Cycling Great Escapes https://cyclinggreatescapes.com Mon, 24 Aug 2026 01:02:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 173324792 September is 100% Dedicated to Cycling in Quebec as the World’s Best Riders Will be Here https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/september-is-100-dedicated-to-cycling-in-quebec-as-the-worlds-best-riders-will-be-here/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=september-is-100-dedicated-to-cycling-in-quebec-as-the-worlds-best-riders-will-be-here https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/september-is-100-dedicated-to-cycling-in-quebec-as-the-worlds-best-riders-will-be-here/#respond Mon, 24 Aug 2026 01:02:53 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4840 […]]]> August 23, 2026 - The countdown is on! September is just around the corner, bringing with it a series of unmissable events for all cycling enthusiasts! Soon more than 500,000 spectators will gather in Québec for two major cycling events.

The Grand Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal will kick off the festivities on September 11 and 13. © Julien Payette-Tessier

The Grand Prix Cyclistes de Québec et de Montréal will kick off the festivities on September 11 and 13. Get ready for two spectacular races featuring the world’s elite teams.

For its 15th edition, the GPCQM will welcome 22 teams – including 18 WorldTeams and 4 wild cards – all ready to battle it out on the legendary circuits of Québec and Montréal. 

Get ready to cheer on your favourite riders and feel the thrill of the peloton!

Learn more here.

2026 UCI Road World Championships Montréal
Just one week after the Grand Prix Cyclistes, from September 20 to 27, 2026, Montréal will host an event of unprecedented scale: the largest sporting event the city has seen since the 1976 Olympic Games!

The 2026 UCI Road World Championships Montréal, featuring 13 races over eight days of competition will see the world’s top cycling nations and the world’s best riders compete for the prestigious rainbow jersey. This historic week promises outstanding performances, dramatic twists, and intense emotions.

Learn more here.

Join the action… the Beneva Bike Ride allows riders of all ages to experience the official Road Championship course. @ Maxime Juneau

Want to Ride? Register for the Rando Vélo Beneva
On September 19, the UCI Road World Championships will also host the Beneva Bike Ride, a public cycling event that allows riders of all ages to experience the official Championship course just one day before the world’s best cyclists compete on it.

Want to be part of the action during this exceptional month of cycling? There is no better way than signing up for the Rando Vélo Beneva!

This is your unique opportunity to ride the official Time Trial circuits of the World Championships BEFORE the pros do! Enjoy closed, fully secured routes in a festive atmosphere leading right up to the World Championships Opening Ceremony.

Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a passionate amateur, pick your distance (10 km, 20 km, 40 km, or 70 km) and join us on the road this September!

Register here.

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MegaVolt Festival Debuts in Squamish Oct. 2-4 – Fall is Prime Time for eMTB Riding & Camaraderie https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/megavolt-festival-debuts-in-squamish-oct-2-4-fall-is-prime-time-for-emtb-riding-camaraderie/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=megavolt-festival-debuts-in-squamish-oct-2-4-fall-is-prime-time-for-emtb-riding-camaraderie https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/megavolt-festival-debuts-in-squamish-oct-2-4-fall-is-prime-time-for-emtb-riding-camaraderie/#respond Fri, 21 Aug 2026 21:44:30 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4836 […]]]> August 21, 2026 - Our first MegaVolt in Squamish, ePowered by Bosch, is coming up October 2-4 and you are going to want to be there!

The MegaVolt is more than a festival… it’s a reprieve for a super-charged weekend. ©

The MegaVolt is more than a festival. It’s a weekend reprieve where every ride and race centres around creating the best eMTB experience so you leave wishing there was another one next weekend.

Not only do we have a great lineup of events for riders of all skill levels, but we have the ultimate venue for a super-charged weekend. MTN Fun Basecamp has everything we need for 3 days of MegaVolting:

• Ride-in/ride-out trail access to Alice Lake and Diamondhead trail networks
• Serviced RV spots, tent sites and a limited number of cabins
• Hot showers and clean facilities
• Creekside sauna
• eMTB charging stations
• Rentals, coaching, guiding, and eMTB-specific service and repairs from Dialed In Cycling
• On-site parking

