GWTA media

These are a few of the stories published in newspapers along the way. Plus there's Tammy Thorne at Spacing
http://spacing.ca/wire/2008/07/13/day-3-of-the-great-waterfront-trail-adventure/

For the cycling diary, Days 1-8, scroll down beyond this media stuff (what do they know? In my day, reporters lived the story...) and read up from the end.
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1111481

GWTA media

Trail funding comes through
Money set aside for signs, kiosk
Posted By MICHAEL PEELING, STANDARD-FREEHOLDER
July 12
Funding from the Ministry of Tourism came through for the final touches on an Ontario-Quebec cycling trail.
MPP Jim Brownell, parliamentary assistant to the minister, announced $8,000 to put up signs and an information kiosk at the border of the two provinces to encourage cyclists to keep exploring the neighbouring provinces, particularly now that they have officially joined the trails, rather than turn around and stay in their home province.
The signs, already put up, and the kiosk mark the Route verte of Quebec and the Waterfront Trail in Ontario, which runs for a combined 4,000 kilometres.
Cornwall Mayor Bob Kilger, Counties Warden Estella Rose, Louis Carpentier of the Velo Quebec Association, Marlaine Koehler of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Mike Lalonde, executive manager of Cornwall and Seaway Valley tourism, and Brownell unveiled the new bilingual signage, "Welcome to the Waterfront Trail" for the trail border to over 100 cyclists at a waterfront press conference Friday.
The project also came together with the help of Riviere-Beaudette Mayor Denis Brodeur and Lucie Charlebois of the Quebec government, the Seaway Valley Tourism and a few other communities.
Rose, who rode a bike everywhere as a young girl in her rural hometown, pointed out the Counties donated the land for the kiosk. Koehler said the Counties got onboard with the trail from the beginning of the project. She hopes the trail's success is a sign for a trail under construction in North Dundas Township.
Carpentier said creating public awareness of the trail was the greatest challenge of the project, which also required a lot of shoulder widening as well.
The cyclists were about to embark on the last leg, 31 kilometres, of their ride on the trail in Ontario with Kilger tagging along. They started their journey in Niagara-on-the- Lake over a week ago.
Kilger said he was pleased Cornwall was the last Ontario community the cyclists stopped in before entering Quebec.
"Just wait for me at the border for the group photo," he joked to the riders.
Brownell said the province was proud to help "provide a seamless journey to cyclists as cycling is a tourism growth industry in Canada."



Waterfront cyclists make city stop;
Posted By TREVOR PRITCHARD, STANDARD-FREEHOLDER
July 11
Looking for a surefire way to test the strength of your relationship? Try cycling more than 600 km together -with most of that distance spent on a tandem bike.
That's what Mississauga, Ont. couple Paul Price and Brenda Sweet have been doing since last Friday, when 170 riders left Niagara-on-the-Lake as part of the first ever Great Waterfront Trail Adventure.
"It's great, 'cause you always have a partner, eh?" said Sweet, who was among the riders stopping Thursday afternoon at the Lost Villages Museum site just west of Cornwall.
The 680-km, eight-day journey has taken participants through 41 communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence. An initiative of the non-profit Waterfront Regeneration Trust, the ride is designed to promote healthy lifestyles and showcase the trail, which runs from Southern Ontario to the Quebec border.
Yesterday's 86-km jaunt included a stop at Upper Canada Village and was among the least taxing legs of the trip, said Vicky Barron, the trust's director of administration and regeneration initiatives.
"They've had three days of really heavy riding, what they call a 'century ride,' over 100 km per day," said Barron. "So today's a breeze."
One of the youngest riders on the trip is 10 years old, while one of the oldest is 76, said Barron. People have come from as far away as Texas and Virginia to take part.
The province established the trust in 1992 to implement the recommendations of a 1988 royal commission on the future of Toronto's waterfront.
What began as a path along the shoreline of Lake Ontario has gradually expanded into 900 kilo-metres of trail, 40 per cent of which is off road.
The inaugural bike trip is designed to show off the trail, which has received $10 million in provincial and federal dollars over the past five years for major improvements, Barron said.
"This is a green tourism opportunity that needs to be exposed," she said.
The picturesque sights along the St. Lawrence River seemed to win over Jacqueline and Ralf Winter. The Barrie, Ont. couple were among the first to arrive at the rest stop, and had nothing but praise for the area.
"All the older buildings are fabulous, really, really pretty," said Jacqueline. "We're going to come back for a long weekend because we're just booting through here."
The cyclists are scheduled to appear this morning at 9 a. m. at RCAFA Wing 424 in Lamoureux Park. Local MPP Jim Brownell is expected to announce funding from the Ministry of Tourism for the creation of a new welcome kiosk at eastern end of the trail.
The ride wraps up later today in Rivière-Beaudette, Que.

