Saturday, November 13, 2010

Sudbury Sports News - Larry Berrio brings spotlight to snowmobiling in Sudbury

"Larry Berrio has been an avid snowmobiler for as long as he can remember. He can remember times in the past when Sudbury was a mecca of snowmobiling activity.

However, in the past decade, the activity has died down considerably. So the country music recording artist came up with an idea to revive the enthusiasm in the winter sport.

The Big Deal is a snowmobile poker run set to take place Feb. 19, 2011 on the paths of the Sudbury Trail Plan, ending with a dinner and concert by Berrio at the Garson Arena.

“Snowmobiling is a sport that's very popular in northern Ontario,” he said. “(The Big Deal) is going to be a big thing for Sudbury, let alone northern Ontario.”"

News Briefs - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA

"A one-day workshop on planning trail events is being offered by the Mattawa Voyageur Country Tourism Coalition.

The workshop, How to plan a suc- cessful trail event, is designed for trail groups, event planners, fundraisers and trail users.

Mattawa Voyageur Country wants to use the workshops to show how to use trails in the region with the hopes visitors will return.

Barrie Martin, co-founder of the Haliburton Highlands Trails and Tours Network, is guest speaker."

On the trail to funds, awareness - The Beacon Herald - Ontario, CA

"Calling all walkers, runners, bikers, inline skaters and cross- country skiers.

A march to promote a multi- use trail system (MUT) within natural areas starts at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Central secondary school track. It will follow T.J. Dolan Dr. into the T.J. Dolan Natural Area and along the proposed pathway of the multi-use trail. The march will end back at Central.

A citizens' group, calling itself the MUT council, is hoping to raise both awareness and funds to create paved trails in the park system."

Friday, November 12, 2010

The Urban Country - Bicycles Are Transportation: Safe Left Turns for Bicycles

"Left turns are one of the most dangerous manoeuvres to execute on a bicycle in North America. Of course, this doesn’t have to be the case. Many cities have engineered infrastructure to make left turns safe and comfortable for bicyclists.

But here in Toronto – and most other cities in North America – turning left legally is unsafe.

Here’s why: In order to make a legal left turn on a two-way street in Toronto, you must first merge from your normal riding position on the right side of the road to the left-most lane. This in itself can be dangerous and is unnecessary."

From Marshmallow Man to Ironman: Victoria Rail Trail (Lindsay to Haliburton, Ontario)

"The Victoria Rail Trail is an abandoned railway which has been transformed into a 90km recreational trail.

The main section runs from Lindsay to Haliburton along the former Victoria Railway right-of-way. There is another southern section that runs from Lindsay down to Bethany.

Along the way the trail crosses old railway trestles, goes by abandoned stations, and there's even a model railway museum in Kinmount. It's neat stuff if you are a train geek!"

Award for trails promotion - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA

"A promotional campaign showcasing 20 hiking trails and birding opportunities within the Grand River watershed, spearheaded by an area tourism consortium, has received an Ontario Tourism award for marketing initiative.

The Trails Take Flight promotion, aimed at linking the compatible activities of hiking and bird-watching, was produced in 2009 by Grand River Country, a partnership of municipalities along the Grand River, as well as the GRCA.

A campaign 'microsite' and brochure provided maps, detailed trail routes and descriptions, listings of bird species and birding trails adjacent to the Grand River.
The successful marketing campaign doubled visits to the main website at www.grandrivercountry.com.

The campaign was recently recognized at an annual Ontario Tourism Awards gala in Huntsville. The municipal marketing partnership of Grand River Country received an award for the best marketing initiative under $25,000."

Great Waterfront Trail Adventure | Bike Events T.O.

"Date:  Saturday, July 2, 2011 - 08:30 - Saturday, July 9, 2011 - 12:30
A fully supported recreational bike ride on Ontario's Waterfront Trail. Visit all 41 communities connected together by the 730 Waterfront Trail stretching along the Canadian Shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Ride though wetlands, white pine forest stands, fields, meadows and vibrant cities and quaint heritage towns. Tour carries luggage from town to town while you ride. Communities warmly welcome participants at rest stops and overnight stays. This is not a fundraiser but there is a registration fee to cover operational costs. Can't do eight days? Try the 6-day option leaving from Toronto on July 4th."

