Ontario By Bike E-News: June
The Story: Bluewater International Granfondo


It was December 2015, on a cold brisk morning, when a few cyclists gathered at a local cafe that the Bluewater International Granfondo (BIG) was born. The goal was simple; to get more people off the couch and active in our community; to promote exercise and comradery; to showcase the beauty of Sarnia-Lambton; and to hopefully raise money for palliative care. Within four years, BIG has had an impact far greater than anyone could have imagined. 

It is changing people's lives and building a tremendous cycling culture in a Southwestern Ontario community. In 2018 BIG was voted top GF in Ontario and #2 in Canada by Granfondo Guide and has sold out every year since it's inception in 2016. BIG is also helping the Sarnia-Lambton community emerge as a leader in palliative care.

Pack Your Bags And Go

Photo Credit: Northumberland Tourism

Whether it is a well-planned multi day tour or just a fun one day trip, getting on your bike and going for a ride is always a great way to discover the beauty of Ontario.
 
In our excitement to get on the bike and start rolling, we sometimes forget that packing the right gear can turn a good trip into a great one. From lights and tools to food and hydration fuel, with our packing tips you will be perfectly prepared for your next adventure.



This is an excerpt from the 2019 Cycling in Ontario Guide.
The guide is available in both French and English. Visit OntarioByBike.ca/2019  to view online or download a  copy. 

Request a physical copy by mail, by emailing your name and mailing address and including 'Cycling in Ontario' in subject line to:   info@OntarioByBike.ca
2019 Ontario By Bike Rides
- Oxford Rural Road Ride - 
September 28-29 
Photo Credit: Tourism Oxford

Come the end of September, and after a whole summer of cycling, your legs will be ready to join us on our final Ontario By Bike Ride of the year; something a little different. While most of our rides are trail focused, the Oxford Rural Road Ride is exactly that, on rural roads! 

Ride on quiet, flat, well-paved roads, looping around Oxford County, also known as the Dairy Capital of Canada and home to the Cheese Trail. The 165km weekend ride will glide by as you enjoy the rural and agricultural scenery, passing by working farms, and through little hamlets, overnighting in Ingersoll at the comfortable Comfort Inn. 

Find out all the details at: OntarioByBike.ca/Septemberride2019

Just bring your bike and ride! 

Our value-priced ride weekends sell out! Book early to avoid disappointment. 

FINISHED / SOLD OUT
June 1-2
August 3-5

August 24-25
2 days / 1 night
Distance:  86km
Price: $289*

September 28-29
2 days / 1 night
Distance: 165km 
Price: $239*

For more information visit:  OntarioByBike.ca/Rides

or

With our TICO-licensed partner   OK Cycle & Adventure Tours
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. 
Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike!
Share using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
Ontario's Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses

On March 1, Ontario By Bike / Transportation Options held its 4th Cycle Tourism Conference in Toronto. As part of the program, we hosted the inaugural Bicycle Friendly Business Awards selecting one Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly business from each of the 13 tourism regions in Ontario.

We'll be showcasing the 13 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! 


After a long day of cycling there is no better way of ending the day than relaxing in a nice country style cottage with waterfront access. The family owned resort sits right at the shores of beautiful Rice Lake and is the perfect location for cyclists in Kawarthas Northumberland.

Whether you want to enjoy a nice meal at the restaurant, have a barbecue at your fully furnished cabin, or just enjoy the outdoors, there is always something to do. Easy access to the Trans Canada Trail nearby and plenty of quiet country backroads, Elmhirst is a top spot to make cyclist's dreams come true. Elmhirst.ca

Since its launch in 2015, the café's mission has been to serve the community and create a space that would be the best part of someone's day! Located in the centre of Coldwater, a cute little town in Simcoe County, Em's offers a variety of healthy food options, homemade gourmet desserts and freshly brewed coffee.

Stop by after a ride, or mid-ride for a snack, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere and friendly service that instantly makes you feel like home. With both indoor and outdoor seating and bike racks to secure your bike, it has become a favourite of many cyclists in the area. Make sure you are not missing out on this little gem. Facebook.com/EmsCafeinColdwater

There are now over 1,500 bicycle friendly locations in Ontario, certified by Ontario By Bike. Check the full listing here
2019 Cycling Events in Ontario

Join a cycling event in 2019 and discover one of the best ways to explore a new area by bike. Here is a list of some of the cycling events coming up over the next couple of months.
  
June 23
June 24-28
Sea Otter Canada
July 4-6
Tour de Whitewater
July 6
PwC MS Bike
July 7

Pedaling for Parkinson's - PEC
July 12-14
Ralph's Race Against Cancer
July 14
 Butter Tart 700
July 14
Max's Big Climb
July 20

Le Tour de Norfolk
July 21
Summer Epic 8 Hour MTB Relay
July 27

July 28

Now updated for 2019, be sure to visit OntarioByBike.ca/Events for more complete listings and search well over 100 cycling event listings with something for every type of cyclist! 

Do you know of an event that isn't listed on our site? Send an email to info@ontariobybike.ca and we'll add it!
Parkbus

Operating under the same not-for-profit organization as Ontario by Bike, Parkbus is also a program of Transportation Options. If you are not already familiar with the transportation service, it provides express bus service to provincial and national parks and conservation areas, plus a whole load of fun ActiveDays activities. Buses depart from a variety of locations around Toronto, and also operate in B.C., Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia.


Just announced are the TD Park Express 
free shuttles to four national and provincial parks. The Toronto to Rouge National Urban Park is now running every weekend. Seats are first come first serve, but an advance registration must be made to ensure there is space on this popular run.

Find out more about the routes and schedules at Parkbus.ca

Ontario By Bike Cycling Jerseys

Our limited edition cycling jerseys are getting a lot of compliments as they make their way around Ontario and the world on the backs of those cyclists that have connected with us to place their order. 

Printed in late 2018, we now have limited sizes available, but are looking to make a re-order once our stock is depleted.  These colourful, high quality and casual-fitted shirts will be the envy of your cycling friends and also make for a great gift. 

Cost: $80, plus $5 shipping, HST included. 
To order: Email info@ontariobybike.ca to check size availability and set up an EFT or cheque payment. View size chart HERE


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