Ontario By Bike E-News: June
We hope that you our valued readers and fellow cycling enthusiasts will make use of the info and resources below as well as online to inspire and plan your bicycle trips and outings whether that be locally, or when the time is right, and as restrictions allow, 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.

Biking 101 in Toronto
Photo Credit: TorontoBicycleTours.com

If you are new to cycling or find yourself riding more than ever before, there is no better learning course than the bike trails and bike lanes in Toronto. Like Driver's Ed, practice and knowing the rules of the road are necessary and will help you get comfortable and be confident on two wheels. Check out our new blog to learn the 101 of safe cycling in Toronto and explore the amazing bike paths, trails and routes across the city. 

Click below to read the full story and get ready to roll.
Chipping Away At The Caledon-Lakeside Ride
Photo Credit: Martin Lortz

There are now nine cycling loops showcasing the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Greenbelt Route, connecting two of the most iconic cycling routes in Ontario. When cycling enthusiast and photographer Martin Lortz learned about these routes, the plan to explore them all quickly solidified. Discovering that the 173km Caledon-Lakeside Ride could be practically accessed from his front door and with riding season just around the corner, it was the perfect time to do it. 

Read the full story and follow Martin on this two day ride to get inspired for your own Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to Greenbelt Route adventure. 

Ontario By Bike Network Expansion:
Perth County, St. Marys and Stratford 
Photo Credit: Destination Stratford

The Ontario By Bike Network is growing! We are excited to share with you the news that Perth County, St. Marys and Stratford are now part of our cycling network. Check out our newly created Great Places To Cycle webpage for the region to find information on road and trail routes, mountain biking, as well as published maps and resources. If you are looking for bicycle friendly places to eat visit and sleep, have a look at our map and listings to plan your next cycling trip to Perth County, St, Marys and Stratford. 

In Perth County, you will find quiet rural roads, both paved and unpaved, perfectly suited for biking. Cycle through pastoral agricultural sceneries alongside farms and fields and enjoy the peaceful pretty landscapes across the region. Cyclists heading into the communities of St. Marys and Stratford will be greeted with the charm and culture of buzzing destinations that are home to many great businesses offering local products and unique culinary delights. 

Interested in learning more about biking in Stratford? The city offers some world class cycling that allows you to explore its neighbourhoods and rich cultural heritage conveniently from the saddle of a bike. Check out our recent blog posts Pairing Culture and Cycling as well as A New Spin on Stratford to find out more and help plan your next great ride. 
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

Over the coming months and in each enewsletter we will feature each award recipient. 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. 

Thrive Foods Cafe
Honey Harbour
Cyclists are finding their way out to Georgian Bay, via Honey Harbour and Thrive Foods Cafe. Located near the end of road and ferry dock to nearby park islands, enjoy healthy lunch time foods and snacks, smoothies and iced coffees from the patio.
 
Owned and staffed by bike enthusiasts and occasional bike mechanic, be sure to stop by this seasonal business before one of these great rides: Georgian Bay Cycling Route #2, a 65km road route; Beausoleil Island a part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park, 15km of scenic unpaved trails and bike rentals. ThriveFoodsCafe.ca

A perfect way to explore the big city is to buy a day pass and hop on a bike share ride. Find over 625 bike docking stations across the city to check out one of the 6,850 bikes (or try one of the 300 new ebikes.) First launched in 2011, the growth in fleet size and sheer numbers of riders is a testament to its success.  
Download the handy app to get started, easily locate a bike and ride for free in 30 minute increments. Get deep into city neighbourhoods, stop at newly expanded sidewalk patios and discover parks and trails. To help plan your trip see Biking 101 in Toronto blog above. BikeShareToronto.com

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, in 2021, special mention and an award goes out to the following in the Muskoka / Explorers' Edge area:

The Bike Shop - With locations in Gravenhurst and Huntsville, be sure to stop into one of the shops for sales, service, rentals or even a coffee made right on site. Owned by local cyclists, The Bike Shop has been supporting the development of local MTB trails and road cycling in the Muskoka's for a dozen years. 
Discover Hamilton By Bike:
A Guide To The City's Best Biking Trails

Photo Credit: Tourism Hamilton

Forested trails, scenic waterfronts and urban routes, can all be found in Hamilton. Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario and shaped by the hilly and rugged topography of the Niagara Escarpment, the city perfectly blends together natural and urban vibes.
 
Thanks to its unique landscape and impressive cycling network, Hamilton has become a well known biking destination, cherished by both, locals and visitors. Cyclists heading out on two wheels will find magnificent trails, impressive waterfalls, local shops, eateries and so much more.

Tourism Hamilton has put together the ultimate ride guide to provide you with all the information needed for your two-wheeled adventures, no matter what kind of ride you are looking for. Below are three suggestions to get you started. Find more routes and information on where to eat and stop in the full Hamilton Cycling Guide.

