June is Bike Month and Bikes Mean Business!
Did you know…
- That people who walk or cycle spend more money at local businesses than drivers?
- It’s easier to lock up your bike and walk into a shop than to find a parking spot?
What are your favourite businesses and attractions in Norfolk County that provide bicycle parking? Tell us with a photo!
Norfolk Pathways for People is sponsoring a photo shoot to celebrate Bike Month in June.
How to play…
- Go for a bike ride…it’s good for you! [Wear your helmet!]
- Visit a Norfolk business or attraction offering bicycle parking.
- Email us a photo of a bike rack and tell us where it is!
Send your photos via email to: [email protected]
Photos submitted by June 30th, 2016 will be posted on our Facebook page and entered into a random draw for a $25 President’s Choice gift card.
Waterford Heritage Trail
You’ve heard about it and heard about it and here it is… the Black Bridge Centennial Celebration schedule.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 12th
- 10:00am – 4:30pm Special Exhibits at Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum.
- 5:00pm Alfresco dining on the Bridge catered by Tracy Winkworth and local producers/chefs. Dixieland Music by The Strutters. This is a ticketed event, details to follow.
- 6:00pm FREE outdoor concert featuring a variety of local entertainers including Ian Bell and Friends plus Mike Hogg.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th
- 6:00am – 12:00pm Fishing Derby – non motorized boats permitted.
- 11:00am Water Board Races and Water Soccer, Buskers along the Trails, Geo Cache hunt.
- 11:00am – 5:00pm Exhibits open at Waterford Heritage and Agricultural Museum.
- 6:00 pm FREE outdoor concert featuring The Fred Eaglesmith Travelling Steam Show with special guest Tif Ginn.
OUTDOOR FIREWORKS TO FOLLOW SATURDAY EVENING CONCERT! FOOD VENDORS ON SITE!
Neil Cunningham
Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club recently lost Neil Cunningham, a friend, rider and one of our great volunteer members, last fall. Neil passed away while riding his mountain bike, one of his several sporting passions. Neil was a ski instructor for 40 years and he loved playing rugby and football.
Although Neil lived in Ancaster, he came regularly to Turkey Point to ride and work on our trail system. Many days he would bring several of his Hamilton area riding friends to participate as well. He was the consummate volunteer in that he always brought wisdom, positive thinking and constantly wore a smile on his face. The club has honoured Neil by placing a bench at our clubhouse with an inscription that reads: In Memory of Neil Cunningham 1946-2015 – A dedicated TPMBC member, a skilled rider, and a great friend.
Recently, TPMBC renamed a trail junction from ‘4 Corners’ to ‘Cunningham’s Corners’ as Neil looked after the nearby trails. A memorial ride was held in Neil’s honour and with his family present, TPMBC unveiled a plaque at Cunningham’s Corners.
TPMBC member Kevin Saunders gave a heartfelt eulogy, relating what a good man Neil was and how he was loved by many. Neil will be missed by many in the cycling community.
TPMBC – ‘Spring Kicker’
On May 1st, TPMBC hosted a Bike Demonstration Day at Long Point Eco- Adventures that was attended by hundreds of cycling enthusiasts. 12 sponsoring Bicycle shops and manufacturers had the opportunity to exhibit the new 2016 line of bikes to our membership and riders had the chance to test ride them. Workshops on bicycle maintenance were available along with escorted group rides. Paul Meiklejohn of ‘Elevation Mountain Bike Camps and Coaching’ provided free skills clinics and was well received. Food was provided by ‘Beach Burrito’ of Port Dover. A special thanks to Claude LaPrairie for organizing a well-attended; and smooth running event. Everyone had Fun!
In Memory of Irene McKiee
Irene’s husband and children are pictured on the left, sitting on a beautiful bench donated to the Lynn Valley Trail in her memory. Her bench can be found at Memorial Park in Simcoe. Thank you very much, to all of Irene’s friends and family, for your generosity! This bench represents Irene’s legacy and love for the trail, and will surely be enjoyed by many for years to come.
Happenings on the trail
In April, students from Holy Trinity were spotted tidying up the trail in honour of Earth Day. A very special thank you to Zach, Nicholas, Graeme, Kevin, Dominic, and their teacher, Mark, photographed here with LVTA President, Paul Beischlag.
A brand new bike rack at Memorial Park! Get riding!
