York Region has a cycling map app

York Region recently released a new 2015-16 York Region Cycling Map.  It shows a better connected bike network and includes other enhancements such as:

• Greenbelt Route (launching Aug 2015)
• Steep hills
• Bike-friendly businesses
• Mountain-biking locations
• Featured routes
• Hiking trails

You can find it in a number of formats:

1) In print at bike shops, libraries, municipal buildings, and chambers of commerce throughout York Region

2) Download the pdf at www.york.ca/cycling

3) View the interactive map online (now mobile-friendly)

4) Try the new app at https://www.pdf-maps.com

PDF Maps is a mobile map application that enables you to download maps for offline use (doesn't use data) on your Apple iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. Use your device's built-in GPS to track your location on the map. Plot and recod information about locations, import and export placemarks, measure distance and area, and even plot photos.

Step 1: Get the app

Step 2: Get the map (search for "York Region Cycling" and download the north and south maps)

Step 3: Try it

Happy cycling!
-Shawn

Bring on the trails!

After participating in a mountain biking section of the Oak Ridges Trail Adventure this past June, I was compelled to get myself a mountain bike and take to the trails.  I asked for a Ghost SE 2920 Mountain Bike for my birthday.  What a sweet ride.  I love the 29 inch wheels.

Here's a map compiling my online research about mountain bike trails in York Region.

View Mountain Biking in York Region in a larger map

I decided to check out Centennial Park in King Township.  It has about 5km of single-track mountain bike trails, categorized into three skill levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.  It was exhilarating to travel these forest trails by bike!  I can see myself getting more into this sport.  Here are a few pictures I snapped of Centennial Park (entrance on the east side of Jane, north of 16th sideroad).

There are no park signs on Jane, and there's a long driveway, so the park is easy to miss.  Here's the view from the park looking toward Jane St.

King offers a Mountain Biking Camp for ages 9-14

Entrance

Trail map.  Yellow is easy, orange is intermediate, blue is advanced.