Ontario By Bike E-News: April 2022 | |
A Tour of the Trent-Severn Trail Towns | |
Anyone who’s cycled longer distances knows the thrill of approaching the next town. You stop and check the map, reckoning the distance in time and kilometres. Maybe you’re looking forward to fueling up at a restaurant or strolling the downtown; maybe it’s a picnic area where you’ll treat yourself to the snacks stashed in your pannier. If you’re cycling to one of Kawarthas Northumberland Trent-Severn Trail Towns it might be any of the above—all nine communities along the Trent-Severn Waterway are packed with attractions natural and cultural. | |
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The Grand Watershed Trails Network:
Encouraging Tourism on Two Wheels
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The Grand River is a beautiful and scenic heritage waterway that spans all the way from the highlands of Dufferin County to the mouth of Lake Erie. Along the way it meanders through towns and cities that provide opportunities to discover the history, culture, food and amenities they offer. And as avid cyclists know, the Grand is flanked by many incredible trails that lead you to each area’s hidden gems.
While these trails exist along the Grand River, there has never been a single route that links them together to provide a network of trails from end to end. Until now.
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2022 Ontario By Bike Rides
** Limited Spaces Left **
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We announced the Ontario By Bike 2022 rides just over a month ago and are pleased to see they are popular yet again. We will be hosting four fabulous weekend rides this year exploring new trails and unique Ontario destinations. But with 2 out of 4 rides now sold out, if you are interested in joining the fun -- sign up soon. | |
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As all rides are small group (~45 cyclists), we feel fortunate to have been able to host these events over the past two years, and are looking forward to riding with you again in 2022. Rest assured, we will be monitoring all restrictions and adhering to all requirements to keep you safe.
Join us on a weekend tour this summer to explore Ontario By Bike.
Hotel accommodations, lunches, luggage transfers and more are included. Let us take care of the logistics while you ride along enjoying these four fantastic routes we'll be cycling this summer.
Just bring your bike and ride!
For more information on all 2022 Rides visit: OntarioByBike.ca/Rides
*2 of 4 2022 Ontario By Bike Rides are now SOLD OUT*
Book soon to ensure you get a spot
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Essex Windsor Loop
**Limited spaces still available**
OntarioByBike.ca/JuneRide2022
Dates: Saturday, June 11 – Monday, June 13 (3 days / 2 nights)
Total Distance: 188km
Limited space still available
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The first time we hosted this ride and rode this route was in 2018, and what an amazing three day ride and long weekend it was. While everyone takes away their own special memories of what makes a great getaway there are some that standout including: flat country roads; meandering along Lake St. Clair and through cottage country; Windsor's waterfront parks and Detroit skyline views; rail trail to and through wine country; Kingsville; Point Pelee National Park - to the tip! Come ride with us and make some discoveries and memories of your own. | |
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Hamilton Brantford Port Dover Trail (LIMITED)
OntarioByBike.ca/SeptRide2022
Dates: Saturday, September 24 – Sunday, September 25 (2 days / 1 night)
Total Distance: 92km or 124km
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Uxbridge Kawarthas Rail Trail (SOLD OUT)
OntarioByBike.ca/JulyRide2022
Dates: Saturday, July 23 – Sunday, July 24 (2 days / 1 night)
Total Distance: 85km or 100km
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Lanark Trail Tour
(SOLD OUT)
OntarioByBike.ca/AugustRide2022
Dates: Friday, August 26 – Sunday, August 28 (3 days / 2 nights)
Total Distance: 160km or 186km
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2022 Cycling in Ontario Guide | |
**Limited Print Quantities Remaining**
90% of English copies distributed.
For information on how to receive a print copy, see list of distribution
locations, and to view online visit: OntarioByBike.ca/2022
We are pleased to announce the 2022 edition of the Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario guide is now available in print and digital formats.
This is the 10th annual edition of our extremely popular free publication, available in both English and French. Get inspired to ride this cycling season with interesting articles and more than 50 day trips and multi-day ride ideas and itineraries for all different ride types.
The guide and its growth over the past 10 years would not have been possible without the assistance of many, as well as you our readers. Celebrate with us and find out more at: OntarioByBike.ca/Ten
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2022 Award Winners
Ontario's Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses
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We are pleased to announce the 2022 Bicycle Friendly Business Award Winners. This is the fourth 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 2022 winners at: OntarioByBike.ca/2022AwardWinners
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Over the coming months and in each e-newsletter 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. | |
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Kettle Creek Inn
Port Stanley, SW Ontario
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Kettle Creek Inn is nestled in the centre of the quaint beach town of Port Stanley on the north shore of Lake Erie. With many cyclists riding from London to dine on their patio, the Inn offers exceptional accommodation, overnight bike storage, plus incredible cuisine. Owner Jean Vedova is an avid cycle tourist herself, having traveled all over the world by bike, and she understands the importance of hospitality to riders. It was important to her to bring that same hospitality to the Inn and appreciate and welcome all who travel on two wheels.
Explore the paved 12km Whistlestop Trail running on the former rail bed between St. Thomas and Port Stanley. After stops at a local museum, an ice cream shop and farm market, rest your head or have a delicious meal at the Inn. KettleCreekInn.com
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Perivale Gallery
Spring Bay, Manitoulin Island
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Perivale Gallery is located in the very centre of Manitoulin Island on the south eastern shore of Lake Kagawong. Presenting a diverse set of contemporary Canadian artists, the gallery is a beautiful shaded oasis, with access to the water, washrooms, bike repair kit and cycling maps, and has made special accommodations for cyclists (like treads to the gallery stairs to avoid slips with cycling shoes!)
