Monday, July 12, 2010

Weekend and Holiday Ride Schedule July 2010 | Toronto Bicycling Network - TBN

"Ride Schedule Notes
Ride schedule is subject to change. Check the web site the night before the ride to confirm all information.
Helmets are mandatory on all TBN rides.
Bring your membership card to show the Ride Leader.
Non-members are welcome for a $5 fee. This can be credited to the TBN membership fee (max. $5. credit)."

Rouge River Trail - Toronto, ON

"As a formerly avid hiker, one of the things I was bummed about when I moved back to Toronto was the lack of any good hiking in the GTA. I was complaining about it to a co-worker to which he replied 'What? ever heard of Rouge River??', to which I replied 'No'.

Anyway, its apparently the largest urban park in North America (whatever the hell that means) and If you look on a map its quite a large green patch relative to any other parks in the area."

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Horseshoe Resort Opens Downhill Bike Park - Ontario - Pinkbike.com

"The park features 4 hand-cut trails that range from fast, flowy intermediate difficulties to more technical, ladder-bridge shore style runs. There will be a small dirt jump section opening in the near future."

SO...Outdoors Paddling Blog: 3 Safe and Enjoyable Southern Ontario Flat-water Daytrips

"Most newcomers to paddling in Southern Ontario need an opportunity to get familiar with their new craft, and hone their expertise on sheltered flat-water before tackling rivers or the challenges of whitewater.

Here are three of my favorite locations that will provide both sheltered flat-water and a wonderful opportunity to view nesting waterfowl, aquatic life, and sneak up on a host of animals that depend on wetlands."

Vandalism on trail destroys a key asset - Belleville Intelligencer - Ontario, CA

"As a daily walker on the Kiwanis Bayshore Trail I am frequently disturbed by evidence of wilful destruction by vandals.

Today I saw one of the newly planted trees on the east end of the trail had been broken off about two feet above ground. The mindless lowlife who did this do not appreciate the efforts of city minded organizations like Kiwanis, Rotary CN Pensioners and many individuals who have donated benches, trees, light standards etc. creating an attractive peaceful environment for people of all ages to enjoy."

Weekly Wrap-Up: Heat Wave! | Biking Toronto

"We’re coming out of a pretty intense heat wave. Remember that drinking lots of water is your best strategy… especially if you are biking around Toronto."

Johnston Canada's next GG - Woodstock Sentinel Review - Ontario, CA

"Johnston was born in Sudbury, Ont. His father owned a hardware store there.

Johnston is married to Dr. Sharon Johnston and the couple has five daughters.

Sharon Johnston, born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is described as an avid horse-riding enthusiast and runs a horse training centre from the couple's Ontario home."

Giant weed that can cause blindness popping up in Ontario, B.C. - The Globe and Mail

"A weed that can grow six metres tall, sprout massive leaves and produce toxic, blindness inducing sap is creeping into Ontario and parts of British Columbia.

Giant hogweed is easily identified by its teetering height. The leaves on the weed fan out as much as 1.5 metres in diameter. It is also identified by its tell-tale purple splotching on the stem and its umbrella-like cluster of white flowers."

Friday, July 9, 2010

Sudbury Sports News - Sudbury athlete continues advocacy for bicycle safety

"Sudbury native and Olympic cross-country skier Devon Kershaw is taking his campaign for bicycle safety on the road.

Last summer, Kershaw joined forces with the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, an Ontario-based cycling advocacy organization created in 2008 to unite cycling organizations and work with and on behalf of municipalities to enhance their ability to make their communities more bicycle-friendly."

Soiled Sport: Midnight Sun

"SOILED SPORT TRAIL RUNNING IN LONDON ONTARIO AND SURRONDING AREA"

InsideHalton Article: National cycling event to cost city $60,000

"The host organization for the 2011-12 National Road Cycling Championships in Burlington surpassed a significant hurdle Monday night, as council voted in favour of providing financial support for the event.

A 4-3 decision resulted in the approval of the city providing $30,000 in cash each year for two years to Midweek Cycle Club for the event, dependent on the Burlington Hotel Association providing an additional $20,000 both years."

Day Trips Ontario Canada ~ Travel Pictures ~ South Ontario Tours

"Day Trips Ontario Canada: Get out and explore Southern Ontario on these day tours from Toronto, Hamilton, London ON, or Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, or from Michigan and Buffalo. In Toronto? Get a guide to take you on Chinatown walking tour. Click on an image to read more about each of these day trips. You can pack a picnic lunch, or stop along the way in one of the charming small towns. And, should you fall in love with any of these destinations, look for a nearby hotel or B&B!"

