Presents:

The 2008 Canada's Lake Country Tandem Tour

June 28th through July 6th

The tour package includes:

• Seven (7) days of riding
• Eight (8) nights lodging
• Four (4) dinners
• Three (3) afternoon 'Happy Hour' get-togethers
• Maps and cue sheets
• Baggage transfers

Total cost per Couple is $2550

Registration and Waiver forms

The 2008 Canada's Lake Country Tandem Tour

Day 1 Arrive in Belleville, Ontario, Canada

Join us on Saturday Belleville. The evening lodging and dinner are included in the tour. Come early and enjoy the attractions of the area. Set up your tandem and get settled in, ready for tomorrow. We will be staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Belleville.

Day 2 Belleville, Ontario
Loop Rides of 27, 38, 61 or 65 miles.

Canada's Lake Country Tandem Tour starts here in Belleville. Known for its peaceful shorelines and century old residences and farms, the Lake Country also abounds with artist galleries, apple orchards, and lovely quiet roads.

Today we have choices of loops that all run north of the city. See how quickly the population density drops to nil, and the farms and woods take over the landscape. The routes are all through gently rolling terrain on mostly quiet two lane roads.

Don’t miss the Hastings County Museum of Agricultural Heritage in the Village of Stirling.

Day 3 Belleville, Ontario to Brighton, Ontario
Rides of 25, 31, 37 or 62 miles

Today we leave the city and head to Brighton via the rolling hills of Northumberland. With its gorgeous countryside and fresh air, undulating hills and winding network of roads and trails, Northumberland is a paradise for cyclists.

A visit to Northumberland is like a magical step back in time. The area is steeped in a rich and fascinating history, and the people who live here take pride in celebrating their unique heritage.

The scene is set by the towns and villages of Northumberland, where you’ll see a treasure trove of well-preserved homes and public buildings, many built by United Empire Loyalists during the early years of the 19th century, when a stage coach route linked communities along the north shore of Lake Ontario.

The rides loop up to the northwest. The longest route will take us along the Trent River into Cambellford, a beautiful riverside community nestled along the banks of the Trent Severn Waterway.

We then head south to the coast of Lake Ontario and Brighton, our home for the next two nights. We again have a group dinner tonight.

Day 4 Brighton, Ontario
Rides of 23, 36, 43 or 56 miles

Brighton retains the spirit of the area’s early settlers, who established some of the finest apples orchards in Canada. The town also features many 19th century architectural treasures and some great dining spots. One is among the top 100 places to eat in Canada, while another is the only restaurant in Northumberland to overlook Lake Ontario at Presqu’ile Bay. Delicious fish cusine abounds at Gosport from the fresh catch at the fisheries. Visit a variety of antique, art, and craft stores, locally spun wool items are a specialty.

Just south of Brighton, Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a renowned "hot spot" for bird-watchers. More than 300 species can be found here, and every spring thousands of migrating ducks and other waterfowl stop off at the park to rest on their way north. Other park activities include swimming, camping, windsurfing, diving, nature programs, or a visit to the Heritage Centre at the oldest operating lighthouse on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

A trip to Brighton wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the area’s two museums. Tour the Victorian splendour of Proctor House Museum, or watch a performance at the Brighton Barn Theatre right next door. Memory Junction Museum is set in an 1850s railway station and houses an amazing collection of railway memorabilia. You will have lots of fun walking in and around box cars and cabooses.

Today’s ride choices are a 56 mile loop to the west or shortcuts of that route. The ride heads west on an inland route and returns to the east going along a coastal route. Again rolling terrain, with a couple of gradual climbs. Allow yourself time at the end of the day to explore Presqu’ile Provincial Park

Day 5 Brighton, Ontario to Picton, Ontario
Rides of 36, 44 or 66 miles

Today we head out to Prince Edward County, with some of the finest cycling of the week. Prince Edward County is almost an island, connected to the mainland by a strip of land only a mile wide.

Today’s long route traverses the northern section of the island, the other routes go through the west central section. All routes are very gentle, the highest point is only 200 feet above the lowest point. You’ll be cycling along quiet country roads, past farms, wineries and woodland.

Our home for the next three nights is the Picton Harbor Inn . In its position at the head of Picton Pay, The Picton Harbour Inn is situated in a particularly historic part of Prince Edward County. Picton, Ontario offers something for everyone, from sandy beaches to winery tours and horseback riding.

We will have a group dinner tonight.

Day 6 and Day 7 Picton, Ontario
Rides of 33, 44, 45 or 62 miles

Plethora of opportunities!

We have laid out routes to the east and to the west. Still gentle, rolling terrain, quiet roads, farms and wineries. Tough to beat!

Be sure to take the time to explore Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Day 8 Picton, Ontario to Belleville, Ontario
Rides of 33, 41 or 42 miles

Today’s rides take us back to Belleville. No rush to leave, relax for a while in the morning before heading out. The routes either go northeast along the island coast before crossing the bridge to the mainland, or up through the central island area. Either way, you once again get mostly quiet country roads and gentle terrain. The toughest climb may well be the bridge to the mainland.

We again stay at the Fairfield Inn and have another group dinner tonight. A fine time to exchange stories and enjoy one another's company.