Cycling Events Across Ontario 2012
(Also see Cycling Tours Across Ontario 2012)
Each year there are more and more cycling events happening across Ontario. Below is information on a variety of recreational, touring and race events for 2012. Also see the Cycling Tours Across Ontario 2012 page and Bike Tours map category for more options, and scroll down this page to see ongoing events for 2012 as well as past events in 2011 (updates for 2012 will be posted as they become available).
May
Wednesday Night Race Series – The 18th annual running of this weekly series offers six different courses to choose from each week, from the 2 km Sprockids to 15 km Radical. For all ages and abilities. Prizes each night, and series points tracked through the season. Wednesday evenings, from May 2 to August 29, at Hardwood Ski and Bike, north of Barrie.
CN Cycle for CHEO – On May 6, 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.
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 13: Ottawa; May 26: Barrie; June 2: Burlington; June 23: Toronto. Visit MEC website for venues.
Ride of Silence – The City of Niagara Falls Trails & Bikeway Committee will host the 6th annual Ride of Silence on May 16, starting at the MacBain Community Centre, Niagara Falls, beginning at 7 pm. 10 km slow procession ride to promote "share the road" message. Lead cyclist will be Gord Singleton, 1982 World Cycling Champion.
Beachburg Spring Chicken Enduro – On May 19, the Beachburg Off Road Cycling Association (BORCA) presents Ontario's MTB Enduro season opener (50 km/25 km) and trail run (10 km/5 km) – a mix of road, ATV and singletrack. Fundraising event for local trail development. Awards/prizes, food/drink for competitors, and the Beachburg Bakeoff. In Beachburg.
London Bicycle Festival – From May 25 to June 14, enjoy a host of events during the London Bicycle Festival, including rides, films, bike kitchen, street festival, bike safety events, art show -- and lots more. Go to the festival's website for a daily schedule.
Ontario High School and Elementary Mountain Bike Championships - Hardwood Ski and Bike (located north of Barrie) welcomes riders from all over Ontario are for the 18th Annual Ontario High School Mountain Bike Championships. May 25 will be a fun and challenging day for all ages and levels of riders. Each cyclist may compete as an Individual in the morning races, and again as a school Relay Team in the afternoon.
Dandelion Festival Grand Prix – During the Dandelion Festival in Kemptville on May 25–27, almost 300 racers of all levels will compete on courses in Old Town Kemptville and the Oxford Mills area of North Grenville. A criterium and race events will be held May 26 and 27. Participants and spectators alike join in the local Dandelion Festival.
BIKE TREK 2012 – The Lung Association’s 11th Annual Bike TREK weekend will take place May 26-27. Be a part of this exciting FUNdraising biking adventure through Windsor and Essex County, where participants challenge themselves as cyclists and health advocates. The goal of this event is to raise funds to support local lung health initiatives.
Durham Waterfront Community Ride – The United Way Durham Region invites cyclists of all skill levels to “Ride with the Mayor(s)” along the Waterfront Trail in Durham Region. Ride starts at 10 a.m. on May 27 at Lakeview Park, Oshawa. Cyclists arriving by GO Transit will be met by a group leader at the Oshawa GO Station. Minimal $10 fee to support the United Way; riders may raise additional funds, but it is not a requirement to participate. Contact the United Way Durham Region for more information.
Spin the Lakes Cycle Tour – The 7th annual Spin the Lakes takes place this year at Hidden Valley Resort on May 27, as a partnership between Muskoka Cycling Club and Share The Road. This event is not a race and is geared for everyone to participate – from the race entusiast to the first-time rider. Distances: 20 km, 50 km, 110 km and 170 km. Fully supported with vehicles, food and water stations.
Bike 4 Betty – This 5th annual ride is a non-competitive fundraising event. Beginning and ending at Port Credit Memorial Park in Mississauga, Bike 4 Betty has something for everyone! On May 27, choose from the leisurely 2 km ride perfect for families with young children, or challenge yourself with the 100 km route. In total, Bike 4 Betty offers 5 ride lengths – 2 km, 15 km, 30 km, 75 km or 100 km – plus lots of family entertainment. Visit Bike 4 Betty's website or its Facebook page.
Durham Bike Summit – Organized in partnership with Share The Road, the Durham Bike Summit on May 30 is open to all who would like to learn how other communities have successfully influenced their culture, economy and built environment by adopting active transportation principles, policies and guidelines. Held at the Jubilee Pavilion in Lakeview Park, Oshawa.
June
Toronto Bike Month – Annual event with a wide range of activities spread out month-long, celebrating cycling in across the city. Starts May 28 and continues throughout June. See Toronto’s cycling website for a schedule of events.
Mississippi Mills Bike Month – Annually, every June, residents of Mississippi Mills – located in Lanark County, just west of Ottawa – are encouraged to ride their bikes in lieu of using their vehicles. Visit the website for details on a wide range of events, rides and routes.
