One-Tank Trip for
Sept. 27/14
(c) By Jim Fox
It’s time for the
“Tour de Fall” as the hills are taking on a vibrant hue of autumn colours across
Southern Ontario.
Just an hour north
of Toronto is one of the most picturesque regions for fall touring – Ontario
Lake Country on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching.
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| Enjoying a ride in the Copeland Forest at Horseshoe Valley are (from left) Jenna Hunter, Natasha Ilic and guide Sara Archer. (Jim Fox photo) |
It encompasses five
distinctive districts: Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Rama, Ramara and Severn.
“Enjoy
the peacefulness away from the busy city life and take in the breathtaking fall
colours,” said Jennifer Whitley, country marketing manager.
A series of “distinctive
fall getaways” has been established across the region.
Newly
developed are seven cycling, seven hiking and four driving routes, with many
points of interest along the water, including the Trent-Severn Waterway.
“Whether
you are looking for a long or short drive, a leisurely stroll or something more
involved, an easy trail or an advanced hilly route, there is something for
everyone,” Whitley said.
Head for the hills
The leaves were
just starting to turn colour last week when I joined a mountain bike ride along
the scenic and hilly terrain of the Copeland Forest at Horseshoe Valley.
 |
| Sara Archer of Ride Guides instructs the group before heading out. (Jim Fox photo) |
Our intrepid guide
was Sara Archer of Ride Guides who went easy on us, avoiding rock-strewn paths
and what are called “some of the gnarliest, fastest and most technical trails
in the country.”
This is excellent
for beginners, intermediates and advanced cyclists who can use the cross-country
riding trails, single-track terrain and paved rural roads in the area.
Ride
Guides provides the bikes, helmets and outlines the rules of the forest and
tips on riding before heading out.
 |
| Writer Jim Fox joins Jenna Hunter and Natasha Ilic on the trail. (Sara Archer photo) |
The
introduction to the “day ride” followed scenic single-and double-track
trails “with manageable climbs and fun downhills.”
Ontario’s Lake
Country as well has been working closely with Cycle Simcoe to develop cycling
routes.
Oro-Medonte Township
to the west and south of Orillia was the
first with four cycling routes developed – three on the roads varying in length
and endurance levels along with a rail trail.
They can be seen online
or on the printed Cycle Simcoe map that also lists points of interest.
 |
| Sara Archer of Ride Guides navigates a rocky path in Horseshoe Valley’s Copeland Forest. (Jim Fox photo) |
Other trails include
the Orillia Millennium from Wilson’s Point to the Narrows, separating lakes
Couchiching and Simcoe, and taking in Tudhope Park, the Port of Orillia, Moose
Beach and Portage Bay.
The Ramara Trail starts
at the native Mnjikaning fishing weirs and then follows the abandoned CN Rail
Line.
The Uhthoff Trail, part
of the Trans-Canada link, crosses many streams and wetlands, starting at Wilson
Point Road in Orillia and ending in Coldwater.
Package deals
Casino Rama offers
the Tour de Fall package with the option to bring along your bikes and go it
alone or opt for a guided tour with equipment provided, says Jenna Hunter,
public relations director.
 |
| Casino Rama’s resort hotel offers the Tour de Fall cycling package through Oct. 31. (Barbara Fox photo) |
“Our hotel suites
and elevators are large enough to fit two bicycles for easy access and peace of
mind for overnight storage,” she said.
The package,
available until Oct. 31 with no blackout dates, includes a deluxe suite in the
luxury hotel, valet parking and $10 free slot play for Players Passport Club members
(free to join).
There’s also a $100
resort credit that can be used at the on-site Balance in Life Spa and for dining
including the acclaimed St. Germain’s Steakhouse, Cedar, The Willow Chinese and
Simcoe Yard House.
The package is $295
for a suite for two plus tax and $395 on nights when there is a show in the
Entertainment Centre.
 |
| Casino Rama’s Tour de Fall cycling package includes accommodation in a deluxe suite with fireplace and $100 resort credit. (Barbara Fox photo) |
To book the
package and links to the spa and restaurants: casinorama.com/Stay/tourdefall;
1-800-832-PLAY (7529) Code: Fall Colours.
Need to know
- Simcoe
cycling routes: http://cyclesimcoe.ca
- Ride Guides: rideguides.ca; (705) 241-9938
Fall colour reports
The Ontario Parks’
fall colour report is now live for the season at ontarioparks.com/fallcolour
It provides the latest
details about fall colour changes in some 60 participating Ontario Parks with a
new provincial map and “peak-viewing” colour chart.
There are suggestions
on the best viewing locations as climatologists suggest this year’s colours
could be the best in years. The peak season is from now through late October.
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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