MegaVolt features a great lineup of events for riders of all skill levels. ©

Schedule Highlights:
• Guided rides led by Dialed In Cycling — local guides, local knowledge, no race clock, and routes for riders looking to explore Squamish at their own pace. We’ll have separate groups for beginner and intermediate riders.
• Trailforks Adventure Challenge — the world’s first eMTB scavenger hunt: use Trailforks to find checkpoints and win prizes.
• eEnduro Race presented by Orbea — a ~30 km loop with 3 timed downhill sections and untimed climbs.
• eXC Race presented by Transition — race or ride on a marked course managed by MegaVolt’s eBike Patrol and medical teams, with professional chip timing.
• Hill Climb Challenge presented by OneUp Components — think heckle rock at Crankworx. With eMTB, up is the new down. Spectator-friendly and the perfect way to kick off the weekend.
• Night Ride presented by Outbound Lighting — Demo the latest in riding lights, and get a taste of night riding if you’ve never been, during this guided ride.

Enlist your buddies and come ride bikes with us… ©

Plus, we’ve got some off-bike goods at basecamp:
• Plenty of socializing just steps from your tent/trailer/cabin
• Friday Pizza
• Saturday lunch
• Nightly evening entertainment
• MegaVolt t-shirt and Belt Buckle

Don’t wait around for something way less fun to fill that weekend. Enlist your buddies and come ride bikes with us!

Get your pass here.

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For Cyclists Who Love XC Skiing the Canadian Ski Marathon is Quebec’s Nordic Adventure Feb. 5-7, 2027 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/for-cyclists-who-love-xc-skiing-the-canadian-ski-marathon-is-quebecs-nordic-adventure-feb-5-7-2027/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=for-cyclists-who-love-xc-skiing-the-canadian-ski-marathon-is-quebecs-nordic-adventure-feb-5-7-2027 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/for-cyclists-who-love-xc-skiing-the-canadian-ski-marathon-is-quebecs-nordic-adventure-feb-5-7-2027/#respond Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:55:32 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4826 […]]]> August 19, 2026 - (Montebello, Que.) For over 60 years, the Canadian Ski Marathon has been something different — not a race, but a personal challenge and a shared experience that is best described as Quebec’s Nordic Adventure.

New this year are one-day and two-day experiences for a simplified format to how you choose your Marathon experience. Whether you’re joining for a single day or taking on the full two-day experience, your challenge is defined by the distance you choose, from 15 km to 60 km or more. It’s no longer about navigating categories; it’s about choosing your distance. “I’m doing the 60 km!” “I’m doing the 45!” etc.

RETURNING! Les Coureurs des bois: The legendary journey continues…
• 80 km per day – (Gold, Silver, Bronze)

NEW! Les Marathoniens: The two-day experience
• 60 km per day
• 45 km per day
• 30 km per day
• 15 km per day

NEW! Les Aventuriers: The Saturday | one-day experience
• 60 km
• 45 km
• 30 km
• 15 km

NEW! A reimagined Saturday — Super Saturday!
Saturday is being reimagined as a central moment of the CSM experience.  Built around a start-and-finish format, with participants returning to the same location (Golf Héritage). Marathoniens and Aventuriers benefit from a more accessible and intuitive experience, with high-quality trails extending into the Kenauk Nature territory, while Coureurs des bois continue to ski the full Tremblant-to-Golf Héritage route. A more vibrant start and finish, stronger on-site energy, and more opportunities to ski and celebrate with friends, groups, or colleagues combine to make Saturday a complete experience in itself.

NEW!  Sunday — the shared journey
Sunday becomes the unifying moment of the CSM. Coureurs des bois and Marathoniens start at Golf Héritage and make their way to Montebello, creating a shared progression across the landscape and concluding Quebec’s Nordic Adventure. No matter the distance, everyone moves in the same direction, toward the same finish line. The experience converges into something collective — a true journey, where individual challenges become part of a larger, shared story.

Les Coureurs des bois – the iconic journey!
Gold, Silver, Bronze – 80km per day
For those seeking the original Marathon experience, the Coureurs des bois remain unchanged. Still 80 km per day, still point-to-point, still from Village de Mont Tremblant to Montebello — this is the Marathon in its purest form. A true journey across the landscape, where endurance, commitment, and tradition come together.

The legend continues.

More ways to be part of the Marathon
This evolution opens the door to more ways to experience the Marathon. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time, looking for a one-day adventure, or returning to take on a different challenge, the format is designed to meet you where you are. The result is a more accessible, more flexible experience, one that stays true to the spirit of the Marathon while inviting more people to be part of it.

For more information please visit here.

