The Naturally L&A Tall Pines Ride is a 45-kilometre cycling event starting at the L&A Forest Trails in Flinton. The route begins with a pass through the forest before opening onto gravel and country roads through Addington Highlands, timed to coincide with peak fall colour. Five rest stops, live music, a post-ride barbecue, and a complimentary beverage round out the day. October 3, 2026, rain or shine.
The Tall Pines Ride is an autumn-themed cycling event that emphasizes the rugged, forested beauty of the northern region. Starting at the 120-acre county forest in Flinton, the 45-kilometre loop takes riders through deep wilderness and rural backroads. The ride is timed to coincide with peak fall foliage, providing a scenic backdrop for a supported tour that integrates local flavours and live entertainment. By combining forest single-track with backroad gravel, the event offers a diverse technical experience that highlights the unique geography of the Canadian Shield.
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What to Expect
Check-in opens at 9:30 am at the L&A Forest Trails, with departure at 10:30 am. The route is marked with turn signage, and support vehicles patrol the course throughout the day. Each rest stop has a water bottle fill station and snacks. The day finishes back at the forest with live music from Whiskey Smoke, a barbecue from the Lions Club of the Land O’ Lakes, and a licensed area with local beer from MacKinnon Brothers and County Bounty Artisanal Soda. Minor bike check and repair services are available from J&J Cycle at the start.
Here’s What’s Different
- The ride begins with a pass through managed forest trails before transitioning to gravel country roads, a combination not found on the other L&A cycling events.
- The post-ride finish includes a barbecue, live music, and a licensed area, making it a full afternoon out rather than just a ride finish.
- A mountain bike is not required. Durable tires of 32mm or wider are sufficient for the gravel roadways.
Good to KnowÂ
- The ride is an open course, and riders share the road with motorized vehicles at all times.
- Helmets are mandatory.Â
- Ride single-file throughout.Â
- All participants receive a route map at registration, and the route is marked with turn signage.Â
- Support vehicles make regular trips around the course; flag one down if you need assistance.
- A post-ride beverage ticket is distributed at registration and will not be redeemed until the ride is complete. Additional beverages can be purchased after the ride. Please drink responsibly and arrange for a safe ride home.Â
- Participating businesses are subject to change.
- LOCAL TIP
- The Addington Highlands has plenty to explore if you want to extend your stay into the weekend. Check the Naturally L&A Addington Highlands community profile for nearby activities around Flinton.
- FAST FACTS
- The route covers 45 kilometres through the L&A Forest and Addington Highlands.
- Start and finish: L&A Forest Trails, 100 John Street, Flinton.
- Check-in: 9:30 to 10:30 am. Departure: 10:30 am.
- Minor bike repair services available from J&J Cycle at the start.
Location Details
Beginning at the L&A Forest Trails in Flinton, the loop moves through the forest before continuing along a mix of mostly gravel country roads through Addington Highlands. The route returns to the forest trailhead at the finish.
Note: Route subject to change.
Your Route
Pick up your registration package from 9:30 am on event day. The ride departs at 10:30 am. Enjoy a complimentary hot or cold beverage and treat from Milligan Meats, with live music from Joanna Milligan while you gear up. Minor bike check and repair services are available from J&J Cycle before departure.
The area outside the forest trails serves as the post-ride headquarters. Live music from Whiskey Smoke, a barbecue from the Lions Club of the Land O’ Lakes, and a licensed area administered by the Flinton Recreation Club, where local beer from MacKinnon Brothers and County Bounty Artisanal Soda are available.
A basic stop to stretch, fill your water bottle, and enjoy an apple or banana. Washroom available.
Water, apples, bananas, and a freshly baked scone from Mama Bear Micro Bake House. Live music at this stop. Washroom facilities available.
A stretch stop with a water bottle fill station, apples, and bananas. Note: No washroom at this location.
The main rest stop of the day. Live music from Mellow Lily, a barbecue available for purchase, and a water bottle fill station. Washroom facilities available. Worth slowing down for.
The last stop before the finish. Water, apples, and bananas are available for the final push back to the forest. Washroom facilities available.
Note: Rest stops are subject to change.
What We Offer
The Tall Pines Ride is built around the experience as much as the cycling. Live music plays at the start, at select stops along the route, and back at the forest at the finish.
Live Music Schedule
- Pre-Ride at L&A Forest Trails: Joanna Milligan
- Rest Stop 2: Performer to be announced
- Rest Stop 4: Mellow Lily
- Post-Ride at L&A Forest Trails: Whiskey Smoke
Make It a Weekend
There are plenty of hotels, motels, and B&Bs across Lennox and Addington if you want to extend your stay. See the Naturally L&A Accommodations page for options.
Common Questions
No. While the ride begins on forest trails, 32mm or wider tires are sufficient for the gravel roadways. A mountain bike is welcome but not required.
The event is a non-competitive, supported tour. Riders set their own pace and are encouraged to enjoy the stops.
Registration covers access to all five rest stops with food and water, a route map, support vehicle coverage, minor bike repair services at the start, and a post-ride beverage ticket redeemable for a local beer or artisanal soda.
The ride is suitable for beginners with durable bikes; while it starts in the forest, 32mm+ tires are sufficient for the journey.
Yes, parking at the trailhead is free.
Yes, event day walk-up registration is available at $40 (cash only), however pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Regular pricing of $35 is available online until October 2 at noon.
Contacts
Get the Itinerary
Get the official Backroad Adventure route sent to your phone with stops and local recommendations ready to go.
Getting Here
The ride begins and ends at the L&A Forest Trails, 100 John Street, Flinton.
Accessible via Highway 41 through Addington Highlands.