From I think my second trip to Combermere in 2019.
Helping a friend out allowed me to go north way north of Kaladar near Barry's Bay in the village of Combermere during the first couple of days of July. While I did bring the Chromag I wasn't expecting much as there is nothing showing up on Trailforks.
However having the Backroads Map Book for Cottage Country I did notice something that might be worth it. The Thomas P Murray Recreation Trails just north of Combermere on Highway 62 while ATV and snowmobile track might be rideable. Plus it showed a bike on the what you could do there. But without riding you never know.
Starting an exploration of a new system might not be a good idea during full bore Deer Fly season but couldn't be helped. After trying the first of 2 trailheads that where signed and finding not much parking went up 62 to the second and found a better option. Heading in it was as expected sandy ATV track. Nothing exciting but still was riding in the woods.
First trail was on I found out was Red Pine Trail which eventually reached a junction where I headed right and ended up on Tom's Trail. It was so far pretty much mid 80's kind of mountain biking where you rode what you could. So after a while reached another juncture and headed right onto what was called Drohan's Trail. This it turns out was to be a mistake but unless you had local knowledge you wouldn't know.
Drohan's Trail started ok and had the usual backcountry conditions of rough and some mud. No big deal. How little I knew that would change as soon it devolved into Hellbiking. A good chunk had been made unrideable with all the trees downed by wind. So a good chunk of effort was put into getting through that and all the over growth.
After a while of that finally came to another junction that was the main route which led back to the Dirtbag Ute. And some cold fluids as it was a hot day to do some Hellbiking unintentionally. And as Drohan's Trail showed there was minimal if that trail maintenance in Combermere.
While it shows there is potentially something rideable in the Thomas P Murray Trails it is best looked at either early Spring or in September when the bugs die off and the overgrowth isn't as bad. That way one can go in and really see and figure out what is there.
However the Thomas P Murray |Recreation Trails are backcountry mountain biking. To go in you need to bring gear to do bike repairs and what not to be able to self extract. Print up a version of the trail map before you go in and use it with the Trailforks record your ride so you can navigate your way. But do not just rely on Trailforks. Remember at all times this is remote and rescue will take far longer. Bring gear for weather changes. And due to location leave a cooler in the truck with water and food for after the ride. That way you can cool off and drive safely not craving food. Hopefully might be able to visit once more in the future. GPS of ride here,
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