Lake Mountsberg Snow Ride

Thursday Dec 30, 2010

Riders – Drew and Ange

Ange and I decided to do some trail riding at Lake Mountsberg. We had very little snow at home and assumed the trails at Lake Mountsberg would be pretty clear. We were wrong.

We parked near the visitor center. We were there at 8:30AM when they were supposed to open.

Lake Mountsberg Visitor Center

We were the first car in the parking lot.

The staff was a few minutes late opening up. We got the bikes ready and they gave us a map. There are about 16km of bike trails in the conservation area.

The trails were completely snow covered.

We decided to take the Lakeshore Lookout trail (Blue) first. The trails were nice, wide and well marked. We started off on trails that are used for the wagon and sleigh rides so they were hard packed and very ride-able. Then as we progressed further we found ourselves on trails that had only seen light foot traffic or cross country skiis. The bikes sank into the snow. It was some tough pedaling. We never slipped nor lost control which was amazing because we could not go very fast at all. There were a few steep parts that were very hard to maintain speed and traction so we ended up walking the bikes a little.

After a half an hour we covered just under 4km to arrive at one of two lookout points. On this tower the lower stairs were torn down so we could not go up into the tower.

We turned around and took another loop back along the lake to the second lookout. The second tower had stairs so we went up inside to check out the view.

We could make out some ice fishermen in the distance.

As we made our way back we came across “Christmas Town”.

There were several buildings decorated in Christmas themes. Prior to Christmas you can take a horse drawn sleigh ride or wagon ride into Christmas town. Since Christmas had passed it was now deserted. This would be a neat destination to bring the kids next year

We had ridden for about an hour at this point and we decided to check out the Pioneer Creek Trail (Orange). Personally I liked this trail the better of the two. It was narrower, fairly flat and initially it wound closely through the shrubs and trees. Later it opened up somewhat. There were several side loops and we explored one. The only tracks on that trail were deer tracks. We rode these trails for another 45 minutes and ended up back at the Welcome Center. We did not pass a single person on any trail the entire time. We had the place to ourselves.

Back at the visitor center there were activities happening. We overheard the cashier tell a customer that one of the 11:00 Bird of Prey shows was already sold out. That was at 10:30. We didn’t see very many cars in the parking lot and we were wondering how many people the shows accommodate.

The temperature was -3c but the pedaling was so strenuous that we were both very warm. In fact too warm at times. This was the most snow I’ve ridden in so far. It was a nice ride. I felt very adventuresome having done it.

This was a nice ride to end the year. Goodbye 2010.

Here is the data.

Training DVD – On the Road Volume 2 – Lake Placid

In November I received a bike trainer for my Birthday. I’m not a spinner. I prefer riding outside.  When the weather does not cooperate then the trainer is better than no option at all. I’m trying to get into better condition and the trainer removes my “I can’t exercise due to bad weather” excuse.

I wanted to post some info on a training DVD that I’ve been using.

This DVD follows behind Coach Troy as he rides the Lake Placid Triathlon course. I chose this title because Dave Plant is planning to do the Lake Placid Triathlon in 2011.  I thought it would be interesting to see the course he will be riding.

For me, riding the trainer is boring but this DVD makes it tolerable. I’ll probably get a few more DVD’s similar to this over time.

Bicycle Accessory

Here is a bicycle accessory we’ll need to acquire for the fun group rides.

Yes that is a Beer Keg.

Bike Pittsburgh

Maybe a trip to Pittsburgh is in order this Summer.

Bike Pittsburgh Video

Bike Pittsburgh Organization Website

Here is a PDF of the activities from the Pittsburgh 2010 BikeFest. Click Here

Here is a very cool Bicycle Cafe. Click on the image below to check it out.

Bike Paths Along the River in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh_Bike_Map

Port Credit Waterfront Trail East

Dec 19, 2010 – We decided to be adventurous and head to Port Credit in -5C and light snow. We parked in the community lot near the Pump House Grille.

Riders – Ange, Erick, Drew

We were on the Lakefront Trail in 2 minutes from the parking area. I had a little uncertainty about the weather and the temperature. -5C is the coldest I’ve ridden in so far and it was snowing. I wasn’t sure if we would have to endure a harsh wind off the lake. It turns out there was little to no wind and it was very quiet and serene. Winter had definitely arrived. The water was icing over.

The paths were covered with light snow but very passable. We would slow a little on corners because you could notice ice patches just under the snow. The light snow improved the traction and we never slid.

We followed the Trail to Lakefront Promenade Park and did some exploring.

This is Etobicoke Creek as it reaches Lake Ontario.

As we crossed the bridge over Etobicoke Creek two formations of Canada Geese flew over us.

The Waterfront Trail was better than I had expected in this section. It was scenic, peaceful and enjoyable.

The trail along the lake was really nice. A couple of area looked like a winter scene on a postcard.

We continued exploring and followed paths out to a point at Samuel Smith Park. It reminded us of riding out on the Leslie Street Spit in the Toronto harbor only this was a mini version.

We continued along through Cliff Lumsdon Park to Prince of Wales Park. There is an outdoor hockey rink there.

As we passed by the rink a puck shot across the bike path just in front of Ange. It’s not too often you have to dodge hockey pucks on bike rides.

At this point the Waterfront Trail follows Lakeshore Boulevard to Humber Bay West. I estimate it would have been about 2km further. Instead of riding along the road that connects to the paths at Humber Bay we decided to turn around and head back.

Ange had heard about a Park in this area that had path skating similar to the Park skating in Brampton. We asked a woman walking her dog if she knew where the park was. She gave directions to Ange and we decided to check it out.

We found it in Samuel Smith Park. When we went through the park the first time we took paths along the shoreline. The skating area was on the North side of the Park. They were playing Christmas music and several people were skating. It was a small loop but it looked like it would be fun and perfect for kids.

After watching the skaters for a minute or two we headed back. We retraced our way back to Port Credit.

This was a great ride. I had expected this section of the Waterfront trail to be predominately road riding through industrial parks and screened from the lake. It was the complete opposite. It might be one of the most scenic sections of the Waterfront Trail I’ve ridden so far. Since it passes through many parks and along several yacht clubs I imagine it would be a great ride in the summer although it will probably be much busier. I’ll be riding this route again and it may become a favorite.

Here are the maps of the Waterfront Trail from Port Credit to Humber Bay

Map – Waterfront Trail – Port Credit

Map – Waterfront Trail – Long Branch

Map – Waterfront Trail – Humber Bay

Ride started here.

This was the route we rode.

This is the link to the ride data.

Ktrak

http://www.ktrakcycle.com/

Rollin Through the Winter

Check out this blog post on winter riding. He has an interesting bike. I might have to look into some goggles like those.

http://geocycle.wordpress.com/2010/12/13/rollin-through-the-winter/

Spring Bike Show

Winter may have just started but it will be Spring soon enough. Mark your calender for the 2011 Spring Bike Show.

Friday, March 4, 2011 – Noon to 9: P.M.
Saturday, March 5, 2011 – 10 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Sunday, March 6, 2011 – 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.

Here is the link for more info.

Salsa Mukluk – Winter Bike

Check out this cool bike designed specifically for snow or sand riding.

Those are some serious tires. Check out this link for more info.

Brampton Trails Map

I just came across this Brochure of the Brampton Trails and Pathways. I’ve also added a link to it in the maps section of the blog. Here is the download.

Brampton Trails and Pathways