Ontario By Bike E-News: October | |
|
The October edition of our e-newsletter is the last to be sent for 2021.
Look out for our next edition in February 2022.
| |
|
Ontario Parks has a useful map and information online that can help track leaf colour change and leaf fall at provincial parks across Ontario. It can also be used as a handy tool to plan a fall bike ride and visit in areas near park locations. Current info shows that peak season has arrived in central and northwest Ontario, and the colours are now changing rapidly in southern Ontario. View map at OntarioParks.com/FallColour
For additional info check out our blog on Top Cycling Trails in Ontario Provincial Parks.
Also do visit Ontario Parks website before heading out and plan ahead, as many parks now require advance bookings, with permits available online, to limit numbers.
| |
The Happy Stragglers: Ride Experience, Community, and Gravel at Reggie Ramble 2021 | |
When my partner Natalie and I decided to sign up for the Reggie Ramble, a self-described “gravel grinder” event, we were admittedly both a little nervous. While we are pretty experienced cyclists (both having done overnight tours and long day rides over the years), the sustained output required to participate in a bike “race”, especially on gravel, combined with the amount of climbing required (1000m) had us questioning our decision. | |
Escarpment Views in Halton Region | |
|
Photo Credit: Norm Bertrand, 2018 Photo Contest Winner
The Niagara Escarpment is a truly iconic and ancient topographical feature that stretches 725km across Ontario. Some of the best fall views can be enjoyed along one of the most scenic sections through Halton Region with the imposing and dramatically rugged cliff faces that poke out of the surrounding forests near Milton.
Consider a ride on one of the following 3 road routes that will take you to some of the top spots in the area:
Round out the day or stay longer with a number of accommodations in the area and stops to visit certified bicycle friendly locations in Milton including: Orange Snail Brewers; Mill Town Cycle; The Green Eatery.
| |
Tips For Buying a New Bike | |
|
If you’ve put extra kilometres and time on your bike over the past year and a half you may now be dreaming of a new bike, upgrade or change in style.
Over the years we have met lots of riders on our Ontario By Bike Rides that realized they needed a change after their riding abilities had improved and wanted a smoother ride that better suited their ride style.
An older model bike can certainly get you far, especially if well maintained. However even though the basic mechanics of a bike have not changed in decades, there are a number of technological improvements, mechanical parts and manufacturers materials that newer bikes benefit from.
If you are looking for a new ride here are some tips to get you started:
- Find a local bike store that understands your needs, make the most of their sales knowledge and see if they carry brands and style of bike you are interested in.
- Decide on the type of bike that would best suit your needs whether that be for longer tours, short off-road trail rides, urban riding, mountain biking, gravel or paved roads. Perhaps an ebike, as there are now models available for all types of riding.
- Have a budget in mind, and don’t forget to account for any new accessories that you may need, including a secure lock. Remember you often get what you pay for.
- Get the right size! If you are getting close to making a decision, ensure you get the right size bike for your height and body.
Don’t be discouraged, as while it may be more challenging to find a new bike to buy in present times, there are bike retailers who have stock and/or will take pre-orders for coming shipments. Happy shopping.
| |
|
2021 Award Winners:
Ontario's Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses
| |
|
We are pleased to announce the 2021 Best Bicycle Friendly Business Award Winners. This is the third year of our awards, where we select one Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly business from each of the 13 tourism regions in Ontario.
Find a full list of all 2021 winners at: OntarioByBike.ca/2021AwardWinners
This is the final e-newsletter feature of award recipients. Consider stoping 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.
| |
|
Situated in the historic town of Millbrook, Pastry Peddler has been a favourite stop for cyclists for years. The cafe offers a shared love for both baking and cycling, with treats inspired by a family history in baking. Visitors can enjoy delicious homemade pastries, excellent coffee, healthy breakfast and lunch options, as well as cycling maps, a bicycle pump and water bottle refilling. Vintage bikes and cycling-inspired art decorate the walls, making for a unique and enjoyable stop. New this summer is an outdoor patio and picnic area behind the cafe.
