Do it for safer cycling!!

If you believe Ontario needs safer cycling then you should be cycling in Greg's Ride.

Greg's Ride in support of Share the Road

When: 10:00 am, Sunday, September 29th, 2013
Where: Kelso Conservation Area ( 5234 Kelso Road, Milton, ON, L9T 2X7).

Ride begins at 10 a.m., rain or shine. Registration opens at 8:30 am

About the Ride
In June 2006, OPP Sgt. Greg Stobbart was hit by a truck as he rode his bike on a rural road, training for an upcoming event.  He died as a result of his injuries.
Each year, Eleanor McMahon, Greg’s wife, has organized “Greg’s Ride” to remember Greg, to remind us all to “share the road”, and to raise funds for the cycling coalition she founded and leads, Share The Road.  This year marks the 8th year for Greg’s Ride, which has been generously supported by several sponsors, notably Racer Sportif.

By participating in Greg’s Ride, you will join fellow cyclists from all over Ontario and beyond to deliver a powerful message:  we must all work together – motorists, cyclists and pedestrians – to be aware of one another and travel safely on our roads together.  You are also supporting Share the Road, as it pursues its mission with vigour:  making Ontario “bicycle friendly for all of us, and increasing awareness of the value and the importance of safe bicycling for healthy lifestyles, a more vibrant environment and sustainable communities.  Join us!

Registration depends on the length of your ride.
$100.00 to ride the 100km route (50km route x 2)
$ 60.00 for the 50km route
$ 40.00 for the 30km route.  Children between 12 and under are free when registered and accompanied by and adult.

On Saturday Sept. 28th bring the kids to Oakville and enjoy the Family Fundo.
Registration and Fundo details here.

Do it for safer cycling.  Do it for yourself and those you love.  Join us.  Thanks.

Its a wonderful time of year!!!

MEC Sat. morning riders at Cafe
Domestiques in Dundas.

Saturday mornings, you'll find me riding with a fabulous group of cyclists all all ages.  While riding we support each other, we pace and challenge each other and we reach new heights!  It's a lot of fun and you're welcome to join our band of merry cyclists.  10am Saturdays at MEC in Burlington.

It's always a delight cycling in nice weather but September is the best time to cycle in our area.  Sunny days, cooler weather and changing colours make it a wonderful time of year!

It also brings out all the great cycling events in our area.  Here's what you need to know:

1.  The City of Burlington has posted a cycling survey and is looking for your feedback to make cycling safer and better.  Click on the link to add your input.  Don't be shy to mention your wish list.  We need a connected network of bike lanes.  We need safer ways to get across the QEW, 403 and 407.  And how about a better way to get across the canal life bridge.  Cycling across the bridge deck is dangerous with the morning dew on the bridge deck.

2.  Epic Tour Halton - Sunday September 8, 2013.  With routes of 140km, 80km, 50km and a family ride of 10km you'll discover the beauty of Halton cycling in the fall.  You can ride at your own speed.  Police & volunteers limit vehicle access to the route.  There will be washrooms, mechanical support, a party at the finish line and a lot of cycling fun.  Details.

3. Inaugural GranFondo Niagara - Saturday September 14, 2013.  Granfondos are mass participation cycling events that have enjoyed incredible popularity in Europe for decades and are gaining momentum in North America.  Loosely translated from Italian, gran fondo means "big ride". These rides are often a hundred kilometres or more and designed for a large number of cyclists at a variety of skill levels - everyone from the competitive cyclist to the amateur enjoy these events.  

Fees include a dedicated lane for the entire ride, rest stops, mechanical & medical support, sag wagon, secured bike parking and post-ride entertainment.  Details.


4. Tour de Mississauga - Sunday September 15, 2013.  Last year  ~1,600 cyclists of all ages and skills levels participated in this great FREE!! event.  Well marked rides exploring Mississauga followed by an Après-cycle with food, drinks, donuts and music at Centennial Square.  It's a great event.  Fun for everyone and a great way to see Mississauga from bike.  Details.

5. Ride in Memory of Greg - Sunday September 29, 2013 - Milton.  Share the Road Cycling Coalition (STR) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making cycling safer in Ontario.  STR has provided input into the new Ontario Bike Policy and recognizes communities that promote safe cycling by awarding Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum awards.  This ride supports the work of STR.  If you want to have a great time and support safer cycling, this is the event for you.  Varying ride lengths and a Family Fundo for the kids.  A post ride celebration is also included at Kelso Conservation Park.  Details.

If you've never cycled in a pack before, now is the time to discover what you've been missing - the camaraderie, challenge and just fun being with people who share your joy & passion for cycling.  I hope you take advantage this September.