Cycling Events 2013

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Cycling Events 2013

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Cycling Events Across Ontario 2013

(Also see Cycling Tours Across Ontario 2013)

Every year there are more and more cycling events happening across Ontario. Below is information on a variety of recreational, touring and race events for 2013.

Also see the Cycling Tours Across Ontario 2013 page and Bike Tours map category for more options, and scroll down this page to see ongoing events for 2013 as well as past events.

*Additional events for 2013 will be added, as dates and event information is confirmed.

MAY

7 Days in May - Starting from Mississauga, the full ride will travel 1104 km around Lake Ontario from May 4-10. Or join for May 4 only for 25, 50, or 75 km rides. Dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer, all funds raised will be used for research and treatments to cure Pancreatic Cancer.

CN Cycle for CHEO – On May 5, this charity event encourages everyone to cycle, walk, and roll, in support of children with cancer and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Events take place at the Canadian War Museum, in Ottawa, and the adjacent grounds at LeBreton Flats. The cycle routes are fun, non-competitive rides, offering a range of distances (15 km, 35 km & 70 km), all starting and ending at LeBreton Flats Park.

Ride of Silence - 10km slow procession evening ride through the city of Niagara Falls, to honour injured cyclists. 7pm start at MacBain Community Centre.

Bike Trek 2013 – The Lung Association’s 12th Annual Bike TREK weekend will take place May 25, 2013. Be a part of this exciting FUNdraising biking adventure through Windsor and Essex County, where participants challenge themselves as cyclists, community leaders and health advocates. The event raises funds to support local lung health initiatives.

Spin the Lakes Cycle Tour - On May 25, this annual Muskoka event offers cyclists 4 routes around beautiful lake country with 20km, 50km, 110km, 170km options, starting and ending at Hidden Valley Resort, near Huntsville. Also a Family Fundo event on May 24.

Dandelion Festival Grand Prix – A part of the Dandelion Festival in Kemptville join the Pro/Am or Citizens Criterium Sunday May 26, to compete on courses in Old Town Kemptville and the Oxford Mills area of North Grenville.

Bike to Work Day - May 27 communities all around the Greater Toronto Area, will be hosting events and group rides to promote and celebrate Bike To Work Day. Take the pledge and be eligible to win one of three prize packs, including a weekend away to Kingston, Ontario provided by Welcome Cyclists Network, Tourism Kingston and VIA Rail.

MEC Bikefest – This family-friendly festival celebration of all things bike-related promotes more bike use, education and cycling advocacy for all types of riders. Demonstrations, clinics, cycling vendors on-site, and opportunities to try out gear and new bikes. Organized by Mountain Equipment Co-Op across Canada. Ontario event dates/cities: May 18: Toronto; May 25: Barrie; June 8: Burlington; June 16: Ottawa. Visit MEC website for venues.

JUNE

Cycle Camelot Bike Ride - Help raise funds for the new Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre with the Huronia region Cycle Camelot Ride. On June 1, the event features riding for all levels plus local culture and selected cuisine. Choose from 15, 35, 50 and 85 km rides in farmland and along Georgian Bay.

Capital Vélo Fest - The mission of this annual bicycle festival is to "Inspire people of all ages to ride a bike more often." The Saturday June 1 event is at Ottawa City Hall and in various neighborhoods on Sunday. The event includes a bicycle rodeo, bicycle rally and lots of cycling information.

Hero Ride - This fully supported ride travels 125 km from Toronto to Blue Mountain and back on June 1-2. The 2nd annual event raises funds for childhood cancer charities through the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation.

Becel Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart – On June 2, join 13,000 cyclists on the 26th annual ride enjoying Toronto's traffic-free highways downtown, including the scenic Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway. Rides of different lengths to suit all. Funds support programs working towards the ultimate goal of eradicating heart disease and stroke.

Cycle for Sight – Raising funds for Foundation Fighting Blindness, this 5th annual event is a fully supported one-day ride of 70 or 140 kms for experienced and novice cyclists. June 2: Ottawa. June 22: Toronto.

Bruce-Manitoulin Passage Ride – Mark June 8 & 9 on your calendar for the 3rd annual ride in partnership with Share the Road and M.S. Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. Celebrate the new safe northern cycling corridor and explore the serene beauty of the Bruce and Manitoulin. Free ferry passage both ways for cyclists.

Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer – This popular annual fundraising ride between Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara Falls – 200+ km in 2 days – draws over 4,000 cyclists from across Ontario & North America. New route options have been added for 6 options to choose from. Fully-supported tour rolls June 8-9.

Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour – Now in its 42nd year, this weekend long event on June 8-9 offers 4 different tour routes, between Ottawa, Perth, Kingston and back. 2,000 cyclists participate in this popular tour run by volunteers and organized by the Ottawa Bicycle Club since 1972.

