Oak Ridges Corridor Trail and Lake Wilcox Park

This past weekend, I had two hours to spare after dropping my son off at a birthday party, so I took the opportunity to explore Richmond Hill by bike.  The Town of Richmond Hill has perhaps the most connected bike network of the nine municipalities in York Region.  Among the highlights of my tour was the Oak Ridges Corridor Park, a wonderful place to enjoy nature.

Here's the view from my bike...




After exiting the trail, I happened upon the newly renovated Lake Wilcox Park.  Wow! What an incredible public space.  Definitely worth checking out.  And yes, I did order ice cream at the end of the video.  Is there anything better than combining cycling and ice cream?!

Cruisin' the Holland Marsh

On the morning of Saturday, May 2nd, I did my first ride with the Toronto Bicycling Network.  It was one of their morning cruiser rides, this one through "Ontario's vegetable patch", the agricultural and wetland area known as Holland Marsh.  I was late for the start, but did manage to catch up to some TBN members during the 75 km ride.  Starting at King City Arena, I headed north on Keele along rolling hills and scenic countryside.  North of Highway 9, I entered the Holland Marsh area where there were endless farms with rich organic soil.  One of the first attractions I came across was Holland Marsh Wineries.  If I had more time, I would have stopped.  I'll have to come back!  The sights and smells of the Marsh gave me a deeper connection to where my food comes from, and it seemed fitting to experience it by bike.

King Road

Some roadside chickens

Canal Road.  There was a race on the canal called the Marsh Mash, and it was a treat to watch over a hundred people in kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards go by me while I rode alongside the canal.

Farmers market and garden centre along Hwy 9, east of Rupke Road.

Historic Plaque of Toronto Carrying Place

Here's the route.  Holland Marsh is really a unique and fascinating place, and very bike-friendly!