Ontario By Bike E-News: April
Beyond Buttertarts 
- Cycling in Kawarthas Northumberland - 

Cycling in Northumberland County
Credit: Northumberland Tourism

There are few regions in Ontario that can boast a more complete cycling offering than Kawarthas Northumberland. From a rail trail network that spans over 200km and connects urban centres with quaint villages to over 1,000km of signed road routes that touch every corner of the region from the shores of Lake Ontario north to the heart of Ontario's cottage country; the region has something for everyone.  

With a welcoming cycling culture and stunning landscapes there is no doubt that as one cycles their way through this region, just east of Toronto, that they will come to fully appreciate how wonderful the cycling truly is.  

2019 Ontario By Bike Rides 
- Ottawa City & Country - 

Credit: Ottawa Tourism

We are super excited to be hosting one of our rides this year in Ottawa (August 24-25). Our nation's capital has the most incredible trail system and road network that is going to make this weekend tour at the end of August a ride not to be missed.

On the Saturday, day 1, we will meet in the small village of Carp, just 20 minutes by car from downtown, for a 48km loop through pretty and quiet countryside. The ride will end near Carp, with time for visiting the famed farmers' market and the not to be missed Diefenbunker.

After a comfortable night at the Carleton Suite Hotel, located downtown, close to the canal, river and restaurants of Byward Market, we will be riding a 40km loop on city trails, and past many of the top sightseeing attractions.

Just bring your bike and ride! 

Our value-priced ride weekends sell out! Book early to avoid disappointment. 

Sign up for one of the other 2019 Ontario By Bike Rides!

SOLD OUT!
June 1-2
August 3-5

August 24-25
2 days / 1 night
Distance:  86km
Price: $289*

September 28-29
2 days / 1 night
Distance: 165km 
Price: $239*

For more information visit:  OntarioByBike.ca/Rides

or

With our TICO-licensed partner   OK Cycle & Adventure Tours
who offer a wide range of cycling tours in Ontario and world-wide! 
               
*Prices per person based on double occupancy. HST not included. Single rider supplement, triple, quad and youth discounts available. 
Cycling in Ontario Guide 2019
- NOW AVAILABLE! -

Check out some of the great feature articles like the Rise of the Gravel Bike and Biking in Oxford County or get inspired with over  50 day trip and overnight cycling itineraries across Ontario! 

It doesn't matter if you ride on paths, trails or roads. Whether you are a recreational or experienced cyclist or mountain biker, you'll love the 7th annual Cycling in Ontario Guide!

The guide is available in both French and English. Visit OntarioByBike.ca/2019  to view online or download a  copy. 

Request a physical copy by mail, by emailing your name and mailing address and including 'Cycling in Ontario' in subject line to:   [email protected]
Upgrading Your Helmet

Bike helmets are an integral part of your bike set up and while it's not against the law to go without one in Ontario if you are over the age of 18, it is wise to have that extra protection.

It is recommended that helmets are replace every 5 years and immediately after any incident that involves an impact. The foam core materials plus general wear and tear may be compromised after a certain period reducing its safety aspects.

If you are in the market for a new helmet you might want to look for one with MIPS Brain Protection System. This new technology has a low friction layer built into the helmet that reduces rotational motion during angled impacts to the head that could lead to brain injury. While helmets can vary in price, this added feature can be found in a range of helmets and brands available at your local bike store. Just ask. Find out more at: MipsProtection.com 

Spring Rider Survey!

Credit: Destination Ontario
It`s that time of year again! Spring is in the air and many cyclists in Ontario have begun dusting off their bikes and preparing them for the 2019 cycling season! 

For others, the bikes never went away and riding all Winter is a must (or necessity)! 

Let us know your plans for preparing for the Spring by taking this quick 2-question survey!

Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike!
Share using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
2019 Cycling Events in Ontario

Join a cycling event in 2019 and discover one of the best ways to explore a new area by bike. Here is a list of some of the cycling shows and events coming up over the next couple of months.
  
April 21
Paris to Ancaster Bike Race
April 28
Mike Ride
May 5
 Ride for the Rouge
May 11
May 11
 7 Days in May
May 25
 Food Cycle Ride
May 26
LakeRide
May 26
  Wheelers Lanark-Liège (Gravel Cup)
June 1
 Blue Mountain Gran Fondo
June 15
Bike the Creek
June 22
Carbon Cycle
June 22-23

Now updated for 2019, be sure to visit OntarioByBike.ca/Events for more complete listings and search well over 100 cycling event listings with something for every type of cyclist! 

Do you know of an event that isn't listed on our site? Send an email to [email protected] and we'll add it!
Ontario's Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses

On March 1, Ontario By Bike / Transportation Options held its 4th Cycle Tourism Conference in Toronto. As part of the program, we hosted an inaugural Bicycle Friendly Business Awards selecting one Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly business from each of the 13 tourism regions in Ontario.

We'll be showcasing the 13 Best Bicycle Friendly Business Award winners throughout the year. Consider stopping in at one of these locations on your next cycling adventure in their region! 


Serenity Ranch Bed & Breakfast was ranked the 14th best bed & breakfast in the world by TripAdvisor in 2017. They also take catering to cyclists seriously and have been a certified bicycle friendly accommodation in the Ontario By Bike Network for over 5 years. 

Located in Ancaster, Hamilton on two acres surrounded by rolling fields in the Greenbelt, Serenity Ranch Bed & Breakfast offers cyclists an ideal sojourn on their ride along the Greenbelt Route or on one of the other trails or road routes in the Hamilton/Ancaster area.


One of Waterloo Region's top attractions, the Butterfly Conservatory has been a certified bicycle friendly attraction in the Ontario By Bike Network since 2015. 

With ample parking, access to bike maintenance tools, washrooms, water and cycling information,  the next time you're planning a day out cycling in Waterloo Region, consider starting and ending a ride at the Conservatory. 

Post-ride venues don't get much better than the Chrysalis Cafe, a greenhouse with thousands of free-flying butterflies and a delicious menu!

There are now over 1,500 bicycle friendly locations in Ontario, certified by Ontario By Bike. Check the full listing here

From Louisa & Michael 

Ontario By Bike Network 
Project of Transportation Options 
850 Coxwell Ave ~ Toronto, ON ~ M4C 5R1 
Office : 416-827-2774 
Toll-Free : 1-866-701-2774 

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