An increase of participants from just 30 last year to 400 this year, outstanding!
- Cyclists tackle Tour de Mississauga
Radhika Panjwani Sep 20, 2009
A colourful convoy of cyclists tackled a scenic ride of Mississauga.
The 2nd Tour de Mississauga, a non-competitive event, organized by the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee (MCAC) kicked-off from the J.C. Sadington Park in Port Credit today.
The event, which attracted just 30 cyclists for last year’s inaugural ride, welcomed more than 400 riders — of all ages and fitness levels — this time around.
The riders will wind their way through Rattray Marsh, spin around the University of Toronto Mississauga, and zip through Sheridan Research Park — taking in some stunning trails and vistas along the way. The final leg of the ride will see the cyclists put it on cruise control as they pedal downhill along the new bridge on Confederation Pkwy.
Dorothy Tomiuk, a member of the MCAC, told The News that this year's event had attracted an unprecedented number of a online registrations.
She said certain portions of the ride such as the route along Culham Trail and Rattray Marsh will require cyclists to disembark from their wheels and walk.“We are thrilled to have the blessing of the chair of the Rattray Marsh Protection Association to walk our bikes along the Rattray Trail,” Tomiuk said. “The route we are doing will take about 8-10 minutes of walking.”
After their adrenaline-filled ride, cyclists will enjoy a free barbecue at the Port Credit Memorial Park.
Organizers said as the event grows from strength to strength each year, they will call upon the City for some “cyclist friendly,” initiatives.
Cyclists are expected to tour through trails and parks as well as business and shopping areas, schools and GO stations. Organizers are promoting the event as a recreational activity but hope to prove a point: that cycling is a safe and sustainable means of transport.
“It's a cycling adventure,” said MCAC chair Jeff Wachman said. “We want to promote Mississauga as the destination for cyclists and tourists who want to see the city from the inside, from the urban forest perspective, and from the outside as well.”
There are two rides: a 50-kilometre stretch for more experienced riders and a shorter 20- kilometre route for more casual participants. Both circuits will test the endurance of riders while offering them an unforgettable journey through Mississauga, organizers say.
For more information, visit: www.mississaugacycling.ca/tour/
From Mississauganews.com
