One-Tank Trip for
Jan. 31/15
(c) By Jim Fox
Just as a furry
rodent named Willie is about to predict whether we’ll endure – or enjoy – more
winter, activities to embrace the season are in full swing.
This includes fat
bikes on snowy trails, downhill skiing/snowboarding combined with a luxury
hotel stay and fine dining at Casino Rama, and snowshoeing and fondue.
Hit the trails
Ride Guides has
taken its popular mountain bike program and extended it with “fat bikes” on
winter trails at Horseshoe Valley near Barrie.
 |
| Ride Guides offers guided rides on “fat bikes” on winter trails at Horseshoe Valley. |
“Everyone is very
curious to try fat biking,” said Sara Archer, operations manager and guide.
These are bicycles
with over-sized tires and wide rims designed for riding on soft unstable
terrain such as snow and sand.
The versatile bikes
are ideal for winter trails and Ride Guides offers the Introduction to Fat
Biking package at the Horseshoe Nordic Adventure Park.
Experience the “calm
serenity” of riding through a silent forest and hearing only the sound of the
snow crackling beneath your tires, Archer said.
In partnership with
Horseshoe Resort, offered is a two-hour guided ride around the property and
Copeland Forest.
The prime season
for winter fat bikes is December through March but can include November and
into April, depending on the weather.
The cost of the introduction package is $60 plus
tax with a minimum of two riders and includes the use of a Norco Bigfoot Fat Bike,
helmet and trail pass. Other options are available.
“The weather and
trail conditions have been ideal this winter for fat biking,” Archer said.
“Lots of sun and
crisp weather make for fast, hard-packed trails that are excellent to ride.” rideguides.ca; (705) 241-9938
Chilly Willie
All eyes will be on
Wiarton Willie, Ontario’s wily groundhog prognosticator, on Monday (Feb. 2) for
a clue about how long winter weather will last.
There’s a festival
all this weekend with numerous winter-time activities in honour of Willie in
Wiarton on the Bruce Peninsula, including “Prediction Morning.”
 |
| Wiarton Willie is getting ready to make his winter weather prediction. |
That’s when the
albino groundhog is roused from his hibernation at exactly 8:07 a.m. in front
of thousands of people in Bluewater Park.
The day starts at 7
a.m. with “Wake up Wiarton” fireworks followed by a free breakfast in the park
and musical entertainment.
Folklore says if
the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be another six weeks of wintry
weather while no shadow means spring’s just around the corner. visitwiarton.ca; (519) 534-4545
Head for the hills
Escape to the winter
wonderland of Ontario’s Lake Country around Orillia for the Stay and Ski package
at Casino Rama.
“Enjoy a delicious
meal in one of our eight restaurants – from pub fare to white linen,” said
Jenna Hunter, public relations director.
 |
| Casino Rama’s ski package includes accommodation in a deluxe suite with fireplace and $100 resort credit. (Barbara Fox photo) |
Accommodation is in
a deluxe king or double suite with gas-fired fireplaces.
Amenities include
the Balance of Life Spa, heated indoor saltwater pool, steam rooms and shopping
on site.
The package
provides two adult lift passes for Mount St. Louis Moonstone for skiing and
snowboarding, with additional passes available for $50.
Guests also receive
a $100 resort credit per room, good for the spa or dining, along with $10 in
free slot play for Players Passport Club members (free membership), and valet
parking.
Available through
March 20, the weekday non-event rate is $327 per room, plus tax, and
the weekend/event-night rate is $427. (Excludes Feb. 16)
The casino’s St.
Germain’s Steakhouse has a prix-fixe menu Sunday through Thursday until Feb.
29.
The two-can-dine
menu is $68.99 (plus tax) with a choice of two appetizers, two mains and a
shared dessert. Reservations are recommended. casinorama.com; 1-800-832-PLAY(7529).
Fondue anyone?
Hardwood Ski and
Bike (402 Old Barrie Rd. W.) in Oro-Medonte is holding a Moonlight Snowshoe
& Fondue event on Feb. 7 and 28 at 6:30 p.m.
The cross-country
skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, disc golf and outdoor recreation facility between Barrie and Orillia offers a
night-time guided snowshoe hike.
That’s followed by a fondue dinner inside
the chalet or by the bonfire. Tickets are $40, adults; $25, children to age 16.
hardwoodskiandbike.ca; 1-800-387-3775
For touring information:
Ontario’s Lake Country Tourism Marketing Board,
22 Peter St. S., Box 2525, Orillia, ON L3V 7A3 Office: 705-325-9321 Fax: 705-325-6817
Email: info@ontarioslakecountry.com www.OntariosLakeCountry.com
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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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