Tuesday, August 17, 2010

InsideToronto Article: Stepping into nature with family hiking

"For the time-strapped urban family, stepping into nature is as easy as joining a guided nature walk on a summer's day and still making it to afternoon music lessons or evening sports games.

And Rouge Park is an ideal stop for families who want to spend quality time reconnecting with one another and exploring nature together. The park, which measures 47 square kilometres, with access points in Scarborough, offers year-round guided walks ideal for families that want to have an outdoor experience without having to give up an entire day to make it happen."

For 100's of local hiking opportunities see htp://ontariotrails.on.ca

Reasons for cycling restrictions - The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA

"'Cycling Restrictions at Lemoine Point.' From time to time the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has to make choices to limit environmental impacts and provide safe user experiences at its properties.

Recently the CRCA limited the use of bicycles at the Lemoine Point Conservation Area to specific trails and service roads for such safety and environmental reasons. What wasn't done well was to provide more advance notice and outline reasons for the change. I apologize to Lemoine Point visitors for this and hope the following is informative."

We remind the public that most trail use areas are managed land areas as well - OTC

E-bike ban stands for municipal trail system - Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin - Ontario, CA

"They may be environmentally-friendly, but e-bikes are still banned from the Collingwood trail system.

However, municipal staff will be reporting back on whether to allow the bikes if the rider is physically disabled.

On Monday, councillors turned down a recommendation of the town's trail committee to allow electric bicycles up to a certain weight on the municipal trail system, to a maximum speed of 20 km/h; the recommendation, though, was not supported by the Leisure Services Committee, nor is the concept supported by the Georgian Trail board of management."

Similar to automobiles - its relative speed that causes injury - glad to see a thorough study of the issue.

Great Canadian Kayak Challenge entries up - Timmins Daily Press - Ontario, CA

Great Canadian Kayak Challenge entries up - Timmins Daily Press - Ontario, CA: "The Mattagami River is often a quiet scene, with waters running past those out enjoying the park or a day on the boat.

But on Aug. 28, the paddles of hundreds of kayakers will break those tranquil waters for the second annual Great Canadian Kayak Challenge."

Grab your kayak and register today!

Sudbury Sports News - Team North takes silver on mountain bike trails

"Two members of the Walden Mountain Bike Wolfpak Racing team enjoyed success at the 2010 Ontario Summer Games as part of Team Northern Ontario."

Congratulations MTBikers!

Vacations & Travel : Discussions : Best vacation ever - Ontario, (lots of pictures) -- Mom to Mom Forums Cincy MomsLikeMe.com

"We just got back from a long trip to Canada. We had so much fun and sooo relaxing that I want to share our experience a little with you.
First we spend some time at the Pinery Provincial Park in Ontario. About 7 hours driving from Cincinnati. The park is soooo beautiful. Lots to do hiking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, biking, etc... The beach is sooo clean the water is nice and shallow. Perfect for Kids. There are 12 miles of beach... so even if the park is full there is lots of space to spread out. The sunsets at Port Huron are just spectacular."

Thanks to all Cincinnati Moms - OTC

Wildlife and people clash over habitat - The Barrie Examiner - Ontario, CA

"Animals are also inclined to protect their territory, which may be another reason for the attacks.

Because as humans clear hiking trails, campsites and other facilities in the wilderness -- no matter how much care they take not to disturb wildlife -- they do.

One more factor is that humans do not always take the necessary precautions -- such as not leaving any trace of food near their campsites."

Expect and respect the environment - OTC

Resort-style getaways are nice, but canoeing offers adventure

"Although my companion and I could have chosen a resort-styled eco-adventure, they seemed tame in comparison to pursuing our inner pioneer. That no-holds-barred wilderness experience that Davey Crockett -- and Pierre Trudeau for that matter -- immortalized in buckskins and coonskin fur hats. Besides, the process of pitching a tent, building a fire and listening to the loons call you to sleep can be one of the most romantic, enriching and family-bonding experiences available."

Bowhunting Bear In Ontario – 2010 | Bowhunting.Net

"This year’s bowhunt for Ontario black bear begins August 15. Our host is Canoe Canada Outfitters headquartered in Atikokan, Ontario. Our Guide is Fred Lutger and he and Canoe Canada’s Bud Dickson have worked together for over 25 years to bring bear hunters to Ontario."

Sturgeon Falls Conservation Officer Recognized

"Bill Clark of Sturgeon Falls has been named the Ontario Conservation Officer of the Year for 2010.