Starting from Peterborough or any point along the loop, try the Hills, Views and Pastries cycling route with two distance options, 65km and 85km. This route hits all the best views in southern Peterborough County, Rice Lake and rolling hills and vistas on the way to Millbrook, where you can rest and refuel at the cafe. www.PastryPeddler.ca
| |
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 in each region. To recognize all they offer in 2021, special mention and an award goes out to the following in the Kawarthas Northumberland Region. | |
|
B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop - Located in downtown Peterborough, B!KE is a not-for-profit member based organization that teaches bicycle maintenance and repair. They provide the public with access to a professionally equipped workshop and instruction on how to care for your own bike. Visitors will find the shop welcoming with customer service aiming to empower the community to travel by bike.
| |
|
Ontario By Bike Rides 2021:
Cataraqui Kingston Cruiser Recap
| |
|
Photo Credit: Martin Lortz/Destination Ontario
Alas, we have come to the end of another amazing season of Ontario By Bike Rides. Thank you to all of our Ontario By Bike riders new and old who continue to show such an enthusiasm for exploring new destinations in Ontario.
This past September we had the chance to explore some of the most beautiful trail and waterfront road riding in the province. Starting and ending in Napanee, we cycled the scenic Cataraqui Trail to Harrowsmith, stopping for lunch at the local park and coinciding event the Open Farms Community Hub market, enjoying local food, crafts and live music, before continuing on to Kingston along the lush and rock cropped K&P Trail.
After an overnight stay at a bicycle friendly waterfront hotel and experiencing the energetic nightlife of Kingston, we cycled the Loyalist Parkway alongside Lake Ontario. We enjoyed the open vistas plus glimpses of Wolfe and Amherst Islands and marvelled at the many historic properties along the way. After a stop at local farm brewery MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company, we ended our second day riding back into Napanee, completing this diverse and beautiful two day loop.
As always, the self-guided itinerary for the Cataraqui Kingston Cruiser is available on the Ontario By Bike website HERE, for anyone to enjoy a self-supported version, along with RidewithGPS files and suggested stops and accommodations.
After such a great 2021 season we can't wait for next year's rides and the new sights and experiences we will have together. Keep an eye out for Ontario By Bike Rides announcements via our e-newsletter in March 2022. Be sure to register quickly as the trips sell out fast. Until then, keep riding and we'll see you next year!
| |
|
#RediscoverON
This fall, as Ontario continues to reopen rediscover the world of Ontario in our own backyard.
Travel local and travel safe.
Share your travel experiences on social using #RediscoverON
| |
|
Last Chance to Enter Photo Contest | |
|
Our annual photo contest remains open until mid-November, so now is the time to snap some great fall ride shots. We've already received a great number of submissions but are keen to see yours!
A prize will be awarded to the winner with the photo published in our 2022 Cycling in Ontario guide. Honourable mentions are also awarded and photos shared on social media.
Visit OntarioByBike.ca/PhotoContest for more information on how to participate and check out some of the fantastic winning shots from previous years as well as lots of great honourable mentions.
| |
|
2018 Photo Contest Honourable Mention: Rob Kuiper | |
|
Share Your Story
We know you've been out there enjoying some summer ride adventures across Ontario and we've seen many of you on social media tagging #ontariobybike.
If you have an interesting ride story to share, video or photos, let us know. We are starting to work on our 2022 guide - the 10th annual - and you may have an inspiring and interesting story about exploring Ontario by bike that others may like to read about.
Share your story or submit a story idea by clicking on this email link to: [email protected]
| |
|
We're making some changes starting with our e-newsletter format as you will notice above and necessary due to the delivery platform we use.
Also look out for our new and improved website launching late 2021.
We'll be in touch early in 2022 with exciting announcements including our 2022 Cycling in Ontario/Le vélo en Ontario guide, 2022 Ontario By Bike Rides and more.
We hope that you our valued readers and fellow cycling enthusiasts have been able to use the info and resources in our e-newsletters as well as online to inspire and plan your bicycle trips and outings whether that be locally and as restrictions allow, safely to destinations and bicycle friendly businesses around Ontario.
Until we connect again, enjoy the read, visit our website, stay in touch on social media
and most importantly stay healthy and fit.
| |
|
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
Email: [email protected]
| |
|
Want to read more: Link to our e-Newsletter archive HERE | |
Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike! | |
|
Share using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
| | | | |
