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Ontario By Bike E-News: July
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We hope that you our valued readers and fellow cycling enthusiasts will make use of the info and resources below as well as online to inspire and plan your bicycle trips and outings whether that be locally and as restrictions lift, safely to destinations and bicycle friendly businesses around Ontario.
Until we connect again, enjoy the read, visit our website, stay in touch on social media
and most importantly stay healthy and fit.
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Exploring the Ottawa Valley on Two Wheels
The Ottawa Valley in the Ontario's Highlands region beckons cyclists to escape the hustle and bustle of urban centres and crowded streets and slow down the pace in a more rural setting.
Located 30 minutes west of Ottawa and less than 4 hours from Toronto, the Ottawa Valley is a place steeped in culture where one can blend a variety of heritage and outdoor recreation opportunities. And while the region may be renowned as the Whitewater Capital of Canada, two-wheeled adventures abound, where cycle-friendly communities and service providers welcome cyclists. So what can a cyclist expect when choosing the Ottawa Valley for their next cycling adventure?
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Cycle the Toronto Islands
Grab a bike and pedal your way to the best island spots to swim, eat, paddleboard, take photos and sunbathe. Rent a bike or take your own, just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Read our latest blog to follow along as we take you on a local tour of the Toronto Islands.
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Easy Access to Bike Repairs
In addition to visiting your local bike shop, there are some other options for bike repairs and service that you may want to consider.
Recently opened and the first expansion of a popular French chain into Canada is Repair and Run, a professional bike, e-bike, cargo bike and e-scooter repair shop. Located on Queen Street West, they are different from the average bike shop since they focus on service and repair and target having repairs done the same day or within 24 hours. Mobile service is also available. Keep an eye out for a store opening near you soon, as they have plans to open fifty locations nationwide over the next several years.
Also available in Toronto is Matteo's Mobile Bicycle Repair, a fast and affordable on the spot bicycle mechanic service. If located within service zone, Matteo will come to you on his bike, for standard services and repairs, tune-ups. He also offers video consultations and educational mechanic workshops.
Additional mobile bike service is offered in various locations around the province by Velofix. A well equipped van will show up to repair your bike when an appointment is booked. Every Velofix Mobile Bike Shop is locally owned and operated and is essentially a mobile version of your local bike shop.
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2021 Award Winners:
Ontario's Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses
We are pleased to announce the 2021 Best Bicycle Friendly Business Award Winners. This is the third year of our awards, where we select one Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly business from each of the 13 tourism regions in Ontario.
Over the coming months and in each enewsletter we will feature each 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.
Start the day off with a delicious and filling breakfast that will keep you satisfied for any length ride. End the ride day knowing your bike is safely stored overnight and visit the yoga loft where you can stretch and meditate to prepare your mind and body for another day of cycling. HorizenBnB.comenBnB.com
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Uxbridge
A well known destination for cyclists in Uxbridge and Durham Region, enjoy a warm welcome and tasty brews in the newly expanded outdoor beer garden. Hang up your bike nearby or make use of the parking lot to start your ride and return to brewery.
Second Wedge supports many local cycling events and clubs including the Uxbridge Cycling Club, the Durham Mountain Biking Association and Uxbridge Race Team. Enjoy road riding nearby following the Greenbelt Route or mountain biking in Durham Forest. TheSecondWedge.ca
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Take the O'de Piitaanemaan Pledge
As Peterborough & the Kawarthas is such a great place to cycle, we are proud to be sharing the O'de Piitaanemaan Pledge (pronounced Oh-da Pee-tah-na-mawn). This is a new way for anyone who loves the area to become a steward of the land, waterways and cultures that make it such a special place, and help ensure it stays that way.
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We recently viewed and recommend you do too, the Toronto Bicycle Film Festival. On now until July 25, and in an easy to view from anywhere virtual format, the selection of short films in a 90 minute program includes a variety of filmmaking styles, interesting, inspiring and motivating stories, documentaries and narratives. Spend time with the first BMX crew in Nigeria, women cycling in Iran, on a BLM ride from NY to DC and mountain bikers bringing a community together with pizza, and more.
The Bicycle Film Festival has a 20 year history of celebrating bicycles through art, film and music with its festival that has spanned over 90 cities worldwide to an audience of over one million people.
Get your tickets and preview a trailer HERE, before July 25.
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GO Bike Train Resumes:
Toronto - Niagara & Toronto - Barrie
If you are looking at an easy way to travel this summer and don't have access to a vehicle the Toronto Niagara seasonal GO Train service has recently resumed. With special bike coaches and racks taking over the lower level of 3 coaches, there is room for more than 56 bikes on trains four times a day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. And you can't beat the price - just $25 return! To book a ticket and find out more link HERE.
