Episode 137: Ontario By Bike

Quiet lessons from the outdoors are still there, but you have to choose to hear them, and sometimes that starts with something as simple as getting on a bike. We open with a bit of real life seasonal talk, storms rolling through, a dog who still wants his walk, and a maple sap season that is not behaving. Then we shift into a topic that can change how you see the province: cycle tourism in Ontario and how to plan rides that feel like true travel, not just exercise.

I’m joined by Louisa from Ontario By Bike, a not-for-profit that helps connect cyclists to Ontario cycling routes, multi-use trails, and bike-friendly businesses across the province. We dig into what bicycle-friendly certification actually means, why secure overnight bike parking matters, and how destinations can become easier for riders to navigate. If you’ve ever wondered where to start, we talk bike types in plain language, helmet safety and replacement timing, spring tune-ups, and how to get kids sized properly so they ride safer and happier.

We also get into the fun stuff: rail trails in Ontario and why old rail beds make such great routes, traveling with a bike versus renting, winter riding with fat bikes and studded tires, and the rise of e-bikes in Ontario. Finally, we cover indoor bike trainer setups, smart trainers, Zwift-style platforms, and how local cycling clubs can help you find routes and motivation fast.

If you enjoy the conversation, subscribe, share it with a riding buddy, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What Ontario trail or route should we talk about next?