Stretching from the shores of Lake Huron into the surrounding farmlands, Huron-Kinloss of Ontario's southwest needs no introduction as a popular R&R destination. It's also no surprise that the main attractions are the sandy beaches. That said, as often is the case, there is more to the picture than meets the eye. Beyond the beach, you can explore farms, trails, bakeries and friendly communities with a history dating back a century or more.

Beyond town limits, the landscape is one of rolling farmland and quiet country roads. A perfect setting for rural backroad cycle touring; welcome to the Back Forty.

While you could always venture into the countryside with a map in hand, we were recently given a chance to be the first to follow two newly laid-out routes. The Gravel Grind and the Roadie Ramble will make discovering the area by bike as easy as following signs or a GPS.

Route one, the Gravel Grind, at 60 km, takes advantage of the area's many gravel roads and the current popularity of gravel cycling, and explores the surrounding farmlands.

Starting in the town of Lucknow, you can find parking and bathroom facilities at the local arena, and more importantly, pre-ride baked goods at Armstrong's Home Bakery.

The paved roads quickly fade to gravel as we venture beyond town limits. One of the main benefits of gravel cycling is the lack of car traffic, allowing total immersion in your surroundings. The adventure level is elevated as the road reduces to a single lane, and signs announce its unmaintained status; perfect for the gravel bike's voluminous tires.

Kinlough Produce Market is an oasis in the back forty setting, offering local produce and baked goods, a perfect place to energize. We enjoyed some of the best peaches of the season; pepperoni sticks and the homemade power bars made sure the ride would go on.

A short side trip along a rail trail into the town of Ripley provides another opportunity for food and water. The gravel turns to pavement for the final few kilometres back to Lucknow and the finish line.

Route two, the Roadie Ramble, at 50 km, keeps your wheels rolling on mostly paved surfaces. Starting in Ripley, you can park at Lewis Park or the Apple Rail Trail entrance. Both locations provide bathroom facilities. The latter is also the location for Bruce Botanical Food Gardens, a community garden focusing on endangered, heirloom and rare varieties of organic food plants. You can pick up some fresh produce at the end of the ride.

Back on our bikes, the road leads west along low-traffic roads bordered by farmland. The highlight of this loop is the beach, so be sure to bring a towel and swim gear. There is a short stretch of gravel as the road meanders amongst beach cottages.

Stop in at the Point Clark Lighthouse, which is open for tours during the summer. Climb the nine flights of stairs, 114 steps to be exact, to the lightroom and take in the spectacular view. There are bathroom facilities and a water fountain, and the stretch of beach here is sensational.

Refuel with some tasty eats at West 81 Food Co before heading back inland.

Back in Ripley, celebrate your ride accomplishment with a cold drink and more food at the local favourite, Fig Studio Kitchen.

One day in Huron-Kinloss is good, but more is better. With accommodation options ranging from campgrounds, B&Bs, cottage rentals and even farm stays, plus so much to see, do and enjoy, staying a while is the way to go. Just be sure to bring your bicycles and explore the area in the best possible way discovering everything the Back Forty has to offer.

Explore these Itineraries

• The Back Forty Gravel Grind
• The Back Forty Roadie Ramble