I was looking at a map today and realized that the lower Ontario region of Canada - like the Thornbury, Collingwood, Barrie, and Brampton areas are closer to me then I thought- if fact they are closer then some of the areas in the UP I ride.

What I was wanting to know is :
1) are these areas known for the snow generally throught the snow season- or is it more spotty type snow?
2) would these areas have the wide, nice trails that Canada is known for?
3) how long does the snow usually last (month),generally, in those areas?

I don't know much about Canada,especially the snow belts, but any info is much appreciated.

Tony

TonyB :
You don't have to go that far to have good trails in Ontario . There is trails within a half hour drive from Port Huron . My Club is located just north of London ( about 1 hour 20 minutes from Port Huron) and our season is 4- 8 weeks on average ( had 13 weeks a couple years ago ) . From here you can ride to Thornbury, Collingwood and Barrie in a day is you wish. Check out our Club's web site ( last seasons trail reports are still there) At:
http://www.sciencehilldrifters.com/
We are starting to get many Americans that come to our Club for day rides or drop there and be gone for the weekend.

On behalf of our Club and District 5 if you send me a message with your address in it I'll send you a map of the trails in this area. Once you ride here you will never go to the UP again.
If you are heading this way this winter feel free to contact me and I'll get you up to date conditions and directions if you wish.

Generaly the season here starts around the first of January, We get alot of lake effect snow depending how the winds are . Generally the further north you go the more snow there is but this is not always true. Most trails are groomed 16- 20 feet wide ...except in bushes . Southern Ontario is basically flat farm land with intermitant bush. The only way to know if you like this area is come and try it for your self .

I'll get out of here now before I sound like a tour guide.

As always, GOOD JOB IndySKS.

Jeff

I live in Markdale, Ontario. 1/2 hour south of Owen Sound, 3/4 sw of Collingwood. The trails around here are great From around the end of December to the middle of March. If you're interested in coming up here you can email me and perhaps get something setup for you.

TonyB,
where those fellows are directing you is to where i think the best trails in the system here in ontario. not that the local trails here are bad, i just don't get the miles on in a day here like you can from Stratford and north of.

Great news!

Also how do are the laws different in CA then the US? I know of the 50 MPH speed limit law...Whink, whink....But any other major differences?

I also know you should buy your riding pass from a local club where you are riding so that they get a better cut of the money for the local trails. Any thing else?

Originally posted by TonyB@Oct 6 2003, 09:25 AM
Also how do are the laws different in CA then the US? I know of the 50 MPH speed limit law...Whink, whink....But any other major differences?

our trail speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour which is 30 miles per hour, what you are thinking is 80 kilometers per hour.

Originally posted by paul yarek+Oct 6 2003, 01:51 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (paul yarek @ Oct 6 2003, 01:51 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-TonyB@Oct 6 2003, 09:25 AM
Also how do are the laws different in CA then the US? I know of the 50 MPH speed limit law...Whink, whink....But any other major differences?

our trail speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour which is 30 miles per hour, what you are thinking is 80 kilometers per hour. [/b][/quote]
That is what I meant to say...sorry.

But in reality, how much is that enforced? I can see near cities, or roads, but when you are in the wide open, is 30 MPH really all that you can go? or do the lawmen give some leeway?

I have never seen anyone who obeys the 50K limit. It&#39;s totally unrealistic and stupid.

Originally posted by TonyB@Oct 6 2003, 04:07 PM
But in reality, how much is that enforced? I can see near cities, or roads, but when you are in the wide open, is 30 MPH really all that you can go? or do the lawmen give some leeway?
i have ridden a loop from my home to parry sound and around to owen sound then back down toward stratford and home, twice. never seen a patrol of any type whether it be police, trail warden or anyone else there is to enforce the laws of the trail.

wE RODE OUTTA THE THUNDERBAY AREA LAST WINTER WAS PRETTY COOL WIDE TRAILS WITH SOME NICE HIGH SPEED JUMPS WAS WELL WORTH THE TRIP EXPECT FOR GAS PRICES WHERE STEEP AND DEEP.

Any other suggestions for planning a trip?

Canadians not what to share any more info?????

lol...

Tony

Originally posted by Loudhandle@Oct 6 2003, 05:19 PM
...SOME NICE HIGH SPEED JUMPS WAS WELL
One of the thing the OPP was charging people for was careless operation. This was determined by them watching a hill & if your skis were off the snow when you crested the hill, you were not in control of your sled.

Before people start freaking out at me, I&#39;m just repeating what I read last season. Besides an average of 30 to 40 fatalities each season doesn&#39;t help our case either.

Originally posted by revrnd@Oct 7 2003, 10:40 PM
One of the thing the OPP was charging people for was careless operation. This was determined by them watching a hill & if your skis were off the snow when you crested the hill, you were not in control of your sled.

Before people start freaking out at me, I&#39;m just repeating what I read last season. Besides an average of 30 to 40 fatalities each season doesn&#39;t help our case either.
that&#39;s terrible, my skis come off the ground when i am coming out of the barn and it can&#39;t be helped :( like the revrnd says and he seems to be in the know we have too many fatalities each season. we all get a little stupid once in awhile and that is when you are coming out of a familiar corner to find a broke down sled in your way. {spike the brakes}