Free Helmets for Kids & Adults!
The Lynn Valley Trail Association is thrilled to be a sponsor of the Free Helmets for Kids & Adults Event on Saturday, June 11th, 2:00 p.m. at the Silver Lake Pavilion at the entrance to the Lynn Valley Trail, St. Patrick Street, Port Dover!
Join us for a ride to the Black Bridge Centennial!
There has been some talk about organizing a trail ride from Port Dover to Waterford for the Black Bridge Centennial Celebrations, August 12-13, 2016……. interested?? Make sure you are on our email newsletter to be kept in the loop! Visit lynnvalleytrail.com/contact, and hit “Click to Sign Up”.
If you are not yet a member…
Consider purchasing a membership or making a donation to help keep the trail safe, beautiful and accessible. Join and/or donate at www.lynnvalleytrail.com/donate
Trail Etiquette for users of the Lynn Valley Trail
Many people of Norfolk County along with visitors to the County use the Lynn Valley Trail for pleasure and recreation. Their activities may include walking and hiking, running, dog walking, bike riding and when possible cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Many enjoy the natural setting and the flora and fauna of the area. Avid bird watchers can catch sightings of many bird species that frequent the wooded areas, marshes and meadows along the 10 kilometres of the trail. The trail is also part of a natural active transportation route between urban centres, parks, beaches and camping facilities in the County.
With the diversity of these many activities, guidelines are necessary for all users to safely and fully enjoy the trail, while respecting other users, those living close to the trail and the trail itself. All of us will benefit from being respectful of the guidelines presented. A number of years ago the LVTA developed a Trail User’s Code published in its membership brochure and on its website to provide a set of guidelines for all who use the trail. As presented below, we can see how the guidelines take into consideration the particular concerns of property owners adjacent to the trail, fellow users of the trail and county requirements for trail use. The Trail User’s Code: Cyclists warn pedestrians of your approach. No E-bikes. No motorized vehicles. Do not climb fences or gates. Stay on the trail. Respect the privacy of people living along the trail. Keep dogs on a leash. No camping or fires. Do not disturb vegetation or wildlife. Day time use only. These are the guidelines as originally developed and published.
Another set of considerations for trail use build on several of the above, but address the mutual respect that trail users could and perhaps should have for each other. These could be called Trail Etiquette. The basic premise of the following ideas is that we need to consider other people’s situation, perspective and be respectful of this. Here are a few thoughts to consider as Trail Etiquette:
- When cyclists are approaching walkers or runners, warn them of your approach by sounding a horn or ringing your bell. Also, slow down to avoid collision with a startled pedestrian.
- For pedestrians, when walking or running do not wear headphones which prevent you from safely hearing oncoming cyclists or others runners. Try only wearing an ear bud in one ear so you can listen with the other. Also, if in a group being approached by a cyclist, all should go to one side rather than splitting sides which makes it more difficult for the cyclist to pass safely through.
- As noted in the Trail User’s Code above, dog walkers while on the trail are to have dogs on a leash. When a dog is off leash other walkers and cyclists can be concerned. They do not know the reactions your dog may have to them. A dog may also have a momentary inclination to chase a cyclist or runner, or may even habitually have a tendency to do so. Children may be particularly weary of even an overly friendly, but to them, a pretty large and rambunctious canine. Taking on the perspective of the others can go a long way in these situations. Also, remembering to clean up after your dog, including proper disposal helps to prevent frustration and potential eyesores to those using the trail.
Common courtesy can enhance the pleasurable use of the trail for all. Safety concerns can also be addressed and accidents prevented. The natural and restorative features of the trail and native setting will be maintained and preserved for all to enjoy. Thank you to all for playing your part in keeping our Lynn Valley Trail and all trails safe and secure.
Dave Challen, Member and Director on the Board of the Lynn Valley Trail Association.
Note: The views expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily or expressly reflect those of the LVTA Board itself.
Discover Norfolk Walking Group
A great way to discover the variety of trails and points of interest in Norfolk County! Discover Norfolk is a friendly, informal recreational group of walkers of all levels. Walks are held Thursday evenings until October 27th from 6:30-7:30pm. For more information, please contact Ingrid Zyma-Irvin 519-426-8866 Ext. 2303. Walk locations can be found in the inNorfolk Guide or at www.norfolkpathways.ca