In this issue

A welcome to new members from your Club Manager, Cheryl McCarney

From March 1 to May 31, we had 38 new members join our Club and I would like to extend a warm welcome to all – you have joined a dynamic, inclusive, non-competitive and social club that is “active and energized together outdoors”. 

Make sure to frequently visit the website at www.haltonoutdoorclub.ca, as events are continuously added throughout the month in all sports. I suggest you check the Events Calendar every couple of days so you don’t miss a scheduled activity. If the event registration is full, make sure you join the waitlist. Typically, registration for most events opens 2 weeks in advance of the start date, however, if there is a cost associated with the event, then the registration open date will be further out. Check the event for the specific date that registration will open.

Consider trying something new: if you joined for cycling, consider joining a hike. We offer various levels/distances in our activities so we can appeal to a novice as well as the experienced. Be sure to read the general description of the activity and what to bring before registering. If you have questions or aren’t sure if you should sign up for an event, reach out to me or the trip leader for further clarification. 

Ask questions, we are here to help you in any way we can!

Some useful tips about our website:

“Home Page” provides a general overview of what the Club has to offer. Lessons are available for paddling and cross-country skiing. Consider trying out a new sport and participating in the lessons – even the best paddler/skier can improve on their technique, and we offer various levels of lessons for that reason. 

“Attend Events Tab” includes the Events Calendar, but also a wealth of information on how to self-cancel a registration, extended trips, sport guidelines, information about lessons, etc. 

“Members Tab” includes a wealth of information about the Club as well as access to Club Forums. Subscribing to the Forums will keep you updated on Club happenings (instructions are on the Forums page):

“HOC Talk” is an online discussion forum to chat with other members and is often used to announce new events added late to the event calendar.

“Marketplace” is the place to buy, sell or trade gear with other members

Mobile App  We encourage all members to take advantage of the "Wild Apricot for Members" mobile app, to make your Halton Outdoor Club experience even more convenient. Further information and guides on how to use the app can be found on our website under the Members Tab. 

You will receive the Club’s Newsletter quarterly. You will also find an Updater in your Inbox every few weeks. As the name implies, the Updater provides up-to-date information about current and future events. Make sure to update your profile so that you receive these publications. Contact me if you require help doing so.

Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns at manager@haltonoutdoorclub.ca  905 332 4318

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Message from the Chair, Maureen Healey

Always been a one-sport member? Why not get your bike serviced and join a level 1 cycling day trip? Or try hiking by starting with a short local urban hike/walk? Or dip your toe, literally, into paddling and try a grade A beginner day trip? Don't have a kayak? No problem: attend the Try a Kayak event June 14 and test out various kayaks. 

All Club sport programs welcome new members, provide attentive leadership, and will get you outside and energized in new ways.

With longer days, warmer temps and dozens of Club events to pick from, this is the perfect season to try a new sport.

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Greetings from a former member

by Nora Fulcher

Editor’s note: Nora was a long-time Club member who served as Director of Publicity and Promotion for several years, and a keen cyclist.

When my husband and I moved to BC in 2022, we decided to settle in Victoria because of the proximity to our two daughters, the climate, and the beauty. But another huge factor was the cycling infrastructure. I've been using a bicycle as my primary vehicle for over 35 years but here it's our only vehicle. With pannier bags and a backpack, I can do almost all of my shopping and errands on my bike. And I'm not unique – I see riders transporting all manner of items on a wide variety of cargo bikes. 

Queen Elizabeth II named Victoria the “Cycling Capital of Canada” in the year 2000, and Victoria affirmed the title last year. Whether the city deserves the title can be debated depending on the metrics used because other cities like Montreal, Vancouver, Kelowna, Ottawa, Calgary and Fredericton have also been building cycling infrastructure - all of which is great! But Victoria has the highest percentage of people who commute to work by bike. Along with 95 per cent of Victoria residents, I live within 500 metres of an All-Ages-and-Abilities (AAA) bike route which provides some measure of protection, such as a dedicated trail, bollards or barriers, or speed-slowing measures for motor vehicles. 

In Cordova Bay where I live, I'm close to the Lochside Trail, a regional rail trail that allows me to ride north to the delightful town of Sidney and beyond to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal at the top of the Saanich peninsula or south to connect to the Galloping Goose Regional Trail to get to downtown Victoria or west to Sooke. Along the way, I pass shopping options, blackberry bushes that grow wild beside the trails, fields with livestock, and farm stands selling eggs, vegetables and flowers, as well as manicured lawns and flowering trees and bushes. 

