One-Tank Trip for
April 25/15
(c) By Jim Fox
“Ontario: Yours to
Discover – By Bike.”
That’s the
suggestion and slogan of Ontario By Bike, a project of Transportation Options,
a non-profit organization and leader in cycle tourism development.
“Spring has sprung
and wheels are in motion as cyclists are keen to get out there on the roads and
trails in greater numbers than ever,” said executive director Louisa Mursell.
Seeing the
countryside on two wheels by pedal power is a “documented growing phenomena
worldwide and in Ontario,” the organization has confirmed.
 |
| Writer Jim Fox enjoying a ride in the Copeland Forest at Horseshoe Valley with Jenna Hunter and Natasha Ilic. |
In the province, 69
percent of cyclists have taken an overnight or day trip in the past two years and
the Ontario By Bike Network launched in 2010 is active with 1,000 “bicycle-friendly”
locations in 28 regions.
“We were in London
and Lambton County in the Sarnia area last week to expand the Ontario By Bike
Network to those areas,” Mursell said.
There was “tremendous
interest” from businesses looking to become certified as bicycle friendly and
reach the growing cycle tourism market, she added.
Later this spring,
it will expand to Brant County, North Bay and the Mattawa area.
The organization said
London has “fantastic mountain bike and trail-riding facilities close to
downtown and the 300 kilometres of bike paths and bike lanes for visitors to
explore throughout the city.”
There is also the accessibility
to great rural riding in the surrounding counties, urban cycling experiences
such as 40 kilometres along the paved, off-road Thames River Parkway and the
vibrant neighbourhoods and attractions in downtown London, Mursell said.
Great places to cycle
“Whether you are
interested in meandering recreational trails, rugged mountain biking terrain or
paved road riding, there are trail and route types suitable for any kind of rider,”
Mursell said.
 |
| A scenic spot for biking is along the Niagara River near Niagara Falls. |
Many rides are
easily accessible, either close to urban areas or near “quaint, hospitable
country towns.”
The association’s
website provides an overview and videos of great cycling spots for Southwestern
Ontario – Elgin, Lambton, London, Middlesex and Oxford; the Great Waterway/Southeastern
Ontario; Frontenac; Hamilton and Halton; Lanark County; Kawarthas
Northumberland; and Simcoe County.
Others are Manitoulin
Island and LaCloche Foothills; Haldimand and Norfolk; Greater Toronto Area;
Windsor/Essex/Pelee Island; Grey County; Durham, Niagara, Peel and York; Ottawa;
Haliburton Highlands; Parry Sound District; and Ottawa Valley/Renfrew County.
In Ontario Lake
Country on the shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching, the association said
mountain bikers will not be disappointed with “a number of well-known and
well-maintained private trail facilities that host regular events and
competitions, plus activities and clinics for beginners.”
Lake Country tourism
works with Cycle Simcoe to develop routes and another option is mountain biking
along the scenic and hilly terrain of the Copeland Forest at Horseshoe Valley
north of Barrie.
Sara Archer of Ride
Guides (rideguides.ca) said these
rock-strewn paths are “some of the gnarliest, fastest and most technical trails
in the country.”
The
company provides bikes, helmets, guides and outlines the rules of the forest
and tips on riding before heading out.
Beginners,
intermediates and advanced cyclists can use the cross-country riding trails,
single-track terrain and paved rural roads in the area.
Maps, trails and tales
Ontario By Bike’s
recently released 2015 Cycling in Ontario guide has a “huge array” of ride
ideas, inspiration and detailed travel information.
 |
| Ontario By Bike has produced the 2015 Cycling in Ontario guide packed with information about rides. |
It provides details
on two-hour outings to 14-day cycling tours; quiet country roads well-suited
for serious training rides; top technical terrain for mountain bike enthusiasts;
and cycling events from fundraisers to leisurely weekend-and-longer tours.
There is
information about gorge and wetland crossings by bike bridges; converted rail
beds and world-class trail riding; ferries and island bike destinations; wineries,
brew pubs, cafes and patios.
The guide has also
lists “lost islands,” decommissioned submarines, agricultural museums and other
sites for cyclists to explore.
 |
| Georgian Trail - Meaford Loop |
Need to know
For more
information and to view or obtain the Cycling in Ontario guide: ontariobybike.ca; 1-866-701-2774.
Transportation
Options’ projects include the Bike Train Initiative (biketrain.ca) and Parkbus (parkbus.ca).
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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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