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New to the Chequamegon MTB Festival Sept. 17-20 – CAMBA Camping & CAMBA Park & Ride! https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/new-to-the-chequamegon-mtb-festival-sept-17-20-camba-camping-camba-park-ride/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-to-the-chequamegon-mtb-festival-sept-17-20-camba-camping-camba-park-ride https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/new-to-the-chequamegon-mtb-festival-sept-17-20-camba-camping-camba-park-ride/#respond Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:36:58 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4821 […]]]> August 19, 2026 - New for this year’s Chequamegon MTB Festival is CAMBA Camping and CAMBA Park and Ride! The CAMBA Campground offers convenient tent and RV/truck camping for riders attending the Chequamegon MTB Festival, with sites located just steps from the event and trail action.

CAMBA Campground offers convenient tent and RV/truck camping for riders attending the Chequamegon MTB Festival. ©

Amenities include portable toilets, trash dumpsters, and access to shower facilities at The Hub, making it easy to stay comfortable throughout the weekend. CAMBA Members receive a $25 discount by applying a promo code to be found in the member benefits portal at checkout, and proceeds from every reservation go directly toward maintaining and improving the trails you love to ride!

he CAMBA Campground offers convenient tent and RV/truck camping for riders attending the Chequamegon MTB Festival, with sites located just steps from the event and all the trail action. Amenities include portable toilets, trash dumpsters, and access to shower facilities at The Hub — making it easy to stay comfortable all weekend long.

CAMBA Campground
Cost: $175
Check-In / Check-Out
Check-in: After 5pm, Thursday, September 17th
Check-out: 10am, Sunday, September 20th
Questions? Please reach out to info@cambatrails.org.

Reserve here.

CAMBA Park & Ride is HERE!
Get ready, Chequamegon MTB Festival riders — this year we’re making race weekend easier than ever for everyone! Introducing the all-new CAMBA Park & Ride, located at the Valhalla Parking Lot!

Here’s the move: drop your car off early on Friday, September 18, 2026, and for just $25, you’ll roll into race day stress-free with a guaranteed, legal parking spot waiting for you right at the finish line! This really helps the Wrecking Crew during race morning by getting everyone parked and on the way for their race.🏁

And here’s the best part: every dollar raised goes straight back into CAMBA Trails — so parking smart means giving back to the trails you love to ride!

Skip the hassle. Support the trails. Ride worry-free.
Reserve your Park & Ride spot today here!

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Cycling Canada Announces Elite and U23 Men’s Rosters for 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montréal https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/cycling-canada-announces-elite-and-u23-mens-rosters-for-2026-uci-road-world-championships-in-montreal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cycling-canada-announces-elite-and-u23-mens-rosters-for-2026-uci-road-world-championships-in-montreal https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/cycling-canada-announces-elite-and-u23-mens-rosters-for-2026-uci-road-world-championships-in-montreal/#respond Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:50:40 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4805 […]]]> August 18, 2026 - Cycling Canada is proud to unveil the Elite and U23 Men’s rosters selected to represent Canada at the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montréal. With the world returning to Montréal for the first time since 1974, this year’s squad brings together seasoned WorldTour contenders, rising Canadian talents, and a team of athletes who have delivered standout performances across Europe and North America throughout the season.

Derek Gee‑West… ©

Elite Men – 2026 UCI Road World Championships National Team
Derek Gee‑West – Osgoode, Ontario (RR+ITT)
Hugo Houle – Sainte-Perpétue, Quebec (RR)
Michael Leonard – Oakville, Ontario (RR+ITT)
Michael Woods – Ottawa, Ontario (RR)
Nickolas Zukowsky – Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, Quebec (RR)
Pier‑André Côté – Saint-Henri-de-Lévis, Quebec (RR)
RR = Road Race, ITT = Individual Time Trial

Canada’s elite men’s roster brings together some of the most accomplished riders in the nation’s history, athletes who have delivered on the world stage and continue to redefine what Canadian road cycling can achieve. Giro D’Italia star Derek Gee – West enters the championships with multiple GC top ten performances, a stage win at Criterium du Dauphine 2024, and a Gran Camino overall win. Pier‑André Côté adds proven strength and consistency to the team, equipped with his 2023 Pan Am Road Championships title, and coming off a strong season with a 6th overall at the Tour of Denmark. The legendary 2022 Tour de France stage winner, Hugo Houle, enters the championships with rich international experience, alongside promising young WorldTour rider and Tour de l’Avenir stage winner Michael Leonard. Michael Woods, a Tour de France stage winner, three‑time Vuelta a España stage winner, double La Route d’Occitanie GC champion, and former World Championships podium finisher, joins the team with world class experience and leadership. Known for being at the front of the peloton across North American and European calendars, Nick Zukowsky adds depth to the roster. Together, they embody the spirit of gracious champions, and we are thrilled to celebrate the riders who will represent Canada on home soil.