The Ontario Conservation Officers Association and the Ministry of Natural Resources recognized Clark for his professionalism and dedication during his 30 years of service. He has been involved in uniformed, plainclothes and covert operations, and successfully led a multi-year investigation into fishing pressure on Lake Nipissing."

Congratulations from OTC!

Cyclists pumped for 'blood' ride - St. Catharines Standard - Ontario, CA

"A team of local cyclists is putting the wheels in motion to help save lives.

Called Cycling for Life, the nine-member group composed of St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake residents has set its sights on recruiting 100 donors for Canadian Blood Services during its two-day ride.

After departing from their starting point at Joseph McCaffery Park on Aug. 19, they will cycle five kilometres for each unit of blood given by their supporters up to 500 kilometres in total. Their route will take them through Ancaster, London and Port Dover."

Horseshoe Valley Resort Mountain Bike Trail in Barrie, Ontario || SINGLETRACKS.COM

"Horseshoe is a lift access resort where you have presently 4 DH runs varrys in technical difficulty. Each run has options to hit a feature such as a jump or skinny or you can take the bail route. Decent but short. Runs are about two and a half minutes from top to bottom. The more technically difficult runs are fun with step downs jumps and skinnies."

Study: Helmet laws & bicycle use � Cyclelicious

"First of all, I often see the Nova Scotia study used as evidence that helmet laws discourage bicycle use. However this study was not designed to measure bicycle use so this conclusion absolutely cannot be drawn from this data. In fact, no conclusion on bicycle use can be drawn from this data."

A Brief History of Boys Summer Camps in Algonquin Park, Ontario Canada | Ultimate Camping Guide

"Franklin Gray and William Bennett, Rochester educators established one camp in the Algonquin Park wilderness of Ontario Canada called Camp Pathfinder in 1914. It has been operating unceasingly ever since, which is a wonderful achievement for any establishment. Though the ownership has changed many times and now rests with Michael Sladden, fortunately the unceasing operation has been maintained and that is a reflection of the unwavering commitment to continue the good work. Primarily started as canoeing camp it has now become famous for wilderness canoe trips and leadership programs."

Toronto4Kids - Tour de Greenbelt 2010

"Experience rural hospitality, savour fresh, local food and explore all that Ontario’s Greenbelt has to offer—natural beauty, cultural diversity and engaging recreation. Re-discover the joy of a leisurely bike ride and come explore the possibilities of Ontario’s Greenbelt, 1.8 million acres of protected land wrapping around the Golden Horseshoe. Register today at TourdeGreenbelt.ca!"

Ontario Trails Council wants to help county's trails - Haliburton Echo - Ontario, CA

"Managing trails can be tricky business and the Ontario Trails Council wants to help Haliburton County with its trail management.

Patrick Connor, a director with the council, spoke to members of the county's economic development committee at an Aug. 11 meeting.

'Right off the bat, trails are complicated business,' Connor said"

Ontario Cross Country Mountain Bike Championship Debuts Brand New Course | Outpost Magazine

"The Plastiglas Ontario Cup Series and Chico Racing are excited to announce the new host of the Ontario Championships on August 22, 2010. Woodnewton is a private 200 acre parcel of land just south of the Town of Uxbridge featuring amazing rolling hills, forests and terrain that will be a mainstay of mountain bike race venues for years to come.

Chico Racing began working with the land owner last summer to create a myriad of singletrack utilizing the unique topography to create a fantastic site for the Ontario Championships."

Gearing Up: News and Tips about Cycling, Gear, Rides and the RONA MS Bike Tours in Ontario: Congratulations Acton to Waterloo Participants!

"This past weekend, almost 500 cyclists geared up to ride from Acton to Waterloo in the RONA MS Bike Tour 2010. On Saturday, participants set off from a new location this year—Prospect Park, Acton— and rode to the University of Waterloo. After an evening of ceremonies and an outdoor movie, they rode back to Acton on Sunday, cycling a total of 150 km over the weekend."

Cycling through the Simcoe County forest - Bradford Times - Ontario, CA

"Rick Francis has been involved in mountain bike racing for decades – starting in the '80s and '90s at Scanlon Creek Conservation Area, where races on Scanlon's trails attracted some of Ontario's best cyclists, including Olympian Alison Sydor."

Riding in Eastern Ontario - Rideau region - Road Bike, Cycling Forums

"I'm headed up for my annual pilgrimage to the Rideau lakes for fishing and golf. I just got a road bike this summer and I'm thinking I should bring it along for a couple of rides. But I have a few newbie questions, since I've never considered riding there before."

Perhaps a roadie blogger could e-mail this person with some tips - OTC