Cyclists enjoy local stops on Great Lakes journey
Trail adventure attracts 150 bike riders for 6-day, 800-kilometre trek
When the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure was started nine years ago, the organizers had hoped cyclists would embrace the challenge of being able to ride the 1,600-kilometre trail around the Great Lakes. But a survey showed cyclists were interested in something else.
“The response we got was people wanted to spend more time in the communities exploring — not just riding through,” said Marlaine Koehler, executive director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust.
“They said we’ve only ever seen those communities from the signs on the 401 highway. But by riding this trail, we now know Kingsville has a beautiful downtown heritage. It has been an eye-opener for so many people.”
On Sunday, more than 150 cyclists from four provinces, four states and even Australia kicked off the six-day, 800-km section of the trail from Pelee Island to Grand Bend. The group rides the trail through different communities and finds lodgings at the end of each day.
Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Eleanor McMahon joined the cyclists on Pelee Island before crossing over to Kingsville on Monday to head for Windsor. McMahon grew up cycling in Windsor and said the event is an encouraging throwback to those days when everyone rode a bike.
“Cycling tourism is one of the fastest growing phenomenon around the world,” she said, noting that cycling helps promote a healthy lifestyle and also has economic benefits.
“In small communities, cycling tourism can be a much-needed economic shot in the arm. Cycling tourism helps the economy, it’s lower wear and tear on our roads and improves the health of our community and the people in it.”
McMahon is also a supporter of having bike-designated lanes on the Gordie Howe International Bridge. She has told Windsor West MP Brian Masse that she is “on board to help with that endeavour.” She pointed out that bridges around the world — including the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco — have had bike lanes for years for two-wheeled commuters.
Nine years ago, Koehler said they had hoped that people using the trail would help stir up tourism in areas that were struggling.
“The purpose of the trail is protect, connect and celebrate our Great Lakes,” she said. “A lot of people had turned their backs on the Great Lakes, saying they are not clean or you can’t swim in them. The trail was a mechanism to reintroduce the people to the lakes and help them fall in love with it again.”
Norma Bordenave of Niagara Falls has been involved with the ride since its inception. She now loves to volunteer to help other people enjoy the beautiful ride on the trail and explore the communities along the way.
“It’s a good way to meet a lot of people while promoting safe riding and keeping people active,” she said.
“We are treated like royalty when we come into the different communities, and that’s a great feeling. It’s a beautiful way to see the countryside on a bike.”