Bike Train Ontario

Ontario By Bike Update

In This Issue: July 2014
Great Places to Cycle: Middlesex County and London
Feature Event - Le Tour De Norfolk
1000 Islands Parkway Bike Path Now Open
Saddle Up With Your Pannier
Stay Hydrated and Featured Business
Upcoming Events
July - Various Dates 
  
July 19
  
Le Tour De Norfolk
 July 19-20
  
Oakville
July 20
  
Muskoka
July 27

 

Toronto to Montreal
July 27-Aug 1  
  
Hamilton, Niagara, Norfolk
Aug 2-8
  
Aug 4
  
Brockville to Cornwall
Aug 11-15

Caledon to Port Dover
Aug 14-17

Elgin County
Aug 16
  
Ottawa Valley
Aug 17
  
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Get Inspired!
We love reading about cyclists on their journeys! Check out the stories, pictures and videos in these cycling blogs!
  
  
  
If you have a favourite cycling blog or video, send us an email at info@OntarioByBike.ca
Mississippi Mills New Cycling Map
The town of Mississippi Mills has a new cycling map with 7 dedicated cycling routes ranging in length from 11km to 100km.
  
Located west of Ottawa, Mississippi Mills has hundreds of kilometres of exceptional cycling, including beautiful countryside and rolling hills. 
  
Download a PDF version HERE.
E-News Archive
Archived since May 2011, visit the following link to read more and past issues. 
 
We have alot of fun putting together content for you to read in our 7 annual issues, and hope to inspire you to explore more of Ontario by bike. 

 

Visit our website or simply click HERE

 

Consider sharing link with a friend. 

Bike Train
Transport you and your bike to destinations around Ontario serviced by VIA Rail and GO Transit. 

Bike Train

VIA Rail provides bike transportation on all trains with baggage car service, or couriers bikes and oversized baggage to/from destinations that no longer have baggage cars, including Ottawa.
 
Weekend Toronto Niagara trains are now running through till Labour Day.

For more info on 2014 routes and schedules visit:
Parkbus

Buses to Killarney, Bruce Peninsula, Algonquin
and additional parks.  

View full schedule and info
Parkbus

at: parkbus.ca 

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2014 Cycling Guide
View at:

Cycling in Ontario

With Thanks to

our 2014 Sponsors

 

  

 

  VIA Rail 

  GO Transit

 Pedal Magazine

Advermap

Norco Bicycles  

  

 Great Places to Cycle:
Middlesex County and London

With relatively flat agricultural land, picturesque countryside and meandering rivers, as well as quaint country towns and the city of London, Middlesex County offers cyclists experiences of all kinds. Road riding in Southwest Ontario is second to none!

  
There are also plenty of fantastic trails to explore which can be found by picking up the Middlesex County Trails Guide or viewing it online. This trails guide has information on off-road trails, including details on parks and rail trails open to hikers, cyclists, and other recreational users.  
  
Photo Credit: www.londontourism.ca
  
Cyclists looking for an urban cycling experience can explore the city of London or wind their way along the nearly 40km of paved, multi-use paths that make up the Thames River Parkway. Heading into London? Check out London's downloadable Bike & Walk Map before you go, to find great cycling in the city.
  
If an adrenaline fix is what you need, Boler Mountain, just south west of downtown London, is the place. For $8.00 pick up a day pass to access their mountain bike facilities, including 120 acres, offering some of the best cross country terrain in Ontario. 
  

For more information of great on-road and off-road cycling experiences plus certified bicycle-friendly businesses in the region, visit our Great Places to Cycle page for Southwest Ontario - Elgin, Oxford and Middlesex.

 Feature Event - Le Tour De Norfolk

What's stopping you from getting out this weekend, July 19-20, to ride the 8th annual Tour de Norfolk?

 

With 7 different routes and route lengths ranging from 40 - 75 - 100 - 160 km, this event always draws a crowd of friendly riders.  Some are cycling to enjoy the spectacular countryside, bountiful farmlands and unique stops enroute, while others are riding the popular long routes and century ride, using the event as a mid-season training ride.

