5 Peaks Trail Running Series at Terra Cotta - event in Ontario - MyOntarioInfo.com

"5 Peaks is the premier trail running company in Canada. Our goal is to provide an exciting atmosphere, a challenging course, a competitive field, and an amazing off road experience, all while practicing & promoting sound environmental ethics."

Headwaters Communities in Action - Active transportation meeting

Many thanks to the Headwaters Communities in Action Committee for having me as keynote speaker on Saturday past. Dufferin County has supported an Active Transportation Plan. The Ontario Trails Council supports this type of organization and local government support to physical activity, trail development and wellness. Follow the link for more information.

Rattray Marsh « The Lake Ontario waterfront trail

"It was a nice sunny morning. Sometimes watching a huge body of water glisten makes that realization set in a little differently. The trip to Rattray Marsh offered me my first glimpse of Lake Ontario.
 
The wooded area itself felt like a dry thicket. No smell of moisture in the soil. Somehow, having grown up in India, the idea of a marsh is like the mangroves of the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Humid, oppressive. Five foot-tall trees with expanded umbrellas of juicy, green leaves. Not like the Rattray Marsh. Here, it was warm, hot even, but breezy. No indication of moisture hung in the air. Tall, relatively thin-stumped trees, with dry branches jutting out in random directions before getting lost in the leafy confines of a neighbouring tree. And the forest floor covered in broken logs, ferns, and other grasses of varying heights."

County Cycling Trails, Welcome Cyclists, ATV and Snowmobile Trails- Eastern Ontario

"The County Trails - The County Trails in Lennox and Addington include nearly 600 kilometers of looping routes where you never retrace your path, yet are able to end where you began. While you explore these trails you experience the history, natural beauty, and serenity of the heart of the Land O' Lakes tourist region.
Stretching northward from the shore of Lake Ontario, the County Trails are well-maintained on county and select local roadways. As you travel, you will pass through rolling landscapes, towns, villages, and historical destinations commemorating the settlements of the United Empire Loyalists. You will see farmland where cattle graze, then minutes later witness a quick transition to rugged Canadian Shield. Evergreen and granite blend to offer the beauty that the Canadian Group of Seven artists painted over and over again.
Some trails are more challenging than others but all of our trails are well marked, easily accessible, and promise to be exciting. Whether you are in your car, walking, biking, or in-line skating, The County Trails are an ideal getaway for anyone seeking a day-long or extended excursion."

Off-leash dogs worry Quinte Conservation - Belleville Intelligencer - Ontario, CA

"Quinte Conservation is concerned about off-leash dogs at the Belleville non-profit organization conservation area, said general manager Terry Murphy.

The area is home to the popular Pooch Path -a 0.6-kilometer off-leash trail. Murphy said dogs must be leashed in the parking lot and on the other six kilometres of the trail.

'Dog owners who don't leash their pets in the parking lot and on the trails are making it very dangerous for other users of the Conservation Area,' said Murphy. 'Off-leash dogs have been a problem around the parking lot and office as well as on hiking trails. We've had recent complaints that large off-leash dogs are frightening other users of the trails.'"

OTC says - keep your dogs on a leash, unless you are in a solely dedicated dog park.

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."

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."

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."

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."