Group Cycle Caching In The Golden Horseshoe - Let's Plan!

1.2k · April 26, 2006

Greetings all!

I would like to plan a group Geocaching cycling outing (or two) this summer. We did one last summer which I think I can safely say everyone enjoyed immensely. I think a meeting at a local pub would be a good idea for this. Let me know if you'd be interested in the planning portion, the cycling portion (or both). We could make it a day trip or an overnighter. I would also like to hear if we should take it more "off-road" and by that I mean mountain bikes on good trails instead of Olar's CCM single-speed (with the tassles on the ends of the handlebars). :laughing:

Let's get some ideas happening and see where we end up.

Cheers!

Coupar-DeVinci-Angus

1.3k · April 26, 2006

...........I mean mountain bikes on good trails instead of Olar's CCM single-speed (with the tassles on the ends of the handlebars).

Cheers!

Coupar-DeVinci-Angus

Hey, you can laugh but those tassles are great for keeping mosquitos off of my knees.

You are right C-A, last year's cycle caching trip to Toronto Islands was great. I don't think there are enough new caches down that way to hit it again so we would have to come up with another hot spot.

I keep hearing about a bike trail along Lake Ontario running through the likes of Burlington, Oakville, etc. Does anyone have any details on it?

Cheers, Olar

April 26, 2006

Sounds good to me! I know there are a couple multi's by Nozzletime in Burlington along the Skyway that would be ideal to visit by bike:

GCJKQN - This side of the bridge

GCJKQP - That side of the bridge

And another by Group_W over in Waterloo:

GCNZ81 - Bike Rally Cache

I'm sure we can find many others.

If the destination is going to be mainly off road, we'll have to make Olar upgrade to one of these babies:

So, when are we gonna have this planning pub night?

TOMTEC

1.2k · April 26, 2006

Maybe Olar can entertain us all with some trick riding? I understand he's an expert at "tabletop" style jumps.

1.6k · April 26, 2006

At the risk of giving Niagara a plug... here is a site that details many bike routes around the Region that I love

Niagara - A Variety of Bike Routes

Or you could just make is a full weekend... ride from NOTL to Fort Erie (following the Niagara Parkway through the Falls), over to Port Colbourne (on the Talbot Trail (Hwy#3)), back along the Welland Canal (following the Merritt Trail) to Port Dalhousie then back to NOTL (following the Wine Route of Lakeshore Rd).

The Blue Quasar

Edited April 26, 2006 by The Blue Quasar

1.3k · April 27, 2006

At the risk of giving Niagara a plug... here is a site that details many bike routes around the Region that I love

Niagara - A Variety of Bike Routes

Or you could just make is a full weekend... ride from NOTL to Fort Erie (following the Niagara Parkway through the Falls), over to Port Colbourne (on the Talbot Trail (Hwy#3)), back along the Welland Canal (following the Merritt Trail) to Port Dalhousie then back to NOTL (following the Wine Route of Lakeshore Rd).

The Blue Quasar

Now there's a thought. We could start early on a Saturday, stay overnite at Flick's in Welland Saturday night, and finish off with Sunday dinner at The Blue Quasar family castle in St. Kitts. :huh:

Olar

April 27, 2006

I keep hearing about a bike trail along Lake Ontario running through the likes of Burlington, Oakville, etc. Does anyone have any details on it?

that would be the Waterfront trail. Lots of caches along it in the Mississauga/Oakville area. I haven't been on it much west of there though.

The Islands route was nice in that we could arrange a circular route that brought us back to the vehicles at the end of the day. We'd have to arrange some sort of carpooling if we're going to finish the day 20km away from where we started.

In the city, the Humber and the Don trails are possibilities. Look at doing those starting from the north end, and working downhill towards the lake, then carpooling back uphill.

Further afield there's the Caledon Trailway, the Elora-Cateract trailway and a number of trails in the Hamilton area. all of these are former rail lines (no hills!) that have been converted to trails. The surface is usually fine gravel rather than pavement.

The Niagara trails are another possibility. I'd love to spend a couple of days cycling there, and I know there's plenty of caches in the area.

I'll have to see what I can dig up about cycle trails in the GTA, and caches near them.

April 27, 2006

I did the Don trails last spring as part of an Urban Adventure Race being held in the city, and really liked them. I would definetly love to go back; finding caches would just be an added bonus! It would be nice to see the trails properly as opposed to going through them AFAP (as fast as possible...?).

