Endurance horse race slated for this weekend | Fort Frances Times Online

"The inaugural Black Fly Express, an endurance riding competition, will take place this Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 11 and 12) north of Dearlock.
“This will be the first-ever sanctioned AERC [American Endurance Riding Conference] ride, probably in Northern Ontario,” enthused organizer Rachel Hill.
The competition will be split into three distances, and will take place on a mix of field, wooden paths and track roads.
“We are offering a 15 mile [25 km], a 25 mile [40 km], and a 50 mile [80 km] race,” noted Hill."

For a full listing of equestrian trails in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/equestrian/

Bruce Trail News | Bruce Trail

"The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) are once again partnering for a series of hikes on The Bruce Trail to celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity."

For a full list of hiking trails you can use in the fall check out: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/hiking-walking/

Birding Mail - Ontario Birds - [Ontbirds] HSR: Holiday Beach Conservation Area (03 Sep 2010) 18 Raptors

"Official Counter: Jim Pawlicki

Observers: Claude Radley

Visitors:
Claude Radley, a few park visitors, plus Canadian Peregrine Foundation
members Dennis and Gwen from Windsor who happened to coincidentally stop by
just as one of the Peregrines made its second appearance swooping by in
close for some great looks!"

ORCKA Rendezvous Weekend -Canoeroots Magazine | Canadian Canoes, Canoeing Country, River Trips, Canoe Camping, Fishing

"For those who don’t know ORCKA stands for the Ontario Recreational Canoe and Kayak Association. This year they will be offering a two day Canoe Trippers’ Symposium and Voyageur Clinic in addition to Canoeing and Kayaking Instructors’ Recertification Clinics on Sunday!

For those who are staying over Saturday night bring your favourite piece of kit or equipment to tell everyone why it's the best, and where to purchase it or how to make it. Participants are also encouraged to tell a story preferably based on the premise of 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger or gives you great stories.'"

Teens drown in canoeing mishap - Niagara Falls Review - Ontario, CA

"Two St. Catharines teens died after their canoe capsized on a Huntsvillearea lake.

Huntsville Ontario Provincial Police have identified the youths as Joseph Silva and Brody Williamson, both 18 years old."

Our condolences to the families - prepare before you go: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/paddle-smart/

Please.

Sudbury Lifestyle News - Travel - Hitting the trail

"I had never heard of the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA) until Roger, my brother-in-law who resides in Cornwall, Ont., expressed an interest in participating in the third annual GWTA ride and invited my husband Herve and I to join. Last year, while sitting on his front porch on old Hwy. 2, Roger marvelled at the 250 cyclists riding past his house and inquired about the tour.

On July 3 this year, we started our eight-day, 720-kilometre bike ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border at Rivire Beaudette, 45 kilometres east of Cornwall."

Lots of rides and trails see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-news-events-2/

Cross Country Trails - Find Good Adventure Trails in Northern Ontario

"When you think of natural resources in all their glory and splendor, you think Northern Ontario. Canada's best kept secret, Northern Ontario is one hell of a joy ride. If you've got the adventure bug, sniff out your choice of adventure trails traipsing through this region and get ready to go on the most exciting trip of your life. Trust us, outdoor adventures have just got better."

The Horse | What Do Healthy Horses and Healthy Fish Have in Common?

The Horse | What Do Healthy Horses and Healthy Fish Have in Common?: "What do healthy horses and healthy fish have in common? More than you think. Conservation Authorities across Ontario typically develop big picture aquatic resource management plans for local watersheds that identify what they and private landowners alike need to do to improve the health of local land and water resources.

A fisheries biologist often points directly to the equine landscape as a positive contributor to healthy watersheds and fish communities. Most equine establishments sustain many acres of well-managed pasture. When pasture is grazed on a proper rotation, frost-seeded in early spring to increase plant production, and small depressions or wet areas are drained using French drains, the horse and the fish in nearby streams maintain better health."

Wow that's great news for horses, trails and watersheds!

Riding the Old Hasting Heritage Trail - ATV

Riding the Old Hasting Heritage Trail - ATV: "Recently ATV Trail Rider had the opportunity to ride a unique trail in Ontario, the Hasting Heritage Trail, which is supervised and maintained by the Eastern Ontario Trail Alliance, your ATV association in Eastern Ontario. This trail stretches 156 km from Glen Ross in Quinte West (just north of Trenton) to its most northerly point adjacent to Lake St. Peter, a Provincial Park in Hastings Highlands.

Hasting Heritage Trail is a former CN Rail line, which is used as a four seasons recreational trail that is enjoyed year round; in the winter by snowmobilers, dog sledders and cross-country skiers. In the other three seasons, this trail is busy with ATV enthusiasts, horseback riders, cyclists and hikers. This trail provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and is connected to numerous recreational trails in Eastern Ontario, including the Trans-Canada Trail."

I hope your bought a Trillium Trail Network pass and supported the work of the Ontario Trails Council - OTC

Cyclists set to Bike For The Planet - Northumberland Today - Ontario, CA

"Sustainable Cobourg and Go Green Together hope to encourage more of us to travel by the two-wheel method with the second annual Bike For The Planet event Sept. 11.