Jérôme Gauthier, current U23 road national champ. ©

U23 Men – 2026 UCI Road World Championships National Team
Adam Smith – Winnipeg, Manitoba (RR)
Carson Mattern – Ancaster, Ontario (ITT)
Jérôme Gauthier – Amos, Quebec (RR)
Jonas Walton – Westminster, Maryland (RR+ITT)
Luke Valenti – Orangeville, Ontario (RR)
RR = Road Race, ITT = Individual Time Trial

Canada’s U23 roster brings together a group of riders who have shown consistency and progression across the European circuit and top North American events. Adam Smith, coming off a breakout ride at Vuelta Asturias with 5th on Stage 1 and 12th overall, and Luke Valenti, the 2023 Tour de Beauce champion and a double winner on the Spanish Cup circuit, arrive with proven results in continental racing. Carson Mattern adds a world‑class track record as a triple junior world champion, alongside strong GC performances on the road. Jonas Walton contributes strong international and domestic results, joining the roster alongside 2026 Canadian Elite Road Race Champion, Jérôme Gauthier. Together, they represent an accomplished team that we are confident will represent Canada with pride. 

For this Elite and U23 men’s team, the 2026 UCI Road World Championships carry a significance that extends far beyond the race itself. Montréal welcomes the Road Worlds back 52 years after hosting the groundbreaking 1974 edition, marking the first time the event was ever held outside Europe, and now, a new generation of Canadians will take the start lines on those same historic roads.

As Canada prepares to welcome the world to Montréal, today’s announcement marks a meaningful step toward building a national team ready to meet a historical moment. Cycling Canada looks forward to announcing the Elite Women and U23 Women rosters in the coming weeks, completing the full maple‑leaf lineup for Montréal 2026.

For more information on the 2026 UCI Road World Championships please visit the Montreal 2026 official website here.

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Panache to Withdraw from Hosting Canadian 2027 Gravel Championships and UCI/Cycling Canada Events https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/panache-to-withdraw-from-hosting-canadian-2027-gravel-championships/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=panache-to-withdraw-from-hosting-canadian-2027-gravel-championships https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/panache-to-withdraw-from-hosting-canadian-2027-gravel-championships/#respond Mon, 17 Aug 2026 12:54:30 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4811 […]]]> August 17, 2026 - (Victoria, BC) Panache Cycling Sports announced today that it is withdrawing its bid to host the 2027 Canadian Gravel Championships, concluding its 8-year involvement in hosting Cycling Canada and UCI‑sanctioned events in road, gravel, cross country mountain biking, and cyclocross.   This follows Cycling Canada’s original announcement of the 2027 National race calendar on July 27, 2026 in a broad media release, though they subsequently removed references to the event from their website weeks later. 

Panache Cycling Sports steps back from hosting UCI/Cycling Canada events. © Jay Wallace

While the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the 2026 Canadian Gravel Cycling event were a contributing factor, Panache emphasizes that the core reasons for stepping back are mounting technical, operational, logistical, and economic challenges associated with hosting UCI/Cycling Canada events.  This also comes on the heels of the recent success of Panache organizing the 2026 Canadian XCO/XCC Mountain Bike championships in Langford on July 16-19.

“Panache has always taken pride in delivering safe, wellrun, community‑focused cycling events,” CEO and President, Jon Watkin stated. “However, the mounting technical, operational and financial pressures associated with national‑level sanctioning make it impossible for us to continue.  We take great pride in having run a wide range of UCI/Cycling Canada events over the past 8 years, supporting Canada’s best athletes while maintaining the highest safety standards.  We thank Cycling Canada for the opportunity to have hosted these iconic events and wish them well in organizing future events.”    

