More York Region Bike Month highlights

Bike Month 2015 has come and gone, but I had some memorable cycling experiences.  Here are a few more photos from some events in York Region that I participated in.

York Region Pedalpalooza - Tom Taylor Trail in Newmarket

Myles from Spoke O Motion set up some bike demos.  A quality bike makes such a difference in your cycling experience.  I rode my first tandem and fat bike!

Tom from Bike Sports showed off some different types of bikes including an electric bike.  Going faster and further with some power assistance makes me want to use a bike for more trips.  Pat from Smart Commute was there with her new e-bike.

Vaughan Bicycle User Group hosted two rides.  The Napa Valley Bike Lane celebration went from Sonoma Park to McMichael Gallery in Kleinberg.

Hydro Corridor trail south of Sonoma Park

Odette checking the map on the William Granger Greenway

The other Vaughan BUG ride was a Peter Rupert Bike Lane Celebration.  Starting from Walmart at Major Mackenzie / McNaughton, we biked south on Peter Rupert/Confederation to Hwy 7 with a stop for refreshments at McDonald's, and back north on the Bartley Smith Greenway.

I participated in the Toronto Bike Network's Dim Sum Ride.  The ride was led by Fred (who I previously met at Bike to Work Day Newmarket), and had about 10 cyclists.  We started at Finch Subway Station and headed north to Markham for an authentic chinese cuisine near Pacific Mall.

Finch hydro corridor in Toronto

Locking our bikes before lunch

Bike Month York Region had many other events, like bike valets at festivals, charity rides, mountain bike races, and kids bike camps. 

I'm all geared up for more cycling through the summer!

Here's another video to get you inspired to ride your bike.

York Region Bike Month Highlights in Pictures

Bike Month is a celebration of cycling, with events through the month of June.  Here are a few highlights:

Bike lane celebration - Napa Valley community ride (June 4th)

Safe Cycling Campaign Kick-Off (May 14th)

 Bike Rodeo at Family Fun Day (May 23)

Bike to Work Day, Newmarket (May 25)

Grab your bike and explore your city on two wheels!

Check out the My York Region Cycling Stories series for inspiration.

Make cycling a part of your life - bike to work

I think Myles Cullen from Spoke O Motion Bike Shop summed it up quite nicely at the 2014 Bike to Work Day event in Newmarket: there's no better way to start your day than cycling!  And the more you do it, the easier it gets.  Those who do, reap the health benefits.

Recap of York Region Bike Month 2014

What began in Toronto as a Bike to Work Day celebration in 1989 has evolved to become one of the largest events of its kind in Canada and is now coordinated by Cycle Toronto. Bike Month brings together families, artists, commuters and community groups to promote cycling at hundreds of events all month long.

BikeMonth 2014 is supported across The Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area by Metrolinx and locally by The City of Toronto, The City of Mississauga, The City of Hamilton, and York Region.  I want to recap some of the happenings that took place in York Region.

 

Smart Commute organized Bike to Work Day events on May 24th at Newmarket Riverwalk Commons, Hwy 7/Leslie Street area in Richmond Hill, and York University.  The first two had about 175 and 150 participants respectively.

 

Bike to Work Day - Richmond Hill

Bike to Work Day - York University

 

Bike to Work Day - Newmarket.  Viva/YRT launched Bike N Bus now has bike racks on their entire fleet.

Vaughan Bicycle User Group hosted a "Discover Your Inner Cyclist" event at Sonoma Heights Park in Woodbridge.

Regional Councillor Deb Schulte

MPP (and now Minister of Transportation) Steven Del Duca

Bicycle Valet at Mill Pond Splash in Richmond Hill

Bike Day at Woodbridge Village Farmers Market

Oak Ridges Trail Association hosted the Moraine Relay Adventure.  The 160km route across the Oak Ridges Trail is a non-stop running/cycling/canoe race with 15 participants per team.  There was a record 35 teams this year.

Here's one of my teammates, Paul.

Pedal power smoothies at Nature's Emporium in Maple

 

New this year was a June Bike Challenge organized by Smart Commute Central York, with the grand prize of a $800 gift certificate from Spoke O Motion bike shop.  The more days you cycle, the greater your chances.  307 people participated, with an average of 11 days of cycling.  Fantastic.

 

Cycle on, friends!