At cross streets, stop lights allow pedestrians and cyclists a couple of seconds head start before the light turns green for motor vehicles. At some busy intersections, cyclists don't even have to push a button because bikes are detected automatically! Victoria also has a "bike valet" program downtown where cyclists can safely park their bikes for free. I especially appreciate Victoria's cycling culture where drivers are careful around pedestrians and cyclists. I'm told that you can fail your driving test for failing to do enough "shoulder checks."

Once you get off the regional rail trails, other bike routes can be quite hilly, which may help to explain the popularity of e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric-assist vehicles. I moved to an e-bike last year which means that I can now cycle confidently almost anywhere in the Capital Regional District.

Victoria has justifiably become a destination for cyclists and I would look forward to joining a Halton Outdoor Club bike tour in this region at some point in the future!

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Editor’s note: We love hearing about members’ experiences with the Club. Please share your perspectives with us! See elsewhere in the Newsletter for how, where and when to submit your comments.

by Marg and Allan DeCourcy

Thank you, Jim and Patti (Blair), for a wonderful hiking adventure this past weekend. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the trip. You two are a marvel…calm, cool and collected!

Your attention to detail, planning and organization was evident throughout the weekend. Your scouting trip on the previous weekend (in the rain!) was such a huge asset to all of us. Your first-hand knowledge of the trails and the hike information you were able to provide, helped us understand the expectations of each hike and to choose accordingly.

The trip gave us an opportunity to hike in a new area, and we loved the experience.  Tessy (Sagan) and Rosemarie (Abrecht) were great hike leaders too, bringing lots of humour and fun to the hikes.

Please know that all your efforts were greatly appreciated. You made a lot of people very happy this weekend! I think everyone would agree it was a perfect weekend of hiking and fun!

We know there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to organize this type of event, and we want to acknowledge and thank the Halton Outdoor Club 'team' too!

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From your Cycling Director, Sue Dane

Welcome to the Halton Outdoor Club’s 2025 Cycling Season

Our cycling season kicked off with energy and enthusiasm May 10–11 with four rides and 44 participants – a perfect opportunity to connect and to shake off the cobwebs. 

Even earlier, Level 1 Beginner and Level 2 Conditioning Rides were offered to ramp-up fitness and confidence, and two hands-on Tire Change Clinics held in partnership with Cyclepath.

The 2025 cycling program

This year the Club is offering 90+ cycling events, thanks to our volunteer leaders and Cycle Planning Team. And there’s something for everyone.

Local rides, offered 2-4 times per week,  are the heart of our program. While most rides are on relatively flat, gravel or paved trails, Friday night rides explore Oakville’s more rugged paths with a few hills and some loose gravel. Discovery Rides venture into new or challenging terrain and roads, best suited to experienced cyclists. 

There are some exciting additions this year: extended trips such as a five-day cycling adventure in Ottawa-Gatineau, and a charming two-day Stratford ride including a musical theatre performance. For riders looking for flexibility, two “book-your-own-accommodation” weekends are on the calendar: Midland in June and Collingwood in September. 

Finally, what do you get when you mix 3 ride leaders, one fantastic trail and a social stop for ice cream, a picnic lunch or cafe? The new All Level Rides! 

So be sure to check the Events Calendar!

Choosing and preparing for a ride

To help you choose what is right for you, rides are designated as: 

Level 1: Social rides, 20–40 km, average pace around 15 km/hr, frequent stops.

Level 2: Intermediate rides, 40–60 km, faster pace up to 18 km/hr.

Level 3: Advanced rides, over 60 km on trails or variable lengths on roads, often averaging above 20 km/hr.

No matter your level, preparation is key. The ride description on the Events Calendar includes vital details such as start time, terrain, trail quirks, gear needs, social stops and contact info. Use the Google map link provided for accurate directions to the starting point. The Social section will tell you if lunch is a “bring your own” picnic, or if there is an optional café stop. Sometimes an RSVP is required. So review carefully!

Make sure your bike is in good working order. Helmets are mandatory. Hydration is crucial, especially on warm days: bring at least two litres of water, and consider carrying electrolytes. Dehydration remains one of the most common issues on the trail. A repair kit is a must: tire levers, pump, and spare tubes. CAA membership is helpful in case of breakdowns.