Complete historical portfolio of Panache Events sanctioned by CCC/UCI:

  • 2018 Bear Mountain Canada Cup XCO C2
  • 2018 Canadian Masters Road Championships
  • 2019 Bear Mountain Canada Cup XCO C1
  • 2019 Canadian Masters Road Championships
  • 2022 Canadian Cyclocross Championships
  • 2023 Canadian Cyclocross Championships
  • 2024 Canadian Masters Road Championships
  • 2025 Canadian Masters Road Championships
  • 2025 Canadian XCC/XCO Championships
  • 2026 Pacific XC UCI C1 XCO Canada Cup
  • 2026 Canadian Gravel Cycling Championships
  • 2026 Canadian XCC/XCO Championships

Panache confirmed that it will no longer pursue or host any future UCI or Cycling Canada events moving forward. Instead, the organization will focus on expanding its successful portfolio of public‑participation cycling events, regional gravel races such as the BC Gravel Series, and broader outdoor festivals throughout British Columbia such as the Langford Bikefest. These events have seen strong growth and engagement, and Panache intends to build on that momentum with new formats, partnerships, and community‑driven experiences.

“We remain deeply committed to the cycling community in BC,” the statement continued. “Our future lies in events that celebrate participation, adventure, and the unique landscapes of our province, without the constraints that have made national sanctioning increasingly unsustainable.”

Panache Cycling Sports will release further details about its 2027 event calendar later this fall.

Read more here.

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Canada’s Newest Binational Cycling Destination Launches in Windsor-Detroit and Crosses the Gordie Howe International Bridge https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/canada-newest-binational-cycling-destination-launches-in-windsor-detroit-and-crosses-the-gordie-howe-international-bridge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=canada-newest-binational-cycling-destination-launches-in-windsor-detroit-and-crosses-the-gordie-howe-international-bridge https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/canada-newest-binational-cycling-destination-launches-in-windsor-detroit-and-crosses-the-gordie-howe-international-bridge/#respond Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:33:34 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4791 […]]]> August 13, 2026 - (Windsor, ON) More than 100 cyclists from across Canada and the United States helped launch Canada’s newest binational cycling destination this week, as the 2026 Great Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA) rolled through Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island — and, for the first time, across the Gordie Howe International Bridge into Detroit.

Ribbon cutting for binational cycling destination in Windsor-Detroit that crosses the Gordie Howe International Bridge. ©

The destination was officially launched Tuesday morning with a ribbon-cutting in Windsor attended by Marlaine Koehler of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust; MP Windsor West Harb Gil, Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie; Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens; Essex County Warden Hilda MacDonald; Gordon Orr, CEO Tourism Windsor Essex & Invest WindsorEssex, Meghan Reddick of Trans Canada Trail; Heather Grondin of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority; and other Canadian and American partners and community leaders. More than 100 GWTA cyclists joined the celebration before setting out to experience the new international connection.

The launch marks four years of cross‑border collaboration to connect and promote cycling experiences in Windsor‑Essex and southeast Michigan, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to explore two countries and their shared Great Lakes waterfront by bike.

Great Waterfront Trail Adventure riders cross the Gordie Howe International Bridge. ©

At the centre of the network is the Gordie Howe International Bridge, whose multi‑use path establishes the first signed international crossing of both the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Trans Canada Trail.

“This is much more than a new route across a bridge. It is the realization of a vision we have been working toward with our Canadian and American partners since 2022,” said Marlaine Koehler, Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust. “By connecting extraordinary trails, waterfronts and communities on both sides of the Detroit River, we are giving people an entirely new way to experience and appreciate this region — slowly, actively and up close.”

The binational initiative brings together the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Trans Canada Trail, Southeast Michigan Community Foundation and Michigan Department of Natural Resources, alongside municipalities, tourism organizations, trail partners and the Windsor‑Detroit Bridge Authority.

The international boundary on the Gordie Howe International Bridge between the USA and Canada. ©

“The City of Windsor has proudly worked alongside the Waterfront Regeneration Trust since the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail was extended into Windsor in 2011. In recent years, we have continued that work with partners across the region to expand cycling opportunities and help position Windsor-Essex as a leading destination for cycle tourism. Through significant investments in cycling infrastructure, wayfinding and visitor experiences, we are creating stronger connections across our region, encouraging active transportation and giving residents and visitors more opportunities to experience Windsor’s waterfront, neighbourhoods, parks and trail network. This year, we are proud to welcome more than 100 cycle tourists with the 2026 Great Waterfront Trail Adventure, to experience our community firsthand, while supporting local businesses, tourism and Windsor-Essex’s growing reputation as an exceptional destination for cyclists,” commented Mayor Drew Dilkens, City of Windsor.

