Ride to Niagara Falls return by GO Train Aug 21

For what it's worth, information on GO Transit's excursion trains can be found here http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/travelling/seasonal.aspx
Scroll down and click on "bicycles". Info on fares and schedules is available elsewhere on the GO website. I was on one of their new bike cars earlier this season, and it's a great service.

What is the average speed of this ride?
Thanks!

Depends on which riders are there.
For those currently confirmed, average speed by end of ride will probably be in the mid to high twenties. Paceline riding will get up into the 30's and probably hit 40 the odd time. However, not everyone will be riding this fast, so there are options.
The more riders that join in, the more options there will be for everyone.

Hi!

A friend and I are considering joining this group for the Niagara Falls ride and had a few questions:

1. We should be able to maintain a speed of mid to high 20s ... but any higher and I am not certain considering the distance. We have done a 70K road ride earlier this year. We would like to join if we are able to keep pace since we are not familiar with the route.

2. Also, at the speed you mentioned, and assuming you have done this before, what would you reckon the average ETA be for arrival in Niagara Falls? Reason I ask - I see that the GO train schedule - the last 2 trains from Niagara Falls depart at are 19:20 and then 22:30 and they are both approx. 2 hour rides to Toronto.

3. We will be riding our Road bikes (with slicks) .. Is that ok as far as the terrain is concerned or do we need a bike with knobby tires?

Your feedback is much appreciated ..

Thanks

Hi, ride leader.

There are 2 of us who would like to join your ride, but we live in Mississauge and would prefer not heading into Toronto just to head back out. Would like to join the ride in progress instead. Can you provide several intersections the ride will pass between Toronto and Stoney Creek (assuming same general route as for TNTO).

If you are going to the Tim Horton's in Stoney Creek as per TNTO, that would be helpful info as we could ride to there to meet with the group.

Regards, Tom.

I see you mentioned the anticipated 6-8 hour ride and that you will provide route maps when we meet. Thanks. Will see you @ start tomorrow.

Hello

Mid to high 20's might take you closer to the 8 hour mark, but if you leave with us at 9, you will arrive by 5 with plenty of time for dinner and the train. Alternatively, if you find your pace slowing, you can stop in St. Catharines and catch the train there. (you should google GO to find out where the station is, I am sorry, but I do not know)
The route will be fairly flat and easy to follow and I will take you through it before we head out. I would attach the route-file here if I knew how to do so.

Yes road bikes is what you need for this, there is no off-road riding

Cheers

Ed

Hello, I believe I may have replied to your private post, but just so everyone knows.

We will be riding along Martin Goodman Trail until it pretty well ends near the two large condos by the bridge, We roll out to Lakeshore (by the Esso station) and then we are on Lakeshore the entire time through to Burlington. Note that about 30-35k or so, you have to turn left (south) on Southdown to again pick up Lakeshore...which makes no sense to me, but that's what it is.
I anticpate that the fastest riders will get to the Second Cup in Burlington between 11 and 1130 for a short break. The Second Cup is at the corner of Lakeshore and Brant.
We then cross under the Skyway, hugging Hamilton Beach, work our way around Confedration Park, and then stay close to the QEW for most of the rest of the ride until the Niagara region
I will carry extra maps for anyone joining us mid-ride, but if anyone can tell me how to attach or email these through this forum, then I can post the maps here.

Hope this helps

Ed

and I did figure out how to upload the files, which you probably have now seen on the post from 6pm today

Hi,

Thanks for organizing this ride.
I would like to join the group at the Esso you mentioned (Lakeshore and Park Lawn) at the end of the Martin Goodman trail.
I'm thinking it should take the group about 30 min to get to that point from downtown, but I will get there early so that I don't miss the group. I'll wear my TBN jersey to be identifiable.

Thanks,
Looking forward to the ride.
Ladean