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Ganaraska Forest
Sept 20
Sept 20
Sept 20
Sept 21
Sept 21
Essex County/Windsor
Sept 27
Sept 27
Picton
Sept 28
Caledon
Sept 28
Kitchner-Waterloo
Sept 28
Dundas
Oct 5
Oro-Medonte
Oct 5
Tillsonburg
Oct 5
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Take a Kid
Mountain Biking Day
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Kids love the speed and extra adrenalin kick that often comes with mountain biking. Consider inspiring a kid in your life, to give it a try, on October 5.
For event day programming at various locations, link HERE or contact your local mountain bike club or location of choice and ask them what events or regular programming they have available.
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Wine Tours By Bike in Niagara
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On September 28, join other cyclists on the Vinemount V�lo tour through five wineries and along the Vinemount Ridge, which lies just above and south of the brow of the Niagara Escarpment.
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2014 Cycling Guide
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View on-line version at:
We have now distributed over 27,000 print copies and will soon be working on the 2015 edition. |
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Transport you and your bike to destinations around Ontario serviced by VIA Rail and GO Transit.
Thanksgiving weekend is the only Toronto Niagara train left for the season on that popular GO route. VIA trains with baggage car service continue to accept bicycles year round, some restrictions apply.
For more info on 2015 routes and schedules stay tuned to: biketrain.ca |
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Parkbus
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Buses operate on select dates through till mid October, Thanksgiving.
Depending on dates tickets still available for: Killarney, French River, Grundy Lake and Algonquin.
View schedule and more info at: parkbus.ca
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E-News Archive
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Archived since May 2011, visit the following link to read more and past issues.
We have alot of fun putting together content for you to read in our 7 annual issues, and hope to inspire you to explore more of Ontario by bike.
Visit our website or simply click HERE.
Consider sharing link with a friend.
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With Thanks to
our 2014 Sponsors
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Great Places to Cycle: Oxford County
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You may wonder which country you are in with names like Oxford, Woodstock, Thames River and nearby London, but once there the quintessential Ontario landscape and small town character will soon put you in place.
With hundreds of kilometers of well paved, quiet and relatively flat country side roads it is easy to get your ride on in Oxford County. Scenic agricultural farmlands, and sweeping vistas alternate with patches of tree lined roads just a few minutes ride out from one of the three welcoming centres, Ingersoll, Woodstock or Tillsonburg.
Slow down your ride to enjoy some of the top spots in and around Oxford County. With a long history in cheesemaking, follow the Cheese Trail and try some of the freshest cheese in Ontario. Pamper yourself post ride at the Elmhirst Inn and Spa. Sample some local baked goods at Leaping Deer Adventure Farm and Market. Visit Tillsonburg Airport, home of the vintage WWII era Harvard Aircraft, and you may be lucky enough to view one of the restored beauties on the runway or in flight, and at the very least enjoy a break at the runway cafe.
 If trail riding is your thing, both Woodstock with extended trails alongside the Pittock Dam and the Thames River, and Tillsonburg with multi-use Trans Canada trails cutting through town, won't disappoint.
Mountain bikers have several note worthy options too. The Pines is a popular spot located just east of Woodstock, with trail passes available from the Woodstock Cycling Club. Wildwood Conservation area has a 34km trail around the reservoir that after the initial few kilometers slips into a more challenging single track circuit route.
With many great ride options find more information on riding in the Oxford plus certified bicycle friendly businesses at: www.ontariobybike.ca/southwestontario
Also visit: www.rideoxford.ca & www.tourismoxford.ca
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Feature Events: 4 Great Autumn Rides
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Autumn offers up great weather for cycling and this year looks to be no different with mild temperatures looking to extend the season. We encourage you to get out and have listed four great rides that won't disappoint!
On September 28th, take in the lovely lake vistas, vineyards, sand dunes and spectacular scenery of Prince Edward County during the 2014 Kiwanis Cribbage Colour Ride. Riders can choose between 25, 50 or 100km rides.
The word "Gemuetlichkeit" in German refers to a situation that induces a cheerful mood, peace of mind or a sense of belonging. On September 28th, that's what cyclists can expect when they join the Tour de Hans ride, either a 50km or 100km route in Kitchener/Waterloo area.
Just as the leaves will be about to peak, consider riding the 100k for United Way in Simcoe County, October 5th. Shorter route options are available.
