In This Issue:

Trail Projects on the Go

Bike Train

Trail Signage

Trail Care Crew

Trails Across the Region

North Bay

Fun on the Trails

  There seems to be a lot of attention focused on the bicycle community these days.  Cycle tourism is on the rise with projects like the Bike Train constantly expanding their reach into new destinations across the province.  Cyclists from all over are banding together to recite a resounding mantra of ‘share the road’.  And, their voices are being heard at all levels.  A Private Member’s Bill sits before provincial cabinet that, if passed, will require the Ministry of Transportation to pave a minimum 1 meter shoulder on secondary highways when they undergo maintenance.  We have all been calling for this for a long time and it appears that the point has finally been made.  It is not all good news though.  Recently the City of Toronto abandoned an attempt to put a bicycle lane along University Avenue due to a vocal opposition concerned for the loss of motor vehicle space.  The City of North Bay was confronted with a similar discussion when proposing bicycle lanes in the west end of the City.  These discussions, although not always receiving a favourable conclusion, are integral to creating a shift that will bring the province closer to achieving a network of trails and routes comparable to the world’s leaders in this area in Quebec, the Netherlands and Oregon. 

In celebration of cycling and trails in general, we are hosting a Trail Mix and Mingle on October 14.  Consider joining Discovery Routes on a group bicycle ride along the newly renovated Kate Pace Way.  It will be a casual ride - no spandex allowed.  We'll even arrange a bike rental for you, so no excuses.  Walkers are also welcome along this accessible trail.  The ride will be followed by a dinner at Cecil's and guest speaker Ian Kilgour talking about all things trails in North Bay.  Join us.  It will be fun!

And one final note - - This is your LAST CHANCE to buy tickets on the $1,500 Norco Nitro Mountain Bike.  We have only managed to sell about 150 tickets on this REALLY cool trail bike, so the odds are good.  The draw will take place at 3:00pm on Thursday, September 30, so if you want in call me (Jennifer) RIGHT NOW at 472-8480 or stop by Northriders bike shop on Main Street in North Bay.

Bike Train 2010

As I write this newsletter, we sit in anticipation of the final Bike Train of the season coming north on Friday, September 24^th.  The train will make a quick stop in South River to let off 10 cyclists who will spend the weekend riding the backroads and trails in and around Algonquin Park.  This side trip is being dubbed “Rails, Trails and Ales”.  Who wouldn’t want to participate?  The rest of the riders will disembark in North Bay to tour the Fall colours, and maybe enjoy some unorganized ales.  The Bike Train has been a very exciting project for Discovery Routes providing an opportunity for us to work closely with local cyclists who volunteer their time as tour guides.  The project also has opened doors across the province as we learn about the success of the Bike Train in other communities and make connections with bicycle advocates working in other parts of the province.

Trail Signage........finally!!

Discovery Routes will finally be able to make good on our promise to enhance trail signage across the region, and thereby improve your ability to find and use our local trails.  The project is being funded in part by Industry Canada/ FedNor, the Ontario Trillium Foundation and local trail groups.  As the signs get built and installed, Discovery Routes will be posting notices on our website.

Subaru Trail Care Crew

Those of you that have been around the trail, so to speak, for awhile will recall the Subaru Trail Care Crew that visited the then Jack Pine Hill trails in North Bay to offer up some very valuable techniques for building sustainable trails.  The concept was developed by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) to support the development of trails that encourage public access to natural settings without harming the ecosystem.  Well, the Trail Care Crew is back in action and we have the opportunity to invite them back into our region.  The deadline for application is November 30.  More details are available here;   http://www.imba.com/canada/tcc/request.  If anyone is interested and you have a trail in mind, Discovery Routes can make the request on your behalf.  Just let us know.

Trails Across the Region

North Bay

Kate Pace Way Missing Link

Work has begun to pave the shoulders along Booth Road to extend the Kate Pace Way.  The City’s website states:  “The extension of the Kate Pace Way along Marshall Avenue to Booth Road and along Booth Road to Lakeshore Drive has begun. The project will involve the construction of a multi-use trail on either side of these roadways”.  Booth Road will be closed to pedestrian traffic during the construction.

Conservation Trails

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority's conservation areas across the region have received a face-lift over the summer with some eye-catching new signage.  It is our hope that our trail signage project will complement the efforts of the Conservation Authority to strengthen the trails network all across this great area.

Otter Lake Trails

Ever wonder about Otter Lake North Bay Recreational Lands?   Walk the trails and learn about the history, archaeology and geological significance of this unique property.  The North Bay Hunter's and Anglers will be hosting their annual Fall Colours Trail Walk on Sunday, Oct. 3^rd from 1-3 pm.  Hikers will meet at the southern Road Access.  For more information on Otter Lake visit the website.

Directions:  Hwy #63 (Trout Lake Rd) until  left on Widdifield stn. Rd.   Down Widdifield Stn. Rd for 2-3 km.  Entrance is on the left.

1375 Seymour Street, North Bay, P1B 9V6  ~  T: (705) 472-8480  ~  F: (705) 472-8027  ~  info@discoveryroutes.ca