Coffee and Crusher Stone in Halifax

When Andrew L’esperance isn’t chasing down the world’s best on the cross country World Cup circuit, the Norco racer often gets in training miles on gravel routes all over Canada. Originally from Halifax, L’espy is quick to name his favourite gravel ride in the region.

“It’s easy to find a good mix of rail trail and crusher stone, as well as gravel and a bit of pavement. Any ride heading out from Halifax should include a stop at the Bike and Bean,” he says of the popular destination for cyclists in nearby Tantallon. The café, in the historic French Village train station, has been around for more than 10 years.

Once you’ve f uelled up, L’espy suggests heading farther along the trail leaving town for an out and back. Or you could take gravel roads inland. Consider riding south to Peggy’s Cove, just a little more than 20 km from Tantallon.