Also new this summer, and for a limited run, is the Toronto to Allandale Waterfront/Barrie GO Train station service with 1 bike coach available on each of the 4 trains running Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. So hop on board and help show there is the demand to continue this pilot service beyond August 2, its final currently scheduled run. Read more HERE.
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Olympics Cycling Events 2021
With the Olympics fast approaching you might want to track the times for the live cycling events spread across 5 disciplines. Road Cycling - July 24 to 28; Mountain Biking - July 26 to 27; BMX Racing & BMX Freestyle - July 29 to 30; Track Cycling - August 2 to 8.
Cycling has been included on the Olympic program since 1896 and what started with just a handful of events has grown into the third-biggest summer Olympic sport, with 22 events now across five disciplines.
Watch some of Canada's top cyclists including: Catharine Pendrel & Haley Smith (MTB); Hugo Houle & Leah Kirchmann (Road & Track); Michael Woods (Road); and a huge team of exceptional Canadian athletes. Find out more HERE.
Continuing August 24 to September 5, are the Paralympics, where 9 Canadian athletes will be competing, including Niagara Falls own and exceptionally accomplished, Shelly Gautier. Read more HERE.
The Olympics will be available on CBC cable TV or can be streamed free using CBC GEM app. Go Canada !
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Ride Destination: Northern Ontario
Photo Credit: Voyageur Cycling Route
For most of us, our travel appetites have still not returned to include out of province or international destinations. Luckily there's so much to explore in our own backyard. Make plans to include an adventure and cycling in Northern Ontario this summer or fall, chances are you have not visited it all since regionally it covers a whopping 88% of the province's land area.
Explore Lake Nipissing, North Bay and beyond on the Voyageur Cycling Route. Enjoy city trails in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, or connect the 2 by riding the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Experience country riding and hospitality on Manitoulin Island. Ride the Giant, a sleeping one at that, in Thunder Bay. Circuit St. Joseph's Island in a day. And so much more.
Be sure to visit Ontario By Bike's north west, central, east, Manitoulin & LaCloche - Great Place To Cycle Pages.
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Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike!
Share using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!
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Get Inspired to Explore Ontario by Bike
If you haven't already seen it, view our recently updated video in partnership with Destination Ontario, and get inspired to ride, exploring Ontario By Bike. Link here or below: Youtu.be/nADm_xJc2SM
Cycling is about being free. To find adventure. To rediscover your own backyard. Ride for the thrill. Make new memories together. Find new paths. Close to home. Travel Local. Travel Safe. Plan your next cycling adventure.
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2021 Cycling Events in Ontario
We are excited to see a step towards normality as Ontario moves towards a full reopening and is slowly allowing events and gatherings to take place, following important safety measures. While many events are still planned as virtual rides or postponed until next year, we are now seeing a number of cycling events confirming dates. Below you can find a list of events that are planned for later this summer, virtual as indicated. As always, we advise that you visit the event websites links to confirm status directly with the event organizers.
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Toronto & Kingston
August 14 & 15
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Virtual
June 1 to August 28
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Stratford
September 12
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For events later this summer and fall, please visit OntarioByBike.ca/Events to stay up to date with changes and newly added additions.
If you do have any updates we should be aware of in regards to event dates please feel free to email us as we are eager to assist in helping events get back online and cyclists participating as soon as it is safe to do so.
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Cycling in Ontario 2021
- AVAILABLE IN PRINT & ONLINE -
The 9th annual edition of our Cycling in Ontario guide is now available. Throughout 48 pages you will find more than 50 day trips and multi-day ride ideas and itineraries for all different ride types, which will provide you with lots of inspiration and information for getting out and exploring more of Ontario this cycling season.
To Order Print Copy
- Click on our email address [email protected] and include your mailing address.
- If you would like a French edition or multiple copies to share, let us know.
Please note that due to ongoing restrictions our processing times for individual mailouts may be longer than usual. We will send you a copy as fast as possible and thank you for your understanding.
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In The News: Bikes & Travel
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Staff Changes & Job Posting
After 2 years we are sorry to say goodbye to Simon Lutz, our Project Coordinator. Simon did a great job assisting with a variety of projects, outreach with bicycle friendly businesses, writing articles for our enewsletters and annual magazine, and fine tuning details for our Ontario By Bike Rides. As he travels back to Switzerland to see family missed over the past years, and moves on to new opportunities, we wish him well.
To fill the position we recently posted the job and are keen to hear from interested applicants. If you or someone you know is passionate about travel in Ontario, an active cyclist, interested in working with a variety of industry partners and have marketing and communication skills, more information can be found at: GoodWork.ca/905406
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Ontario By Bike Network
Project of Transportation Options
850 Coxwell Ave ~ Toronto, ON ~ M4C 5R1
Toll-Free: 1-866-701-2774
Want to read more: Link to our e-Newsletter archive HERE |
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