Please arrive early enough that you’re ready to ride before the pre-ride briefing. We leave on time. If you need to cancel, do so early, enabling waitlisted members to join. 

And check your inbox before you head out - the ride leader will send an email by 7:00 a.m. the day of the ride in case of a weather-related cancellation.

Personal comments

As a first-year Cycling Director, I’ve come to deeply appreciate how much effort it takes to plan a ride, let alone an entire season. My heartfelt thanks to Heather Wilson, previous Cycling Director, for her mentorship and ongoing involvement in leading and planning rides. Gratitude also to Loraine Walter and Ephraim Fernandez for joining the Cycle Planning Team and lightening the load, and to Cheryl McCarney, Rita Weerdenburg and Susan Gower for keeping the wheels turning on the administrative side.

Consider reviewing the articles below as part of your ride preparation.

HOC Flat Tire Repair Guide 

        Hydration 

        Tips for riding in groups 

Here’s to a season of new adventures, smooth rides and unforgettable moments on two wheels. See you on the trail!

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Kawartha mid-week winter sport getaway, 2025

by Dave Somerville

As the trip to the Kawarthas approached, there was hope that the perfect winter-sport season would continue – although there was a heads-up warning to be prepared for WET. As our favourite driver Kuda approached Kawartha Nordic, there was still optimism, as a light layer of snow had fallen. We were not even concerned about the two busloads of students surrounding the chalet. Our equipment was unloaded, passes were handed out and the happy skiers and snowshoers were off. Skiers found fast groomed trails with a spectacular Trillium/Kawartha loop, while snowshoers enjoyed the trails toward Laderach Cabin and the Sugar Shack.

But then, right around noon, our good fortunes changed. Wet snow, ice pellets and drizzle! The hardy ones persevered and arrived back at the chalet to enjoy lunch and dry off by the fires. Some even ventured out after lunch despite the drizzle, and several people encountered deer that were accustomed to this weather. Back at the chalet, many took advantage of the comfy chairs, warm fires and hot chocolates. The staff at Kawartha were very helpful with directions and suggestions. However, we did not anticipate the “Sorry, we will be closed tomorrow”. 

Time for plan B. After discussion on the bus on our way into Peterborough, and some excellent advice from Patti and Jim Blair, our trip leader Frank Vajda had a plan for the second day. There was a choice of structured events, some flexible options or total freedom. After the 9:30 a.m. meeting in the lobby, we were off. Some of us hopped on the bus, while others walked to the Canoe Museum which offered lots of history and interactive displays. This was a very worthwhile outing as everyone could wander at their own pace and enjoy a treat at the café. Some opted for a ride back to the hotel while others braved the elements along the Rotary Greenway Trail for an urban walk through Peterborough. The ability to jump puddles was very necessary. The reward at the end was a Timmies, where once again Kuda appeared. The freedom-seekers enjoyed their morning trips to the Art Gallery of Peterborough, shopping at Wild Rock Outfitters or relaxing in the pool/hot tub at the hotel. Plan B also allowed for an early departure, so we were back in Burlington shortly after 5 p.m.

Peterborough is an enjoyable destination in the winter, with many options no matter what Mother Nature has in store. With flexibility and a “glass ½ full” attitude, everyone on this trip had a great getaway. Thanks for making this happen, Frank!

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Winterlude 2025 at Highlands Nordic

by Sandra Redfearn

As the organizer of the photo scavenger hunt, I can’t say enough about everyone’s enthusiastic participation. The flurry of activity began on the bus with members creating groups to tackle the task at hand. The creative juices were flowing with team names such as:  Happy Hocs, Ad Hocs, Snowy Owls, Superlative Gliders, 3 Amigos, Slippery Sliders, Giant Gliders, Saucy Sliders, etc.  

There were some good questions of clarification about the hunt, such as:  Does the wildlife have to be real? (Answer:  No, use your imagination but be appropriate – these 2 phrases had to be repeated many times!)

Upon arrival at Highlands Nordic, members scattered onto the trails, like mice running in a maze, devices in hand, ready to snap pictures.  As I skied I noticed some interesting things going on:  Dave holding an antler-like tree branch; a couple carrying their skis into the woods(??); members taking off their clothes at Larry’s Glacier; Sheri laying in the snow in the fetal position; Mark singing out loud on the trail close to millennium loop. I must say that I have never before witnessed such sightings on the trails…

Between noon and 1:30 p.m., members returned to the Rockside room to refuel with the delicious chili meal prepared by Highlands Nordic. After barely getting their chins wiped clean, outside they went again to complete their mission. By 2:45, proof of completion of the tasks was submitted, earning teams a chance to win the draw for the prizes!