Centurion Canada – On June 15 & 16, join in this popular event with 25, 50 and 100 km rides and kids and hill climb races. Attracting thousands of participants and spectators, the June Centurion is based out of Horseshoe Resort in Oro-Medonte, just north of Barrie. New in 2013 Pedal for Pink, 25km women's only ride to raise funds for breast cancer.

Wheels for Wellness - On June 14 & 15 in Ottawa, join this Queensway Carlton Hospital and Share the Road fundraising ride on the family Fondo ride, 50km or 100km challenge routes.

The Wild Ride – Grab your mountain bike and join the Wild Ride on June 15 as an individual or team. The unique 25 km route rides through Wildwood Conservation Area in St. Marys in support of The Lung Association. A new option is Wild Kids, free for kids under 12.

Ride the Ravines – On June 16, pedal your way to a greener city and spread the joy of cycling across the Greater Toronto Area! Evergreen Brick Works hosts this charity ride, with routes of various lengths, with foods and entertainment pre and post ride.

24 Hours of Summer Solstice - Experience the summer soltice on two wheels at this June 22-23 mountain bike festival and relay race. The newly improved 17 km loop of single and double track trails is suitable for riders of most ages and abilities. Ride solo, tag team or with 4-10 people. A no night option is also available.

Service Salute to Soldiers Ride - Combine fitness and a healthy lifestyle with the SSS Ride to support Paramedics, Police, Firefighters and Soldiers. The event will donate all funds to Wounded Warriors Canada, a non-profit that helps Canadian Forces members, and raise awareness about PTSD through the Tema Conter Memorial Trust. Ride all 380 km over 2 days from June 21-22 or for Saturday only for a long 160 or 80 km ride or short 40 or 20 km ride, all ending at Base Petawawa.

Moveathon Festival - Following the June 9 community festival at Downsview Park, join the Zareinu Ride on June 23. Ride 25 (women), 50, 100 km or 100 miles through York Region and the Oak Ridges Moraine in support of the Zareinu Educational Centre, a treatment centre for kids with physical and developmental disabilities.

The Healing Cycle Ride – The 9th annual ride raises funds in support of hospice palliative care programs across Ontario. On June 23, riders will have a choice of routes – 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 km, starting and ending in Mississauga. Cyclists can participate individually or as part of a Team Challenge.

JULY

MS Bike Tour – Multiple locations and dates through out the province (and across Canada) for this fundraising event in its 23nd year. July 7: Prince Edward County; July 27-28: Grand Bend to London; August 17: Acton (new route); August 25: Niagara; September 8: Toronto.

Share the Road Rides – Since 2006, the number of Share the Road Rides in Ontario has grown. The rides are meant for cyclists of all ages and abilities, and cover some of the most beautiful and scenic areas of the province. In memory of loved ones lost, and in celebration of an activity we all enjoy, join cyclists in communities across Ontario this summer. We remember, and we celebrate. Various dates and locations.

PedalFest - A celebration of all things biking at Blue Mountain, July 12 to 14. Enjoy demos and training rides, clinics, downhill action, bike movies, entertainment and more for the entire family.

GranFondo Ottawa - Reggio Capitale - Get the European-inspired "Big Ride" experience in the Ottawa Valley with festas before, during, and after the ride on July 20. Relaxed non-competitive options include 65 and 100 km or opt for the 170 or 220 km Gran and Supr Fondos with timed sections. All rides are fully supported.

Friends For Life Bike Rally – Over 400 cyclists ride the Waterfront Trail from Toronto to Montreal – 600 km over 6 days. This 15th annual event, which raises funds for people living with HIV/AIDS, is set for July 28 to August 3.

AUGUST

Lost in the Rocks and Trees – Billed as Ontario's toughest mountain biking race, this event on August 10th offers up challenging courses of 30, 62 and 110 km on MVUTS trails in the Mattawa area.

Great Waterfront Trail Adventure – The 6th annual event will travel the new Waterfront Trail along Lake Erie from August 11-17. The ride will cover 600 km from the Township of Lakeshore, near Windsor, to Fort Erie over 7 days. Local cyclists and communities enjoy welcoming participants along the way. Join the tour for any day or multi day portion enroute.

SEPTEMBER

Hastings Highlands Hilly Hundred - Offering six different route lengths, the classic 100km century ride starts in Bancroft, and takes in the hills and valleys of the area stretching to Ottawa Valley before returning to Bancroft, September 7.