On the Canadian side, the project builds on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail’s expansion to Lake Erie in 2012 and significant investments made since then by municipalities and conservation authorities in their waterfronts, trails and active transportation networks. The initiative has brought those assets together into more than 500 kilometres of signed cycling experiences, including nine scenic itineraries, three binational gateways, over 1,000 wayfinding signs, new digital and print resources, and more than 125 Ontario By Bike certified businesses.

The binational initiative connects the the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail, with Detroit’s Riverwalk, the Joe Louis Greenway, the Iron Belle Trail and more. ©

”The binational cycle tourism experience provides riders with the opportunity to have a seamless path to connect districts, communities, attractions, waterfronts, culture, culinary, and natural areas on both sides of the border. The multi-use path positions Windsor Essex as one of North America’s most unique cross-border cycling destinations. Being able to tell the stories which resonate with our “DNA of place” through sensory and immersive experiences help to form extended and repeat visitations to our Two Nation Destination. Through partnerships on both sides of the border, we look forward to continuing to build on future prospects in connectivity, active transportation, outdoor adventures, health and well-being. Our cycle tourism map is a great tool in planning out extensive itineraries through various route suggestions while showcasing 125+ bike-friendly certified businesses along the way,” said Gordon Orr, CEO Tourism Windsor Essex & Invest WindsorEssex.

As part of the initiative, Trans Canada Trail has also added the first international border crossing to its nationwide network and expanded its network through Leamington and onto Pelee Island, extending the national 30,000-kilometre trail to Canada’s southernmost inhabited point.

The new facilities create more opportunities for people to engage with landscapes, destinations, and people on both sides of the border. ©

“Connecting communities has always been at the heart of the Trans Canada Trail,” said Meghan Reddick, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer with Trans Canada Trail. “This partnership is the perfect illustration of how trails can connect communities and inspire unity. By creating more opportunities for people to engage with landscapes, destinations, and people on both sides of the border, we are forging powerful connections while boosting local economies.”

Across the Detroit River, cyclists can connect to an impressive and growing network of trails, greenways, waterfront parks and public spaces. Major investments in the Detroit RiverWalk, Joe Louis Greenway, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, Southwest Greenway and other destinations are transforming how residents and visitors experience Detroit and its waterfront.

“Detroit takes great pride in having its waterfront named the No. 1 riverwalk in the United States by USA Today in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Indeed, the Detroit Riverwalk was inspired by Windsor’s riverwalk that started in the 1960s. Our two border cities have deep regional commitments to reconnecting people with the Great Lakes through greenway trails. We are honored to be collaborating with our Canadian trail partners to create world‑class cross‑border trail tourism experiences – made possible by the multi-use path on the new Gordie Howe International Bridge – throughout the Windsor–Detroit metropolitan area that celebrate our shared Great Lakes, history, and pride in being border cities,” commented John Hartig, Co-chair of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan’s Great Lakes Way Advisory Committee

Five days showcasing connected waterfront communities
From August 10–14, Great Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA) participants will explore Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island, highlighting waterfronts, natural areas, cultural attractions and key cycling infrastructure. On Tuesday, riders will make a binational crossing into Detroit to experience the city’s expanding trail network before returning to Canada.

Other GWTA highlights include the Herb Gray Parkway Trail, Chrysler Canada Greenway, the County-Wide Acive Transportation System (CWATS), Point Pelee National Park, Essex County communities and beaches, and a cycling excursion to Pelee Island.

“The GWTA has always been about showing what becomes possible when communities connect their waterfronts and trails,” said Koehler. “For more than 30 years, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust has worked with communities to turn local waterfront investments into a connected Great Lakes experience. This year, we get to demonstrate that idea on an international scale.”

The new binational cycling destination builds on years of investment by communities, the County of Essex, the Essex Region Conservation Authority and trail organizations on both sides of the border. Together, these connections offer a rare opportunity to experience two countries, two cities and dozens of waterfront communities as one Great Lakes cycling destination.

About the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure
The Great Waterfront Trail Adventure is an annual supported, multi‑day cycling tour organized by the Waterfront Regeneration Trust to showcase the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and celebrate the communities that support it. The 2026 GWTA takes place August 10–14 in Windsor, Essex County and Pelee Island, with a binational cycling experience in Detroit. Click to see the GWTA 2026 Itinerary.

