Ontario By Bike aims to connect biking enthusiasts with some awesome events, group rides and recommended trails for you to embrace this autumn. There is no better way to participate than via e-bike. There is still time to register for excursions in October, or, you can always head out and explore on your own, with some suggested key routes from BikeTrain Initiative.
The Bike Train Initiative introduces bike racks onboard select passenger rail trains (GO Transit, VIA Rail, Ontario Northland) to destinations across Ontario, making cycling holidays easy and accessible. All of Zygg’s E-bike models are permitted onboard. The programme is a project from “Transportation Options”, a non-profit organization dedicated to stimulating sustainable transportation and tourism. BikeTrain.ca has created an extensive backgrounder on their key routes still in full swing:
Toronto - Niagara Go Train Route has extra service on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays including Canadian Thanksgiving, of 4 scheduled trains per day, with three bike coaches, having a capacity for 18 bikes / ebikes. The trains leave Toronto Union Station and terminate at Niagara Falls Station with a few stops in between (like St. Catherine’s, Ontario). Once in Niagara, hop on the Niagara Recreational Trail, for 56 km of paved, off-road paths with scenic views of The Niagara Gorge, wineries, historic sites and the glorious Niagara Greenbelt.
Windsor-London-Toronto VIA Rail South-Western Route accommodates bike storage on rail-cars listed with “baggage cars”. Bikes/ ebikes must be bagged or boxed prior to main check in. The extra step is well worth the effort, as this route is chalk-full of vineyards, expert bird- watching sites, nature preserves, as well as historical, agricultural and cultural attractions.
Visit Ontario By Bike’s website for all the resources you need, ideas on great places to cycle, cycling maps and certified bicycle-friendly accommodations and business listings for these routes and many others across the province.
Some Highlighted Events:
BRUCE PENINSULA GRAVEL GRAN FONDO: October 3, 2021
Trek along back gravel roads in Bruce Peninsula from the Lion’s Head Lighthouse to the Cabot Head Lighthouse, and back.115km, 80km, 56km & 30km routes are available. This spectacular event is in support of the Bruce Peninsula ECO Adventures and Biosphere Association:
EVERESTING 2021: October 16, 2021
This is so cool! New Hope Community Bikes is hosting a cycling fundraiser in Hamilton with the goal for riders to equal the distance to the summit of Mount Everest (8,800m / 8.8km) as they ride up and down The Niagara Escarpment. The event will raise money for New Hope Community Bikes’ programming, including teaching children to ride, mentoring youth through skill development and making cycling accessible to vulnerable populations:
Gravelocity is a boutique, outdoor-adventure-touring company with a unique focus on cycling.
Upcoming three day trips include:
OCT 22-24 - PETERBOROUGH COUNTY : This “Tempo Tour”, for more experienced riders, will roll with an average speed of 22-29km/hr, covering distances of 65-100km/day through forests, fields and riverside. To register and for more information:
OCT 29-31 - OXFORD COUNTY TOUR :“ This is a slower, paced,“Social Tour” which snakes through “Amish Country”, with an average distance covered of 60-85 km/ day, with a very “chill” Day One. To register and for more information:
Cycle Canada is another solid resource with their calendar of rides and events for Ontario, including The Thousand Islands, Ottawa Loops, and into the Montreal Regions, several which are multi-day tours. It is never too soon to plan ahead, even for next season!