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Sold out event draws 220 riders for Manitoulin Passage Ride 2016

By Alicia McCutcheon -
Jun 8, 2016
The family that Passage Rides together... Passage Ride 2016 was a great family event.
MANITOULIN—The annual Manitoulin Passage Ride has once again been hailed as a major success for the Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA), who host the event, and for the economy of Manitoulin as a whole.
It was a sold out ride of 220 registered riders, 140 of whom sailed to Manitoulin via the Chi-Cheemaun ferry. MICA President Maja Mielonen noted that of the cyclists who did not sail to the Island, most came from across Northern Ontario, including Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie and North Bay.Manitoulin roads are a popular cycling destination, especially along the paved shoulders of Highway 6.

The Central Manitoulin Lions Club hosted a dinner and dance for the cycling guests on Saturday night with 240 people in attendance for the meal (with food by Garden’s Gate and the Burt Farm) with entertainment by Amanda Davids and the FunkRiders. Farquhar’s chocolate milk for the weekend was also provided by the Manitoulin West Sudbury Dairy Producers.
This year, there were three support stations located at Kenjgewin Teg in M’Chigeeng, LocoBeanz in Manitowaning and Northwind Adventures in Kagawong. On Saturday, sponsored by Kenj and 4elements, presentations by Justin Tilson on sustainable transportation and Pat McGibbon on fixing bike tires added to the scenic rides around Manitoulin. Ms. McGibbon also doubled as this year’s bike medic.
Many of the cyclists also toured the newly opened Muchmor Gallery in Providence Bay “and were just floored by how beautiful it was,” Ms. Mielonen said.
On Day 2 in Tehkummah, the Triangle Club put on a spread for the Passage Ride lunch complete with music by The Islanders. Ms. Mielonen said the cyclists were blown away by the “authenticity” of the Tehkummah event.
She also gave a nod to Ontario Provincial Police Community Services Office Steve Hart for his help with ensuring a safe ride for everyone and helping when necessary.
“There are more and more big groups that are coming,” the MICA president said, noting that about 50 riders came a day earlier and others didn’t depart until Monday, thanks to a partnership with the Chi-Cheemaun that gives cyclists free passage from the Friday to Monday. The Passage Ride expressed its gratitude to the Chi-Cheemaun by making the new Chi-Cheemaun brand feather wake logo the front of the 2016 jersey.
Ms. Mielonen also took the opportunity on Saturday night to announce the launch of the Alvar Treasure Rides all-inclusive cycling package coming this September. The package includes five days of cycling and four nights including ferry passage, four breakfasts, five lunches and four suppers, luggage shuttle, a cycling route map and museum fees for $980/person plus tax for double occupancy or $1,200/person plus tax for single occupancy.
Algoma-Manitoulin MP Michael Mantha was also on hand for the Saturday evening dinner and spoke to the cyclists on MICA’s good works with getting Island shoulders paved and its current battle to see Highway 540 among them. (Everyone signed MICA’s current petition to the Ontario government.) Mr. Mantha is the co-chair of the All-Stripe Cycling Caucus in the Ontario legislature and has worked with Ms. Mielonen and the rest of MICA on all of her lobbying efforts.Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Mantha joins Maja Meilonen and Guy Nielon in celebrating the success of this year’s passage ride.
“We’re fighting like heck for Highway 540,” she said. “Since (the paving of the shoulders) of Highway 6, a lot has happened. Everyone wants in on the paved shoulders and there’s more government focus.”
Ms. Mielonen hinted that there could be more lobbying in MICA’s future too, this time to lobby municipalities to pave their shoulders.
Ms. Mielonen praised the numerous businesses that helped make the Passage Ride a success.
“It’s all coming together.”

Ontario Trails News - Manitoulin, Ontario Trails Map and more!

Safer options attract more female cyclists
24 Hours Vancouver
After cycling through Vancouver's streets for more than 20 years, Richard Campbell says it's hard not to notice the shifting demographics among riders as bike lanes continue to sprout up across the city. “On Ontario (Street), for a few minutes ...
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Pave the way for cycling tourism, Manitoulin group says CBC.ca A Manitoulin Island cycling group is hoping a new plan will help link cyclists in northern Ontario to the rest of the province. First started in December of last year, the Georgian Bay Cycling Route would travel through the heart of Manitoulin Island... See all stories on this topic »

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Ontario Trails Map | The Wilds of Ontario
Looking to get out for some hiking in Ontario. Check out this handy little interactive map showing trail locations near you!
wildsofontario.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/ontario-trails-map/

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New Heritage Minute spotlights First Nations warriors
CBC.ca
The Historica-Dominion Institute launched its new Heritage Minute, ... on Oct. 13, 1812, was the most important battle in the opening months of the War of ...

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This World Environment Week, Ontario Failed
Huffington Post Canada
The changes also dramatically reduce government oversight of activities affecting Ontario'slakes, rivers, forests and wildlife.

Ontario Trails - The Best Outdoors in Ontario is on Ontario Trails!