About the Waterfront Regeneration Trust
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to protecting, connecting and celebrating the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River waterfront. It is the founder and steward of the 3,600 km Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and a proud part of the Trans Canada Trail network. The Trail is made possible through a partnership spanning 177 communities and First Nations, along with national and provincial parks, conservation authorities and other waterfront partners. www.waterfronttrail.org

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Vélo Canada Bikes Announces $500 Million Active Transportation Funds are Finally Flowing https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/velo-canada-bikes-announces-500-million-active-transportation-funds-are-finally-flowing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=velo-canada-bikes-announces-500-million-active-transportation-funds-are-finally-flowing https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/velo-canada-bikes-announces-500-million-active-transportation-funds-are-finally-flowing/#respond Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:11:00 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4788 […]]]> August 12, 2026 - (Ottawa, ON) In late 2024, following two years of advocacy behind the scenes, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada quietly announced a $500 million renewal of the popular Active Transportation Fund to support municipalities and first nations across Canada to build the bike infrastructure our members are asking for to have more safe, connected routes in their communities.

Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. ©

Soon after, we had a federal election, a new Prime Minister, a federal election, a new Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, a new budget, and saw cuts to the Canada Public Transit Fund that the Active Transportation Fund is contained within. Meanwhile, there were no funding announcements after well over a year.

Active transportation advocates started to worry.

So Vélo Canada Bikes snapped into action.

We met with Members of Parliament. We launched a letter-writing campaign which led hundreds of constituents to write directly to their Members of Parliament. One hundred and one organizations and businesses signed our joint statement (including the Canadian Cancer Society, the David Suzuki Foundation, the Heart & Stroke Foundation, and the Canadian Public Health Association). We spoke in the media. We worked with allies to get the recommendation into the latest submission from the Green Budget Coalition.

The goal was to urge Minister Gregor Robertson to approve projects without any more delay and to maintain critical federal active transportation. In our work, we highlighted the need for these investments to address the government’s stated affordability, housing and economic objectives.

Last month, we finally got the breakthrough we’ve been working for.

Minister Robertson and Mayor of Tecumseh, Ontario announced the first project from the latest tranche of active transportation infrastructure funding, an expansion and update of the Riverside Trail pathway. It’s an excellent project and a perfect example of what federal funding and leadership can make possible to improve the lives of Canadians through cycling infrastructure.

We have been in direct contact with the Minister’s office and our advocacy on the issue was noted with appreciation. We expect to see many more project announcements over the coming months but we will need to continue to advocate to make sure this becomes a reality.

The government is constantly trying to respond to countless priorities and demands. We know that even when we’ve made progress, we can never take it for granted.

That’s why we’re here. Thanks to the support of our members and donors, we are able to speak up for people across the country who share our vision for a bicycle-friendly Canada.

Our work is far from over. We will continue to follow the roll out of the Active Transportation Fund closely even as we develop new projects to address the unfortunate rise in political opposition to safe cycling infrastructure and the need for better policy for e-bikes.

We need your help to keep this important work going. Donate and join us today.

Become a member of Vélo Canada Bikes here.
Donate to Vélo Canada Bikes here.

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Giro Launches the All-new Montaro Pro MTB for Enduro and e-MTB Riding https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/giro-launches-the-all-new-montaro-pro-mtb-for-enduro-and-e-mtb-riding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=giro-launches-the-all-new-montaro-pro-mtb-for-enduro-and-e-mtb-riding https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/giro-launches-the-all-new-montaro-pro-mtb-for-enduro-and-e-mtb-riding/#respond Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:33:51 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4751 […]]]> August 11, 2026 - Designed to lead and reset the rules, the new Montaro Pro fearlessly writes the new definition of MTB protection. Built with Giro Sport Design DNA and engineered to meet the demands of modern trail, enduro, and e-MTB riding, it features Spherical Technology powered by Mips® to redirect rotational forces and 23 WindTunnel vents to deliver class-leading ventilation.

The new Giro Montaro Pro features features Spherical Technology powered by Mips®, 23 WindTunnel vents and more… ©

A new AURA Ring II polycarbonate roll cage boosts structural integrity and helps achieve e-MTB certification, while deeper, full lower hardbody coverage delivers pro-level durability where it counts most. At only 453 grams, the Montaro Pro combines aggressive design with advanced engineering for riders who lead, not follow.

Spherical Technology’s Ball-and-Socket design powered by Mips®.

