This is a ride for Bike Rally riders who have a free Friday before we set out on Sunday ... but especially directed towards our American friends visiting Toronto. Stephen will lead the ride, and we will pretty much stick together. Stephen was born and raised in Toronto and wants to show his fellow riders some of the cool cycling infrastructure and sweet parks that Toronto has on offer.
RidewithGPS does not have the latest Don Valley bikeways because they were just opened. So the RWG link below is good through Corktown Commons. After that we, are going to try to follow the Don River Valley Park map. We will go at least as far as the Prince Edward Viaduct (which connects with Bloor Street and gets us right back to the starting point pretty quickly). But we can also forge on along the bike path and then just double back once we've had enough.
This ride includes a water taxi ride to Toronto Island which costs $15Cdn each. (The ferry is cheaper, but much slower and often really packed with humanity.) The water taxi ride gives you spectacular views of the city. We'll likely take the Ward's Island Ferry back to save time, but we would also have the option of riding back to Hanlan's Point and grabbing the water taxi home. As I understand it all that water travel is included in the $15 ... but I am remembering from past experience. Toronto Island is flat flat flat flat. But it is something that makes Toronto unique and my childhood memories of it still scintillate.
We may not stay exactly on this route, especially in High Park or on the Island, so we are banking on folks sticking together. Easy ride, no need to race!
We'll find coffee and food as we go along.
Sweeps: Sort of. We are going to try to stick together. Regroups will happen along the way.
Safety Rules: Our standard safety rules do apply. We will stop at all red lights. When on city streets, especially Bloor Street, single file. When on the multi-use paths, please be aware of the many pedestrians, children, and dogs, as well as other cyclists traveling at various paces! This is a city that loves its parks and I'm sure there will be lots of people on the Lakeshore and the Island.
Questions
Contact Stephen Shirreffs by text at 415-864-3584. Please put my text info on your phone in case we need to be in contact during the ride.
Meeting Place and Parking
Meet at 9:30 a.m. with a ride out of 10:00 am in the parking lot at Monsignor Fraser College, 146 Isabella Street, Toronto. This is the location of Packing Day on Saturday, so good place to know!
Remember the Essentials
Helmet, water bottles, tubes, pump/CO2, sunscreen, butt butter and snacks. Remember to LUBE your chain, PUMP your tires, and RECHARGE your lights, bike computer, and electronic shifters if you have them.