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Ontario By Bike E-News: October
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Thank you to you our community of fellow cyclists who receive and read the Ontario By Bike monthly e-newsletter. This is our last edition of 2020. We hope we have been able to provide you with information and inspiration to get out on your bike within your local area or travel further in Ontario, according to your comfort levels and considering this years challenges. Until we connect again, enjoy the read, visit our website, stay in touch on social media
and most importantly stay healthy and fit.
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Cyclists Survey 2.0
In these unprecedented times, we are kindly asking for a few minutes of your time to assist by completing a brief survey.
Building on the data from our survey conducted in May 2020, that over 850 cyclists completed, and the ensuing report, the collective info will be used to show tourism partners, tourism businesses and other related organizations the impact of and participation levels in cycling activities and cycle tourism this year. It will also help shape recovery plans for next season and beyond.
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A Perfect Mix: Waterloo Guelph Explorer
There is always a thrill in travelling to somewhere new, something we were keen to experience this summer with travel keeping us all closer to home. Having long heard about the excellent bike trails, quiet country roads, small town charm and modern city amenities we enthusiastically began research mid winter on the ultimate looped two day ride itinerary to explore the Waterloo Guelph area.
Setting out on a Saturday morning in September, with a group of 40 plus Ontario By Bike Riders, we test rode the route and discovered a perfect mix of ride experiences and a great bike getaway weekend, easy to replicate. So set your pedals in motion and put this ride itinerary on top of your list for a late fall or early 2021 adventure. It won't disappoint.
Find out more about our trip in our new blog, and get all the information needed to recreate this fabulous ride adventure on your own.
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9 New Cycling Loops Showcasing the Waterfront Trail & Greenbelt
Did you know that there are now over 1,200km of fully connected signed cycling routes in the Greater Toronto Horseshoe Area?
These routes, a part of the Great Lakes to Greenbelt Watershed Cycling Network, showcase some of Ontario's best trails and two signature cycling routes, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Greenbelt Route.
Celebrate the Lake Ontario Watershed, from the headwaters in Ontario's Greenbelt, down river valleys, and along our Great Lakes. Support communities and visit Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly businesses at the same time! Now available are nine looped rides ranging from 30km to 195km in length. All routes are available for download on RidewithGPS as well as signed along the way. There's still time to get out there this fall to enjoy a watershed ride. Find out more HERE.
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Celebrate Oktoberfest at Your Own Pace
Photo Credit: Destination Ontario
While a traditional Oktoberfest celebration may be a little different this year, celebrating the fall colours and month of October with a bike adventure is still entirely possible. Here are some ride suggestions to get you going.
Prescott-Russell
Set your sites on a late fall ride in eastern Ontario following one of the road or trail routes through Prescott-Russell. Located just south of Ottawa, with the Ottawa River and Quebec bordering its eastern flanks, try one of the following routes that can incorporate local craft breweries and more tastes and treats:
Kitchener-Waterloo
The largest annual Oktoberfest celebrations in Ontario are usually those held in Kitchener Waterloo. Even though this year it is virtual, you can still plan a ride around a cold one and enjoy your own version of Oktoberfest with a stop at any one of the four certified bicycle friendly breweries in the area ( Block Three, Abe Erb, Four Fathers and Grand River brewing companies). See above blog for more info on cycling in Waterloo Region.
Breweries Across Ontario
There are now 45 certified bicycle friendly breweries in Ontario. Even if you are not a beer drinker, most locations offer a selection of beverages, washrooms and food, often housed in interesting heritage buildings worthy of a stop. Find listings and plan your own Oktoberfest rides at: OntarioByBike.ca/Breweries
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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.
The following three Best Bicycle Friendly Business Award Winners are the final to be showcased this 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. Stay tuned next year for our 2021 winners!
Pheasant Run Golf Club - Sharon
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Located just a short ways north of Toronto, this beautifully situated golf course makes for a fantastic stop if you ride along scenic and hilly Warden Avenue through York Region. Enjoy a refreshment break and relax on their patio, soaking up the scenic vistas of the area
Warden Avenue is a frequently used cycle route between Toronto, Markham and Lake Simcoe. The route features many rolling hills with breathtaking views that even let you see the skyline of Toronto on a clear day. It is often used as part of the challenging York Century Ride, a 100km loop between Newmarket and Lake Simcoe. PheasantRunGolf.com
| Magnetawan Grill & Groceries - Magnetawan
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The Magnetawan Grill & Groceries is the perfect spot to fuel up for a ride to explore the Almaguin Highlands and Parry Sound areas. Right in the centre of beautiful Magnetawan, overlooking the Magnetawan River, this little grocery store also features a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Magnetawan makes for a great start and end destination to explore the surrounding area. Magnetawan & Area Businesses have created a number of local trail and road routes that let cyclists enjoy the beauty of this unique and un-crowded area. Facebook.com/MagnetawanGG | Twin Peaks Bed and Breakfast - Mindemoya
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This Victorian inspired and newly renovated accommodation sits on a beautiful 12 acres plot of land centrally located on Manitoulin Island, offering all the amenities cyclists need for a perfect stay. Close access to cycling routes, bike lockers, ready to go breakfast and nearby stores and beaches will let you fully enjoy Manitoulin Island.
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Last Month to Enter:
Ontario By Bike`s 2020 Photo Contest
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2019 Honourable Mention - Bluewater Trails, Sarnia - By D. Robin
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Fall can often be one of the best times to snap a beautiful picture as the leaves are turning red and orange making for some lovely colour compositions.
Our Ontario By Bike 2020 Photo Contest still remains open until November 20, 2020. While we have already received many great contributions, make sure to take a break while riding and capture the picture perfect moment.
Visit OntarioByBike.ca/PhotoContest for more information on how to enter and check out the winners and honourable mentions for the past years. And if posting online, be sure to #OntarioByBike.
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E-Bikes For You
If you are in the market for a new bike, you may be considering an
E-bike purchase in the near future.
Here to infuse your enthusiasm and share a wealth of information is the second edition of E-Bikes International, a new digital and free publication for fall 2020.
Read more on eGear - eAdventures - eRegulations - eCargo.
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Cycling in Ontario Guide 2020
- AVAILABLE -
Last call for the 2020 Cycling in Ontario guide which is 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:
We'll soon be working on the 2021 edition, and when ready it will be announced via our enewsletter in February 2021. Stay tuned...
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Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike!
Share using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
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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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