Friday, September 10, 2010

Kingston far from a cycling utopia - The Whig Standard - Ontario, CA

"Many thanks to the Whig-Standard for the informative article 'Trailblazers with a vision propose path along Cataraqui,' Sept. 5. Thanks also to Ms. Kathy Horton, Edward and Mary Farrar, and all the other volunteers who do so much for the city.

As an avid, all-season cycling commuter, I was intrigued by Neal Unsworth's assertion that 'Kingston is second only to Victoria, B.C., in terms of commuter cycling.'"

GuelphMercury.com - News - Guelph intrigued by bicycle-friendly status

"Guelph may soon be “officially” recognized as a bicycle friendly community.

The League of American Bicyclists last month launched its Bicycle Friendly Community Program in Ontario on a trial basis. Communities can apply to be recognized as a bronze, silver, gold or platinum bicycle friendly community."

For a full list of cycling opportunities in Ontario see:http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/cycling---roads-paths/

For a view at on-road cycling places in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html# and select Cycling - Roads and Paths

The Sudbury Star - Ontario, CA | UR Sudbury

"Council 4435 (Noelville) is still accepting registrations for this weekend's 2nd Annual ATV RALLY. The registration booths will be open from 7:30am to 9:30am. Bring the gang and enjoy the day in the beautiful French River area. Purchase of tickets($40.00) include: rally, chances at draws, with prizes totalling over $15,000.00, a spaghetti supper and an evening of entertainment provided by BOYS NIGHT OUT. A mixed slo-pitch ball tournament will also be held during the day, so come out and support our charity event. For more information, contact, jefflafortune1@hotmail.com"

For a full list of ATV trails in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/atving/

For a look at a provincial representation of ATV access points see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=1&icon=atving.png

New Recreational Activities in National Parks, National Historic Sites and National Marine Conservation Areas

"Offering visitors a variety of opportunities to experience national protected heritage places through recreational activities is one way that the Parks Canada Agency is bringing its mandate of protection, education and experience to life.
Over the past two years, five activities have been assessed at the national level with the collaboration of various stakeholder groups. The following activities could soon become part of the menu of activities offered in national parks, national historic sites or national marine conservation areas:
mountain biking,traction kiting (kite-surfing, kite-boarding), guided interpreted tours including canopy walks, zip lines, via ferrata, and elements of aerial parks, community gardening and hang gliding and paragliding."

For a full listing of park trails in Ontario see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/

Excursions - BARRIE OUTRIGGER CANOE CLUB - Barrie, Ontario, Canada

"BOCC has developed a relationship with the Lahaina Canoe Club, based on the shores of West Maui, HI. We will be sending a group of athletes to Lahaina in 2011 for an incredible week of paddling, culture and adventure in one of the world's most beautiful places. We will be actively fundraising for this incredible outrigger excursion. Costs to be determined."

For a full list of canoe/kayak options see: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trail-activities/canoeing-kayaking/

For a map of watertrail access points see: http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html?cat=3&icon=canoeing.png

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Fall Colour Vantage Points In Ontario Parks � Parks Blog

"The Ontario Parks Fall Colour Report is LIVE at http://www.parkreports.com/fall/. Check the report often. It is updated as colours change.

For a full range of trails, in provincial parks, conservation authorities and 1700 other places check out: http://ontariotrails.on.ca

Traffic complaint turns into a drug bust - News - By EMC News Frontenac Local Community News

"On Aug. 29 the Frontenac Ontario Provincial Police investigated a fatal ATV collision on Billy Green Road. The victim had been out cutting wood in the area but had not returned home when expected. A friend of the family went out looking for him at the request of a family member. After a considerable search up and around the local roads the victim and his ATV were located well off the road at a curve and down a steep embankment."

Before going out check out and follow the guidelines at: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/atv-smart/

Places to Ride Your ATV in Ontario

Make sure that you also check out - http://www.ontariotrailsmap.com/ontariotrails.html#, select ATVing and you'll see the current trails on our list. Stop back because we add new trails all the time

Eastern Ontario Model Forest - FREE Fomes Root Rot Workshops for Forestry Professionals - EOMF General News - All News - Eastern Ontario Model Forest

"The Regional Forest Health Network in partnership with the Eastern Ontario Model Forest, South Nation Conservation, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and United Counties of Prescott-Russell will be hosting two workshops on *Fomes Root Rot (Heterobasidium annosum). Both workshops will be oriented towards forestry professionals. Come and learn how to identify and manage this destructive invasive pathogen."

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/

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

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!

Friday, September 3, 2010

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."