Fri, Jun 13 2008 - Sandbanks Provincial Park: Mid June Cycling and Camping Weekend in Prince Edward County: Friday, June 13, 2008 to Sunday, June 15, 2008 (View Original Event Details)
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Despite the questionable weather forecast, the bike and camping trip to Prince Edward County proved to be a wonderful and satisfying experience. Most of us arrived at Sandbanks Provincial Park on Friday evening to set up our camp at Group Campsite No. 501. The campsite is advertised as being capable of accommodating 30 people. In my view, it comfortably fits no more than about 20; we had 17. On the way to the park, Jim O's car stopped at the Chamber of Commerce in Pictin, and picked up some excellent cycling maps. The maps display loop rides of various lengths in a color-coded fashion. Some of us went out for an evening bike ride, but a rather dramatic lightning display forced us to turn back early. On Saturday, we broke into three groups: fast riders; leisurely riders, and mountain-bikers. The fast riders did the 64 km blue loop starting from; the leisurely riders did the 40 km pink look starting from Blumfield/Bloomfield; and the mountain-bikers--three in number--went to the special mountain-biking trails. From what Jim O was told, the mountain-biking was disappointing, as the trails were not well marked. But the fast and leisurely riders did have a great time. The fast riders, led by Chuck riding a bike with a broken spoke, stopped at a local winery for some refreshments. The leisurely riders stopped for ice cream after completing their ride. On Saturday night, Chuck cooked up a very tasty and healthy supper for all to share, and, after supper, many of us sat around the camp-fire chatting. A few people went for a short hike. On Sunday, Chetan, Yanan and Jim O headed out for another bike ride, while everyone else except for David B, who was transported via Justin's Cadillac to Bloomfield to work on an upcoming presentation, headed to the beach. The three bike-riders completed a 63 km ride punctuated by a lovely lunch stop in Wellington, at a downtown park near the water that had been constructed in 1967, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of confederation. The riders ended up at the beach where most everyone else was, and enjoyed a refreshing dip into the cool waters at Dunes Beach. Andrew F. and Anna Maria 27, along with Jim O, also briefly played catch with a small football while on the beach. Thanks to Sarah for helping with Jim O with cost and carpool calculations! This was a most enjoyable event, though some felt that it would be better to camp in the regular camp sites, in small groups, rather than in the larger group site that had been booked.
Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Erik Sonstenes at photos@torontooutdoorclub.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.