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Whether it's the challenging hikes along boulder-strewn beaches, spectacular views from high rocky ridges, camping beside quiet, picturesque inland lakes or strolls through gently rolling , forested hills, the Voyageur Trail has something for everyone.

http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/voyageur-trail

The Voyageur Trail association offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy and experience the unique and rugged beauty of Northern Ontario. A discontinuous trail of nearly 600 kilometers from Manitoulin Island to Thunder Bay along the shores of Lakes Huron and Superior parallels much of the trade route of the early Voyageurs, those hardy, French-speaking fur traders who helped to open up the area.

Photo courtesy of Voaygeur Trail Association.

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Yes to Heritage Conservation District - SouthwesternOntario.caBy Chet Greason Staff reporter. After a long time spent meeting, debating, and weighing the options, months or years depending on where you begin to measure ...
www.southwesternontario.ca/.../yes-to-heritage-conservation-d... 

Battle to keep nature intact
The National
In Canada, examples include the Ottawa Greenbelt and the Golden Horseshoe Greenbelt in Ontario. In other countries, urban planning has sought to preserve ...

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Horses - 

Equine Trails Development in Wellington County

Rural communities in Wellington County are constantly seeking to increase economic activity. The horse industry has been one of the major forms supporting economic growth in rural Ontario. This research will investigate the potential for horse trail system development in Wellington County. The resu...

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GTA Trail Map Here

Toronto's archived past goes mobile
The Eyeopener
Users can navigate through the app's 150 stories, organized by date, theme and neighbourhood, on an interactive map or by following themed trails. “It gives people a better sense of Toronto's heritage, what makes Toronto tick,” said Sandra Shaul ...
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Trailhead Ontario: June 9-11, 2013Our Favorite Place, Peterborough, Ontario.

Our Plan for 2013 – We are working with the full support of  Our Favorite Place (RTO8), Peterborough and the Kawartha’s Tourism and a number of local trails groups to bring you the best Trailhead Ontario yet!. There are a lot of new trails and trail tourism partnerships in RTO8. The Ontario Trails “Trailhead Ontario 2013″ Committee is  is pleased to announce the Holiday Inn Waterfront Peterborough as the location of our conferencing. Site locations for our trail education program are being determined now.

New for 2013 -Regional Tourism development includes trails. Trail packages, trail experiences, trail destinations. This takes a blending of major destinations, natural topographies, parks, conservation, county forest and up to 18 different trail activities. What’s in your “Trail Mix”? What’s our plan for marketing this unique matrix of dynamic outdoor experiences so that the world can find the world’s best range of trail fun right here at home. 

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Map Here

OFSC Seeks Safety Campaign Proposals
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is currently seeking proposals from qualified individuals or organizations to provide project planning, implementation, and administrative oversight for the development of a Responsible Rider Safety Campaign. A copy of the Request for Proposals document can be found here:http://www.ofsc.on.ca/images/stories/About_Us/Opportunities/RFP-Responsible_Rider_Safety_Campaign-12-10-24.pdf
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Georgian Bay Coastal Trail - Parry Sound :

Exciting Job Opportunity with GBCT! We are hiring a Marketing and Communications Coordinator on a one year contract. Please share with anyone you know who might be interested in the job and is eligible. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgian-Bay-Coast-Trail/76435991161

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Public Meetings Toronto - Improve the Beltline Trail! | Cycle Toronto
Speak up in support of improving the Beltline Trail! 5 Minute Action: Write a letter to the City of Toronto project facilitators in support of improvements to the ...cycleto.ca/ward-update/improve-beltline-trail

 

Niagara on the Lake - Trans Canada Trail Ontario AGM - November 9, 2012

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Our event calendar shows weekly adjustments to our course offerings. It also provides links to course information, in PDF flyer format, registration, and location of course through a google map or other means.

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Ontario Trails - Toronto MTB Park Meeting, Fall Colours, Winter in Wawa and more about Ontario's Trails!

Vista from the Cup & Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island. (Off of Hwy 540) I was almost standing at the highest point on the trail. What you see in the background is the north Channel.

Picture taken last Sunday (Thanks Giving) - from Amie L.

Local snowmobile trails see major upgrades
Barry's Bay This Week
This is the second year the club has had money to do major trail maintenance. Last year, the Snowbirds received around $65,000 through the same investment from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism administered by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.
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Red Pine Mountain Bike Trail in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario ...
Red Pine is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. View maps, videos, photos, and reviews of Red Pine bike trail in Sault Ste. Marie.
www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/red-pine.html

