Greenbelt Route launches Aug 16th: York Region highlights

Last week, I was fortunate to join 130 cyclists from cities across North America to participate in the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure - Greenbelt Edition.  The Greenbelt Route, a 475 km cycling route from Northumberland County to Niagara Region, has now launched.  I rode the two days through York Region and had a fantastic cycling adventure exploring the countryside and it's communities along the way.

"After three years of planning alongside the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and in collaboration with 27 partner communities, the official launch of the Route is a spectacular milestone. More than 1,100 signs are up, the Route is mapped, the website is live, and all in time for last week's inaugural six-day ride celebrating 10 years of Ontario's Greenbelt." 

http://www.greenbelt.ca/greenbelt_route_making_headlines_2015

• Learn more about what the Greenbelt Route in York Region
• Tales from York Region: Five things to do along Greenbelt Route
• Landmark sign erected along Greenbelt Route in King
• Tips for riding the Greenbelt Route

Here are a few highlights:

Whitchurch-Stouffville

• Right in the heart of Memorial Park is the Whitchurch-Stouffville Leisure Centre (a good rest stop)
• Stouffville Main Street offers many shopping opportunities as well as food stops like the Earl of Whitchurch Pub
• Galluci Winery is directly on the Greenbelt Route, on Ninth Line, as is Timber Creek Golf and Family Fun Centre
• The Route passes Musselman's Lake with a ice cream shop, Belgian Chocolates as well as Fishbones Restaurant, with a patio overlooking the lake.

Aurora

• As you cross Hwy 404 along St. John's Sideroad, look for the horses roaming the fields
• As you approach Industrial Parkway, the Nokiidaa Trail continues south past the Aurora Arboretum.  This is where the Greenbelt Route intersects with the future Lake to Lake Route.
• As you pass by the provincially significant McKenzie Marsh wetland on the Nokiidaa Trail boardwalk link, look for turtles, herons, and other wildlife.

Newmarket

• Take a detour north along the Tom Taylor Trail another 2km for the historic Main Street Newmarket with lots of shops and restarants such as Cachet or Hungry Brew Hops, or cool off in the fountains at Riverwalk Commons.
• Cross Yonge Street along Savage, and connect with the John F. Smith Trail to Mulock.

King

• Be prepared for some hills along 19th Sideroad between Bathurst and Keele.  You'll pass by Thornton Bales Conservation Area as well as the Koffler Scientific Reserve at Jokers Hill.

• I stopped for lunch at the Kettleby bakery.  A sleepy and picturesque little community with a great park at the end of the main street.  Holland Marsh is directly to the north.
• Round the Bend Farm is a short detour on Jane St, south of Lloydtown-Aurora Road.
• In Pottageville, I recommend a stop at Pathways to Perrenials, which is like an oasis.  The Blossom Cafe is open from 11am - 3pm and is staffed by a professional chef.

• Schomberg has a nice Main Street with some unique shops and restaurants.  Sheena's Kitchen, the Schomberg Pub, and the Grackle Coffee Company are among them.

A few more photos: http://www.waterfronttrail.org/pictures-from-2015-gwta-day-3

Cycling in the Greenbelt allows you the opportunity to enjoy its beauty and bounty:  Rolling hills, scenic landscapes, farm fresh food, and welcoming people.  Adventure awaits!

Toronto Zoo pathway

From Whittamore's Farm (try the scones) on Steeles Ave, at the far reaches of Markham and Scarborough, I rode south through Rouge Park along Beare Rd and Plug Hat Rd to a new Toronto Zoo pathway.  Check it out!

Bike lane on Steeles, unfortunately it's just a short segment, Whittamore's on the left

Beare Rd

Start of the zoo path (notice the use of green at the crossings)

Crossride

A refuge island mades this crossing easier

I love what the City of Toronto has done with this bridge, adding a cycling path protected by barrier.

Now it's easier to bike to the zoo!

There's a good connection to Conlins Road to cross Hwy 401, leading to a vast network of off-road trails to explore.

Cycling in the Laurentians and Eastern Townships of Quebec

I was glad to have brought my bike along during my travels in Quebec, as opportunities abound for cycling adventures on La Route Verte.

Here are some views from a ride along the Aerobic Corridor between Weir and Lac-des-Seize-Iles in the Laurentians.

We finished off with a stop at Morgan's Farm for some produce to juice.

Another day, in the Eastern Townships, I rode 62 km of the Sutton Mountain Tour route.  There were some serious climbs, but worth it as I was treated to some great views of the countryside.

Owl's Head

The rain came down hard for about 20 minutes, so I grabbed a snack and took shelter at a general store at Vale Perkins.

Mansonville has a lovely main street lined with shops, restaurants, churches, and parks.

I happened upon a market and grabbed some lunch.  I also toured an exhibit in the historic round barn seen in the background.