http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1106115

ON A DIFFERENT CAMPAIGN TRAIL
City councillor more than halfway through eight-day, 680-kilometre bike trek in support of expanded waterfront route
Posted By BY JANE SWITZER FOR THE WHIG-STANDARD
July 9
For City of Kingston councillor Vicki Schmolka, long-distance cycling in sweltering July humidity requires a certain mantra: mind over matter.
Despite having cycled 132 kilometres in 31 C heat in a single day, Schmolka barely looked as if she had broken a sweat as she took a break yesterday afternoon at a rest stop near Bath.
Schmolka is one of 170 cyclists - and the only elected official from Kingston - taking part in the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure, an eight-day, 680-kilometre cycling tour. Sponsored by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust to promote the new, expanded waterfront trail, the trip passes through 41 communities from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border.
"The experience has been fantastic, the ride enjoyable, the people terrific, and the view unbelievable," Schmolka said as she parked her bicycle in a patch of shade.
Yesterday's leg marked the fourth day of the tour and the longest distance covered so far in one day. The cyclists pedalled a total of 132 kilometres. The day started in Presqu'ile Provincial Park in Brighton and ended at the St. Lawrence College student residences in Kingston.
Despite the distance and the heat, none of the cyclists are showing any signs of wanting to give up, said Petrina Tulissi, events and promotions manager for the Waterfront Regeneration Trust.
"No one is dropping out," she said. "They're all going to keep going."
Tulissi said the cyclists have developed tight bonds during the 452 kilo-metres they have completed so far.
"Lots of friendships are forming," she said. "A large percentage of people came on their own, not knowing anyone."
Tulissi said the ride has attracted participants spanning nearly seven decades in age.
"The youngest independent rider is nine, and the oldest is 76."
Tulissi said the majority of the participants are from Ontario, but the ride has attracted cyclists from the United States as well.
"We have a family from Texas and some people from Ohio also participating."
Tulissi said the ride gives people the opportunity to get a different perspective of Lake Ontario.
"The great thing is not only can you connect from community to community, but you can see how all the waterfronts come together," she said. "You see all those hidden gems you don't even know exist."
Schmolka, a passionate environmental activist, said she hopes Kingston continues to improve its waterfront to accommodate cyclists.
"I think it's something for the city to recognize as an important event," she said. "Cyclist touring is an important tourism feature."
Schmolka said she's been enjoying the warm welcomes that participants on the trip have been receiving at the various stops along their journey.
"In Pickering there were free massages, in Ajax there was a free lunch with a band, and in Wellington there were teenagers playing guitar and drums. It was great."
Schmolka said the non-competitive atmosphere of the trip allows for the inclusion of people of all ages and abilities.
"Lots of people come from a lot of different abilities," she said. "It's not competitive."
The participants in the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure are more than halfway done their journey, and Schmolka, who is cycling with her partner and son, says she would definitely do it again.
"Every day is different, so it's not like it would be boring," she said. "If every community does a little more every year to make their waterfront trails more harmonious, that would be great."
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is a registered charity that oversees a partnership of different groups dedicated to extending, enhancing and promoting the waterfront trail.
The first section of the trail stretched from Hamilton to Trenton and opened in 1995. The following year, the trail was extended to Niagara-on-the- Lake and moved east toward Quinte West.
Today, the trail stretches from Niagara- on-the-Lake to the Quebec border and includes 31communities, 182 parks and natural areas, 152 arts and culture heritage attractions, 37 major annual waterfront festivals and 170 marinas and yacht clubs.