View Map Hi everyone, Another very important meeting to highlight the need for mountain bikers to voice their wish for mountain biking (think Bike Park) to be included in the master plan. Please spread the word!The City of Toronto is hosting a public meeting where you can learn more about the Beare Road Park Master Plan project, and provide your input on its new Master Plan.We invite you to join u  s at the first public meeting. Date: Thursday, October 11, 2012 Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm Location: Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic Secondary School, 40 Sewells Road, Toronto, ON M1B 3G5 RSVP is appreciated but not required. If you are able to attend please RSVP by email to tbosco@toronto.ca At the meeting on October 11, the Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation project team will give a presentation that includes background information about the site and the existing conditions. Parks Canada will also be at the meeting to provide an update on the neighbouring proposed Rouge National Urban Park and their consultation process. The City of Toronto will specifically be seeking feedback regarding the vision that users and residents have for the park, guiding principles that should influence park design, and the consultation process. Other public meetings will follow as the plan progresses. The venue is wheelchair accessible. Please request any additional accommodations necessary when you RSVP. We look forward to meeting with you http://beseenbesafe.simcoecountytrails.net MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE EVENT CALENDAR Trail Education Our event calendar shows weekly adjustments to our course offerings. It also provides links to course information, in PDF flyer format, registration, and location of course through a google map or other means. Be sure to use our array of press or other flyers to circulate to your local papers or possible attendees. All available for use - call - 877-668-7245 or 519-941-8911, or 1-866-560-7783 Ontario Trails Mobile App ___________________________________________________ ONTARIO TRAILS COUNCIL E-NEWS - Every Friday     • Local Trail News      • Trail Education Program     • Trail Heros     • Trailhead Ontario     • Activity and User Updates      View it Here __________________________________________________ We appreciate the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation

OPA Conservation Fund - Canadian Business Grants for Innovation and ...
Business Insider
The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) provides consultation and funding for small business research and conservation projects that look to effectively reduce and manage demand for electricity. The OPA Funding Opportunities for Conservation are part of the ...
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This is what Wawa looks like this morning....time to check out some snowshoe trails soon!

Snow snow snow....... Planning a Florida & Cuba trip right now! lol!

Ontario Trails - Ski, Sled, Hike, Bike or Paddle Ontario's Trails

Ontario reaffirms protected status of Wolf Lake

NorthernLife.ca
Yesterday, it looked like one of the “prettiest, most accessible canoe trips in Sudbury” could be at stake. Today, the province announced that it is backing away from a proposal to reduce protection in the heart of the Wolf Lake Old Growth Forest ...
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Health unit wants smoke-free outdoors
Walkertown Herald Times
Across Ontario more than 50 municipalities have already implemented a policy or bylaw that limit second hand smoke in outdoor spaces. Currently several municipalities in Grey Bruce have enacted bylaws or policies. They include, South Bruce, Owen Sound, ...
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Unique wilderness area protected on Manitoulin Island (photo)
SooToday.com
Funding for this project was provided by the Government of Canada's Natural AreasConservation Program and the Government of Ontario, as well as, by donations from sisters Elspeth Newall and Katrine Howe, the Southern Ontario Orchid Society, ...
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Early birds are here - but skiers have fled
Ottawa Citizen
Cross-country skiers have time for a few more outings, as well. Jean Wolff, spokesperson for the NCC, says there's "maybe less than a week left" of good cross-country skiing conditions in the Greenbelt. In Gatineau Park, the majority of classic cross ...
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Barrie fests tops in province
The Barrie Advance
BARRIE - Festivals and Events Ontario has named Kempenfest and Winterfest among ... dog sledrides, lumberjack shows, a giant snow slide and ice sculptures.

Great People, Great Trails - June 17-19, 2012

Ontario Trails - Ski, Sled, Hike, Bike or Paddle Ontario's Trails

Wolf Lake To Remain Forest Reserve

Ontario is protecting the environment and giving clarity to developers by ensuring the Wolf Lake Old Growth Forest in the Timiskaming District remains a protected area.Retaining Wolf Lake's Forest Reserve status prohibits the commercial harvesting of old growth red pine while still allowing for exploration and development of existing mining claims and leases.
An Environmental Registry posting was made in June 2011 to consult on the future use of the Wolf Lake Forest Reserve. The decision to maintain Forest Reserve status is based on the feedback received through the posting.
Pursuing a balanced approach to development is part of the McGuinty government's plan to protect the environment and support sustainable jobs for Ontario families for generations to come.

LF b&b plus horseback riding in S. ontario - EMG Equestrian Community
I have a couple of friends coming from Germany who would like to ride while they are here. They are looking for a place that included a b&b there or in close ...
www.equiman.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat...

Government of Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada protect fragile habitat ...
Canada NewsWire (press release)
... Ontario on the southern shore of Manitoulin Island. This project was secured in part with funding from Environment Canada's Natural Areas Conservation Program and included a partial land donation from the Tasker family through Environment Canada's ...
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Canadian Ski Cross Athlete Nic Zoricic Dies in World Cup Crash in Switzerland First Tracks Online Media Grindelwald, Switzerland - Fans and the World Cup community are mourning the loss of Nic Zoricic, who died in a finish line crash during a World Cup ski cross competition on Saturday in Grindelwald. Zoricic, 29, of Toronto, Ontario, ... See all stories on this topic »

Explore Oxford County Trails - June 17-19, 2012