Ontario By Bike E-News:June 2024 | |
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No Bike, No Problem: Rent a Ride in
Kawarthas Northumberland
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Read a blog like this, and naturally you start imagining all the places across the province you could ride. Those pesky logistics tend to get in the way, though—what if you can’t transport your bike there, or need an e-bike boost for a longer ride? What if you’re already in the area, but need a good bike shop stat?
Fortunately, there are several stellar options throughout the Kawarthas Northumberland region (Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough & the Kawarthas, and Northumberland County) to rent a set of wheels or pick up some needed last-minute bike supplies.
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Your Rural Ride Checklist: How to Prepare for a Gravel Ride in Hastings County | |
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A day spent riding backcountry gravel routes in Hastings County is tough to beat: you’re sure to encounter varied terrain, scenic vistas and small-town charm. But in order to have the best experience on your ride, some assembly is required: when you choose a rural destination like Hastings County for a gravel ride, self-sufficiency is part of the equation that leads to good times. Even seasoned riders should remember that remote gravel routes can often throw curveballs: it is better to over-prepare than to be caught in the woods with a mechanical and no cell reception.
Assembling a gravel checklist is simple and it’s likely you already have most of what you’ll need. Keep your checklist at the ready so that you can move on to the real challenge: choosing your next Hastings County gravel route!
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Ontario By Bike Ride Recap
-1000 Islands St. Lawrence River Ride-
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What an incredible start to our Ontario By Bike Ride season, this past May 24-26 on our Ontario By Bike Ride along the 1000 Islands and St. Lawrence River in beautiful South Eastern Ontario.
All the riders were struck by the quality of and scenery from the trails, including the 37km 1000 Islands Parkway Trail from Gananoque to just west of Brockville, which showcases beautiful river and island views and the unique geology and ecology of the area. Equally delightful were the warm welcomes received in the historic communities along the way including in Brockville, at the cafe stop in Prescott, and visits to Morrisburg and Cornwall.
The cherry on top was our final day of riding from Upper Canada Village through forested trails and marshes of the Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary, along the stunning Long Sault Parkway chain of islands, and the unique ride into Cornwall along paved canal and river-side trails.
Explore these trails and routes and many more day and multi-day cycling adventures following some of the 11 new South Eastern Ontario cycling itineraries.
All our past itineraries are available online making it easier for you to make a plan and ride our routes at anytime, including this Ontario By Bike Ride.
OntarioByBike.ca/Itineraries
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2024 Cycling in Ontario Guide | |
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Do you have your copy yet?
For information on how to receive a print copy or to view online visit: OntarioByBike.ca/2024
*Limited print copies left*
The 2024 edition of the Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario guide
is available in print and digital formats.
This is the 12th 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.
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2024 Award Winners
Ontario's Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses
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We are pleased to announce the 2024 Bicycle Friendly Business Award Winners. This is the 6th year of our awards, where we select one Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly business from each of the 13 tourism regions in Ontario.
See the full list of winners at: OntarioByBike.ca/2024AwardWinners
Throughout the year and in each e-newsletter we will feature 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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Makkink’s stands out because it is different from all the other attractions in the area. They offer a bunch of experiences on the farm, the most popular being cut-your-own flowers. The Trans Canada Trail east of Tillsonburg runs along the edge of the property, so many cyclists stop for either a rest, or something to eat and drink at their small cafe and bakery on site.
Use Oxford County’s portion of the Trans Canada Trail as a jumping off point to explore the communities in this rural slice of Southwest Ontario. Along the 17km old CASO rail line that has been converted to a rail trail, check out the mill in historic Otterville, and be sure to stop in at Makkink’s to see or cut some flowers and enjoy a home-made sandwich from the bakery cafe. Makkinks.com
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This full service and licensed cafe, with patio, is also a bicycle repair shop that houses an incredible displays of vintage bicycles and related items. Located on historic Sparks St. in downtown Ottawa, locals and tourist enjoy stopping by to chat, tell stories and reminisce, inspired by the collection and incredibly dedicated, passionate staff and owners.