It's a simple, free two-hour 13-km. ride around Cobourg to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling.

There's a secondary purpose: to show participants firsthand where bicycling trails are available and where they are not. With the prospect of Via Rail beginning bicycle-tourism runs that stop in Cobourg -- not to mention a mayor who enjoys cycling for recreation -- this has become something of a priority for the town as well."

Forgo cars, study urges - Peterborough Examiner - Ontario, CA

"Peterborough is ready for a transportation change, says the team behind a new report on the way people in the city move around.

The city's compact geography and the abundance of trails and bike lanes make it easier for people to forgo cars and try other ways to travel, said Brett Throop, a Trent University student who carried out the research for the Peterborough Social Planning Council.


'We need to see our streets as great public spaces, rather than as transportation corridors,' Throop said Wednesday."

CMG Online - Canadian Motorcycle Guide

"The 20th anniversary Calabogie Boogie trail ride will take place Sept. 11 and 12 in Barryvale, Ontario.

The Boogie is organized this year by the Bytown Motorcycle Association and is part of the Ontario Federation of Trails' Ontario Trail Ride series."

Calabogie Peaks Adds Access Trail; No More Skating Through Woods - OnTheSnow

"Calabogie, which turns 40 years old this season, has been busy over the summer with a number of trail improvements. The landing area at the top of the Solar Express quad chair has been reshaped to offer a flatter, wider, more beginner-friendly unloading area.

They also are creating a new access trail from the top of the Lakeview chairlift to O'Brien's, Buckshot, and High Falls runs. Skating through the woods across the top of the ski hill to access the advanced terrain will be a thing of the past.

Grading is continuing from the top of the Lakeview chair on the long, easy K&P trail. The flat section across the top of the hill has been re-graded to create a gentle slope, work continues to reduce the pitch on the S-turn, and narrow spots are being widened to remove bottlenecks. You won't have to pole across the top anymore to get going on the beginner trail."

Why we need public input on the land registry system

"Ontario’s new Electronic Land Registration Services Act appears to be an attempt by the provincial government to raise cash by selling off registration access rights, and potentially even registration data, to address its budgetary needs.

The Act received royal assent on May 18, and will come into effect on a day to be proclaimed by the provincial government — without debate or public input. It was introduced on March 25 as part of one of the government’s budgetary bills, and passed through the legislature without any real public knowledge, no publicity and no input from users of the electronic land registration system."

MEC Paddlefest Toronto - Mountain Equipment Co-op

"Tentative Dates for 2011: June 11 - 12, 2011 at Sunnyside Park, Toronto

Event Description

MEC Paddlefest is a celebration of Paddlesports in a variety of forms. The festival features over 170 water and land workshops suitable for people who have never been in a boat before, right through to expert paddlers wanting to fine tune their skills."

Birding Mail - Ontario Birds - [Ontbirds] HSR: Holiday Beach Conservation Area (01 Sep 2010) 7 Raptors

"Holiday Beach Conservation Area was formerly a Provincial Park, but is now administered by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA). It is strategically located at the extreme southwestern tip of southern Ontario.
The park is on the eastern end of a large freshwater estuary known as Big Creek. (Specifically the site is 1.1 miles south of the junction Highway 20 (old 18) and Essex Road 50, Town of Amherstburg)."

Species At Risk Stewardship Fund Projects 2010

"This year, Ontario is providing more than $3.6 million in funding for 113 projects to protect at-risk species and their habitat through the Species at Risk Stewardship Fund. The fund supports greater public involvement in a variety of species at risk protection and recovery activities."

Forgetting their disabilities for a while - Welland Tribune - Ontario, CA

"Ruigrok said the lessons offer students 'a way to participate in an activity that they might not be able to participate in otherwise. It builds a lot of confidence in a lot of these riders —huge confidence. It's hugely beneficial.'

Although it's called therapeutic riding, Ruigrok said it's not really a therapy.

It's essentially just recreational riding, geared towards riders with various disabilities.

'We're teaching these kids how to ride in whatever capacity they're able to,' she said."

For other riding programs like this check with the Ontairo Equestrian Federation. http://www.horse.on.ca/

OHS Canada - Ontario farmer, 67, crawls home to call for help after ATV rollover in field

OHS Canada - Ontario farmer, 67, crawls home to call for help after ATV rollover in field: "Police say a Peterborough-area farmer crawled about 300 metres to his home to call for help after an ATV accident.

The 67-year-old Smith Township man had been using his three-wheel ATV while working in his fields on Tuesday morning."

Even on private property you should ride safely - http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/atv-smart/

Ontario Cyclist Training | Ontario Cyclist

"Cycling training programs on climbing up a hill. This writer describes cycling up mountains in Europe although the techniques would work in Ontario as well if you are cycling up Blue Mountain or anywhere in the Halton Hills."

For other cycling tips and safe riding practices see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/bike-smart/