Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Saturday’s crisp, fall weather didn’t deter participants in this year’s Discover L&A Bike Ride, which saw a record 425 cyclists take part in the annual ride that highlights some of the region’s local businesses and historic attractions.
Riders travelled from across Eastern Ontario for the ride with big groups coming from the GTA and Ottawa area.
“There was a great day to be exploring Lennox & Addington,” said Lennox and Addington County economic development officer Rob Plumley. “We had some returning riders, but many new ones as well, and they were all impressed with the quality of the cycling here in L&A. It’s a great opportunity to showcase what we have to offer from a cycle tourism perspective.”
The 2022 Discover L&A Ride began and ended at MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company in Bath. Participants rode along paved roads that overlook the water’s edge and authentic Eastern Ontario landscapes. Rest stops along the way included The Hive & Hearthstone, Old Hay Bay Church, Bergeron Estate Winery & Cider Company, 33 Vines, Loyalist Trading Company, Gap Park and Finkle’s Shore Park.
Refreshments – using local ingredients wherever possible – were available at each stop. At the end of the ride, a glass of beer from MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company or a beverage from The County Bounty Soda Company was provided to all registrants, if desired.
The Discover L&A Ride gives visitors a first-hand look at some of the great road cycling opportunities available in Lennox & Addington County, including portions of the extensive ‘County Trails’ network. The County Trails include 12 looping routes consisting of 600 kilometres of paved roadway. Many of the routes offer extended paved shoulders, which is a key benefit for road cyclists. Thousands of riders have experienced the Lennox & Addington County Trails since debuting in 2006.
“The riders seemed to enjoy the rest stops along the way almost as much as the cycling,” said Plumley. “The ice cream with drizzled honey from The Hive & Hearthstone was a big hit again this year, as were the apple cider donuts from Spring Meadow Orchards. Many people toured Old Hay Bay Church and enjoyed the stops at Bergeron Estate Winery & Thirty Three Vines. The ride is an excellent way to showcase of some of our great cycle-friendly businesses here in Lennox & Addington.
Another successful ride means the event will return again in 2023 with plans already underway to upgrade the event wherever possible.