Cycle the region

By Angelica Haggert

Cyclists put their pedals to the pathways on Saturday, Sept. 23 during the Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour.

Organized by the Essex Region Conservation Authority for the last six years, the event boasts more than 200 participants utilizing the Chrysler Canada and Cypher Systems Greenway Trails.

“We take pre-registrations until the day before the ride, but you can register on the day of,” said Danielle Steubing. Steubing, director of communication and outreach services for ERCA, says the event has taken on new life this year.

“This year, we were fortunate to have an amazing committee of foundation members who are also cyclists who have brought new and exciting ideas to the event,” said Steubing.

“We now have a team of Ambassadors who are promoting the event, new sponsorship opportunities and with the opening of the Cypher Systems Group Greenway earlier this year, have added the Extreme Greenway 80km route.”

There are six different route options available to choose from, ranging from a 15 kilometre round trip to a 104 kilometre round trip.

“The ride showcases our regional trails and conservation areas. Even the road-rides pass through some of our region’s most special natural areas,” said Steubing.

The ride also provides a supported way for the community to get outdoors and active.  Acting as a fundraiser, the event supports trail maintenance and development. ERCA owns and manages more than 80 kilometres of trails throughout Essex County.

David Robbins is on the planning committee for the ride and participates on the intermediate distance ride as a cyclist.

“I’m really passionate about the trails,” said Robbins. “Since we [ERCA] has rebranded this year as a ‘place for life,’ it’s really important to get people out there.”

Robbins also participates as part of a corporate team.

“We find other companies to compete with as part of a corporate challenge,” said Robbins. Corporate teams can compete by fundraising for the trail systems.

“We were edged out by only $15 last year.”

Robbins encourages everyone to come out to the bike ride – but bring lots of water and wear your helmet.

“Even if you can’t make it for the ride, stop by Mettawas Station in the afternoon for some vendor booths,” said Robbins.

One of those vendors is Infinity Cycle. As a brand new bicycle-friendly store in Windsor, owner Mark Long is excited to be involved.

“We will have a booth set up at the Mettawas Station in Kingsville for bike repairs,” said Long. “We will be doing more flat repairs and pumping up low tires than anything else but we can handle just about any repair on site.”

Long is thrilled about how far cycling infrastructure has come in Windsor and Essex County. The ride does a lot to support those efforts, including trail maintenance and exposure for the cycling community.

“I have participated in the ERCA bike tour in the past but this is the first year that I am offering support for all participating cyclists,” said Long.

“Both Windsor and Essex County have made great strides in cycling infrastructure but more needs to be done.”