The Healing Benefits Of Therapeutic Horseback Riding

"The motion of a horse rhythmically and gently moves the rider's body in a manner that mimics the sensation of walking. For riders with physical disabilities, this has been shown to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination. Riders demonstrate improved pelvic and spine mobility, better postural control, enhanced range of motion, and increased physical stamina. Horseback riding provides physical independence and freedom along with trust and friendship between the rider and horse for increased self-confidence."

Happy trails to you — Walking route named after outgoing Hilton Township Mayor Jim See celebrates effort to get project off ground - The Sault Star - Ontario, CA

"Mayor Jim See will go out with a stroll.

Council has named a walking trail in the township and the Village of Hilton Beach after the outgoing politician.

The route, which for years has been a dream of See's — first while as a councillor and then as mayor — will be known as the The James See Walking Trail.


Coun. Pat Garside presented See with a framed picture of the announcement that the trail was now open and doing business. See said he was honoured by the tribute, and would remember it for the rest of his life."

Explore the Trails: Snowmobiling in Algoma Algoma Country, Northern Ontario, Canada

"Ontario’s Algoma Country is a diverse snowmobile region that gives snowmobilers 2,000 miles of trails to explore. Our region loves snowmobiling; we offer well-groomed trails, inviting accommodations and friendly Northern hospitality to visiting snowmobilers. The following 5-day itinerary lays out a trip to remote northern trails, as well as local."

Over 150 Exhibitors Expected at Toronto Show - Motorcycle

"From December 10-12 the Toronto Motorcycle Show, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, will once again kick off the cross-Canada tour of seven motorcycle and ATV shows run jointly by Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council (MMIC) and the Canadian Off-Highway Vehicle Distributors Council (COHV). Show organizers are expecting over 150 exhibitors this year at the only Ontario event where the industry’s major manufacturers exclusively showcase their new model lineups. Visitors can expect to see the latest machines, accessories and gear from companies such as BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Hyosung, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha."

ATV PATROLS WELL RECEIVED AMONG HUNTERS - Dunnville Chronicle - Ontario, CA

"Over the past week many heads have turned in Haldimand County and it was the hunters who looked like deer caught in the headlights.

The Haldimand County OPP detachment put their newly acquired All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) to good use patrolling Haldimand County checking deer hunter's documents and ensuring that hunters respected private property. While only one hunter has been charged to date, the ATV patrols were well received by both the hunting community and citizens of Haldimand County. The ATVs allow officers to travel vast distances of rugged terrain with ease, as such they are able to find the hunters who are often well back from the roads and usually in forested areas.
Detachment Commander John Periversoff says that, 'In years past the OPP had received reports that individuals had been discharging firearms and trespassing on private property illegally. With the community identifying this as a serious issue and with the recent acquisition of the ATV's we were in an optimal position to begin this proactive patrol.'"

Your horseback riding adventure is near Toronto, Hamilton, Oakville, and  Niagara, Ontario and next to Buffalo, Western New York. Directions - HorsePlay Niagara

"Trail riding just 90 minutes from Toronto, we are conveniently located in Niagara, along Lake Erie just minutes from Long Beach, Sherkston, Port Colborne, and Welland.  We are a short 30 minute drive from St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. Grimsby and  Hamilton are 45 minutes, Oakville is 60 minutes and from the Exhibition grounds in Toronto we are a 90 minute drive. Kitchener and Waterloo are 90 minutes and London is 2 hours.   For our visitors from  Western New York, we are a 30 minute drive from the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, Western New York and Fort Erie. Trail Rides are open daily."

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Take the Lane: Cities need to give cyclists a better deal

"Toronto Star columnist Joe Fiorito has done a nicely reasoned column about why cyclists should be getting a better deal from Toronto planners, although it can apply equally well to any municipal government.