Capital Vélo Fest – Bicycle Rodeo and expo by day, and Tour La Nuit by night, this festival has activities to inspire cycling in Canada's capital city. 2012 will be this event's 2nd year – on June 2, at Ottawa City Hall.
Bruce-Manitoulin Passage Ride – Mark June 2 & 3 on your calendar for this 2nd annual ride in partnership with M.S. Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. Celebrate the new safe northern cycling corridor and explore the serene beauty of the Bruce and Manitoulin. June 2 on the Bruce; June 3 on Manitoulin. Free ferry passage both ways for cyclists. Visit Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates' (MICA) Facebook page here.
Trek Store Canada Cup XC - The Canada Cup/Ontario Cup is a great racing experience for all levels of riders and racers, from beginners to the best World Cup and Olympic riders in Canada! This event offers Ontario's only UCI International and National Series MTB Race: UCI International C1/Ontario Cup XC #3. At Hardwood Ski and Bike, north of Barrie. June 2 and 3. Come race, come watch, or come and do both.
Scenic Spring Cycle – On June 3, join a family-friendly cycle from Kelso Beach, Owen Sound. This all-ages recreational cycle lets you stretch your legs and immerse yourself in some of the beautiful vistas, shoreline landscapes and rural backroads of Georgian Bay country. All experience levels. Proceeds support YMCA Strong Kids campaign.
Becel Heart & Stroke Ride for Heart – On June 3, join 13,000 cyclists on the 25th annual ride enjoying Toronto's traffic-free highways downtown, including the Don Valley Parkway. Rides of different lengths to suit all.
Cycle for Sight – Raising funds for Foundation Fighting Blindness, this event is a fully supported one-day ride with two distance options. For experienced and novice cyclists alike. June 3: Ottawa. June 23: Toronto.
Steel City Bike Festival – On June 6 to 10, the first annual Steel City Bike Festival takes place in Hamilton. The event will feature a variety of cycling-related activities, including group rides, film premieres, art and photography contests, and repair courses.
Trailblazers Blaze-A-Thon – Come out and support the Trailblazers Bike-a-Thon on June 9. The TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club provides people who have limited or no vision the opportunity to experience cycling with sighted volunteers, using tandems. Everyone is welcome to the Bike-a-Thon, both single bikes and tandems! Early registrations are $15, up to May 31. The event begins at the CNIB @ 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto.
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 2012. Fully-supported tour rolls June 9 & 10.
Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour – Now in its 41st year, this weekend-long event offers 4 different tour routes, between Ottawa, Perth to Kingston, and return. June 9-10. Approximately 2,000 cyclists participate in this popular tour run by volunteers and organized by the Ottawa Bicycle Club since 1972.
Cambridge Tour de Grand – This annual bicycle ride takes place the 2nd Sunday in June in Cambridge (June 10). 2012 will be the 15th year of this ride for all levels – 10 km, 15 km, 25 km, 50 km, 60 km, 72 km, 100 km or 160 km routes. Scenic rides through urban and rural areas. Free food and drinks, including lunch.
The Wild Ride – Grab your mountain bike and join the Wild Ride on June 16 as an individual or as a team for 25 km of wild riding in support of The Lung Association. It will leave you breathless. Wildwood Conservation Area, St. Marys.
Ride the Ravines – On June 17, pedal your way to a greener city and spread the joy of cycling across the Greater Toronto Area! Evergreen Brick Works hosts this inaugural charity ride, in partnership with the Toronto Cyclists Union, through 25 km of Toronto's Bikeway Network in support of accessible cycling in the GTA. Ride the Ravines, 9 am–noon; Ravine Rodeo (featuring live musical acts, local food and cheer), noon–4 pm.
Giant Bicycles Lake to Lake 29er Challenge - A brand new route for the 14th annual Lake to Lake Event, which will take place on June 17. (Note: Tour of Pelham is taking a one-year break this year.) New action-packed course will run from Lake Gibson at Brock University to beautiful Charles Daley Park on the shores of Lake Ontario (just under 29 km). Mountain bike theme will include The Great Wolf Lodge Pond to Pond challenge (16 km) for young participants or those new to mountain biking and the Lake to Lake Mountain Bike Expo. Post ride BBQ, prizes.
24 Hours of Summer Solstice – This mountain biking festival and relay event offers numerous mountain biking options and camping at Albion Hills Conservation Area, Caledon. In its 15th year, this event is set for June 23-24. The event repeats later in the summer as 24 Hours at Albion: Hot August Nights (date to come). A number of other mountain bike events and races are hosted by Chico Racing.
Tour de TIPS – In support of cross-regional Crime Stoppers programs, this 6th annual ride takes cyclists 90 km, 120 km or 160 km through the regions of York, Peel, Halton, Hamilton and Niagara, ending with a wine tour and sampling. June 24.
