THE PLACE
ECOCAFE – ST. JACOBS
A top space and place to start and finish a ride in the Waterloo area is the EcoCafe in St. Jacobs. Let the aroma of freshly roasted coffee lead the way from the nearby bike routes and trails through the front doors of this unique historic building and cafe set in an old flour mill. From the comforts of the wide patio, or perched atop bicycle decorated stools, enjoy a variety of tasty treats at this bicycle friendly cafe. Proclaimed by avid cyclists to have some of the best coffee ever tasted, cold brew and healthy smoothies are also liquid menu options. Beyond locally baked goods and freshly churned ice cream, burritos and empanadas are viable refuelling options. Have a wander through the iconic building to discover more about local heritage. Originally built in the 1830’s, the attached silos stored the grain unloaded by trains before being milled into flour or feed. Discover a variety of artifacts throughout the eclectic building, as well as the mini maple syrup and electricity museums, the site being the first testing location for hydropower in Ontario. Following the Mill Race, (an off shoot of the nearby Conestoga River
and channel of water that was used to power the mill) use the trail as a gateway to and from any number of rides. Choose from 13 cycling routes in Woolwich Township that combine road cycling, gravel and trails. Try the 41km Woolwich four village
COFFEE FACTS
PHOTOGRAPH (BOTTOM LEFT) BY TREVOR BROWNE / MESSKITMAG.COM
Coffee beans are seeds of a fruit
40
Number of coffee beans to make a single espresso shot
10 MINUTES
The time it takes to roast coffee beans
tour that crosses the famed covered bridge in West Montrose followed by a 9km roll on the nearby Kissing Bridge Trailway. The shorter Mennonite Country Block Tour passes many working farms on a gentle and flat 19km loop. Wanting to enjoy more time out beyond the ride, stop at the famous market, bicycle friendly craft brewery or overnight at bicycle friendly accommodations that vary in size from B&B to nearby inn. Whether riding solo, duo or with a larger group, St. Jacob’s can cater to all. — For more information visit: ecocafestjacobs.com & ontariobybike.ca/waterlooregion
Let the aroma of freshly roasted coffee lead the way from the nearby bike routes and trails through the front doors of this unique historic building and cafe set in an old flour mill.
ONTARIOBYBIKE.CA / CYCLING IN ONTARIO 2020
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