I case anyone was wondering I've had to postpone this trip because of work related reasons. So maybe I'll go next month depending on what happens.

Vic

I actually did this trip on my mountain bike yesterday. Had originally planned to do it with my open frame ebike. But after some range/speed tests I found my normal bike more convenient for the trip as I could pedal faster with no help. Plus it's a lot lighter too.

It was purely a spur of the moment type of thing. I have to admit I was being mildly crazy, lol, I took off at
6am yesterday with no tools or extra tubes in case I had a flat.

I took the water front trail most of the way. I was making good time covering some pretty good distances in the morning. It was cool and there was a nice breeze. I kept a list of times until my phone died on me. Next time I'll take a notepad and watch. Here are some of the times I got:

I started from home at about 6am

Oakville border 7am

Burlington border 8:09am

Hamilton approx. 10:30

Grimsby (stopped at Harvey's here for lunch) 11:55am is the time marked on the receipt.)

From Grimsby to St. Catherines it was incredibly boring. There's a bike lane on I believe it was North Service Road. So basically there's a barrier to your right and cars going 80KM+ on a road beside you. I started just walking my bike at one point here because I was pretty tired. Some friendly lycras actually came to check if I was ok. They were going the opposite direction.


I got to St. Catherines at about 3pm. My phone died around this time. So I was left with no gps or camera. Which lead to some interesting adventures the next few hours. I found a Shoppers in St. Catherines and bought a disposable camera and a map book of Niagara Region. Continued on my way after that.

Unfortunately while in St. Catherines I lost track of the waterfront trail. Which I believe would have gotten me to the falls a lot sooner. Reached Niagara On The Lake by around 5pm. And went in circles a couple of times because I was reading the map wrong. Eventually I got everything sorted out. Around 6 I got to a sign that said Welcome to Niagara Falls. And I was really happy until I saw the giant hill I needed to go up. Took me 20 minutes to push my bike up this hill. I got to the Falls around 8pm. Took some pictures and then headed to the VIA rail station and took a GO Train (Fridays, and weekends only during summer) home. One way Niagara Falls to Toronto Union is only $20.

It was fun and I'll probably do it again soon. But backwards next time. I'll start in Niagara and work my way home.

Some stats from my cheap bike computer:

Distance 147.15KM
Average speed 13.5 Kph

Aside from being a bit tired and having "sore butt syndrome" when I got home it was a fun ride for the most part. Eventually I'll convert the bike I used to electric. Just to make the boring parts pass faster, lol.

-Vic

a good read Vic

THe wife and I are supposed to ride to Niagara on the Lake in mid September for the annual Velomobile Group ride weekend.