Healing Cycle Ride – The 8th annual ride raises funds in support of hospice palliative care programs across Ontario. On June 24, riders will have a choice of routes – 10 km, 25 km, 50 km, 100 km and 160 km Gran Fondo – 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 22nd year. July 8: Prince Edward County (inaugural tour); July 28-29: Grand Bend to London; August 11-12: Ottawa to Cornwall; August 18-19: Acton to Waterloo; August 26: Niagara; September 9: Toronto.
Lost in the Rocks and Trees – Billed as Ontario's toughest mountain biking race, this event offers up challenging courses of 30 km, 62 km and 110 km on trails in the Mattawa area. July 14.
Centurion Ontario – Welcome to the Horseshoe Valley, where a series of horseshoe-shaped hills are relentless, yet the quiet of the roads is positively endless. Taking place in the Township of Oro-Medonte, this Centurion event will start and finish at Horseshoe Resort on July 14-15. Metric distances: C100K, C50K, C25K.
Great Waterfront Trail Adventure – Over 8 days, this annual tour travels the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Over 250 cyclists complete the Waterfront Trail end to end, 700 km+, from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border. Local cyclists and communities enjoy welcoming participants along the way. The 5th annual adventure happens July 14-21. Join the tour for a weekend at its start, riding from Niagara to Toronto, or for any day or multi day portion enroute.
GranFondoOttawa~ReggioCapitale – This new 2012 event in the National Capital Region will offer cyclists an Ottawa Valley "town to town" theme along historic and quiet country roads. Multiple route distances are planned, as well as an EventExpo, a GiroPreFesta, a GiornoJaveFesta and a FondoFesta. July 21. Visit website for more details.
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: July 21 (special theme: reggae); Fall Epic 8: September 22.
Le Tour de Norfolk – Starting and ending in Delhi – on the north shore of Lake Erie, in Norfolk County – this annual recreational ride on the third weekend in July includes distances from 40 km to 160 km. Ride at your own pace on quiet, tree-lined, paved country roads. Maps and clearly marked routes; lunch and rest stops; road support; one- or two-day option; camping available. July 21 and 22.
Gabrielle's Ride – This charity ride will give all members of the community, from elite cyclists to families and children, the opportunity to ride in support of the thousands of children in Canada who live with the affects of congenital heart disease and pediatric stroke. Gabrielle's Ride takes place in Oakville on July 22.
Friends For Life Bike Rally – Over 400 cyclists ride the Waterfront Trail from Toronto to Montreal – 600 km over 6 days. This 14th annual event, which raises funds for people living with HIV/AIDS, is set for July 29 to August 3.
August
Cyclon 2012 – Over the August civic long weekend (August 3-6), the non-profit cycling club Toronto Bicycling Network hosts its premier cycle touring event, Cyclon. In its 26th year, Cyclon will be held this year at Trent University in Peterborough. Cyclists will be touring Peterborough and the beautiful Kawartha Lakes region. Only 200 places available.
Pedal4Paws – In 2012, the 2nd annual event will take place in Prescott to raise funds for Leeds & Grenville OSPCA. 60 km & 100 km loops available. August 18 (rain date August 19).
Kingston By Bike! Welcome Cyclists Weekend - Enjoy a weekend getaway in Kingston, August 18 & 19. Booking options feature any or all of the following: Bike Train service to/from Kingston; a leisurely bike tour of downtown Kingston; bike rentals; and your choice of Welcome Cyclists certified accommodations. With plenty of additional routes to explore the city, islands and surrounding area you can easily recreate this weekend to suit your schedule.
Trailblazing 2012 – On August 18-19, IMBA Ontario proudly presents Trailblazing 2012 at Hardwood Ski and Bike (north of Barrie). The festival will provide a forum to communicate the need for mountain biking’s various community stakeholders to work together to promote and grow the sport to all people of all ages. The festival will include skill sessions and clinics for all levels and disciplines of mountain biking, exciting activities and events, a showcase of new products, plus a meeting of IMBA Canada’s Ontario Regional Leadership Advisory Council.
Ride 4 United Way – This annual fundraiser for United Way Durham Region offers cyclists various route options, as well as rider support, prizes, food and entertainment at finish. Mark August 26 on your calendar, and check the event website for details and updates.
September
Ride for Karen – This annual event, which raises funds to improve cancer patients’ quality of life, has been rolling since 2002. Multiple-length routes – 160 km, 100 km, 25 km and a kids' fun ride for children aged 2 to 12 – start from Maple. September 9.