Ride the Rideau – This 100 km fundraising ride on September 7 takes riders along the Rideau River from Ottawa to Merrickville-Wolford. Funds raised go to support cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Southwest Challenge - The Southwest Challenge has 180, 110 and 60 km distance options. The fully supported tour travels through beautiful, quiet and challenging roads between London, Woodstock, and back. Proceeds support Children's Health Foundation which, through cooperation with Children's Hospital of London and Children's Research Institute, helps sick and injured children from all over southwestern Ontario. Join the fun on Saturday September 7th.

The Big Move Cancer Ride – This non-competitive ride takes place on September 8 to raise money in support of the regional Walker Family Cancer Centre. The ride includes a 25, 50, 100 km and 100 mile cycle through the beautiful and challenging terrain of Niagara Region, starting and ending at Club Roma, St. Catharines.

Epic Tour Halton - This long-distance mass participation GranFondo-style cycling event on September 8 features 140, 80 or 40 km options as well as a 20 km Family Ride. Designed for all ages and abilities, the course explores the scenic and challenging terrain of Milton, Halton Hills, and Burlington.

GranFondo - Niagara - The latest addition to the GranFondo races kicks of with a FamilyFundo Kids Ride on September 13. On the 14th, the 125 km ride will start and finish near Niagara Falls, winding through Niagara Region's wine country and climb up the Niagara Escarpment.

Centurion Canada – On September 13-15, join in this popular event with 25, 50 and 100 km rides and kids and hill climb races. Attracting thousands of participants and spectators, the September Centurion is based out of Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood.

The Epic 8 Hour Relay Series – This mountain bike relay is all about the camaraderie, sportsmanship and the enjoyment of riding with friends. The Epic 8 takes place over 8 hours, on a 10 km loop course. The object of the races is not to finish first, but to complete the greatest number of laps before the end of the event. Lots of categories, from solo to teams. Held at Hardwood Bike and Ski, north of Barrie. Summer Epic 8: August 3 and Fall Epic 8: September 28.

OCTOBER

Wellspring Peloton Challenge - 35 riders will cycle more than 3,000 kms over 8 days from Toronto, Ontario to Austin, Texas in a 24-hour cycling relay. The ride is in support of Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation to raise funds for vital cancer support programs in the Greater Toronto Area. There are limited spots for this iconic ride.

ONGOING

Ontario Cycling Association Race Events – Provincial Road Races – Hosted by cycling clubs throughout Ontario, the annual qualifying races and provincial championships draw cycling teams from across the province. Consult Ontario Cycling Association’s event calendar.

EARLIER THIS YEAR:

JANUARY

The Coldest Day of the Year Ride – On January 30th the one hour ride starts behind Toronto City Hall at noon. BIXI bikes will be available for free test rides.

MARCH

Ontario Cycle Tourism Forum 2013 - On March 1, 2013, the one-day conference hosted by our organization, will showcase Ontario as a growing cycle tourism destination, with over 25 speakers sharing examples and lessons from across the province.

Toronto International Bicycle Show - One of the largest consumer bicycle shows in North America, See and shop for the latest cycling trends, bikes and accessories, enjoy BMX, mountain bike and freestyle competitions. Stop by our Ontario Cycle Tourism Information Centre at booth #827 for the latest cycling information, events and maps from across the province. March 1 - 3.

Fatty Frost Cross - This first annual winter fat bike race will take place at Hardwood Hills on March 9. Compete to lap the 3 km course with flats, berms, table tops, climbs and more in 2 hours. Fat bikes only. Also at Hardwood, Pole Pedal and Pound, March 16 a multi discipline team event with cross country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking.

APRIL

Tour of Bronte – On April 6, take part in the annual Tour of Bronte in Oakville. The 8-km road race circuit is a mix of smooth and not-so-smooth winding, narrow roads. For mountain bike enthusiasts, the Dirt Dash is an opportunity to test early season form on a modest course, mostly dirt road with some double track. This family-friendly event includes categories for all ages, and stuff for kids to see. Come ride or watch.

Hell of the North - Test your early season fitness on April 7, with 75 or 125 km of riding on challenging gravel and dirt roads. Starting and ending at Musselmans Lake, the shorter course is suitable for a road bike. 200 rider limit.

Paris to Ancaster Bicycle Race – This spring ride has 70 and 40 km options, on a mix of roads, farm lanes and trails. This well-attended annual event will take place on April 14, celebrating its 20th year. A "Let's Ride" Kids Course is open to 8-12 year olds.

All Weather Challenge – Ride into Spring with this FUN event for everyone. The 14th annual All Weather Challenge is scheduled for April 21 at Hilton Falls Conservation Area (905-854-0262), in Milton. Categories include ages 10 & under, special needs, teen and adult, with a choice of long or short course. BBQ lunch and some great prizes!