1.3k · April 27, 2006

I did the Don trails last spring as part of an Urban Adventure Race being held in the city, and really liked them. I would definetly love to go back; finding caches would just be an added bonus! It would be nice to see the trails properly as opposed to going through them AFAP (as fast as possible...?).

Ah geez! You had to go and mention the AFAP thing. Now Tomtec will want to bring his sleek, supercharged 2 wheeler. We'll be eating his dust all day. :huh:

Good idea on the car-pooling Chris-Mouse. Returning by the same trail always seems a little boring and a more difficult ride than going out.

Cheers, Olar

April 27, 2006

Ah geez! You had to go and mention the AFAP thing. Now Tomtec will want to bring his sleek, supercharged 2 wheeler. We'll be eating his dust all day.

Ok Olar, just for you I'll do the whole ride on my unicycle...

Don't mind the wardrobe though, it keeps the cars from hitting me.

Carpooling? I'm sure with a bit of thought we can create a descent route back to the car that will include a few more cache finds. If anyone is afraid of riding 20km, cycle caching may not be for you! Besides, try and fit 8 bikes on your car...

I can only fit one in mine... Maybe we could take the GO train back... that would add a few caches.

TOMTEC

1.2k · April 27, 2006

I was going to post a crack about Tomtec's unicycle with references to Jackass The Movie, but he kinda beat me to it.

Thanks for the idea BQ. But I'd like to keep this ride off-the-road and stick to the bike trails. I'm a bit of a sidewalk sissy when it comes to cycling and have a keen respect for what I call Buick-inertia. I know there are some trails through the Short Hills 'cuz Tomtec and I rode them when we did our (failed) one-day assault on GHMCMC, but not sure if there's a circuitious all-day route in the area. As for GHMCMC, I still feel the shame in that, but thankfully a pint of ale cures this.

I've never done an overnight on my bike. I don't think my camping equipment, which is basically for a family of four, would fit on my bike. If you saw the way Dundee Princess packs the minivan when we go camping you'd think we were refugees fleeing with all our worldly possessions. Getting paniers for a full-susp bike is a bit of a challenge. Not sure how I'd strap down my acoustic guitar for those renditions of all our favourite campfire songs. :lol:

C-A

1.2k · April 28, 2006

There are some good maps here of the trails in the GTA.

Toronto Trail Maps

If we do Toronto we'd have lots of options as to where to start and end the trip.

I'm certainly open to suggestions to hit other areas & also do an overnighter.

Shall we pick a place & time for a pubnite to discuss this one?

C-A

2.7k · April 28, 2006

There are some good maps here of the trails in the GTA.

Toronto Trail Maps

If we do Toronto we'd have lots of options as to where to start and end the trip.

I'm certainly open to suggestions to hit other areas & also do an overnighter.

Shall we pick a place & time for a pubnite to discuss this one?

C-A

Um, Quark's is coming up on June 3 in Mississauga CA. Perhaps that would be as good a place as any to establish some initial discussions? We should also start co-ordinating possible date(s) for the bike ride event to see who's available when. July is a near write off for me due to the summer folk concert season on the weekends, and we've got that 24 Hour cache machine on August 12th. No, I'm not going to bike 42km on the 13th before you ask. After that event I'll be lucky to get through my front door at home on the first try.

April 28, 2006

Shall we pick a place & time for a pubnite to discuss this one?

The Frigate and Firkin is always available.

N43° 42.245 W79° 44.457

All we'd need to do is pick a time.

I ran a couple of PQs, and did some checking.

Starting from GCTE0V and heading downstream, we could go all the way to the lake, then dodge east and loop through High Park for a while. There's 17 caches along that route, including the ones in High Park.

There's plenty of parking available at both ends of the route, and it's almost entirely off-road trails.

On the other side of the city, starting from Sunnybrook park in the Eglington and Leslie area, we could pick off

GCVCQP (Ed the Stump) and 14 other caches on the way down to Riverdale park at Bayview and Gerrard.

Again, plenty of parking at both ends, and almost entirely off-road trails.

A good location for refueling the cyclists is something I'm not as familiar with. Suggestions anyone?

1.2k · May 1, 2006

This sounds like a possibility to be sure. I'd like to keep this meeting separate from any organized event cache, if that's okay with everyone else?