http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1105877
Travelling by bike offers new perspective
Great Waterfront Trail Adventure passes through area
Posted By BY STEPHEN PETRICK, THE INTELLIGENCER
July 9
A whole lot of cyclists passed through Prince Edward County Tuesday.
Together, they put wheels in motion for the rejuvenation of Ontario's Waterfront Trail.
The cyclists were participating in the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure put on by Waterfront Regeneration Trust, a non-profit organization in charge of sprucing up the 900-kilo-metre trail which spans from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border.
The trip was to celebrate and show Ontarians improvements made to the trail as well as to spot areas where more work could take place, said Vicki Barron, a Waterfront Regeneration Trust tour guide, during a pit stop in Bloomfield.
She noted the trip allowed staff to examine a 10-km gap in the trail, between Quinte West and Belleville, which they have already identified as an area that needs work. A proposal to the federal and provincial governments requesting funds for the spot has already been written.
But the trip, she said, is mostly about showing Ontarians they don't have to spend a penny on gas to enjoy the province's vast waterfront.
"We want to show people what's in their own backyard," Barron said.
Cyclists left from Presqu'ile Park, near Brighton, Tuesday morning and by 11 a. m. had arrived in Wellington, where they were sold lunch by a local charity raising funds. They moved on to Bloomfield, Picton and the Glenora ferry station, en route to Kingston where they were to arrive Tuesday night.
The 137-km stretch was Day 5 of an eight-day trip that started in Niagara-on-the-Lake July 4 and is to end at the Quebec border July 11.
It is the first of what Waterfront Regeneration Trust officials hope will be an annual tour.
If more people travel the route, more people will become advocates of protecting the province's coastline, Barron said.

Forty per cent of the trail is off road. The rest of it is on side roads, or significant highways that lead into small communities.
Staff tried to make it as convenient as possible for the 170 tourists who paid the $300 fee to take part. A team of volunteers travelled with the group on bikes and in cars, to help people with injuries or mechanical problems.
"It's the first year, so it's a trial run," Barron said. "We don't want it to be expensive. The purpose isn't to make money."
Participants who spoke to The Intelligencer had nothing but good things to say about riding the trail and the communities they visited on the way.
"Every community has provided refreshments and encouragement," said Lorraine Koehler, of Toronto, while getting her bike repaired at Bloomfield Bicycle Co. "Wellington did a great job. They had lunch and music."
Janet and Peter Stratis of Ajax also stopped at the shop to make a few adjustments to their bikes.
They said the whole route -- particularly the Prince Edward County portion -- was beautiful and they would recommend the trip to any tourist.
"In the car, you don't see it the way you do on a bike," said Janet. "It's beautiful. There's so much character in these small towns that you don't see in cookie-cutter towns."
Added Peter, "We've done all-inclusive group trips in Mexico and Puerto Rico and this blows them out of the water."
"After four days there I'm bored stiff and want to go home, but this is our fifth day and I'm still raring to go."



http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1104195

Cyclists hit the Trail
Posted By BY VALERIE MACDONALD
Posted 6 days ago
Cyclists taking part in the first "end-to-end" Waterfront Trail tour passed through Port Hope and Cobourg Monday on their way to the Quebec border.
The Great Waterfront Trail Adventure is hoped to become an annual event for the Waterfront Regeneration Trust.
About 170 participants set off July 4 from Niagara-on-the-Lake to take part in the 680-kilometre trek. Most of the travellers had lunch at Port
Hope's Memorial Park yesterday, hosted by Port Hope tourism.
The cyclists next stop was a beachside break at the Cobourg marina, and officials expected them to arrive between 12:30 and 4:30 p. m., before heading out along the Waterfront Trail to reach Brighton in time for supper.
"There are families, riders new to touring, experienced riders, as well as non-riders joining for the week, a day, or two," Trust executive director Marlaine Koehler states in a media release.
"The Adventure showcases the communities along the waterfront and will help promote cycling tourism and active living in Ontario," a Waterfront Regeneration Trust media release states.
For more information go to www.waterfronttrail.org.
While some of the trail is adjacent to Lake Ontario, parts of it in Northumberland County follow County Road 2


