Anyone who knows me well, knows I can’t shut up about how much I love cycling in the Niagara region. It’s literally my #1 top favourite pastime in the warmer months. What could be better than doing that with good friends, good wine, and good food thrown into the mix?
I have a fun-filled day planned of cycling, sipping, and savouring, and I am opening up the experience to my community to enjoy it with me. For this round, we'll be visiting a few wineries, a brewery where we will also have lunch, a cider house, and lastly, an ice cream shop for a sweet finish to a very sweet day. No bike? No problem. Niagara-on-the-Lake has plenty of bike rental options to choose from.
Itinerary:
1. 9 am, We will all meet at Grape Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals. Those who need to rent bikes can do so from this establishment. It is recommended that bike reservations are secured in advance to ensure availability. Reservations can be made following this link:
https://www.tourniagarawineries.com/tours/id/86/tour/bicycle-rental-only-
You will want to choose the $40 bike rental only option (do not purchase a tour package.)
Address: Grape Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals, 1627 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1T0
2. 9:30 am, Let the booze cruise begin!!! Follow me as we ride through beautiful wine country, making stops at the below wineries where we will spend roughly 30 min at each location. We will try to fit in as much as we can before the day is done, but depending on timing at each stop and riding pace, we may end up changing the plan and crossing some off of our list in order to make our firm deadline of 7 pm for bike rental return. Please note, each person is responsible for the cost of their own wine tastings, and prices may vary by location. If you wish to purchase bottles to take home with you, a backpack is recommended.
a) 10 am, Queenston Mile Vineyard
b) 11 am, The Hare Wine Co.
c) 11:45 am, Silversmith Brewing Company (Lunch - 1.5 hrs)
d) 2:30 pm, Palatine Hills Estate Winery
e) 3:10 pm, Ironwood Cider House
f) 4:15 pm, Avondale Dairy Bar
3. 5:15 pm, We ride back to Grape Escape for bike rental return, say our goodbyes, and wish everyone a safe and sober drive back home.
I hope you all can't wait to enjoy the beautiful views of farmland, the breeze through our hair, and the feeling of freedom that only cycling on the open road can provide!!! Looking forward to a lovely day with all of you!
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS (READ IN FULL!!!):
- Drink responsibly. If you intend to indulge, consider pre-booking a night’s stay at any local accommodation of your choice.
- Your safety is your responsibility. Bring all of the appropriate safety gear with you and ride safe on the roads, abiding by road law. Those who don’t know how to ride a bike shouldn’t do so. You can also drive from location to location to participate in this event.
- Cycling is a great form of exercise that is friendly on the joints, and we will be going at a pace between roughly 18 - 25 km/hr on average. That being said, a certain level of mobility and endurance is required given the physical demands on the body. The total riding distance will be close to 50 km - this is DOUBLE what the majority did last time. Since we have a lot of ground to cover, this ride will be FASTER than the last one to ensure we are on time. Please use your discretion when determining if this event is right for you depending on your health and fitness level.
- Although I hope to stay on paved roads, I cannot guarantee the terrain. Google maps will be my trusty navigator, and the app has surprised me before by taking me through some very rural roadways with little, to no maintenance - i.e. rough gravel, overgrown brush, pits, ditches, and mud. Additionally, I cannot guarantee that we will not encounter any tough hills to climb on our route. With that said, don't dress in anything too precious, and use good judgement if your bike, tires, and body can manage that kind of terrain when determining if this event is right for you.
- Have a big breakfast beforehand, bring water, a backpack, snacks, and sunscreen. Bring your own lunch / dinner if you have dietary restrictions.
- This is a “pay your own way” event. Each participant is responsible for the cost of their own rentals, tastings, and purchases.
- Parking is limited. Carpooling is STRONGLY encouraged.
- This event is adults only.
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Trips & Adventurous Activities in Niagara-on-the-Lake,
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