Photo Credit: Tourism Hamilton
Immersive Rail Trail Adventure - Dundas Valley:

If you are looking for an escape from the bustling city without venturing too far, the Dundas Valley is your go-to. This 40km network of trails criss-cross through lush forests featuring several unpaved out-and-back trails and loops. If you are looking for a longer ride, you can ride all the way to Brantford on the Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail.

Coastal Cruising along Lake Ontario - Hamilton Beach Trail:

There is something magical about riding along the shores of Lake Ontario enjoying the breeze and vistas over the water. Get your own beachfront vacation vibe going along this 8km paved trail. Enjoy an easy ride well suited for families. For those who want to go further, just continue on the Waterfront Trail towards Burlington or St. Catharines.

A Mountain Biker's Delight - Christie Lake Conservation Area:

Home to about 10km of well-maintained flowy singletrack trails, Christie Lake Conservation Area is a great destination to spend the day mountain biking and enjoying nature. There are four different loops to choose from suitable for all skill levels. After your ride enjoy the rest of the day at the sandy beach with a picnic or rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard.
Ontario By Bike Rides 2021 

Well we have a delayed start to our ride season and weekend tours with the necessary cancellation of the June Niagara Circle Route South ride, to ensure that we did not violate any provincial guidelines. 

But we are all set to roll early July on the Sarnia Lambton Loop. 

If you are looking to join us this summer on a ride, we still do have limited space available for the August 28-29 Niagara Circle Route South, and had added this additional date for ride #2 in Niagara, early season. 
All other rides are sold out. 

To book the August Niagara Ride click on link below. 
With our TICO-licensed partner  OK Cycle & Adventure Tours
who offer a wide range of cycling tours in Ontario and world-wide! 
           
We invite you to see and make use of our current ride routes and past legacy itineraries,
so you can enjoy one of our rides independently and self supported at: OntarioByBike.ca/Itineraries 
Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike!
Share using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
Durham Cycling Stories


This is How We Roll - Durham Cycling Stories
Don't miss this series of seven new short video's featuring Durham Cycling Stories

In one minute snippets see: 

- The best of and ride worthy roads and trails the local cycling club uses in 'This is How We Roll' 

- Mountain biking in Durham Forest in 'Hitting the Trails'

- The Waterfront Trail in 'Ready to Ride'

- And possibly the cutest three year old local cycling ambassador ever in 'Cycling with Charlie'

- Plus three more inspiring stories ... 


Link to full Youtube series HERE, and get inspired to ride in Durham Region, located just east of and adjacent to city of Toronto. 

2021 Cycling Events in Ontario

We are excited to see a step towards normality as Ontario has partially reopened and is slowly allowing events and gatherings to take place, following important safety measures. While many events are still planned as virtual rides or postponed until next year, we are now seeing a number of cycling events confirming dates. Below you can find a list of events that are planned for June and July, virtual as indicated. As always, we advise that you visit the event websites links to confirm status directly with the event organizers.

Essex Centurion Cycling Challenge
Virtual
May 1 to October 3
Navy Bike Ride
Virtual
June 12 to August 29
Tour de Grand
Virtual
June 1 to June 30
Virtual
June 20
Virtual
June 4 to June 27
Velocity
Virtual
June 19
June 20
June 1 to 30
Virtual
July 10 to 11
Summer Epic 8 Hour
July 8 to 11
Virtual
August 1 to 21
Virtual
August 28 to 29
 

For events later this summer, please visit OntarioByBike.ca/Events to stay up to date with changes and newly added additions. 

If you do have any updates we should be aware of in regards to event dates please feel free to email us as we are eager to assist in helping events get back online and cyclists participating as soon as it is safe to do so.
Ontario By Bike's 2021 Photo Contest 

Another year, another round of our popular annual Ontario By Bike Photo Contest. As our cycling community is spread out all over Ontario, we are always excited to see where your bike is taking you. No matter where and how you are riding, alone, club style or with friends and family, snap some pictures of your best ride moments that include you and your bikes, and share them with us. 

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. 

The contest will be open until November 19th, 2021 and the winning shot will be featured in the next edition of our annual Cycling in Ontario Guide. 

 2020 Contest Winner: Paulette Dalton

Cycling in Ontario 2021
- AVAILABLE IN PRINT & ONLINE -


The 9th annual edition of our Cycling in Ontario guide is now available. Throughout 48 pages you will find more than 50 day trips and multi-day ride ideas and itineraries for all different ride types, which will provide you with lots of inspiration and information for getting out and exploring more of Ontario this cycling season. 

Digital Copy Available at: OntarioByBike.ca/2021

To Order Print Copy
  • Click on our email address info@ontariobybike.ca and include your mailing address
  • If you would like a French edition or multiple copies to share, let us know.
Please note that due to ongoing restrictions our processing times for individual mailouts may be longer than usual. We will send you a copy as fast as possible and thank you for your understanding. 
In The News: Bikes & Travel

From Louisa & Simon 

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 

Want to read more: Link to our e-Newsletter archive HERE