Spherical Technology
Spherical Technology’s Ball-and-Socket design; powered by Mips®; helps redirect impact forces away from the brain by allowing the outer liner to rotate around the inner liner during a crash. It also eliminates contact with hard plastic or slip-planes against the skin.

Seamlessly integrated 2-position visor. ©

Integrated 2-position Visor
Seamlessly integrated visor that slides between two positions for added durability, security, and easy eyewear storage capability.

Shatter-resistant and translucent Aura II Reinforcing Arch. ©

Aura II Reinforcing Arch
The shatter-resistant and translucent Aura II Reinforcing Arch runs throughout the helmet; bolstering structural integrity and allowing massive vents for cooling.

Fidlock® magnetic snap helmet buckle. ©

Fidlock® Magnetic Buckle Closure
The pinch-free one-handed Fidlock® magnetic snap helmet buckle combines the advantages of two fastening concepts in a completely new way: Strong magnets make it easy to open and close, while a secure snap functionality ensures a continuous locking force.

IONIC+® padding for natural odor protection. ©

IONIC+ ® Padding
Pure silver is the ingredient that gives IONIC+® padding the power to provide permanent; natural odor protection to keep your helmet feeling fresh.

Giro’s proprietary Wind Tunnel venting system. ©

23 Wind Tunnel Vents
Giro helmets are engineered with our proprietary Wind Tunnel venting system. This elaborate design combines active vents in the helmet’s shell with exhaust channels inside the helmet that thrust cool; fresh air over and around the rider’s head while forcing heat and stale air out.

The Canadian MSRP is $379.99… for more information please visit here.

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New England Celebrates Major Greenway Milestones – Five Key East Coast Greenway Investments https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/new-england-celebrates-major-greenway-milestones-five-key-east-coast-greenway-investments/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-england-celebrates-major-greenway-milestones-five-key-east-coast-greenway-investments https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/new-england-celebrates-major-greenway-milestones-five-key-east-coast-greenway-investments/#respond Sun, 09 Aug 2026 03:46:06 +0000 https://cyclinggreatescapes.com/?p=4743 […]]]> August 8, 2026 - Momentum for the East Coast Greenway in New England was on full display this week as ribbon cuttings in North Hampton, New Hampshire, on Aug. 4 and South Portland, Maine, on Aug. 6 celebrated significant progress for the growing Maine-to-Florida trail network.

East Coast Greenway Alliance Executive Director Dennis Markatos-Soriano celebrates the opening of the Eastern Trail’s “Close the Gap” project in Maine. ©

East Coast Greenway Alliance Executive Director Dennis Markatos-Soriano and National Greenway Director Allison Burson joined local partners, elected officials and hundreds of supporters to celebrate projects that bring the region closer to a nearly 400-mile model Greenway route from New Haven, Connecticut, through Boston and north to the coast of Maine.

“Greenways have the best infrastructure return on investment,” Markatos-Soriano said. “Completing sections raises the quality of life for regional residents and attracts tourists who aren’t just happy on greenways, they are hungry, thirsty and they often need a place to stay. Where the Greenway goes, the economy grows.”

Thursday, Aug. 6: Eastern Trail, Maine
Markatos-Soriano and Burson joined the Town of Scarborough, the City of South Portland and The Eastern Trail Alliance to celebrate the opening of the Eastern Trail’s “Close the Gap” project. This important 1.6-mile segment closes a gap in the Eastern Trail between South Portland and Scarborough, providing 16 continuous off-road miles for public enjoyment.

Remarks were made by project partners, including Markatos-Soriano, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Eastern Trail project in Maine. ©

With the exception of a 3-mile gap between Biddeford and Saco, the Eastern Trail is more than 80% complete between Kennebunk and Bug Light Park in South Portland.

“It’s time for us to complete the Eastern Trail and the East Coast Greenway by closing the next gap over the Saco River and beyond to Kittery and Boston south and Augusta and Bangor north,” Markatos-Soriano said. “Just two days ago, we celebrated a similar brand-new section in New Hampshire, so we have the momentum and can grow it if we vote in visionary elected leaders this November who understand the importance of Greenways as a top priority.”

“This trail really represents, as I said, decades of hard work, but more importantly, connectivity to a much larger trail system, and we’re really pleased to be part of advancing the East Coast Greenway,” Scarborough Town Manager Thomas Hall said.

Read the full report here.

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