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From the criss-crossing country roads to the newly extended Waterfront Trail along the north shore of Lake Erie, from the picturesque port towns to Railway City (aka St. Thomas), cyclists are touching down all over Elgin County! 

Make sure you stop in at any of the port towns for something to satisfy your hunger, thirst or, or perhaps you're looking for a bed to rest. Spend a few hours exploring Port Stanley by bike using their self-guided historic tour.

 

Looking to ride a rail trail? A series of completed Trans Canada Trails stretch the entire County and give cyclists more than enough km to keep spinning. If you're looking for stops along the way, the trail also takes you through Port Burwell, Alymer and St. Thomas.

 

Once the rail hub of Ontario, St. Thomas offers cyclists a great reason to get off their bikes, stretch their legs and connect with a bygone era. Explore rail history at Elgin County Railway Museum and the Railway Hall of Fame.

  

Along the southern portions of Elgin County, cyclists will find some of the best road riding (and beaches!) in Ontario. What's more, in August 2013, the Waterfront Trail (a fully-signed cross regional route) was extended from the Niagara Region to the southern shores of Lake St. Clair. The route follows the Lake Erie shoreline passing through lakeside communities in Elgin County, including Port Stanley, Port Bruce and Port Burwell! For more information and interactive maps, visit the Waterfront Trail website.

  

Speaking of three ports! Challenge yourself the weekend of August 16th with one of the 50, 100, or 160km rides as part of 3 Port Tour, a 'classic century ride'. Starting out from Alymer, this event is quickly becoming a staple for road riders from near and far. There are also a lot of reasons to stick around for a day or two, including the Aylmer's Sweet Cornfest or exploring the heritage of Elgin County.

If you're looking for some great information of both on and off-road cycling experiences in the region, visit our Great Places to Cycle page for Southwest Ontario - Elgin, Oxford and Middlesex.

Looking to stay the night? Stay at a certified bicycle-friendly accommodations!

 Do you ever wish you could just show up somewhere new and instantly have information on the best cycling route to get to know the town, city or countryside around you?

• When:  Sunday, June 29, 10:00am to 12:30pm
• What:  A guided tour of the new route with Ride On Bikes as part of Blue Mountain Pedal Fest.
• Where: Meet at and starting from Thornbury town centre, municipal parking lot at Bruce and Bridge Street. 
• Cost:  Free. Small donation for guides as a courtesy fee is suggested. Bike rentals available and delivered to start point if pre-arranged from Ride On Bikes or from Blue Mountain Village.

 Tracks, Trails and Technical Terrain

Mountain and Trail Riding in Ontario

With the growing popularity of mountain biking and trail riding in the province, we're taking the time to highlight a few fantastic trail systems that have our blood pumping just thinking about them! 

Hammer the Hydrocut

Ride the Escarpment and More

Spend the weekend in Grey County and explore the scenic cross country trails and the more challenging, well maintained tracks of the Blue Mountain Bike Park. Also try the nearby Loree Forest Loop with 7km of single track trails great for both beginners and experienced riders.

Smooth Sailing in the Valley

Next time you're in the Ottawa Valley ride the Beachburg Country Forest Trails, just 40 minutes south of Pembroke. You'll find 6km of smooth Red Pine Forest single track, perfect for beginners and intermediate riders.

You likely already know the importance of locking up your bike correctly and have mastered your own tricks to ensuring your bike remains where it should be and remains undamaged. We also know there can be sometimes be those who go overkill while locking your bike (see below).

While the image above may be overkill by one or two locks, you can never be too careful. Here are some simple tips when locking your bike:

• First and foremost. Always lock your bike! It only takes a minute to secure your bike. It takes less time to pedal off with it.
• Take all removable items with you (pump, light, gps, etc)
• Don't lock your bike to open-top posts (e.g. parking meters), thieves can simply lift your bike up and over these.
• Always lock your bike frame, never just your tire(s).
• Invest in a good quality lock that works for your ride and bike parking situations. Ask your local bike store for assistance in selecting a lock that works best for you. 

Have any other tips or tricks to share with us? Why not send us a tweet or post on our Facebook Page.

Moving into late June we should all have our cycling legs back and feeling fit to hit the trails, roll along quiet roads and perhaps even enjoy a few hill climbs. 

Whatever the ride there is always a reward be it a tasty treat, cold beverage and the sweet post ride memories to keep you going till next time out. 

From Louisa, Joanne & Michael 

Ontario By Bike Network & Bike Train Team

Projects of Transportation Options

850 Coxwell Ave ~ Toronto, ON ~ M4C 5R1  

Office: 416-827-2774

Toll-Free: 1-866-701-2774

Email: info@ontariobybike.ca

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Stop by this newly certified bicycle-friendly
business while cycling in Oxford County: 

Leaping Deer Adventure Farm & Market

Hitch up your two wheels to the super new bike rack Farmer Budd your host has made to welcome cyclists, while you 

pop into the market for a maple butter tart. 

Plan your route at www.ontariobybike.ca/southwestontario