Stop in for a visit to the cafe while riding Ontario By Bike’s - day 2 ride of our Ottawa City & Country multi-day ride itinerary, which explores the city’s incredible Capital Pathway Network along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa and Rideau Rivers, with views of the Parliament buildings, visits to the Byward Market, National Gallery, Experimental Farm and other natural and historic sites. OttawaBikeCafe.com
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In addition to the award winning bicycle friendly places to eat, visit and sleep there are a number of bike businesses that provide services and/or tours located in each region. To recognize all they offer in 2024, special mention and an award goes out to the following in Ottawa & Countryside: | |
Bushtukah - Locally owned and operated, serving Ottawa and area for 25 years, Bushtukah offers bike repair and maintenance, gear and equipment sales, bikepacking supplies, nutrition, bike fit services and group rides. All 3 stores are bike friendly and offer secure bike parking in or outside. With a large selection of outdoor gear they help cycling customers go further and explore more, whether that's around the neighbourhood or the globe. Shop.Bushtukah.com | |
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Ride Destination: Northern Ontario | |
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With so many ride routes to choose from in the north, it may be hard to decide where to start and stop. Factoring into your decision on which northern destination to explore by bike, may be distance from home and available time.
Here are some hot tips to get you rolling northwards.
- Pedal a part the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that includes the Lake Huron North Channel Cycling Route, Manitoulin Island, and 5 new Drive & Ride itineraries between Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay.
- Enjoy a self-guided tour of Manitoulin Island while listening to a series of narrated stories, or try a guided option – with e-bikes available to rent soon there is no limit to the miles that can be covered.
- Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay are all well known for their excellent mountain biking trails.
- Our North Bay and Lakes Ontario By Bike Ride last year was a huge hit! Many cyclists we met at events this year are making plans to use our 3 day long itinerary available online for a self-supported ride this summer and to experience the Voyageur Cycling Route.
- Lake Temiskaming, part of the Ottawa River and on the Quebec border, about 150km north of North Bay, can be explored following mapped cycling routes through the forests and lake land.
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Get inspired and find a huge selection of local cycling guides and info at NorthernOntario.Travel/Cycling
Find all the info you need to get riding on our Great Places to Cycle pages, plus listings for bicycle friendly businesses to eat, visit and sleep in the: Northwest – Northeast – North Central - & Manitoulin Island.
Credit: Destination Ontario
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New 2024 Edition:
eBikes International
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In the market for an e-bike?
According to our 2023 survey:
- 22% of Ontario cyclists already own 1 or more e-bikes in their household, and 17% are considering a purchase in the near future.
Find out more, including a buyer's guide featuring over 200 models, in the latest edition of eBikes International, now available free online at: eBikes-International.com
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Visit The Canadian Canoe Museum
-NEW Trailside & Lakefront Location-
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Recently opened in May 2024, in its stunning new trailside and lakefront relocation in Peterborough, is the Canadian Canoe Museum, a must-visit bicycle friendly attraction this season.
Located right on the Trans Canada Trail along Little Lake in Peterborough, the museum is well-equipped to accommodate cycling visitors, with bike parking (staff are happy to store your bike while you visit until new racks arrive). The museum is just a short cycling distance to the city’s downtown and GO bus terminal (bring your bike on the train and bus). There is even a Canoe Bus from Toronto to Peterborough with 12 dates this year. Or make it a memorable stop on a multi-day ride on this extensive and scenic stretch of the Trans Canada Trail – see our Uxbridge Kawarthas Trail Ride or Trent Severn Trail Tour itineraries.
Explore the museum’s expanded and revamped exhibits that have been designed in collaboration with Indigenous Peoples, showcasing a much larger portion of its unique world-class watercraft collection. The facility has on-site paddling docks, canoe and kayak rentals, artisan workshops, and even guided voyageur canoe tours. The facility also houses the second location of 2024 Best Bicycle Friendly Business winner for Kawarthas Northumberland, the Silver Bean Cafe, where you can grab lunch, a snack, a drink, or even an ice cream.
Find more information and plan your visit at CanoeMuseum.ca
Credit: Canoe Museum
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2024 Cycling Events
Visit our 2024 Cycling Events Calendar. Events can be displayed in your choice of list or calendar view, search for events by categories, and find all the useful info you need to plan ahead and sign up to participate at events that suit your ride style in 2024.
View the full 2024 calendar here: OntarioByBike.ca/Events
Upcoming Events
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Get Inspired to Ride:
Sarnia Lambton
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While their marquee event - the Bluewater International Granfondo - is sold out for 2024, consider riding in the area on the July 7 - BIG Gravel Grind. BigF.ca/BigGravelGrind | |
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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 | |
Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike! | |
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Share using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
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