Avid cyclists enjoy Tour de South Frontenac Cycle Fest

Julie Druker | Jun 11, 2015

Cyclists will be happy to know that the committee known as South Frontenac Rides is doing their best to promote scenic and safe cycling in the township of South Frontenac. The group, which is supported by the County of Frontenac, the local OPP, the Township of South Frontenac, KFL&A Public Health, and Yellow Bikes held their first “Tour de South Frontenac Cycle Fest” in and around Sydenham and at Loughborough Public School on June 7. The event attracted over 100 cyclists of all ages to the day’s activities, which included a kids’ bike rodeo plus a number of safe cycling demonstrations and workshops. Demonstrations included proper braking and stopping, correct hand signals, proper helmet fitting, a bike safety check and more.

Twelve guided tours of the four South Frontenac scenic cycling routes were given by committee members. The routes combine a network of paved roads and sections of the Cataraqui and K&P trails and the group has highlighted them in a Cycle Fest brochure. They include a 13 km route through the village of Sydenham; a 18 or 32 km route with stellar views of the Millhaven Creek valley; a 20km route along Little Long Lake and a 33km route along Desert Lake Road towards Frontenac Provincial Park.

The routes have been designed to highlight both the scenic beauty of the township, its gorgeous lakes, forests, rivers and creeks, as well as a number of historic sites and other points of interest along the way.

Staff from KFL & A Public Health were also on site promoting the health benefits of cycling. Stephanie Sciberras, a physical activity specialist with the organization, said she and her staff are huge supporters of active transport and the idea of getting people out of their cars and physically active. “The momentum and support for this group is exciting and we are looking forward to the group advocating for safer cycling infrastructure, which will go along way in supporting community safety, health and well being”, Sciberras said.

Organizers said they were pleased with the turn out. Gordon Scott, who chairs the South Frontenac Rides Committee, said that teaching kids cycling safety was a big focus of the day’s events. “Bike safety is something that children are not taught in school and it is important for them to know how to safely handle their bicycles, especially when they are in and around traffic.”

For those who missed Cycle Fest, the brochure with maps can be found at the township’s offices in Sydenham and at a various local businesses in the area. It is also available on line at www.frontenacmaps.ca