Ride the Rideau – This 100 km fundraising ride on September 12 takes riders along the Rideau River from Ottawa to Merrickville-Wolford. Funds raised go to support cancer research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
Northumberland Rice Lake Ramble Welcome Cyclists Weekend – Tour through
Northumberland County with the Northumberland Cycling Club, September 15 & 16. Depart from Cobourg VIA Rail Station and let local cyclists lead the way through scenic Northumberland trails and quiet roadways, having fun en route to your day's end destination and overnight accommodations at Rice Lake. Return to Cobourg independently the next day. You can easily re-create this getaway weekend with alternative dates that better suit your schedule.
Centurion Canada – On September 14-16, join in for a variety of races and rid/es that are part of this popular event. Attracting thousands of participants, the September Centurion is based out of Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood.
Paul's Dirty Enduro – The 17th edition of this annual mountain bike event will be held on September 15. Races and rides – 15 km, 30 km, 60 km, 100 km and a kids' race – all in the Ganaraska Forest. View more info at Bloomfield Bicycle Club.
Tour de Mississauga – The 6th annual ride is set for September 16. Each year this tour highlights a new quadrant of the city, with routes of various lengths. Non-competitive, suitable for all ages (recommended 10+).
North American Moving Services Tour de Force – Canada Company stages its 3rd annual bike tour challenge this September 17-23. This 6-day event raises money to support the children of military families. Ride is divided into six 80-120 km stages, concluding with a community celebration each night. 2012 route from Toronto to Ottawa. Limited to 50 riders.
Kiwanis Colour Cribbage Ride – On this bicycle tour of Prince Edward County, enjoy 100 km or 50 km of the county's beautiful paved backroads. Lunch, prizes, well-mapped and marked routes, and refreshment stops/checkpoints throughout the route. Organized as a fundraiser on September 29 by the local Kiwanis Club. View website or link to pdf here for more info.
Canada South Coast Bike Tour – On September 29, the Essex Region Conservation Authority and its fundraising foundation host this inaugural bike tour in Windsor/Essex. Three ride distances will entice cycling families to advanced road riders: There will be a 15 km family ride and a 42 km intermediate ride along the Chrysler Canada Greenway trail. A 106 km road ride will follow city and rural roads from the Ciociaro Club in Windsor south to Lake Erie and then to the Kingsville train station. Money raised through the bike tour will be used to build the Essex-Amherstburg Greenway Trail. Click here for online registration.
Tour de King – On September 30, riders will take courses from Seneca College to Cold Creek Conservation Area, through a variety of trails, roadways and road allowances and along the scenic Oak Ridges Moraine in King Township.
October
Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day – This free 6th annual event is a fun day for kids of all ages and riding abilities. On October 6, take your kids out of the city and into Durham Regional Forest and onto a real mountain bike trail! Experienced guides and a bike mechanic on site. Rides approx. every 10 minutes. Free lunch and hot chocolate for kids; prizes; raffles; and loot bags. Durham Regional Forest, 3789 Concession Road 7, Uxbridge.
Northumberland Waterfront Trail Welcome Cyclists Weekend - 
Tour through Northumberland County with the Northumberland Cycling Club, October 13 and 14. You'll depart from Cobourg VIA Rail Station with local cyclists leading the way through the town of Cobourg to the scenic Waterfront Trail, having fun en route to your day's end destination and overnight in Colborne at Loughbreeze Bay. Explore the Presqu'ile area and return to Cobourg independently the next day, following a well-mapped route provided by the cycling club.
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 – This January 30th ride starts at Toronto's City Hall at noon and concludes at 1:30 pm with hot chocolate to warm up riders.
March
Pole, Pedal & Pound –This March 17 event offers 5 km cross-country skiing, 3 km snowshoeing and 5 km of mountain biking (weather permitting – otherwise the bike portion may be on the road). Participate solo or in a team of 3. Lots of age categories.
April
South Coast Bicycle Night – Port Dover has a Friday the 13th event for motorcycles, but what about what about people with bikes of the pedal power variety? Join a new tradition and ride your bike to Crystal Beach in Fort Erie on Friday, April 13, for a night of live music and fun. Prizes for best and worst bikes, farthest distance ridden, etc. For more details, visit the event's Facebook site here.
Paris to Ancaster Bicycle Race – 60km or 35 km options, on a mix of roads, farm lanes and trails. This well-attended annual event will take place on April 15, marking its 19th year. The 2011 event also included a Sprockids Course.
All Weather Challenge – Ride into spring with this fun event for everyone. The 13th annual All Weather Challenge is scheduled for April 22 at Hilton Falls Conservation Area, 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!
Tour of Bronte – On April 28 and 29, take part in the third annual Tour of Bronte in Oakville. The race circuit is a mix of smooth and not-so-smooth paved and unpaved winding, narrow roads. Come ride or watch. Additional events include Group Road Riding 101, Sprockids, and Mountainbike Dirt Dash.
Have we missed a cycling event?
With so many options, we just may have.
Please let us know and we will add to the list.
Email: information (at) welcomecyclists.ca
