Do More on the Shore Ezine

An Ezine Produced by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust

CIBC* COIPThe waterfront municipalities of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, conservation authorities and community groupsThe Eastern Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Waterfront Working Group* MapArt* DunmapOntario Ministry of Health Promotion Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee* St. Lawrence Cement* Tilley Endurables

March 2009

IN THIS ISSUE:

Great Waterfront Trail Adventure Family Option
Toronto and Montreal Bike Shows
Volunteers Needed to Drive Support vehicles
Bike Train Updates
End-to-End Walk of the Oak Ridges Trail
Other Great Trails Of the World
Upcoming Events

GREAT WATERFRONT TRAIL ADVENTURE FAMILY OPTION

Family Option for 09! - One Night Family Adventure-- Burlington to Pickering with overnight at Fort York!

Sunday July 5 to Monday July 6, 2009
100 km, 5 communities, 3 marshes, 2 days
Registration limited to 40 participants
Registration Fee for One Night Family Adventure: 2 youth/2 adults $250, children 10 and under Free

For 2009, we have created a new family friendly “One Night Adventure” option as a way to make the Adventure even more accessible to families who want to experience what the waterfront communities have to offer.

The One Night Family Adventure begins with the arrival of participants in Burlington via the GO Train, followed by a ride through the waterfront community’s to the overnight stop at Fort York. All participants will receive day passes to Ontario Place as part of this ride. The following morning, riders will make their way into Pickering for a wrap up of the 2 day celebration. The details surrounding this exciting ride are available on our website and will be promoted at the Bike Show. For more information go to “What’s New” on the GWTA website; www.waterfronttrail.org/gwta_web

TORONTO BIKE SHOW MARCH 13-15

Make sure that you stop by and say hello at the Trust’s display at the Toronto International Bike Show this weekend (March 13-15) at the Direct Energy Centre in the Exhibition grounds.

Last month, the Trust attended the Montreal Salon du Velo Expodium. Given the great interest shown in the GWTA, we all should get a great chance to dust off our high-school French as we welcome new riders from Quebec! Thank you to Alain Gauthier (GWTA guide in 08) and his wife Sylvie for all their help in Montreal!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are looking for volunteers for July 3rd to 11th, to drive support, and/or a 20’ luggage vehicle from Niagara to Cornwall return. Applicants must be at least 25 years old with a valid driver’s license, possess a solid understanding of logistics, and enjoy a festive atmosphere! If you or someone you know would like to join us, or for more information please contact Ian at il@wrtrust.com.

BIKE TRAIN UPDATES:

The Bike Train Initiative is building on its success with the launch of new pilot routes across Ontario for 2009. The award-winning project introduced bike racks onboard select VIA Rail departures between Toronto and Niagara Falls in 2007, and more than doubled the number of passengers last year. The Bike Train seamlessly integrates train travel with cycling by adding bike racks, knowledgeable staff and useful information onboard.

The new Bike Train routes will connect Toronto with cycle tourism destinations in Eastern, Northern and Southwestern Ontario, while the popular Greenbelt Express will continue to offer departures between Toronto and Niagara. The 2009 schedule will include departures from June to October. Check the Bike Train website for information and updates: www.biketrain.ca.

END-TO-END WALK OF THE OAK RIDGES TRAIL

Between Friday, April 24 and Saturday, May 2, 2009, ORTA's Executive Director, “Hiker Harold” Sellers will be walking the Oak Ridges Trail, end to end, over these nine consecutive days.
Each day Harold will walk a section of the trail, from Palgrave to Gore's Landing, a total distance of 213.5 km. Daily distances range from 17.5 to 27 km.

Members, supporters and friends are invited to make a pledge. Harold’s goal is to raise $100 for every kilometre he walks. That would be a total sum of $21,350!

Pledges may be made by cheque to ORTA or online, using your credit card. See www.oakridgestrail.org or www.moraineadventure.com. Tax receipts will be given for amounts over $10.

OTHER GREAT TRAILS OF THE WORLD:

With the festive occasion of St. Patrick’s Day in the month of March it became obvious that there was only one choice for this edition of “OTW”...Ireland! A country known for leprechauns, music, Guinness and cycling...Unlike previous editions, we are not looking at a specific trail, but rather a country that is a cyclist’s dream....if you enjoy hills, and taverns. The sites below offer profiles of rides, cue sheets, and details of some of the fantastic rides that can be done in the Emerald Isle.
Happy St. Patty’s Day!!

http://www.paulkavanagh.info/routes.htm
http://www.kelloggs.ie/cyclometer/cycle-routes-ireland.aspx

UPCOMING EVENTS: TAPPING INTO SPRING

Depending on where you will be this March, there are a couple of opportunities to enjoy the first taste of Spring...Maple Syrup!

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority's Annual Maple Syrup Festival:
Where: Purple Woods Conservation Area in Oshawa.
When: March Break: March 14 to 22; Weekends: March 28,29 & April 4,5

A visit to the Festival makes a great family outing! http://www.cloca.com/msf/index.html

Maple in the County:
Where: Prince Edward County – see website for schedule and details
When: Friday March 28th - Saturday March 29th

Check out Prince Edward County's sweetest tradition, a self-guided two-day adventure celebrating the arrival of spring and the first harvest of the year--maple syrup. Enjoy wagon rides, French Canadian Music, and a pancake breakfast along with 5000 locals and visitors enjoying golden syrup.
http://www.mapleinthecounty.ca/

If you have any questions or would like to contribute to this Ezine, please contact Ian at:
il@wrtrust.com
416-943-8080
372 Richmond Street West, Suite 308
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 1X6

WARNING: The information and suggestions in this newsletter have been developed to assist Trail users in planning both their recreational and commuting trips along the Waterfront Trail. It mentions signed routes of the Trail, as well as possible routes and connections in areas where routes have not yet been designated as part of the Waterfront Trail. The possible routes and connections have been identified in consultation with the municipalities and Conservation Authorities of Lake Ontario and from Trail users. Some of these possible routes and connections may not be ideal for cycling, in-line skating, or hiking. They may be unsuitable for some Trail users because of the close proximity to vehicular traffic or unsuitable trail surface. Whenever possible, indicators have been placed on the maps to warn of caution areas. However, be prepared to make your own evaluation of traffic, trail and road conditions, and plan routes appropriate to your riding, in line skating, and hiking skills and your comfort level. This newsletter is not intended as a guide for children.