This 14km family-friendly route explores some older and brand new neighbourhoods in the North East as well as some of the best nature along the Thames Valley Parkway.

If you want to make an event out of this ride, there are lots of parks along the way to stop for a picnic, or a handful of restaurants you can grab a snack or a meal. You could also play a round of mini-putt at Tin Cup or get wet at the Ed Blake splash pad.

This route takes you on a nice little loop through Western University’s beautiful campus. Ride along the river, on spacious dedicated bike lanes, and on paths and trails that might be new to you. This loop has a good mix of on and off-road bits, and even traverses a secret field behind Brescia. You can begin the loop wherever you please, though this map points to Banana Kingdom for a start and end point.

***use the sidewalk for the short section on Richmond as it’s a very short distance. Ride with pedestrian priority or walk your bike.

***Also feel free to use the sidewalk or walk your bike on Western Road if you are uncomfortable riding there. It is also a short distance.

Happy exploring!

(Intermediate)

This route pretty much hits every hill in Byron. It starts at the beloved Storybook Gardens and has a destination ending at the Byron Freehouse for some self-congratulatory refreshments.

This one is for more intermediate riders. Please abide by the rules of the road and use appropriate hand signals when turning. If ever in doubt, feel free to walk with your bike on the sidewalk.

This week, explore bike paths and trails in the North West of the city. A route with a variety of cycling way types, meandering through the Hyde Park and White Hills area. Use different roads, multi-use paths, trails, and even a converted section of old rail trail. Pass through Maple Grove Park, all along Snake Creek, and go by the Museum of Ontario Archeology.

Stop by the local gem, Unger’s Market, for a wholesome, country-style feel. This place is great for lunch, delicious baked goods, fresh produce, deli and cheese goodies, and neat knick-knacks and gifts. They even have The Scoop, onsite, if you fancy ice cream.

You can also make a pit stop at Lord Gainsborough, a local family-style restaurant offering great food and traditional pub grub. They’ve also got a patio!

This is a family-friendly ride that may take around 1 hour. **Please use caution when crossing Hyde Park Road and when along Fanshawe Park Road**

Explore Cleardale Neighbourhood Ride

This week’s ride is a laid back cruise through a local neighbourhood you might not normally frequent. Explore the quiet area of Cleardale, a small community in between Wortley and White Oaks. This ride route is perfect for families, exploring local parks, a school zone, designated bike lanes, and optional ice cream and food stops.

This is a family-friendly ride that may take around 30-45 minutes.

**Please use caution when crossing Southdale to get to Twistee Treat. Use the lights and walk your bike if needed**

Happy exploring!

Old East Village - The Future is Friendly

This week’s ride showcases the future and friendly side of Old East. Discover some of the exciting projects underway - the new site of the Children’s Museum, an affordable housing project that pays homage to the former Embassy Hotel, and a new neighbourhood park. You will also experience the rich community life and front porch culture as you bike through the neighbourhood.

This is a family-friendly ride that may take around 30-45 minutes. **Please use caution when crossing Dundas and use the lights at Egerton if you need them** This week’s prizes:

• a framed picture of a bicycle patent from Art East.

• a $50 gift certificate from So Inviting

• 10% off at Artisan Bakery

To qualify for prizes, post about the ride or checkpoints on Instagram/ FB/ Twitter using the #SummerRides and #LdnOnt.

Central London Historical Ride

A family-friendly ride that may take 30-60 minutes and showcases some of London’s historical landmarks including the oldest continuously operated baseball diamond in the world, the birthplace of Insulin, the oldest known wrought iron bridge in Ontario, and the heart of London’s cultural and commercial life in the early 20th century. Take out your ‘safety bicycle’ and give it a try. Post pics of the ride or checkpoints on Instagram/ FB/ Twitter using the #SummerRides and #LdnOnt for your chance to win prizes.

Wortley/ Old South

A family-friendly 8km ride through Old South with 10 checkpoints. Take selfies with the #LdnOnt and #Summer Rides at any of the checkpoints to enter yourself to win free ice-cream from Karpos. You can start anywhere, but the route starts at Valu-Mart in Wortley and ends at Karpos Nuts for ice cream.