Toronto Bent Cycling News & Events

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The 2010 Bike Train season is upon us again.

Saturday March 13. Many cyclists are getting ready hopped aboard the Bike Train for easy access to cycling routes in the Niagara Region. This year, new "pilot" routes will bring riders to more areas across Southwestern and Northern Ontario.

The Bike Train -- developed by Toronto cyclist Justin Lafontaine and launched in partnership with VIA Rail between Toronto and Niagara two years ago -- is a fun, economic and environmentally friendly way to enjoy a cycling getaway.

This summer, the initiative connects Toronto with destinations across Ontario, providing cyclists of all abilities easy access to the Greenbelt, wine and culinary regions, and northern lakes and forests. As well, there are off-the-beaten-path villages, world-renowned natural and historical sites, and thousands of kilometres of recreational trails and on-road cycling routes.

The Toronto-Niagara Greenbelt Express, offered on eight weekends starting June 26 through to October, includes stops in Toronto, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. The Niagara Falls train station is just a block from the Niagara River Recreation Trail, a mainly off-road 56-km paved path. Cycle north on a scenic 20-km ride to the Niagara Gorge, wineries and Niagara-on-the-Lake. To the south, the trail passes the Falls and Fort Erie.

There are also hotels offering bike storage for cyclists and some giving Bike Train special rates. These include Best Western Fallsview Hotel, Lodge Inn and Suites, and Quality Fireside Hotel, all in Niagara Falls. Brock University in St. Catharines has rooms at "affordable" rates in a park-like setting through the summer.

New this year is the Ontario North Bike Train, a pilot project with Ontario Northland Railway from Toronto to North Bay on Aug. 7-10. These trails and roads take riders past lakes, bogs and Northen communities.

"As for new routes, we have proposed to VIA Rail to organize a Southwestern Ontario Bike Train pilot to Windsor," Lipscombe says. This test project would allow Bike Train passengers to get on the train in Toronto and get off in Windsor to explore Essex County, Point Pelee, Pelee Island and Windsor.

Now it has become a project of Transportation Options, a non-profit organization dedicated to stimulating sustainable systems of transportation. Funding comes from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Government and Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation, with support by more than 30 organizations and businesses. To date, 1,000 passengers have climbed on board.

"The Bike Train is helping both cyclists and drivers alike, getting cars off the roads and giving more options for vacations and staycations," Lipscombe said.

For more on Bike Train schedules, tickets and updates, contact biketrain.ca or 1-866-333-4491. Tickets for the Toronto-Niagara Greenbelt Express are $62 return or $31 one-way with no charge for children to age 11. The Ontario North Bike Train weekend, Toronto-North Bay, is $153 return and has a capacity of 56 passengers. For more information, visit www.biketrain.ca

Niagara boasts some of the prettiest cycling routes in Ontario

Hi my name is Michelle Duval and I am one of the Restaurant Managers for Inn On the Twenty Restaurant associated with Cave Spring Cellars in Jordan, Ontario. We are contacting cycling clubs to introduce ourselves and to highlight the wonderful opportunities that Niagara has to offer to cyclists. As you are probably aware, Niagara boasts some of the prettiest cycling routes in Ontario. As a small town in the midst of this activity, Jordan and particularly Inn On the Twenty has much to offer cyclists while keeping in mind budgets, time constraints and food requirements.

Some suggestions are:

• 
  Picnic lunches in our vineyards, equipped with indoor washrooms and a magnificent view of the Toronto across the lake
  Patio or indoor dining at the Jordan House - affordable meals in a casual setting with a secure bike locking area
  Patio or indoor dining at Inn On the Twenty - group meals to meet your budget either in a private dining room or on our patio (also with a secure bike locking area)
  Cave Spring Cellars tour - included in your group lunch or on it's own as a stop in you itinerary
  Affordable Overnight Accommodations allowing you two days of cycling in Niagara with a secure indoor bike locking area
  
  We hope that this information may be of use to you and if so, we look forward to providing you more detailed information.
  Sincerely, Michelle Duval innonthetwenty.com |jordanhouse.ca (905) 562-7313
  

Spring Cycling Tips

Saturday March 13, 2010. It's been a long winter, and it's probably been a longer time since you thought about putting on your shorts or short-sleeved shirts and getting out into the sunshine. But right around mid-May, you start to think about heading back to the gym -- just in time for Spring.

The long, cold nights of winter that zapped your motivation to get healthier and into better shape are over. Springtime is here, and this time of year energizes everyone. Couch potatoes, arise! Buckle down and get into your 'I need to get moving' mindset!

In order to lose weight, have more energy and be more active you need to choose a time and jump right in. Start now -- during the Spring months -- and you'll have plenty of time to get into great Summer shape. Truly motivated and inspired individuals (like you!) will head outside or jump on the treadmill now while Spring fever is just starting to rise. Jump ahead of the rest of the crowd and start your workouts before the gym gets busy with the 'Quick! It's-almost-time-to-put-on-a-swimsuit!' crowd.

When you start your transformation in the Spring, you will have fewer distractions at the gym, better access to the machines, and won't have to wait in lines to get your workouts finished. If you have a busy schedule and a very little time to work out, the time benefits of getting started now will not only help you to get your workouts in, but will also establish a habit that will last you through the Spring and Summer seasons.

