Niagara Bike and Hike
May 17-20, 2019
Fifth Anniversary Niagara Bike & Hike, Victoria Day long weekend
Friday May 17 to Monday May 20 – four days for $220
Join the fifth anniversary of this popular ride along the quiet roads and off-road paved trails of the Niagara Region. This year we have 38 spots - note that this trip sold out quickly in previous years.
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“Easy to get to know people”
“A great place to bike with lots of options, this weekend is very good value … the small group of friendly riders makes it easy to get to know people.”
Anne Marie Corrigan, participant in 2016 and 2017
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Accommodations
We’ll 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. Coffee, tea and juice are provided. Beyond this, for people looking to keep costs down, consider bringing your own supplies for breakfasts. There is also a Tim Hortons and McDonald's in the large outlet mall, just a three minute drive or ride away.
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“Beautiful countryside”
“Beautiful countryside, nice accommodations and great choice of places to eat. “
Patsy Cook & Mick O’Meara, participants in 2017 & 2018
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Friday Warmup Ride
For those who can get away early , on Friday afternoon at 2 pm we start with an optional warmup ride along the bike path from Niagara on the Lake to Niagara Falls and back, covering about 50 kms. This will be followed by a group supper at your choice of either Benchmark, the award-winning student run restaurant that is part of the culinary training program at Niagara College (for which we have a reservation for 20 spots) or the more affordable Johnny Rocco’s, a 15 minute drive away. In past years most riders have been able to make it for dinner on Friday evening.
Saturday & Sunday Rides
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 can visit Niagara on the Lake, do a winetasting at one of the nearby wineries or try award-winning beer from the Niagara College Teaching Brewery.
Saturday’s rides will be followed by a pot-luck supper in the Niagara College dining room and weather permitting out on the patio. Soft drinks, bbq chicken, hot dogs and hamburgers will be supplied – participants are asked to bring a salad or dessert or your own main course if you don’t like the choices provided, as well as anything stronger than pop to drink. After dinner, in past years some participants have driven to Niagara Falls to watch late night fireworks over the falls.
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. Sunday evening will feature group suppers at local restaurants, with a variety of cuisines and price points to choose from. Alternatively, some riders will repeat what we did last year and polish off the left overs from the pot luck the evening before.
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“Loved the Welland Canal bike trail”
“One nice thing was how easy Niagara was to get to, we loved the Welland Canal bike trail up to Port Colborne and back.”
Dawn and Randy Domm, participants in 2017 & 2018
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Monday
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.
Questions:
This ride is limited to members of TBN. Your fee of $220 per person gives you access to trip planning and maps, the basic provisions for the Saturday evening potluck and three nights’ accommodation on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (includes your own bedroom, towels, sheets, blankets). All meals are extra.
Registration for the Niagara Bike & Hike ride will open at 9 am on Saturday March 2nd. If you’re interested, plan to book early as the last couple of years sports for this ride has sold out quickly.
Any questions please contact the trip organizers:
Jannet Hudson janceyjh@yahoo.com
Dan Richards drichards@rotman.utoronto.ca
