Sat, Nov 11 2006 - Elora-Cataract Railtrail (View Original Event Details)
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While on the Seaton Trail Hike, Rob and I (Jim) had discussed the prospect of going on another bike ride or two before the arrival of real winter weather. As a result of that conversation, we planned a bike ride on the Elora-Cataract Rail Trial for November 11, 2006.
Due to the cold and rainy weather on November 11th, Rob, Hong and I were the only three who ultimately braved the elements and went on the ride. We’re sure glad we did!
Like the other rail trails, this one makes for great bike riding. The trail is not only well maintained and level, but also wide enough to allow two or three people to ride side-by-side comfortably and converse with one another.
While our intention on November 11th was to ride for a distance of about 60 km, we ultimately opted for a shorter ride, of about 35 km. We lost nearly an hour at the start of the ride because we had to lower the seat on my old bicycle, which I had brought along for Hong to ride. Rob and I both had our tools out for the task, and worked feverishly on the bike, while Hong watched us and marveled at our skill. It took us only 50 minutes to lower the seat, nearly as long as it would have taken for Hong to grow longer legs! She was practically frozen by the time the bike was ready for her!
After the successful seat adjustment, we were on our way…that is, until my chain came off.
Anyhow, I popped the chain back on, and we ultimately got pedaling. While it was cold and rainy, we were well prepared with rain pants and rain jackets, as well as gloves and hoods/hats. Given such preparation, we were able to withstand the frigid air and actually enjoy some of the scenery.
On the first leg of our ride, Hong discovered, and fell in love with, a little blue birdhouse, and promised herself to take a picture of it on the way back. We also appreciated the beauty of the Grand River when passing over it by way of a bridge. Mind you, it was pretty darn cold as we were crossing that bridge. Close to the river, it seemed as though the temperature was a full 5 degrees colder that it had been at the start of the trail. We encountered light snow flurries as we crossed the bridge.
We nonetheless persevered. And there is nothing like hot soup, hot green tea and good chocolate (thanks Hong!) to keep one’s spirits up in such circumstances.
On the return leg of our ride, Hong searched in vain for the little blue birdhouse. It was nowhere to be seen, much to her chagrin. Oh well. Maybe the lesson to be learned is that the little blue birdhouses of life are to be enjoyed when one has the chance. There may not be another opportunity later, on some future occasion. Delight in the little blue birdhouses of life while ye may.
To finish off the cycling event in style, the three of us went to a pub in Elora nestled next to the Grand River. We shared some snack food, Rob had a beer, and Hong and I had more green tea. While enjoying the warmth of the pub and the tasty food, we were able to look out through a window upon the rushing water of the river. The view was nothing short of spectacular. Rob deserves full credit for recommending that we stop at this particular pub.
The drive back to Toronto was pleasant, and as the drive progressed I couldn’t help but look forward to next spring and summer, when we can return to the Elora-Cataract Rail Trail and other rail trails for more great bike rides.
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.