May 1, 2006

That's fine by me... Besides, June 3rd is a long time away! (who plans these pub nights anyhow? he he) Sometime midweek may be better as it won't interfere with anyones weekend caching schedule. Especially if it can be coordinated with a wing night etc... The sooner the better, as it's prime cycling weather out right now!

TOMTEC

1.2k · May 1, 2006

My thoughts exactly. I was out on Saturday tearing up MonoCliffs already and the trail condistions were fine.

Okay, let's try and plan something midweek.

I always find myself suggesting something in Bolton (because I live here and also because we've had so many pubnites here). I guess if we can get an idea of who would like to take part we can choose a mutually convenient location.

So who is up for the planning?

Cheers!

C-A

May 1, 2006

Bolton is always good! :laughing: I nominate Bolton as the Geopub capital of Canada! What have we had, like 5 pub nights in town? 4 of which were at the Black Bull... Not to mention other unofficial meetings. I think we should get a discount on the next one!

TOMTEC

May 1, 2006

I would be up for a mid week meeting. I like the route C-m mentioned. but whatever we come up with would be fine too.

2.7k · May 1, 2006

I would be up for a mid week meeting. I like the route C-m mentioned. but whatever we come up with would be fine too.

I don't have a problem with mid-week, albeit THIS week is full of radio club elections....

1.3k · May 1, 2006

So who is up for the planning?

Count me in. Bolton is good for me or wherever the masses choose.

Olar

May 2, 2006

Count me in as well.

Bolton is OK for me, although I'd need a lift.

It's within cycling range, but the traffic along Mayfield Rd. is downright scary after dark.

1.2k · May 2, 2006

Okay, what days are good next week for all to meet at the Main Street Station in Bolton?

Mainstreet Stn apparently has excellent wings. They also have pleny of room and a patio. If its too packed there's the old standby across the street too. Unicycles may be parked out front on the sidewalk.

1.3k · May 2, 2006

I'm good for anyday but Friday. I can also give C-M a lift.

Olar

May 2, 2006

I'm should be available Wednesday to Friday, with Wednesday as the preference. With any luck, I'll be able to coast down hill all the way to the pub!

TOMTEC

May 3, 2006

Count me in on the planning and event. I can never pass up a good ride and caching and good company always makes things better. Let me know the night and i'll try and be there.

All i need is a way point and a date and i'll try to be there with my crazy work schedule.

1.2k · May 3, 2006

Okay, I have one open evening and it is Wednesday, May 10th. I get home from work at about 6PM and can be over at the restaurant shortly thereafter. The coordinates are N43 52.830 W79 44.363 for those not familiar with the GeoPub capital of Caledon.

Cheers!

Coupar-Angus

May 3, 2006

The 10th is good for me, I am working 6am til 3pm. so I can do some of the caches I have left in the bolton area.

Is this going tobe at the black bull or main street pub.

1.2k · May 4, 2006

We're going to sample the wings at Main Street Station to confirm, or possibly deny, the rumours of their excellence. Its across the street from el Toro Negra.

May 9, 2006

is the planning event still on for tommorrow night

May 9, 2006

Rusty may make a appearance wed. Anyone want to strap him on there bike!!!!

May 9, 2006

Yep, it's still on... I don't think Chris-mouse wants to start weight training for the cycle event, but you never know... Rusty is always welcome. I'll bring my steel toed boots.

TOMTEC

1.2k · May 9, 2006

Yes, we're definitely meeting Wednesday evening. I may not be able to ride in as I'll be bringing my Ferrari (notebook that is, not the Italian sportscar that women swoon over). Tomtec is going to entertain us with some unicycle trick-riding on the bar & tables inside the restaurant. He'll be attempting a new trick modeled after The Cat in the Hat of Dr Suess fame.

2.7k · May 10, 2006

Yes, we're definitely meeting Wednesday evening. I may not be able to ride in as I'll be bringing my Ferrari (notebook that is, not the Italian sportscar that women swoon over). Tomtec is going to entertain us with some unicycle trick-riding on the bar & tables inside the restaurant. He'll be attempting a new trick modeled after The Cat in the Hat of Dr Suess fame.

Do we have a time planned for this? I'm finished work in Mississauga at 5, but I've got to pick up Kitten on the Hunt in Georgetown so before 7 is going to be painful for me.

1.2k · May 10, 2006

I should be there at about 6:20 I'm guessing so let's call it 6:30pm to be safe.

