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Toronto Gay & Lesbian Cycling News & Events


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Queer in the City cycling picture

OUTeXpressions Newspaper, a social enterprise of QueerWest.org. Located in edgy, artsy, booming Queer West Village, which has room for everyone: Hot indie music scenes, celebrity-chic shopping, all-night dance parties and an uber-cool mixed crowd. We are an Exclusive Media Publication. Listing only the hottest happenings, in the coolest places. Girlsport.com Montreal: 2010 "Calling itself Toronto's second gay village, the city’s west end is an Absolute Hothouse for LGBT life. In recent years tons of hip bars / restos / shops that cater to or favour a homo clientele have opened up shop, and you’ll find them all via QueerWest.org. Their listings section is excellent!

OuteXpressions has been tearing up gay Toronto for 10 years, finding cool stuff, we think you'll enjoy. Copyrighted 2010. All Rights Reserved. Masthead Get our Free: Bent eBlast Hey! Get Social. You can now join us on Twitter Contact: Michel outexpressions@gmail.com

 

GAY CYCLING NEWS AND EVENT LISTINGS - SHOTGUN REVIEWS - HOT PARTIES, HOT SHOWS and HOT SPOTS IN QUEER TORONTO See Also | Films, Festivals and Art | Theatre Events | Weekly & Monthly Events | Queer West Events | Gay West Bicycle Club Events | What's in Queer Toronto Today? | Queer West Arts Festival 2010

Sunday June 20 - Peter Marczyk, GWBIKECLUB alternative ride leader will be organizing Sunday afternoon June 20th ride, the plan is to have one of two rides a week, till September. Details TBA

Queer West Fest - Gallery Spin Tour & Pride Ride

Thursday August 12 - Gallery Spin Tour of 6 art galleries and exhibition. Organized by the Gay West Bicycle Club 7pm to 9:30pm (Tour Leader Rui Pimenta)

Sunday August 15 - 6th annual Gay West Bicycle Club's 54k Toronto Pride Ride. As one of two of the events in the 2010 5th Annual Queer West Arts & Culture Festival running August 7 to 15. http://www.queerwest.org/queerwestfest_official_events.php

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 picture

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!

 

The 5th Annual Pride Ride 2009

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

Sunday August 15, 2010 - 6th Annual 54K Queer West Arts Festival Pride Ride, Hosted by the Gay West Bicycle Club Pride in our queer west Toronto Community.

Leisurely tour along Toronto's waterfront from West Toronto to Port Credit with today's ride leader Michel Paré. We meet at 220 Cowan Avenue in front of the Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre at 12 Noon.

Route: From Cowan Avenue, we cycle along to Queen West and over to High Park. 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 About a 3 hour trip. Dress up. Decorated your bike win a prize.

This event ends around 3 - 3:30 PM at the Parkdale Queer Youth and Young Adult Festival hosted by shOUT! An Outdoor Park Picnic which includes Mix and Mingle Community Street Fair & Craft Tables Available (Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre & Parkette)

Write: torontodigitalq@yahoo.ca 416-879-7954 There are 76 LGBTQ members all ages, in our cycling club as of April 26, 2010. Helmets are recommended for all rides. 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


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West Toronto Railpath for the Cyclists in all of us.....

A Happy Good Moring Ride.....

The West Toronto Railpath Park (Opened Friday, October 30, 2009) a new 2.1 kilometre multi-use trail that is perfect for cyclists, joggers, and people out for a early morning stroll. Travelling alongside the railway corridor, it features extensive naturalized landscaping to create an appealing public space. It also follows the train tracks and runs in behind some old warehouses, many outside building walls, are decorated with colourful artistc grafitti. The Railpath runs from 1900 Dundas W. Social Services offices (one block west of Lansdowne, north side) to be exact, north to Wallace Avenue in the Junction. The next phase to be built, is south to around Bathurst and Front St. I have ridden this trail many times. (Michel)

More Info & Map on the Railpath- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Toronto_RailPath




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