Johnston Canada's next GG - The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA

"Prime Minister Stephen Harper will name David Johnston as governor general designate, QMI Agency has learned, choosing a lifelong academic widely admired for his smarts, his ability to build consensus and -- an apparent must for Harper -- his ability to play hockey.

Johnston, 69, is a fluently bilingual Ontario native who has also avoided earning a partisan political label during his long career as a law professor. In fact, both Liberal and Conservative governments stretching back to the Mulroney era have asked him to take on special public policy tasks."

Brant County to pave its end of trail - Simcoe Reformer - Ontario, CA

"Brant County is going to pave a stretch of the TH&B rail trail in its territory to create a continuous multi-purpose path through to Norfolk County.

There are so many benefits to be gained from this trail; advocate Rachel Zuidervliet said after county council overwhelmingly approved a recommendation from its parks and recreation committee to go ahead with a plan to spend $300,000 to pave a stretch between Burtch and Jenkins roads."

Unfortunately this effectively bars horses and other softer surface uses from the trail, hopefully alternative routes for these other uses will be provide d for in a Brant County Trails Master Plan - OTC

Forester in the great Outdoor - Owen Sound Sun Times - Ontario, CA

"It must be that summer has finally arrived, cuz my mind wanders off into the wilds on occasion. Usually it has more fun than I do, so this time I went with it...in a 2010 Subaru Forester.

Subaru Canada shipped me a new special edition Outdoor livery that contains a number of items 'to bring more weekend to your weekend.'"

Thursday, July 8, 2010

New book about biking gets rolling Saturday - Shoreline Beacon - Ontario, CA

"Cyclist and author Laura Robinson will be in Southampton, Saturday, July 3, to talk to kids and sign copies of her latest book,Cyclist Bikelist: The Book for Every Rider.Martin's Bike Shop is the setting for bike decorating, unicycle demonstrations, and a chance for riders to pick up cycling tips. The free family fun starts at 8:30 am and runs until 3 p.m.


'With Saugeen Shores becoming more cyclist-friendly, it's perfect timing to find out more about this healthy activity,' Robinson said in a news release."

Ottawa River Canoe Club

"Interested in learning about canoeing, kayaking or being in a war canoe? Love being on the water?

Canoe Kids camps provide an introduction to paddling, for children aged 8 years and up, including spring canoe, kayak, dragonboat, outrigger, and recreational canoe skills.

Campers learn introductory padding skills during this recreational program and no previous paddling experience is necessary. In addition, campers get plenty of opportunity to try out their favourite paddling sport during supervised free time – a favourite time of day during Canoe Kids camps

The activities are based outdoors including crafts, games, lunches and snacks, and a clubhouse is available for rainy day activities.

Weather permitting, each weekly session features at least 2 canoe day trips to spots along the Ottawa River

Campers enjoy assisting in hot meal preparation in the great outdoors at a hot dog cook-out, and pasta extravaganza – provided as part of day camp fees, courtesy of ORCC

Please note that all campers must have the equivalent swimming ability of the Lifesaving Society Swimmer 4 level. For more information on the Swimmer 4 swimming requirements please contact a City of Ottawa aquatics department."

Ontario Parks: Celebrate the Canoe at Sam ...

"Celebrate the Canoe at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park tomorrow (June 26). http://www.parkreports.com/parksblog/?p=714"

Ontario Water Conservation Alliance

"A diverse coalition of environmental, industry, labour and community organizations as well as individual Ontarians have launched a public campaign today to ensure the provincial government includes a strong conservation and efficiency theme in the proposed Water Opportunities Act. The Ontario Water Conservation Alliance is also releasing its platform entitled Conserve Our Water.
“A strong water conservation and efficiency program will create jobs, protect the environment and save Ontario taxpayer dollars by avoiding new and unnecessary water facilities and lowering energy costs,” said Carol Maas, Innovation and Technology Director, POLIS Water Sustainability Project."

Vacationing in Ontario's Wilderness With Adventurous Teenagers

"Hiking trails have scenic routes that show trees, natural streams, waterfalls, rock beds, and wildlife. Walking up and down small hills is good exercise too. Bring along a lightweight pack-sack to carry bottled water and a few snacks. There are numerous trails throughout Ontario. Check out the photos and their titles below. Remember to bring a camera along to take some nice pictures too."