2.7k · May 11, 2006

I should be there at about 6:20 I'm guessing so let's call it 6:30pm to be safe.

Well, it's not an official event cache, but I'm claiming first to log anyway! From the pub!

May 11, 2006

Ok, Looks like the Hamilton Rail Trail loop is the first choice, with the Don Valley as a second run for later in the year. I'll try to put together a GPX file of the route, and a list of caches along the way. All we need to do now is set a date.

I got the impression that sunday was the preferred day, although saturday would be acceptable as well.

So far, my weekends are pretty open. I'll be busy Jun 3rd, Jun 24/25, and Aug 12/13. I'd also suggest avoiding Jul 1/2 and Aug 5/6 as those are holiday weekends.

Post what days you're not available, and we'll pick through those and find a couple of days during the summer when we can all get together.

1.2k · May 11, 2006

Thanks for everyone who came out last night - especially Chrismouse and his very excellent maps! The Hamilton route should offer something for everyone including beautiful views (yes there are some in Hamilton), LOTS of cache finds, good exercise and of course the cameraderie of like-minded individuals. Wait, I'm starting to sound like I'm in a business meeting with a customer. :anibad:

I do have a concern though and that is that many potential riders don't visit the forums here and won't be aware of what we're doing. Do you think we should create an event cache to end the day?

I'll post my /available days shortly.

May 11, 2006

An event cache would be an idea, but as it stands, I'm not sure it would be approved. We're only going to be at the start/finish area for a short time out of the entire day's activity, and the rest of the time we'll be moving.

One possibility would be to have a "refuelling" stop for the bicycle cachers at the end of the day. Does anyone feel like holding a pub night in the Mt. Albion area?

You provide the bike, and we'll provide lots of encouragement for working up a very good appetite <_<

I plotted out the trail route in Mapsend today, and got a bit over 30km for the total distance of the main loop. If we go clockwise around the loop, we'll be going downhill on the one "moderately steep" hill marked on the Hamilton trail map. Along the way, the route passes within 300 metres of the posted cordinates for 33 caches. For those who are interested, there's an additional 13 caches along the 4km Red Hill Creek trail as well.

1.2k · May 15, 2006

I checked my schedule and I don't have any pressing engagements for weekends. All I ask is that I have 2 weeks notice so my Mrs can swap work shifts if need be.

What about you Olaf, Rogue-M, Tomtec, N-Peng, J-Trex (and anyone else interested of course).

Cheers!

C-A

1.2k · May 17, 2006

Bump. C'mon y'all. Let's set date for the first ride!

May 17, 2006

Bump. C'mon y'all. Let's set date for the first ride!

Well, since nobody else has mentioned anything, how about I toss out a date and see who likes it.

Quark's is June 3rd, so how about we try for the weekend after that, Sunday June 11th.

Edited May 17, 2006 by chris-mouse

1.3k · May 17, 2006

Bump. C'mon y'all. Let's set date for the first ride!

June 11 is good for me. Additional good dates would be:

May 27, 28
June 3, 4, 24, 25
July 8, 9, 22, 23

Olar

May 17, 2006

June 11 was the only possible weekend I had (working at camp all summer) but I will be getting my wisdom teeth out on the 8th, so somehow I don't think I'll be able to make it. I hope you do this again next summer so that I can go!

1.2k · May 17, 2006

June 11th works for me.

Hey Bandgeek, I bet your jaw will be feeling fine before the ride. My buddy had all four out and he was in great shape the following day.

C-A

May 18, 2006

June 11 works for me.

I'm pretty flexable so most weekends will work.

2.7k · May 19, 2006

June 11 works for me, and is actually the best fit for my calendar

Other potential dates: June 4, June 25*

July: 8-9*, 15-16

August: 19-20, 27

* = possible conflicts, but not firm conflicts.

May 21, 2006

Sunday june 11th should be ok I can put in for it now. But I don't see a problem.

I guess I need to get the bike out soon and give it a quick check to make sure it is working. The tires are flat right now from being in the basement all winter.

1.2k · May 23, 2006

I sure miss my old bike....<sigh>

Dan, where are you? I had to use Linda's bike on the weekend and rode over a nail.

Cheers!

C-A

June 1, 2006

about a week and a bit away from the first ride. I hope it is not going to be as hot as it has been .

Group Cycle Caching In The Golden Horseshoe - Let's Plan!

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