Going Places: Getting away on two wheels

(NC)— Summer is here, and preparations have begun for some long-anticipated vacation time. 

For thousands of Ontarians, cycling trips have proven to be the perfect getaway. Travel by bike can be an economical, environmentally sound, and unforgettable way to explore the province and points further afield.

Justin Lafontaine is the director and founder of the Bike Train Initiative, a non-profit partnership with VIA Rail that allows passengers to travel by train with their bikes. The route currently travels between Toronto and Niagara Falls, with new pilot routes, including Toronto to North Bay, planned for this summer.

“Most people will ride for two to three hours, or about 40 kilometres, over the course of a day,” said Lafontaine. “Beyond that, they check out restaurants, relax at spas, tour wineries, and visit museums.
 
We see all types of people — young families, retired couples, student groups, and teams of executives.
 
This type of getaway works for any age and level of fitness.”

With more people cycling than ever before, the choice of cycling options is always increasing. For those individuals who want to pedal with a purpose, charity rides provide fully-supported events with the added pride of helping a worthy cause.

Paulette and Laurent Thibault, who live in Georgetown, have planned dozens of getaways on their bikes.
 
Every year they spend one weekend travelling from Brampton to Waterloo in one of the five RONA MS Bike Tours in Ontario, organized by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. The charity event makes for an affordable cycling weekend with food, lodging and luggage transportation included in the $50 registration and $250 minimum fundraising pledge.

“Bike getaways are economically and environmentally friendly,” said Lafontaine. “You see things from a completely different perspective on top of a bike.”

More information about the Bike Train can be found online at www.biketrain.ca . Information about the RONA MS Bike Tours is available at www.msbiketours.com .