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Ontario By Bike E-News: July
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Warm greetings to our community of fellow cyclists who receive and read the Ontario By Bike monthly e-newsletter. We sincerely hope you, your family and friends are well during this challenging time.
Our intent in delivering the July e-newsletter is to provide you with info to help inspire and plan future bicycle trips in Ontario, as guidelines for travel change, businesses reopen and when you are comfortable to do so.
Until then, enjoy the read, visit our website, stay in touch on social media and stay fit.
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A New Spin on Stratford
If its been a while since you
visited Stratford you may want to consider exploring the great outdoors this summer, starting on your bike! Create your own path to experience Stratford, or discover one of the many road cycling routes and trails nearby.
With names that conjure up a visit to olde England, Stratford, the Avon River and nearby Shakespeare are much closer than you think; in Ontario and just a 1.5 hour drive west from the Greater Toronto Area. The small city, surrounded by rural and agricultural landscapes makes a great start and end to a number of looped rides through small town Ontario.
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Bike Safety & Bike Security
It is pretty safe to bet that across Ontario, where ever you live or travel to, you will see an increased number of cyclists this season. For a myriad of reasons, whether it be for transportation, health or recreation, the numbers are starting to come in, supporting what we are seeing.
- 92% of cyclists surveyed will cycle more or the same amount this year
- Over 34,000 cyclists used roads closed as part of ActiveTO(ronto) on a single
Saturday in May
- Announcements of significant investments to create new or improve cycling infrastructure around Ontario (Waterloo, London, Sault Ste Marie, Toronto, Belleville ...)
- 16% increase in number of Strava recorded rides for year to date in Simcoe County
- 75% increase in retail bike sales in April in the USA, with many shops around
Ontario low on bikes available for sale
With the increase in number of cyclists, many new to the road and trails, consideration and/or a refresh on road safety and trail etiquette may be timely. Here are some top tips:
- A bicycle is considered a vehicle and must obey all traffic laws and signals
- Lights are required when riding at night
- A bell or horn in working order is mandatory
- Helmets are strongly recommended for all ages but are required by law for all riders under 18
- On multi-use trails pedestrians have priority, let other trail users know politely that you are approaching or passing
- Review and share with new riders you may know Cycling Safety: Ontario's Guide to Safe Cycling, download a copy of this comprehensive publication
Bike Security
As the demand for bicycles has skyrocketed, remember to secure your bike at all times to avoid theft. Easy advice to follow includes:
- Invest in a high-quality lock and use it to secure the bike's frame, not just the wheel.
- Lock your bike in every location, every time, even in your own back garden, secured bike lock-up area, shed or garage
- Take note of your bicycle's make, model and serial number and retain a photo
- Register your bike with authorities where available, ie. local police
Ride safe and keep your bike secure for a summer of fun bike times.
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New Summer Humdinger Bicycle Tours
Shorter Tours to Meet this Summer's Demand for
Distanced, Close-to-Home Vacations
Orillia-based
Humdinger Bicycle Tours has expanded its trip options to meet the growing interest in summer vacations that can accommodate physical distancing.
Along with a new 6-day Bruce County tour, Humdinger has added some shorter, affordable options including more day trips and an Orillia Pedal, Pints & Pubs tour featuring two recently opened craft breweries.
"People were forced to cancel their summer holiday plans due to travel restrictions around COVID-19," said owner Sara McEwen. "They're now looking into affordable, outdoor vacation options. The Pedal, Pints & Pubs tours are only two to three days with relatively easy cycling. They are fun and manageable."
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2020 Ontario By Bike Rides
- UPDATES -
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Social Distancing Made Easy on the Long Sault Parkway
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On the last weekend in June we had 35 riders join us for a well orchestrated and safe tour in the beautiful 1000 Islands. We were pleased to learn in our post ride survey that riders
felt the safety precautions and guidelines we set were sufficient. With the amended itinerary and loops from 2 different hotels, we rode the top trail routes and also found some new ones.
And a first for one of our rides: we had a happy couple from Sudbury return home, newly engaged!
We have now put the updated
1000 Islands St. Lawrence River Ride itinerary online for you to download and ride self supported anytime.
We still have room on our last 2 Ontario By Bike Rides this summer, but are getting many inquiries and new bookings as we are all keen to get out and explore more of Ontario. We will
have precautions in place and will be following all guidelines required to ensure our riders remain safe and healthy, while enjoying a fun ride weekend. Cycling is an activity that easily allows for social distancing. Plus w
ith a maximum of 40 riders per weekend, we are able to make changes easily, and we offer a cancellation policy that won't leave you out of pocket, should you wish to cancel the ride.
