Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Take the new Bike Train to Muskoka on your next summer getaway

"The award-winning Bike Train Initiative is once again expanding service in Ontario, this time to Muskoka and Ontario’s Near North. On three pilot weekends cyclists will be able to board the Ontario Northlander train in Toronto and travel to Gravenhurst, Huntsville and South River with their bikes securely stowed in a baggage car.

Muskoka and Ontario’s Near North has long been known as a go-to place for outdoor pursuits and rugged Canadian landscapes. The Bike Train provides visitors and summer residents with an eco-friendly option to explore the region. Passengers join a community of travellers onboard, and receive cycling maps, t-shirts and self-guided feature itineraries to enjoy their weekend getaway."

ATV reminder after high miler reported - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA

"Citizens are reminded that riding an All-Terrain Vehicle on municipal roads is not legal and could lead to injury and serious charges.

The Chatham-Kent Police Service received a call Sunday about an ATV going more than 100 km/h on Grande River Line.

Police said the ATV had two people on it, which is not allowed, and neither were wearing helmets."

Visiting Owen Sound, Ontario on Georgian Bay

"There are numerous trails maintained by Grey Sauble Conservation. Hiking is also a popular past-time in the Owen Sound area as many of the trails link to the Bruce Trail, the longest footpath in the world. Enjoy a variety of outdoor attractions such as waterfalls, rocky shorelines and views from cliff-tops!"

Boose takes the path less travelled

"When Christine Boose heads out the door for a run, she's hoping to encounter a few tree roots or rocks along the way.

Far from your typical pound-the-pavement jogger, Boose veered off the road a few years ago and never looked back.

The 50-year-old geography teacher at Forster has become one of the best female trail runners around, regularly beating competitors half her age.

Trail running is cross-country with an edge."

For a selection of Ontario running trails check out: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/running/

Monday, July 12, 2010

Hanover Bike Park IMBA Canada Ontario Rep Blog: All things IMBA Canada, ON

"Some times I get taken by surprise. This is one of those times, and what a pleasant surprise it is. A new place to ride.

I stumbled (virtually) across Hanover Bike park when one of my Google Alerts listed this Pinkbike.com article. Interesting. For those who don’t know where Hanover is (I didn’t), it is right between Bruces and Grey County. Interesting, considering Bruce County just revamped it’s Adventure Park due to insurance/liability concerns. I had to know more, so I got on the horn with Chris Sanderson to find out how it all came to be."

Ontario's Other Wine Route - AOL Travel Canada

“I think Niagara is starting to take us seriously,” said Adriano Ciotoli, co-founder of WindsorEats.com, a culinary tourism website showcasing Windsor-Essex County and Pelee Island.

One of the lesser known wine regions in Ontario, Windsor-Essex County is home to 15 wineries and counting. The local Amish heritage, strawberry fields and warm beaches are increasingly getting noticed by tourists."

Take the Lane: Portland mayor to join Ontario Bike Summit

"Sam Adams, the mayor of the oh-so-bicycle-friendly Portland, Ore., is a featured speaker at the second Ontario Bike Summit, to be held Monday, Sept. 20 and Tuesday, Sept, 21, in Burlington, Ont."

Be sure to see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/

Hopefully this year STR leadership will invite OTC, fellow trail and road share experts to participate in a speaking capacity.

Buckwallow! Mountain Trail Freeride Road Tri BMX Comfort Bikes – Freewheel Cycle Ontario – Everything for the cycling enthusiast!

"Some of the Freewheel Crew hit up Buckwallow on the Canada Day weekend. We shot some good footage with our GoProHD. Hit the external Vimeo link for this full HD. Thanks to Mike @ Buckwallow for creating these super fun trails!! Enjoy"

Anishinabek Nation: Union of Ontario Indians

"In 1999, the Union of Ontario Indians implements trapping licencing system establishing the Anishinabek Nation Trapping Authority and began negotations with Ontario and Canada.

The Trapping Harmonization Agreement between Canada, Ontario and Anishinabek Nation was officially signed in 2005, for five years. This historic signing means that the UOI will be taking administrative responsibility for the issuing of trapping licences for its member communities, however it continues a partnership with both the federal and provinicial governments to reslove long standing issues as required.

The priniciples that guide the implementation of the Anishinabek Harmonization Trapping Agreement are respect for and promotion of the cultural and traditional harvesting activities of the Anishinabek people and harmonization of the UOI and the Ministry systems."

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."