Sun, Jun 28 2009 - Rouge Hill Go Station to Ajax and Back (35 km) (View Original Event Details)
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This is an unforgettable event, because of the rain, a detour in Ajax, and finally a deer encounter for those sticking to the last. We were ready to go 11:15 sharp, but the pouring rain stopped us at Rouge Hill Go station. Luckily, the station has enough space for our bikes and us. When the rain subsided a bit, the seven of us hit the road. We biked though Rouge Park, Petticoat Creek Conservation Area, Frenchman's Bay, and took our first stop in Millennium Square in Pickering. At this point, the cloud was getting thinner and we were hoping the sun could struggle out and dry us up. Wishful thinking! The rain became steady, and at times heavy as we biked towards Ajax, passing Pickering Nuclear Generation Station, Squires Beach, Rotary Park, Discovery Bay, Duffins Bay. Despite the unfavorable weather and road condition, we reached our one-way destination for the event within 2 hours. The group then split into three. Duarte and James cycled back to Rouge Hill Go station right away, Marilyn and Hanna decided to take the Go train from Ajax, while David, Andrew and Dan wouldn't mind biking a bit further east – the view is really awesome despite the rain. The three of us rested a bit in Ajax Community Center, apparently charged with hot chocolate and chili soup, and hit the road again. We biked back to the lakeshore, did another 10 K east bound until we stopped in Lynde Shores Conservation area. Just as we were figuring which route to take, we saw a deer stroll by about 20 meters in front of us. What a happy surprise! So far no sick report from the each and every participant. Good job to all, and I am really impressed by our spirit and tenacity.
Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Erik Sonstenes at photos@torontooutdoorclub.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.