Hello Cycling Friend,
A New Year, A New Pace
We are pleased to announce the schedule for tours in Ontario and Quebec, completing our lineup of 2012 cycling trips in Canada .
We have also announced dates and fees for SOCR, you can read about it here: Southern Ontario Century Ride.
Our one-week ride schedule is a little different this year. We've made our By-Cycle Ride and Voyageur Route tours back to back so now you can have a three-week vacation — two weeks of group tours and one week exploring the sights in Canada's capital, by bike or on foot. Combine The By-Cycle Ride and The Voyageur Route and you will receive a 15% discount. For your time in Ottawa, we'll recommend affordable accommodations, places to see and local tours.
Routes and Accommodations
In recent years we've been able to find improvements to the quality of overnight accommodations with some re-routing and wonderful co-operation in places we visit. The range of accommodation is still an eclectic mix. We travel to many smaller communities and on roads that are off the main tourism routes for motorized traffic. That means more local operators with more intimate settings. On our indoor trips we stay at mostly 3-star, 3-star+ and some 4-star locations, depending on the tour. As well, there are charming bed and breakfasts, historic inns and upgraded university residences. In recent years, because of a some upgrades, our costs have gone up but our trips are still wonderfully affordable!
The Tours
The By-Cycle Ride: Celebrate Canada Day in style. Arrive by bicycle. It's a ride every Canadian should do at least once. Note to non-Canadians: In cycling togs no-one knows the difference. Orientation in Toronto on June 26 and ride up Parliament Hill on July 1, Canada's Birthday. It is a 5-day riding schedule with six nights indoor accommodation, which includes Toronto and Ottawa. The package fee is $875.00 per person. Single supplements available at $325.00. On this ride we provide breakfasts and one group dinner. There is a return option to Toronto by train, transportation of bikes included for $125.00. We'll make sure you are properly dressed for your ride into Ottawa as each participant will receive a pair of Cycle Canada socks as a "birthday present". And remember if you join us for The By-Cycle Ride and Voyageur Route you receive a 15% discount on the fee.
Voyageur Route: Even if you don't double up by joining us for the By-Cycle Ride, we encourage Voyageur Route riders to arrive early in Ottawa. It's a fabulous city for bike riding and sightseeing. There are galleries galore, museums, historic sights and great cafés that make for a wonderful extended holiday. Orientation for the Voyageur Route is in Ottawa on July 8 and you ride into Quebec City on July 13. The package fee is $875.00 per person. Single supplements available at $325.00. The schedule has 5 riding days and 6 nights indoor accommodation. Breakfasts at or near where we stay and a fabulous group dinner at the historic and stunning Manoir Dauth.
The BiQue Ride: Our 18th annual ride from Toronto to Montreal and a great ride for those new to the Cycle Canada experience. Orientation in Toronto on July 22 and we ride into Montreal on the 28th. You make your own arrangements in Toronto ahead of the first riding day, but we provide your room in Montreal. Included in the package is seven nights accommodation. We are in Kingston mid-week and have a pizza party there followed by a day to relax and explore. The package fee is $875.00 and there are 6 riding days. This tour has evolved over the years and for those who joined us in earlier years you'll enjoy the revised route. We've headed inland on the last days of the tour and our ride now includes both the Waterfront Trail and some quiet inland country roads. We have a few gentle climbs but feedback from riders is they have enjoyed the variety. There is a return option on July 29th for $100 and that includes your bike.
Tour Vert: We launched Tour Vert last year and it was an instant success. Ride from Montreal to Quebec City in 5 days with six nights accommodation including Montreal and Quebec City. We travel through Quebec's Eastern Townships and stay in small and medium size communities. The riding is hilly on a couple of days and this tour is the most challenging of our one week rides. Days with climbing are shorter and our inaugural riders found them quite manageable. Breakfasts are provided on riding days and a group dinner on the second last night. Orientation in Montreal on August 5 and we ride into Quebec City on August 10. The package fee is $875.00 and for those who prefer single accommodation there is a single supplement of $325.00.
Niagara Vineyards: By popular demand. We have had many requests over the years to develop a tour of this region of Ontario and it was a challenge to find a schedule and accommodation that offers the quality of riding that our customers enjoy. But we've figured it out. We start our ride in Hamilton, a town with an industrial history that people don't always think of as a cycling destination. But it's a well kept secret with some gentle riding (or steep climbs if you prefer) and amazing views. Hamilton also is served by a national airport and bus or commuter train services, so this makes it an ideal point to start a ride. It's really part of the greater Toronto region, so if you are coming from away and want to explore Toronto we can give you some help on the logistics.
On this ride we are soon on country roads where vineyards and wineries are plentiful. Daily distances are shorter to give you time to explore, but we'll have options for those who want to put in more challenging days. And of course there's a spectacular finish in Niagara Falls, our final night's accommodation. It's an ideal ride for couples with "unmatched skills". Although the roads are quiet we are in prime tourist territory so the rate for this tour is a little higher at $975.00. But we know you'll enjoy the atmosphere in such villages as Jordan and Niagara-on-the-Lake. The single supplement is $425.00. At the end of the ride, we'll shuttle bikes for a small fee and commercial buses will take you to Hamilton, Toronto or the two airports.
Points of Contact
For more information about these and other rides, please visit: CycleCanada or call us at 1-800-214-7798. For our overseas friends the phone number is 705-434-1100. We are also available by appointment on skype, just send us an email and we'll set up a time to meet.
To register on-line visit: On-line Registration or by mail, scanned or fax visit: PDF Registration Form.
The Decade on a Roll — Spread the Word!
After our November newsletter we are seeing more and more people catch a ride on our Decade on a Roll theme. Publications around the world are noting the increase in numbers of cyclists and the benefits to health realized from cycling. There is also an increased call to action for awareness that all road users need to share the road and act with tolerance and courtesy towards each other. Recently the coroner in our home province announced an investigation into cycling fatalities in Ontario. The Tour du Canada Board of Directors made a submission which you can read here. The deadline for comment has passed but we will be watching developments on this review.
Happy Holidays
Holiday Shopping at the Cycle Canada Store. Gifts and Stocking stuffers. Cycle Canada carries a line of Canadian themed cycling jerseys, socks and other accessories. We usually ship by the next business day.
Thinking about riding with us next year with a family member or close friend? Click here sweep@cyclecanada.com to send us a note. We’ll package a registration as a surprise gift!
Facebook Needs Cyclists - Like us at: www.Facebook.com/CycleCanada.Veloforce!