http://www.thestar.com/article/455415
Cyclists savour the lakeside view

Inaugural Great Waterfront Trail Adventure attracts about 200 participants, riding 680 km along lake, river
Jul 07, 2008 Jim Rankin Toronto Star
welcome cool breeze washes over sun-baked arms and knees, pumping up and down with purpose, yes, but not at such a speed that one might miss the view to the right – a cloudless blue sky, met at the horizon by the calm blue of Lake Ontario.
For close to 200 cyclists making the Waterfront Regeneration Trust's inaugural, 680-kilometre Great Waterfront Trail Adventure ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Quebec border, there will be eight days of serene, mind-emptying stretches, plus some city driving, pit stops in many of the 41 communities along the route, nightly camping, and some adult refreshments – for it's not about being first.
Riders range in age from 9 to 76, and have varying levels of touring experience.
Day 3, yesterday, began with a wake-up call at Fort York, in the heart of downtown Toronto and by evening riders had made their way to Darlington Provincial Park. In between, they were treated to a growing system of waterfront trails, local hospitality, food, water and massage stations, and mostly fabulous views. Some riders opted to avoid some city driving in east-end Toronto, unlinked by paths in several places, and took a GO train portage to Pickering.
There, at Petticoat Creek Conservation Area, a distant boat motor droned and birds chirped and whistled, above an ever-present whir of rubber on asphalt. And the odd ca-chunk of chains finding gears, and, polite, yet firm, warnings: "Passing on the left."
Cathy Campbell, an accountant from Orangeville, and daughter Sarah, 17, slowed to chat. Cathy has done other long rides, including the Cabot Trail, but this one will be a special one for both mother and daughter. Come September, Sarah will be leaving home to attend her first year of university.
"I just searched the Web and found this one and thought it would be a great thing to do, the very first one," said Cathy. So far, "Seen lots of water, which is good. It was busy through Oakville and Mississauga, with lots of people out, but we got around them. Lots of nice neighbourhoods. Great rest stops and lunches along the way."
And no gas bill.
The ride costs about $300 for an adult, plus food costs. A couple of nights will be spent in dorms but most evenings will be spent in a tent. Support vans ferry gear and supplies.
Further down the path, at Frenchman's Bay and Millennium Square Park, riders were greeted by a Tour de France-style welcome, complete with waving flags.
Ryan Chlon, 24, a security guard from Mississauga, and freelance writer Melanie Chambers, 35, of London, slowed at the smell of food from a community cookout.
"Starving," said Chlon, for whom the highlight so far has been the trails themselves. For Chambers, who plans to write about the ride: "Camping in downtown Toronto, and waking up seeing the CN Tower was pretty cool. It was like this little green oasis in the middle of the city."
It's hoped in the future that the Waterfront Trail and Greenway will be more of an actual trail, as more pieces are added. "It's a bit of a misnomer to call it a trail," said Chambers. "It runs through residential areas and industrial areas, but it is about time that people should hop on their bikes and travel. Got an obesity problem? Get on your bike."
The ride is scheduled to end July 11 along the St. Lawrence River.



http://www.nationalpost.com/life/story.html?id=648768
Pedal to the metalBen Kaplan, National Post Published: Saturday, July 12, 2008
A few mornings ago at Fort York, former mayor David Crombie addressed Steve Parish, the mayor of Ajax, councillor Jennifer O'Conell of Pickering and 170 or so bicyclists."You're all at the best under-reported event in the province," said Crombie, as the cyclists, gathered for the Toronto leg of the Great Waterfront Trail adventure tour, rung their bells in applause."What you'll see today, next year, I can assure you, will be very different," said Crombie, Toronto's mayor from 1972 to 1978 and founder of Waterfront Regeneration Trust, a volunteer group dedicated to beefing up Lake Ontario's paths. "Yes the money is here," he said, "and yes, the money's approved."The event, an eight-day, 680-kilometre bike ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Quebec that attracted people from as far as Virginia and Ohio, was organized to draw attention to the waterfront and announce a $1.8-million donation to the foundation from CIBC."Today we'll be going 81 kilometres so I'm using the speeches to stretch," said a woman, 59, here on her summer vacation and groggy on Day 3 of the cycling after spending the night in the fort's barracks.After a few more words from Crombie, Parish and O'Conell, 19-year-old Ned Gallagher from Toronto lit the cannon and sent the bikers peddling along the lake toward Ajax.Once the cyclists were off, Crombie led a walk along the waterfront for the public. About a dozen men and women armed with cameras accompanied him from Bathurst Quay to Parliament Street; he was politician, joker and raconteur."I don't know the whole history of the park, but you can Google it," he said while in Ireland Park, site of the Toronto Irish Famine Memorial, a mini-monument in sleet rock hidden in the shadows of the empty silos of the Canadian Malting Company at the bottom of Bathurst Street beneath Queen's Quay. (Crombie later apologized for his skills as a tour guide.)"I'm leading you into the water," he said, telling colourful stories all the while, including one about houses being floated along the water from Algonquin Island to the island airport in 1937 and another about fly balls hit by the Maple Leaf baseball club ending up in the lake.Stopped at the Toronto Music Garden, at Spadina and Queen's Quay, Crombie reminisced about the community resistance thwarted by an outside guest."I remember Yo-Yo Ma standing right here, playing for residents," Crombie said. "Opposition to the park pretty well ended there."As the mayor of Ajax and the councillor from Pickering pedalled ever onward, the ex-mayor defended his involvement with the waterfront at the Spadina bridge."The waterfront is like a church or the mafia," he said. "You can't get out once you're in."