I esp. like the last line: 'All I'm saying is we ought to pay a little more attention to bike riders in this city because right now, there are far too many motorists on the gravy train.' Yeah, it's a shot at Mayor Auto, but at its essence, it is so true."

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Sault Ste. Marie Green Pages on SooToday.com

"TORONTO (November 9) - Support for the Greenbelt has become so great, it is becoming a cherished part of the Ontario identity.

A recent study by Environics examines the growing relationship between Ontarians and the Greenbelt.

It discovered an overwhelming nine out of 10 people agree that the greenbelt is one of the most important contributions to the future of our province, and over half say that the Greenbelt is extremely important to them personally.

'I am overwhelmed that Ontarians have taken such a convincing stand on the Greenbelt,' said Burkhard Mausberg, president of Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.

Even in hard economic times, 88 percent of people agreed that upholding environmental policy is important."

Government of Canada Supports National Historic Sites Alliance for Ontario | Benzinga.com

"OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 9, 2010) - The Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced that the Government of Canada, through Parks Canada, will help the National Historic Sites Alliance for Ontario with the development of training activities and communication tools for its members.

'I am pleased to announce that our Government, through Parks Canada, is investing up to $50,000 to enable the National Historic Sites Alliance for Ontario to create communication and education products that will foster public understanding about the importance of protecting and presenting Canada's national historic sites for present and future generations,' said Minister Baird."

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

How to Identify a Canadian Cyclist | Ontario Cyclist

"So how do you identify a real Canadian cyclist?

Canadians always stop at Tim Horton’s for a coffee, eh. Yes, we know that coffee is not the best beverage for a cyclist but we need our Timmy’s fix, eh.

Canadian cyclists have been known to wear Toronto Maple Leaf jerseys instead of their cycling jerseys.

Canadians cycle farther than Americans. We do this by counting distances in kilometers instead of miles.

Canadian cyclists have to dodge trees on their bicycle paths placed by aggressive beavers (yes it really happened to me this year), eh.

Canadians say “eh” a lot."

Honda Fall Excursion Contest Has Ontario Outdoors Enthusiasts Facebooking

"'What could be better than being on a guided tour on Honda ATVs, in late autumn, in beautiful Muskoka, Ontario?' Derek Verheyen wonders. The Central Zone Sales Supervisor of Honda Canada Inc. answers his own question.

'Having someone else pay for it, and taking a buddy with you.'

Mr. Verheyen is referring to the Honda Fall Excursions promotion. In December some lucky participant will win an adventure for two, zipping around the Parry Sound area with experienced local ATV guides from Bear Claw Tours."

Brant County - Company Report - Energy Digital

"The communities have embraced the idea of green energy. When the county announced the Green Accord and the Green Energy Hub, overwhelming support erupted from the press and the community. “It was truly wonderful to see the councils of the various municipalities and territories almost unanimously support the initiative. It’s almost to the point where you see a hunger by the councils and by the people to ignore their geographical boundaries, which tend to limit the thinking, to a broader, wider thinking and initiatives,” says Mayor Eddy. “We cannot continue in our province to be isolated communities.”

The county’s location—a rural area near a large city—along with reasonable housing prices make it attractive for industries to offer a great quality of life for their employees. The area benefits from an extensive trail system that is accessible across the region. The trails are paved, making it easy for families, cyclists and those in wheelchairs to enjoy the outdoors. The Grand River offers opportunities for kayaking and fly fishing."

Kate Pace Way work trails on - The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA

"Construction to extend the Kate Pace Way along Booth Road should be completed midway through the month, says a city official.

We will get all the paving done this year. We might have touch-ups to do in ditches next year to get them grassed and those types of things, but we are on schedule to get the asphalt down,' said Ian Kilgour, the city's director of parks, recreation and leisure services.


The $1.25-million project will extend the recreational trail from Marshall Avenue along Booth Road to Lakeshore Drive. Trans-Canada Trails covered $300,000 of the cost through Discovery Routes."