To get to the gallery, cyclists will enjoy a picturesque ride along winding country roads past farms, small villages, sugar bushes and stunning water vistas. Join Manitoulin Cycling Advocates (MICA) guided Alvar Cycle Tour Adventure, where the gallery has hosted rest and nutrition stops for the tours, including on Day 4 of the tour this year. PerivaleGallery.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 in 2022, special mention and an award goes out to the following in both of the above regions Southwestern Ontario and Northern Ontario: | |
The Windsor Bike Kitchen in Windsor, is non-profit community bike shop that offers full bike repair service, do-it-yourself bike repair, repair workshops, a bike rental service, new and refurbished bike and parts sales, ride recommendations and 24/7 bike repair station outside the shop. They pride themselves in providing friendly services to all people regardless of gender economic situation or culture. | |
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3ride Bicycle Co. in Thunder Bay, prides itself in being a welcome beacon to cyclists from near and far, providing specialized servicing, rental bikes, guidance to tourists on local rides, and supporting community events. The shop is frequently visited by those making their way across Canada from east to west or vice versa as Thunder Bay sits along a main transportation hub and they have helped out many touring cyclists in a pinch! | |
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Mattamy Homes Bike for Brain Health
-Ride the Don Valley Parkway June 5-
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Anyone who's ridden the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto without the hum and bustle of traffic knows it's a highly unique experience. Hearing the sound of birds, the rustle of leaves, and feeling the camaraderie of friends and family and those cycling alongside you is something you will remember for a very long time. Add in the positive feeling of supporting such an important cause, and this is certainly an event not to miss out on.
On Sunday, June 5th, 2022, Bike the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto (traffic-free) and go the distance to defeat dementia with thousands of other riders. The fundraising ride event has got something for everyone, from a 25km route to a 75km one, so it’s sure to be a fun-filled day for all involved.
Register on your own, with a team of friends or family, or become part of a corporate team. Together, we can reach the finish line and defeat dementia.
BikeforBrainHealth.ca
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Ride Destination: Sarnia & Lambton County | |
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With azure blue waters and plenty of tasty diversions along the way, Ontario's "Blue Coast" is turning into one outstanding waterfront cycling destination. Discover for yourself how much more fun a day of cycling becomes when you refuel at wineries, farmer’s markets, and fresh caught fisheries. Choose from hundreds of kilometres of smooth on-road routes and off-the- beaten-track trails.
For trails try the 9km Grand Bend Rotary Nature Trail all the way from Grand Bend to the Pinery Provincial Park, winding through forests and wildflower meadows. Or try the St. Clair River Trail stretching 35km on trails and paved shoulders from Port Lambton north along the scenic St. Clair River. For road cyclists raise funds for palliative care and ride Bluewater International Granfondo, held on July 31, 2022 and starting and ending in Sarnia's beautiful Mark Weir Park. The event was voted the #1 Granfondo in Ontario and #2 in Canada. For mountain bikers and off-road riders, check out the Lambton County Regional Trails Map, for over 30 trails designated for cycling.
With 20 certified bicycle friendly businesses, ranging from B&Bs and campgrounds, to breweries and wineries, restaurants, bakeries and cafes, there are plenty of reasons to slow down and enjoy the ride.
Find all the visitor info you need at: OntBlueCoast.com
Be sure to visit Ontario By Bike's: SW Ontario - Sarnia Lambton - Great Places To Cycle Page
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eBikes International Spring 2022
-Now Available Online-
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Are you considering purchasing in the near future or do you already own an ebike? In our most recent survey and published report Ontario Cycle Tourism and Cycling Activity Report our findings support what we know as a world-wide phenomena - ebikes are the fastest growing market segment in the bike industry.
- 17% of those surveyed already own one or more ebikes in their household
- 19% are considering purchasing an ebike in the future
To help you learn more check out this newly published free digital flip book:
eBikes International Spring 2022 Buyer’s Guide Edition
Read reviews on 170+ models and 50 brands of eRoad, eMTB, eUrban and eCargo bikes, plus articles on eAdventures across Canada, USA and internationally. Don't miss the annual Cycling Cities on the Move section that will give you an inside look at how bicycles, and ebikes in particular, are taking the world by storm.
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2022 Cycling Events
We are excited to announce the launch of our new and improved Cycling Events Calendar for 2022! Events can be displayed in your choice of list or calendar view, we have full search capabilities, and with all the useful info you need to plan ahead and sign up to participate at events that suit your ride style in 2022.
View the full 2022 calendar here: OntarioByBike.ca/Events
Upcoming Events:
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* One of our favourite events to meet cyclists at is back after 2 years - the Outdoor Adventure Show. And we have free entry tickets to give away this week. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and be the first to respond to win.
Discount coupons will also be made available before the show and shared on both Instagram and Facebook.
If you are making plans to go to the show in Saturday, April 30, be sure to check out our presentation on the Canada Stage at 2:15pm.
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UCI Track Nations Cup at the Velodrome
What is sure to be a most exciting three days of racing events at the velodrome in Milton and one of the biggest events on the international track calendar is set for May 12 to 15. Don't miss out the fun, an incredible sporting event and a great excuse to visit the velodrome. Fans will get to experience Team Canada athletes going head-to-head with the best cyclists from around the world. Find out more and get tickets at: TNCMilton.com
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In the News: Bikes & Travel | |
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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: info@ontariobybike.ca
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Want to read more: Link to our e-Newsletter archive HERE | |
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