Sat, Jul 21 2012 - Mt Albert to Lake Simcoe + Back (Approx 60km) (View Original Event Details)
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Our 11 participants (a prime number no less!) gathered in the quaint town of Mt. Albert after a short car ride from Toronto. We were all experienced cyclists and after reviewing our maps and filling up on water, we set out on our adventure at around 11:30 am.
The first leg of the ride was on quiet country roads cutting through pastoral Ontario farm land. After about 10 km, we headed north on McCowan road for the remaining 20 km ride to Lake Simcoe. Here it was a little busier but still replete with beautiful scenery. On more than one occasion, Chuck stopped to gallantly assist cyclists with mechanical problems and so, in this way, we continued.
The weather was beautiful, sunny in the high 20s with a refreshing breeze. Even so, by the time we reached the shores of Lake Simcoe, our crew was hungry and looking forward to a swim. After some chatting and laughs over a picnic lunch, we headed for the water, a richly-deserved reward! Before heading back for Mount Albert, David Block lured us to one of his favourite ice cream haunts where we loaded up on fat and sugar in anticipation of the ride ahead. Now, re-energized by our afternoon of decadence, we embarked our return journey to Mount Albert, albeit a little slower, laden as we were with bellies full of ice cream.
The trip back was uneventful except for a few challenging hills. We whiled away the afternoon, admiring the farmers' fields dotted with sheep and cows, impressively zooming over hill and dale. We made good time getting back to Mt. Albert, less than 2.5 hours. Then it was high fives all around as we celebrated our 60+km victory. When it came time to say goodbye, we exchanged handshakes and hugs, looking forward to when we'd cross paths on future TOC events. Well done, team!
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.