Trail Talk… Delhi Bike Rodeo
On May 8th, the Delhi Community Policing Committee, headed by Chair Jessica Stefan, held its Annual Bike Rodeo at St. Frances Cabrini School.
Supported by the OPP and numerous volunteers, including senior students, kids from grades one through five from St Frances Cabrini and Delhi Public schools were put through their paces. Also on hand were representatives from Bachmann Law providing free helmets to those without and le Tour de Norfolk’s Yvette Mahieu providing instruction on proper helmet fitting.
Over 150 kids were tested on six different courses testing balance, bike handling, and road safety. Bicycles were also inspected to ensure they could be ridden safely.
Though a bright, sunny morning, chilly temperatures did not prevent all the kids from completing the program intended to raise awareness about riding a bike safely and encouraging the kids to be active.
A similar event is also planned for Thursday June 16th at Sacred Heart School in Langton. Prospective volunteers may contact Carol Overbaugh at 519-875-2973.
Submitted by Rob Martin
Erie Blvd Improvements
What a pleasure it was to cycle on Erie Blvd this week. I felt so much safer on the smooth paved shoulder as a car passed by. I imagine that the motorist also felt safer as they passed. The paving is just being completed this spring with some patchwork to correct some drainage issues. Some lines still need to be painted also. The county has responded to the Simcoe Reformer article about the excessive number of signs and they have removed most of them.
There is a transition at Pike Lane. East of Pike Lane there are paved shoulders on both sides of the road. West of Pike Lane there is a two way shared pathway on the north side of Erie Blvd.
Thanks to all the people who supported the idea of having paved shoulders on Erie Blvd. Pathways for People is continuing to support the Active Transportation Strategy that is now policy. This year we will see paved shoulders added to Swimming Pool Rd north of Delhi. There are also plans to improve Old Hill Rd in Turkey Point.
Submitted by Dave Cameron
Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club – We Get LOST! (Ladies On Single Track)
It has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel.’ – Susan B Anthony 1896
121 years later, Miss Anthony would not only laud the success of LOST but would be a card carrying member of this dynamic group. LOST is a large component of the Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club and a huge part of our success. When the club formed in 2011, 44 members were male and 2 were female. Currently, 135 members of 444 are female; representing 30% of TPMBC membership. Traditionally, females make up 40% of the cycling community. LOST is working hard towards that goal by 3 means:
- Introduction of mountain biking for women – On May 5th, LOST hosted their third annual ‘Sip’n Learn’ event at Burning Kiln Winery. The club welcomed 33 women that have shown an interest to participate in the sport. Guest speaker Page Royal of Pura Vida Performance in Barrie gave a motivational talk on nutrition, conditioning and other issues specific to females in the sport. Paul Meiklejohn of Elevation Mountain Bike Camps and Coaching spoke and gave practical advice on purchasing a mountain bike and the basics and expectations of the sport. The prize table was full and an enjoyable night was had by all attendees.
- LOST Tuesday Night Ride – leaves Mole Rd. in Normandale at 5pm. The more experienced riders take things slow as they guide and mentor new riders through the trail system. First time on a mountain bike is as unnerving as an adult learning how to ice skate. LOST works with new riders to take away the fear and intimidation factor, and makes sure no one gets left behind on the trail. LOST has 45 active members and growing!
- Participation in TPMBC – The club hosts 5 cycling events a year and their success would not be possible without LOST’s participation. The women of TPMBC sit on our Board of Directors, help organize events, act as event ride guides and participate with trail maintenance and trail building days. We should note that not all female members of TPMBC are cyclists; some are hikers and many are runners. LOST is confident that they can convert some of the runners to riders!
Our annual WHT clean-up was enhanced by community volunteers, some tending to shoreline parkettes, teens needing community hours and Ward 7 Councillor Sonnenberg with his tractor.
For the most part our trail is litter free but we encountered a dumpster worth of trash at our proposed fitness trail. There was a sofa bed, toilet, mattress, renovation garbage, shingles, and the remains of party after party after party littered about a forest floor of trilliums that have sadly been shredded into mud puddles by ATV traffic. We were pleased with the difference a morning’s effort made and over coffee expressed pride in our accomplishments.
We will stop such ATV destruction by gating off the old railroad line 300 metres west of the Black Bridge, allowing access only to Emergency Vehicles, bikers and hikers. Fishermen will still be able to fish their favourite spots but ATV s will be thwarted in the hopes they too will form a Club and approach us with a responsible plan.
Spring is here. Come join us for the blossoming.
Submitted by Frank Woodcock
Deer Ticks & Lyme Disease
The issue of Lyme disease spread by the blacklegged tick, or Deer tick, should be a concern for anyone who enjoys nature and walking the trails in our area. Black legged tick bites pose the threat of contracting Lyme Disease which is a bacterial infection that can cause severe neurological impairment. However, early medical intervention and antibiotic treatment can prevent the onset of Lyme Disease.
It is recommended that trail users check themselves over carefully for ticks following walking a trail. Pets should also be carefully checked for ticks and any removed when leaving a trail or outdoor area. It is also suggested that people wear light coloured clothing to be better able to detect ticks; also tuck pant legs into socks, and avoid hiking in long grass. Using an insect repellent with Deet can also deter ticks.
There is a good deal of literature readily available to help people understand Lyme disease and the blacklegged tick. The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has an excellent brochure available called Tick Talk which provides a quick overview of issues and ways and means to prevent the spread of Lyme Disease by the blacklegged tick.
In the near future all entrances to the Lynn Valley Trail will have a new sign posted urging users to check themselves and their pets for ticks following use of the Trail. Prevention of tick bites will provide peace of mind and enjoyment when using the Trail.
Lynn Valley Trail – SCS student Allan Smith raises funds for LVTA
The LVTA was pleased to receive a surprise donation from Allan Smith the first of the New Year. Allan, a grade 10 student at Simcoe Composite School, explained in his letter that he was required to do an assignment for civics class which involved researching a local charity, make a class presentation and raise a minimum of $50.00 for the organization.
In order to reach his $50.00 goal, Allan sold popcorn at school during lunch and stood in front of the Superstore asking for donations. “I was successful and even more than doubled my minimum requirement.”
Allan’s letter went on to say that he had picked the LVTA because his “…family uses and enjoys the trail and would like to support it.”
The donation cheque was presented to the LVTA in the amount of $106.60.