Saving the best for last on enjoyable MVFN Fall Colours Paddle - News - By Cliff Bennett. Stittsville/Richmond Local Community News

"Record numbers participated in the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists (MVFN) Annual Fall Colours canoe/kayak trip on Sunday, Oct. 3, the last paddle of the season. Thirty enthusiast MVFN members and guests in eleven canoes and eight kayaks assembled at the north arm of Crotch Lake to launch their craft and explore along the shorelines of bays and islands. The group enjoyed the awe inspiring beauty of the colours of Laurentian Shield rock outcrops backed by magnificent multi-coloured maples, poplars, oak and sumac, shouldered by the rich greens of many pines."

Serving Southwestern Ontario paddlers since 1970! - London Canoes, Kayaks, Paddle For Sale - Kijiji London Canada.

"London’s Paddle Shop is the storefront for the Nova Craft Canoe and Aqua Fusion Kayak factory. We are a dealer for Necky, Ocean, and Boreal Design kayaks. Hundreds of canoes and kayaks in stock. Factory seconds available. Accessory brands include Salus, Grey Owl, Aqua Bound, North Water, and Yakima to name a few.
Other services we offer include demo days where you can come and try before you buy, canoe and kayak rentals, introductory lessons, repairs and service to all makes and models and we even have guest speakers through the winter. And there is always plenty of free parking!"

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

10 KM Of New Oak Ridges Moraine Trail Opens In Cramahe Township :: NorthumberlandView.ca :: A View Like No Other

"The Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, in partnership with the Oak Ridges Trail Association and Cramahe Township, celebrated another significant step in extending the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail at the Once Around the Ridge event held on October 21, 2010 in Castleton, Ontario. Ten kilometers of new trail have been created through beautiful Cramahe Township providing a major new greenspace opportunity for hikers to enjoy. This represents a major extension of the trail, which now has an east /west connection completed across the entire Oak Ridges Moraine."

Congratulations ORTA! For more information on trails throughout Ontario be sure to check http://ontariotrails.on.ca

Trail planner to give workshop about planning trail events - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA

"MATTAWA — The co-founder of the Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network will be in Mattawa to give a workshop about planning and promoting trail events.

Barrie Martin is also owner of Yours Outdoors and co-ordinator of the annual Celebration of Trails festival that takes place throughout Ontario from July until the end of December.

The workshop on Nov. 23 runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at The Moon Cafe at 314 Main St.
Registration deadline is Nov. 16, and the cost is $15.

To register, contact Mattawa Voyageur Country Tourism co-ordinator Mike Stiell by e-mail at mike@mattawavoyageurcountry.ca or by phone at 744-5677."

Fantastic - you should go hear Barrie speak if you get the chance!

Trails Working Group cheers County approval of master plan | www.citizen.on.ca | Orangeville Citizen

"The Trails Working Group of Headwaters Communities in Action (HCIA) has welcomed the approval of Dufferin’s Trails and Active Transportation Master Plan (DCATT) by County council.

“This is a major milestone in the journey to establish an interconnected system of trails within and between communities in the Headwaters,” said Working Group Chair Chris Broom.

The plan is the result of collaboration between HCIA’s Trails Working Group, other trails and cycling groups throughout the region, and the Dufferin County Public Works Committee which began in 2008."

The Ontario Landowners Association Comes to Angus to Campaign for David Guergis

"This is the first time that a municipality in Ontario has formally questioned the benefit to community of a Conservation Authority.

What he has done is truly a breath of democratic fresh air.

The Ontario Landowners Association (OLA) will meet at McDonald’s Restaurant on County Road # 90 in Angus at 9.00 A.M. on Saturday October 23 to start a door knocking campaign blitz in support of David Guergis’ efforts to get re-elected as Mayor of Essa Township."

The issue: bikes | OpenFile

"Where the leaders stand:

George Smitherman: Wants a halt to new bike lanes on arterial roadways, but would make sure that current routes are safer and better maintained. He says bike lanes should be separated with properly curbed lanes.

Rob Ford: He wants to build 100 kilometres of off-road bike paths through the city and spend $5 million building on-road bike lanes. He made a gaffe at a mayoral debate last month when he said the Jarvis bike lanes cost $6 million. In fact, the lanes cost just over $60,000.

Joe Pantalone: He’s in favour of building a 1,000-kilometre bike network throughout the city. He also wants bike-only corridors on mayor arteries such as University Ave. and Bay St."

Pushing candidates on wheels - The Sarnia Observer - Ontario, CA

"You could say Dick Felton knows his cycling.

At age 65, he's covered 10,000 kilometres on his bicycle this year, he's a certified CanBike instructor, a member of Lambton Cycling and Randonneurs Ontario.

Felton and his bike have maneuvered through many trails and roadways all over the world. Sarnia, he says, though improving, has a long way to go before it's truly a bicycle-friendly city."

Canada poised to honour outdoor pursuits | Canada | News | Toronto Sun

"'I just want to impress on new Canadians that this is important and it's a part of Canada's heritage and please do partake in it. It's something that all the family can do together.'

Norlock's private member's bill passed second reading with all-party support in June, and he's hoping it gets the third and final nod in the House of Commons before Christmas."

Conservation Areas Search

"Categories for the 2011 Ontario Conservation Areas Photo Contest:

1) People of All Ages Enjoy Conservation Areas
2) My Favourite Conservation Area
3) Wildlife is Everywhere in Conservation Areas


Photos reflecting any Conservation Area in Ontario, in any season, involving any Conservation Authority-sanctioned activity are welcome."

