4x4 track. Guessing this used to be a resource industry road prior.

At this point either your on foot, a mtb, or some sort of dirt bike or ATV. Really the next 6km was closer to what was mtb in some cases back when some of us started when one bike did it all. Lots of ruts and chances to win the high center your vehicle prize. Or alternatively the ripped a important part out from underneath.

Part way going out spotted the Provincial Park Boundary sign. Which was in a way good to see as it confirmed that was still on the correct track. Say this as maps aren't always accurate and things can change .

 Carrying on with the ride and the at certain points to the dismount and hoof it drill. As in sections with the ruts and being a lower point lots of water. And in these situations one must always remember that water holes and creeks are always deeper then they appear. After some more ride and hike a bike reached the end of Norway Rd at Norway Lake.

Norway Lake is definitely a remote location. One has to earn getting to this location to fish from an inflatable boat to simply camp overnight. There is zero cell service which is a great thing. After checking out the view from the spot the road ended which that was all there was. It was almost time to start heading back to the Dirtbag Ute.

Of course before one leaves there is the required shot of alcohol you know the summit toast. LOL well what qualifies in Ontario. After the toast it was reverse the route back to the Dirtbag Ute . The track was basically the same as coming out to Norway Lake Rd but in reverse. And while easy to comment about lack of mileage and epic hours on a mountain bike. Really it is in the end about being on th e mtb and wandering.

After the the right turn to take the last bit of gravel double track to the Dirtbag Ute. it was a moderate steady effort back and the next thing was the Ute was in sight. And then it was the end of the adventure, well the bike portion.

Of course one last step with current restrictions and knowing the long drive back to Kingston. Fired up the Primus and cooked up some fast to cook and eat food. One of the reasons for carrying the gear and of course making life easier.

If you like these adventures please support Team No Fixed Income

https://buymeacoffee.com/teamnofixedincomediaries

Video,

Team No Fixed Income Diaries Youtube Channel