Niagara Bike & Hike, Victoria Day long weekend

Friday May 17 to Monday May 20 – four days for

$275

This weekend is a chance to get the 2024 cycling season off to a great

start by joining one of TBN’s most popular rides along the quiet roads

and off-road paved trails of the Niagara Region. This year we have 34

spots - note that this trip sold out quickly in previous years. 

Note that as these are no-drop rides, all riders are expected to be able

to maintain a comfortable pace of 18 kms per hour or higher.  You are

also expected to ride with a spare inner tube in the event of a flat and also to be able to change your tire.

Accommodations

We’ll once again stay at the comfortable Niagara College residence

near Niagara-on-the-Lake. You’ll have your own bedroom in a shared

suite, complete with a shared full bathroom and shared kitchenette,

including a refrigerator. Note a change in room furnishings from

previous years. In each suite, one bedroom has a double bed, desk with

chair and satellite TV.  The second bedroom has two single loft over desk/bunk style beds.  

There is a Tim Hortons and McDonald's in the large outlet mall, just

a three minute drive or ride away. For people looking to keep costs

down, consider bringing your own supplies for breakfasts.

Note that given the shared bathroom and common area, attendees

will be invited to select the other TBN member with whom they

would like to share the suite.

Friday May 17 Warmup Ride

For those who can get away early, as in past years on Friday

afternoon at 2 pm we will once again start with an optional  warmup

ride along the bike path from Niagara on the Lake to Niagara Falls

and back, covering about 50 kms. 

Friday’s ride will be followed by a group supper at Play Bar & Grille at

the White Oaks Resort, which is located nearby. Alternatively you are

welcome to organize informal group dinners at restaurants in the

area.

Saturday May 18

Saturday’s rides feature long and short distances and run along the

little-known paved off-road trail beside the Welland Canal, with a

stop for lunch along the way.

After their ride, participants are invited to meet for an informal get

together and beer at the Niagara College Teaching Brewery, located

next the location where we are staying. Each participant will receive

a $15 gift card for the beverage of your choice and there will also be

snacks courtesy of TBN.  Alternatively participants can visit Niagara

on the Lake or do a winetasting at one of the nearby wineries.

This will be followed by pizza, salad and dessert in the patio area

outside the Niagara College dining room. Pizza and soft drinks will

be supplied. In addition we’ll be asking people to bring a salad or

dessert.  Please bring your own main course if you don’t like pizza, as

well as anything stronger than pop to drink.

Something else to bear in mind is that in past years some members

followed this by a drive to Niagara Falls to watch the fireworks over

the gorge.

Sunday May 19

Sunday’s rides (again, long and short) begin from a remote start 15

minutes away in Niagara Falls along the paved trail beside the

Niagara River Parkway – with a stop for lunch en route.

For anyone interested, we’ll again be convening at the Niagara

College Teaching Brewery after we get back.

Sunday evening will feature group suppers at local restaurants, with

a variety of cuisines and price points to choose from. Last year these

dinners were very popular. Alternatively, some riders could repeat

what we did on past rides and polish off the left overs from

Saturday’s pot luck.

Monday May 20

Monday is your chance to join a final short early morning ride, do

some hiking along the Bruce Trail, visit the Outlet Mall nearby or

tour some wineries. To beat long weekend traffic, most riders head

home by noon.

For anyone wanting to come out a day early or to extend your stay,

contact Niagara College directly to make a reservation, mentioning

that you are part of the TBN group staying from Friday to Sunday

nights.

Overall logistics:
1.       Registration will first be opened to TBN members.  
If space permits, registration will be opened to non-members.
2.       To specify the person who will be sharing your room, once 
you’ve both registered send an email to 
dan.richards@rotman.utoronto.ca
3.       An attempt will be made to match anyone who needs a 
ride with those able to offer a ride. The suggested compensation
 for members providing a ride is $25 in each direction.  
4.       Your fee of $275 per person gives you
·       access to trip planning and maps
·       pizza and pop for the Saturday evening potluck
·       a $15 gift card for Niagara Brewery with snacks on Saturday
 afternoon
·       three nights’ accommodation on Friday, Saturday and 
Sunday (includes your own bedroom, towels, sheets, blankets). 
All meals except for the Saturday pot luck are extra.
5.       Should you need to cancel, provided that your room can 
be filled from members on the waiting list you will receive a 
refund less a $50 cancellation fee.

Registration for the Niagara Bike & Hike ride will open at 10 am on

Saturday April 20^th.  If you’re interested, plan to book early as the

past this ride has sold out quickly.

For any questions please contact

Dan Richards at dan.richards@rotman.utoronto.ca