Canada South Coast Bike Tour Welcomes Riders to Support Local Trails

Residents of the Essex Region will get the chance to support local trail development with their own two wheels at the annual Canada South Coast Bike Tour, happening Saturday, September 24.

Essex Region Conservation will welcome cyclists of all skill and ability levels for this yearly fundraising event. The event features three Greenway and two road routes, giving cyclists the chance to pick their ideal ride length. Routes range from the 15km Greenway ride, to the 112km road route.

“This event is great for families and expert cyclists alike,” said ERCA’s Director of Community Outreach Services, Danielle Breault Stuebing. “Kids and their families can enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Greenway, while those with the need for speed can take on the 112 or 58 kilometre road routes which run along County Road 50.”

New this year, the Tour will welcome riders from the Windsor Tandem Cycling Club. The Club gives blind, partially-sighted, deaf-blind and fully-sighted cyclists an opportunity to share an enthusiasm for cycling. The Tour is offering a two-for-one registration fee for tandem cyclists from the club, an effort to promote accessibility at the event.

Rest stops with water, snacks and washrooms will be available approximately every 20 kilometres along the road routes. All five routes will lead to the Kingsville Train Station Greenway Entrance to enjoy lunch at Mettawas Station Restaurant, which is included in the registration fee.

Organizers are also putting the call out to families, community organizations, and businesses to register as teams for the event. Teams of five or more riders will receive a discount of $5 per person. Participants are also encouraged to gather pledges for their riding efforts, with prizes going to the top individual fundraisers.

Pre-registration costs range from $25 to $35 per participant, depending on the route. Cyclists can register on the day of the event for $5 more. There is no extra charge for children in bike trailers.

“We have welcomed guests ranging in age from 9 months to 90 years, on tricycles, in bike trailers and on tandem and recumbent bikes. This truly is an event for everyone and supports investments in our local trail infrastructure which will be used for generations to come,” Breault Stuebing added.

Event and registration information can be found online.