 

Photo Credit: Le Tour de Norfolk

 

Located just an hour south west from Hamilton, the ride rolls out of and returns to the small town of Delhi in Norfolk County. Well-marked and mapped routes along quiet and paved country roads await.

 

Same day registrations are welcome. Registration fee of $45 includes snacks, drinks, lunch, ice cream, showers and access to a swimming pool to cool down post-ride. Overnight camping and accommodations available.

 

More info at: www.letourdenorfolk.com

  1000 Islands Parkway Trail Repaved

The highly anticipated resurfacing of the 1000 Islands Parkway Recreational Trail, a part of the Waterfront Trail, has recently been completed. 

 

  Photo Credit: Alan Medcalf

The well used pathway, running 37 km along the north-side of the 1000 Islands Parkway between Gananoque and Brockville, had sections that had seen better days. Thanks to the efforts of the St Lawrence Parks Commission and numerous partners, that's all changed now that the resurfacing has been finished!  

 

Boasting panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River, an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the 1000 Islands National Park, beaches and picturesque rest areas with washrooms, this off-road multi use trail is ideal for all types of riders.

 

Why not make a weekend (or more) out of it, while staying and visiting local bicycle-friendly businesses, certified by Ontario By Bike? Take your time to explore this unique area of the province, with world-class hiking, kayaking, diving or swimming, as well as soaking up the culture at local theatres, heritage sites and festivals. 

 

Heading out that way this summer? Share a picture of the pathway or one of your favourite stops along the way on our Facebook Page
Saddle Up With Your Pannier!

Whether commuting, heading out for a multi-day excursion, or simply taking supplies for a day out on our bikes, we all need a little extra storage. What's worse, is that in these muggy summer days throwing on a backpack can leave your back all sticky and sweaty. It can also heat up your core body quickly, making mountains out of anthills!

  
That's where the "pannier' comes in!  
info@thetivertonhouse.com
Here are three tips to consider when purchasing and mounting panniers for you bicycle:

 

  1. Styles - From the colourful examples above to those more utilitarian-focused, from those that offer maximum capacity to those that offer maximum style, panniers literally come in all shapes and sizes. It's always important to consider how you'll be using your pannier the most. If you're using it everyday and simply are looking for durability, then consider quality over 'flash and features'. If you're more style conscious however, we understand that too.
  2. Proper Mounting - It's one thing to have functional (or fanciful) panniers, but ensuring they're secured properly is a whole other issue! When purchasing a pannier examine the quality and functionality of the attachment hooks. Are they made of cheap plastic? Are they adjustable? Also if you're on and off your bike a lot, look into those with a quick-release option! If you're worried about leaving your pannier on your bike when you lock it up, consider using a thin cable lock to secure it to your bike. Removing valuables is always smart move!
  3. Safety - Don't overfill them! There are capacity limits for a reason. It can get dangerous when you're swerving in and out of traffic simply because you're trying to get balanced. Whether they come with safety reflectors, or you have to add you own, if you're riding at night, let others know you're on the road!

Panniers are a great addition to one's cycling gear. Head to your local bike shop and ask the staff to give their thoughts on what makes a great pannier.

 

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

Stay Hydrated Out There!

As we quickly approach mid-summer (where does the time go?), we know it can be hot and humid out there! So as you roll along quiet roads or trails and even enjoy a few hill climbs, always take the time to sip on some water.

 

Whether you're riding solo this summer or you've got a great group you like to get out with, take it all in! Cycling in an Ontario summer is truly memorable!

 

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


~~~
  
Stop by this certified bicycle-friendly
business while cycling in Prince Edward County: 
  
Stop in at David and Maggie's Pottery Gallery in Wellington, ON and pick up one-of-a-kind gifts! Cycling with a small group? Why not book a pottery workshop to break up the day? Delivery of purchases available upon request. Want to stay overnight? Ask about the Wellington Pottery Guest Suite accommodation!
  
Funding Partners

Plus over 100 destination partners and supporters.