Peter's Cycling Page

In order to cope with a middle age spread in the mid-section, I have again taken up my hobby of cycling after an absence of a number of years. I have a 21 speed mountain bike that I use to travel the roads around the Halifax and surrounding area. I have found many picturesque routes beside the ocean and through the countryside. I do almost exclusively all paved road traveling as this allows for traveling further with less wear and tear on the bicycle and myself.

In this page in the months to come, I hope to detail rides that can be taken around and outside the Halifax/Dartmouth area. I hope you find this information fun and informative. Here's to seeing you on the road this summer!!!

Here is an interesting link to the Atlantic Canada Cycling Information page

For some longer trips, have a look at the following :

Here are some short rides around and under 20 Km.

The Herring Cove Loop (12 miles/20Km)

As with any loop, one can start at any place on the loop, as desired and you will end back at the starting position. This loop I start at the corner of the Purcell's Cove Road and the William's Lake Road on Halifax mainland south. I proceed out the Purcell's Cove Road towards Herring Cove. This section passes one of the finest 'swimming holes' at William's Lake about 1Km into the ride. The two swimming areas at William's Lake are accessible by two paths leading from the Purcell's Cove Road through a short section of woods to the fresh water lake. Look for the many parked cars on your right on those hot summer days. Swimming is unsupervised. RNSYS

The next spot along the route is the lovely Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron. Then a slight climb and decline into Purcell's Cove. This cove is a picturesque spot noted by the many boats moored there and the favorite fish & chip wagon in the summer. At the far end of the cove is an incline that rises in two sections. I affectionately call this section "Killer Hill" because of the long steep climb. At this point, we leave the Halifax city limits. York Redoubt

At the top of the second incline is a road to the left and into the National Park of York Redoubt. One can detour into the park for a visit or rest. It is open every day from dawn till dusk. There are no services at the park.

Continuing along the Purcell's Cove Road past York Redoubt begins the down hill section that leads into Herring Cove. Before reaching Herring Cove, the route passes by a gravel parking lot on the left with a GREAT ocean view. Proceed along the main road to the general store and bear right. This begins a long gradual climb up to meet the Herring Cove Road. Herring Cove

At the Herring Cove Road, turn right and proceed back toward Halifax. There is a long level section that passes by a long narrow lake known as Long Lake. A slight incline and then down hill into Halifax and the Spryfield area. The road continues on the level until South Center Mall, where there is a short but steep climb. At the lights at the top of this incline, the hard work is now over as the remainder of the trip is on the level or down hill.

Proceed straight at the lights past McDonalds and Dairy Queen to the big stone church of St. Michael's. Just past this church is the William's Lake Road. Turn right and proceed down the William's Lake Road and at the stop sign is where we started and the end of our journey.

Congratulations, you have just cycled a picturesque 20Km!!

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If you like, you can write to me at peter@ocean1.net