As a not for profit organization, these rides are an important part of our offering, and we hope that you will be able to come ride with us in 2020.
Sign up for an Ontario By Bike Ride this summer!
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OBB Classic!
August 22-23
2 days / 1 night
Distance: 123
km or 162km
Price: $259*
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New This Year!
September 19-20
2 days / 1 night
Distance: 121km
Price: $249*
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Note: Both above rides are looped, reducing need for bus transfer and additional touch points.
If you are not already signed up and are interested in finding out more about our rides v
isit:
OntarioByBike.ca/Rides
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.
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Ontario's Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses
2020 is the second year of our Bicycle Friendly Business Awards, where we select one Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly business from each of the 13 tourism regions in Ontario.
We'll be showcasing the
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 as they have all taken the extra steps offering services and amenities to welcome cyclists to their location.
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Start and end your ride in
Haliburton Highlands from Molly's Bistro Bakery in Minden. With lots of parking and the promise of home baked goods and country cooking to lure you back for time well spent on the outdoor patio.
Non-motorized 'biker gangs' are known to frequent this establishment, and many cycling groups and clubs return regularly for the friendly and welcoming service after a smooth road ride or conquering mountain biking trails and hills nearby.
MollysBistroBakery.ca
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Well versed in catering to cyclists needs, this comfy B&B goes a step beyond in offering early breakfasts, ice packs for sore muscles, beach towels and chairs and luggage transfer. Safe bike storage for up to 8 bikes plus repair tools and equipment are readily available.
TalwoodManorBB.com
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In addition to the award winning bicycle friendly places to eat, sleep and visit there are a number of bike businesses that provide services and/or tours located in each region. To recognize all they offer, and new in 2020, special mention and an award goes out to the following in the Ontario's Highlands area and Niagara Region:
Yantha Cycle - It's not often you find a full service bike shop and rental location in such a unique family farm setting. Adjacent to the new Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, just south of Pembroke, they also offer free parking, picnic area and a pump track.
Zoom Leisure Bicycles - In the heart of old town Niagara-on-the-Lake, rent bikes or sign up for a wine, beer or distillery tour. Just a short roll to quiet countryside roads or the Niagara River Recreational Trail, Zoom has been providing services to visitors for over 22 years.
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Club Rides
With recent stage changes, reopening and group sizes increased, many cycling clubs are gearing up and resuming group rides, with guidelines in place.
Being a part of a club is a great way to meet other bike enthusiasts, cycle somewhere new and be inspired to go a little further. There are many types of clubs and club ride styles and speeds within larger clubs, they are not all for pro riders.
If you are interested in finding a local club have a scroll through our club listings page to find one close to home. Many clubs also post maps of their favourite local rides, which can be a great source of information in planning routes when riding in a new area.
OntarioByBike.ca/Clubs
Each year we profile 4 clubs asking them to share their favourite rides and destinations, on the last page of our annual Cycling in Ontario / Le velo en Ontario guide. Download a copy today to learn more about: Brant Cycling Club; Kingston Velo Club; Haliburton Real Easy Ryders; Durham Mountain Biking Association.
OntarioByBike.ca/2020
Watch this interesting club video:
"Get Up and Go: The Story of the
Morning Glory Cycling Club"
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Cycling in Ontario Guide 2020
- AVAILABLE -
The 2020 Cycling in Ontario guide is now available in print and digitally.
Packed with over 50 day trip and overnight itineraries for all ride types and so much more, the guide is a must have for all cyclists to find inspiration for and help plan their next biking adventure.
If you prefer a physical copy to read at your leisure or to take with you on your adventures, send us an email with your name and mailing address including
'Cycling in Ontario' in subject line to:
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Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike!
Share using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
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Ontario Cycling Events - Virtual
With many cycling events cancelled or postponed consider signing up to participate in a virtual ride this summer.
A virtual ride lets you choose your own adventure and ride solo or as part of a smaller group challenge with friends and family. You may be able to choose between riding your own bike outside or pedalling indoors on a trainer. Some are set up so you can connect virtually with other riders and share your experience by creating a community feeling and in many cases still raise funds for important charities. Some events take place on a specific date and have specific targets, while others are more open and let you choose your own goals, where and when to ride.
Below you can find a list of events that have decided to take their ride virtually.
Also make sure to v
isit
OntarioByBike.ca/Events
to see which events are still taking place later on this summer and to stay up to date with changes and new additions.
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Be well,
From Louisa & Simon
Ontario By Bike
Project of Transportation Options
850 Coxwell Ave ~ Toronto, ON ~ M4C 5R1
Toll-Free
: 1-866-701-2774
Want to read more: Link to our e-Newsletter archive
HERE
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