Davide Frattini, Natasha Elliott take day 2 at Toronto International Cyclocross - VeloNews

"It was a clear autumn day in Toronto, and the course was slightly more technical than on Saturday, with racers saying it suited mountain bikers rather than roadies (some steep descents in particular).

Most could ride the sand on Saturday, but Sunday’s course threw racers a curve — a sharp turn at the start of the sand. And wind was a factor on the long straightaways."

Niagara This Month: How to get over post-summer blues - thestar.com

"Lace up your sneakers on October 24, and take a run at what is reputed to be the only marathon in the world that begins in one country and finishes in another. Participants in the Niagara Falls International Marathon line up beside the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in downtown Buffalo and run their first 6.5 kilometres through that city’s remarkably lovely parklands, before crossing the Peace Bridge and heading into Fort Erie, Ontario. The course, which has hosted two men’s U.S. Olympic marathon trials (1980 and 1984), then continues along the Niagara Parkway and finishes at Niagara Falls. Ready to run? Visit www.niagarafallsmarathon.com."

Police cracking down on Welland area ATV riders - Welland Tribune - Ontario, CA

"Niagara Regional Police are targeting unlawful and unsafe operation of all-terrain vehicles and off-road vehicles in Welland, Wainfleet, Port Colborne and Pelham."

The most common offences are:

* Trespassing on private property such as railway allotments, parks and walking/cycling trails.

* Owner Operate Motor Vehicle on a Highway No Insurance. When an off road vehicle is driven on a roadway, it becomes a motor vehicle and the owner would be liable for a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $25,000. An off-road vehicle insured with off road insurance is uninsured when on a roadway.

No machine should be sold without a provincial pass allowing that rider to ride.

The Four Best Places in Ontario to View the Fall Colors

"Hike the Trails of Algonquin Park
According to Ontario Parks, the best and most brilliant fall colors are in the Algonquin area. World-famous Algonquin Park is in south-central Ontario about 300 km north-north-east of Toronto. It is a huge provincial park covering nearly 3000 square miles of land. At this time of year, visitors can camp, picnic and hike along its numerous walking trails. When the snow falls, consider dog sledding at Algonquin Provincial Park, as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping."

For the other 1996 places see: http://ontariotrails.on.ca

Green / Environmental Event: A Trail for Lake Erie - Open House and Workshop: Niagara, Dec 2

"'A Trail for Lake Erie' Open House and Workshop
Carolinian Canada Coalition - Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail

Explore with us!
Unique Opportunities for Trails, Nature and Eco-Tourism
Along the Shore of Lake Erie from Essex to Niagara

You are invited to attend our Lake Erie Coastal Stewardship Trail Open House and stay for a Workshop to make a lasting contribution."

durhamregion.com | Chickadee Trail construction needs volunteers

"Volunteers are needed to help put the final touches on the Lynde Shores Conservation Area Chickadee Trail.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation staff is looking for the help to finish the makeover project begun earlier this month. On Oct. 23, from 9 to 11 a.m., the team hopes to put the last touches on the trail by working with volunteers to construct a cedar rail fence and remove invasive plants. Work boots and work gloves are recommended."

Lots to do on Ontario trails

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62600&s=f68250105effb4efe5e78587ec116974&pagenumber=

Fall ATV Riding in Ontario's Near North

"We excitedly jumped on our Hondas and rode right through town until we hit the trails. It should be mentioned that the town of Mattawa is exceedingly ATV friendly, allowing ATVers to ride on public roads so long as they use proper hand signals and follow the rules of the road. Even local restaurants and accommodations welcome ATV riders with open arms. As Mattawa Voyageur Country Tourism Development Co-ordinator Mike Stiell tells us, it’s not uncommon to see a half dozen ATVs parked in front of a local restaurant."

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

Operation Impact - Midnorth Monitor - Ontario, CA

"However, 243 people have lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions so far this year on OPP patrolled roadways, in comparison to 236 in 2009.

As the popularity of all-terrain vehicle riding in Ontario continues to grow and although it's an exciting recreational activity for many, it is not without risk. During hunting season, the use of off-road vehicles in Ontario increases at this time of year. Therefore; officers will also be patrolling local area trails to ensure that riders complying with the legislation. As of October 3, 2010, 12 people have died in off-road related crashes this year in OPP patrolled jurisdictions as opposed to 20 in 2009."

Please be careful out there - expect and respect other users - Ontario Trails Council

Hilly Hundred donates to trail renovation - Bancroft This Week - Ontario, CA

"The Municipality of Hastings Highlands, in partnership with the Bancroft Broken Spokes Cycling Club and a government grant, were able to resurface a four-kilometre section of the Heritage Trail from Bancroft to the Y Road.


This trail is now hard packed and suitable for mountain bikes and cross bikes to cycle. We are very excited about this upgrade and intend to continue the work to resurface the Heritage Trail. The 64-kilometre Heritage Trail runs from Glenn Ross in the south to Lake St. Peter in the north. Trail development is an important part of promoting active healthy lifestyles for cyclists of all ages and abilities. It is hoped that by accessing the trail into Bancroft by bicycle that this will help make a safer bicycle route into Bancroft. The upgraded trail will also encourage visitors to cycle the trail to explore our region."