Also on October 5, get out to explore our feature destination, Oxford County, at the Harvest Ride. Starting and ending in Tillsonburg, choose between routes of 25, 50, 100 or 160km, with food and entertainment post ride.
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Pedal Through History
Exploring Culture By Bike
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 Explore the best of Autumn on the wonderful grounds at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario. Travelling with a bike to Canada's largest botanical gardens has never been easier with GO Transit's service. Cyclists disembark at Aldershot Station with their bikes and quickly access bike lanes heading west along Plains Road straight to the Gardens.
Truly pedal through history along one of the Canadian stretches of the Underground Railway Bicycle Route that starts in Windsor and follows Lake Huron's shoreline to Owen Sound. Be sure to stop in at Uncle Tom's Cabin located in Dresden, Ontario enroute.
With it's close proximity to the Waterfront Trail, consider spending the day taking in the rich art in the city of Brockville by bike! Connect with painters, woodworkers, sculptors, or jewelers along the Brockville Art Trail and cap the day off with a performance at the Brockville Arts Centre.
 Catch a glimpse of living heritage as you cycle into the delightful village of St. Jacobs. Beaming with history and tradition, why not explore the rich Mennonite culture of the region by bike? Head out into the countryside on the Mennonite County Block Tour, a 19km route on paved roads that begins in the village of St. Jacobs.
Head to the nation's capital and cycle along the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, the Rideau Canal. Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Site offers fabulous off-road riding along the canal's western and eastern pathways, both part of the Capital Pathway system. Culture by bike is abound in Ottawa.
What are your favourite cultural experiences in Ontario? Be sure to send us an email or post to our Facebook page!
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Gear Spotlight: Arm and Leg Warmers
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This time of year it's not uncommon to have daily temperature fluctuations between 5-15 C, with cool mornings warming up by noon.
This means it can be tricky to find the right mix of clothing that keeps you comfortable during those fall rides. That's where arm and leg warmers especially made for sports enthusiasts come in handy. Most are easy to remove or roll up and small enough to stow in your jersey's back pocket or pannier when the temperature starts to climb.
With too many styles and functions to list here, consider the following: material, finding a good fit and determining how and when you'll be using them. Choose a material that is moisture-wicking and sits snug from your wrist to the top of your bicep, or ankle to thigh. The thickness and whether you choose warmers with thermal lining will really be up to how early or late into the shoulder-seasons you are cycling. There's also no need to break the bank, as prices affordably fall anywhere between $20-$60/pair.
Do you have any clothing tips for this time of year? Share with the group and post them our Facebook Page!
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Participating Locations Get
100% Pass Rate
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This summer we had the opportunity to visit 80 Ontario By Bike Network certified bicycle-friendly locations across four regions in the province. The site visits were a part of our new quality assurance system to ensure Network participants are complying with the minimum requirements of our bicycle-friendly certification program.
We visited a variety of randomly selected museums, attractions, visitor information centres, bed and breakfasts and hotels as well as cafes and restaurants. Since our site visits, all 80 businesses throughout Grey and Prince Edward counties, as well as Durham and Niagara regions, have achieved 100% compliance with the criteria.
Our commitment to promoting bicycle-friendly locations is through the establishment of these minimum requirements. This means you, cycling in Ontario, can be confident in your selection of accommodation, food services, attractions and other certified businesses, stopping at locations that know how to welcome cyclists.
Ontario By Bike has now surpassed 900 certified bicycle-friendly locations across Ontario. Have you visited any? Send us an email about your experience or post on our Facebook Page.
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Make More Memories!
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Depending on where you're cycling this fall, the leaves may have already begun changing colour. This means we're entering our final months of what truly has been a fantastic cycling season.
It looks to be a great autumn weather-wise, so go ahead and make some final cycling memories in 2014. Keep those wheels spinning and ride safe.
From Louisa, Joanne & Michael
Ontario By Bike Network & Bike Train Team
Projects of Transportation Options
850 Coxwell Ave ~ Toronto, ON ~ M4C 5R1
Office: 416-827-2774
Toll-Free: 1-866-701-2774
~~~ How can you not love the bounty of an Ontario Harvest? Head out to Niagara and cycle some of the quiet roads dotted with farm gates selling fresh seasonal produce. Take in the views from the escarpment overlooking vineyards, orchards and Lake Ontario.
Explore and plan your route at
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