And you might be surprised to find that the time you spend working out can actually save you time in your day. A good workout can offer a tremendous amount of stress relief, and an opportunity to clear your head and establish your priorities for the day. Many people forget how important it is to take care of your physical health in order to keep your mental self in top working order.

Not a fan of working out at a gym? Spring is the perfect time to get out, get active, and be part of your community. Pick a walking, cycling or running route that gives you a clear view on the re-awakening of your surroundings. Sometime we feel like bears, newly awakened after hibernating all winter. A few good workouts can help you break through that sleepy, lethargic feeling.

So get on out there! Spring is a time of renewal and energy -- contribute your own renewal to this bright, new season!

Gay West Bicycle Club - Season Opening in Sunday April 25, 2010. The Don Valley Bike Tour - 26K.

For you Eastenders a Tour starting out somewhere on the Lakeshore and then cycling through Don Valley Parklands. Sunnybrook/Don Valley - Almost all of the route is paved. Some street riding, but two-thirds of the route is on bike paths and half is in ravines. The trails are in the section of the Don Valley Ravine that stretches from the Don Valley Brickworks in the south to Thornhill Park in the north. There are some good sections of single track and the sides of the ravine offer some interesting climbs and descents. Some north shore style elements have been built in some areas, some are pretty good and some suck. Don't ride these trails when it's wet. (Trail Rules) 26km. Then we headed back, down through the park trail, to some queer bar or cafe for the usual munchies and liquids. Michael (Team Leader torontodigitalq@yahoo.ca 416-879-7954) is still working on the details. Other riders are welcome to suggest a different ride less strenous, say up the Humber Trail or to Port Credit..Join our Yahoo Club, to get on mailing list ( currently 25 members) Don Valley Bike Path - Map www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Don-Valley-Gardiner-to-Steeles

6th ANNUAL TORONTO PRIDE RIDE 2010 - Queers on Gears having fun. Critical Mass Bike Ride.

Sunday June 27, 2010 - 6th Annual 54K QWF Toronto Pride Ride, Hosted by the Gay West Bicycle Club Leisurely tour along Toronto's waterfront from Sunnyside to Port Credit with today's ride leader Michel Paré. We meet at Colborne Lodge Drive and Queensway at 12 Noon. Cycle across to Martin Goodman Trail and head West along the Waterfront Trail through Colonel Sam Smith Park over to Marie Curtis Park to Port Credit avoiding Highway Two except for slight jog at Long Branch. A 54K excursion exploring the parks and river banks of western Toronto (Stopping for libations, lunch and gossip before heading home) About a 3 hour trip. Dress up. Decorated your bike win a prize. We are the largest Gay and Lesbian cycling club in Eastern Canada. Now in it's eight year.

Write: torontodigitalq@yahoo.ca 416-879-7954 There are 60 LGBTQ members all ages, in our cycling club. Helmets are recommended for all rides. Mandatory for those under 18. Out of town visitors, welcome to cycle in this event. This is a FREE event, no membership fees to cycle with us today.

A Small story about Gay West Bicycle Club in Dandyhorse Cycle Magazine in "PDF format" issue No. 3, Summer 2009

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2009 - GAY WEST BICYCLE CLUB - TORONTO ISLAND TOUR -

There was eight riders on the Gay West Bicycle Club ride today (A short run about 15K, from Noon to 4 pm with a few rest stops, sightseeing and munchies), 5 guys, three women were on the tour lead by Michael. Peter a new guy joined us at the docks. Lots of camaradiere between the genders and some teasing when two of the boys decided to do nude beach at Hanlans Point. The feedback I got was, everyone had a wonder afternoon. Looking forward to next several trips. Two guys just saw announcement on QW website, others that came belong to our Facebook groups; Darin and Myself are from yahoo group. We did High Park to docks, Wards to Hanlans then back to Centre island for bit to eat then home, one flat tire reported (Michel F. Paré)

MONDAY OCTOBER 12, 2009 - GAY WEST BICYCLE CLUB - FALL COLOUR TOUR - LAST RIDE OF THE SEASON

A final ride for the season which started and ended at the 519 Community Centre on Church St. Riding through Rosedale, across the City, down the Humber and back along the Waterfront. Leading was Tony F. from the Toronto Out and Out Club. The Ride duration and tempo was not suitable for beginners. It allowed us to enjoy the last of the fall colours. There were 5 of us for the fall colour cycle October 12 and it took about 3 1/4 hours, it was rather cold and rainy day to chilly for an outdoor lunch break. No one brought a camera, so no pictures to share. We did see some wonderful colours though many trees had not changed yet and we saw people fishing for salmon in the Humber River and we saw one that was caught that weighed at least 25 pounds.

There were many Gay West Club rides in 2009, almost every Thursday evening thoughout the summer months, some by oursleves or with Rui Pimenta's Spin Gallery Bicycle Tours. More than 50 of us met at Trinity Bellwoods Park by the Queen St. West gate (@ Strachan) between 6:30 - 7 pm. The tours started at 7 pm, the whole thing wrapped up by around 9:30 pm., a lovely way to spend a summer evening

How you can get your Bicycle ready for Spring & Summer Riding

Toronto professional bike assembler Dave Macleod offers some advice on how to make it road-worthy ourselves.