Drum roll please …..

First prize:  Superlative Sliders – Winners of Tim Hortons gift cards!!                 

Second prize:  The 3 Amigos – Winners of Tim Hortons gift cards!

Third prize:  Slippery Sliders – Winners of chocolate chip banana bread (baked by Jim Redfearn)!

There was actually a bit of a carfuffle regarding the third prize. Because we had Tim Hortons gift cards left over, the third place  team was given a choice of prize. With everyone drumming on the tables and chanting “split the loaf!  split the loaf!”, the team decided to split the loaf.  Good decision!  

P.S. A BIG thank-you to my husband Jim for baking for us, but don’t tell him that his loaf was third prize.  

Thanks to everyone on this day trip for indulging me with your exuberant participation!

Nordic walking 

by Sue and Frank Elias 

Nordic walking is a total-body version of walking that originated in Finland. It can be done both by non-athletes as a health-promoting physical activity and by athletes as a sport. 

Nordic walking was originally designed to be a cross-training activity for cross-country skiers, which makes it perfect for our Club. You can keep in shape for the winter by doing Nordic walking in spring, summer and fall.

What are the benefits of Nordic walking? 

• Full body work-out – can engage 80-90% of your muscles
  
• Burns more calories than regular walking
  
• Strengthens the upper body – engages the arms, shoulders, and core
  

• Four points of contact with the ground (2 feet and 2 poles) increase stability and balance

• 25% more of a cardiovascular work-out compared to walking

• Reduced stress to hip and knee joints

• Promotes an upright posture

• Suitable for all ages

• Fun and social – you can talk while doing it!
  
  

What type of pole do you need to do Nordic walking?

Any telescoping pole with a rubber bootie will do. (See the picture.) A trekking or hiking pole may suffice, or you can try poles specifically sold for Nordic walking, such as a strap free pole with a ledge to help you push off. Cross-country skiing poles are too long.

How do you do Nordic walking?

The technique can be seen in this YouTube link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-fuF1pUaws

Basically, you walk naturally, swinging your arms in a pendulum motion, planting the pole bootie behind you and pushing off to propel you forward with your head up.

Where does the Club do Nordic walking?

We typically go on flat, asphalt or hard-gravel trails in Oakville or Burlington. 

So check the Events Calendar and join us – come out and try Nordic walking! We have a couple of demonstrator poles for people who would like to try it out before purchasing poles. Talk with the trip leader before the event.

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Collingwood hikes among the trilliums – May 3-5, 2025

by Debbie Ford

We enjoyed three days of amazing and varied hikes along the Bruce Trail in the Collingwood area, offering our 46 participating members a choice of shorter, medium or longer treks each day.

We stayed at the Comfort Inn in Collingwood, a convenient location close to a selection of restaurants. After supper, we took a stroll along the waterfront trail, chilled by the cold winds off the still frigid waters of Georgian Bay, and enjoyed a couple of colourful sunsets. 

Saturday May 3 – Boyne Valley Provincial Park

We started our hikes just east of Shelburne, on trails with generally good footing. The terrain featured a range of natural communities: hardwood forest, open fields, bottomland and swamp, with pretty creeks and ravines, and moderate ups and downs. The highlight was the Murphy’s Pinnacle Lookout. Hikes ranged from 6.2 km to 14 km. 

Sunday May 4 – Kolapore Uplands

Here we enjoyed a variety of forest ecosystems, the most impressive of which were the forest floors completely covered in carpets of white trilliums in full bloom. In a few places we found patches of red trilliums (also known as wake robin), Canadian wild ginger with its hidden flower at ground level, and marsh marigolds blooming yellow in the swampy areas. 

Monday May 5 – Hockley Valley Provincial Nature Preserve 

Here we found better footing with a few rocky sections, and plenty of ravines, valleys and hills offering some expansive views. Forested moraines and open meadows were found upstream, while swamp and bottomland forest spread across the valley floor.

The perfect season opener!

by Denise Davy 

What do you get when you combine perfect weather with a bunch of fun people and put them all on a beautiful lake? The kayak season opener! 

A whopping 29 paddlers came out to Lake Niapenco at Binbrook Conservation Area on a sunny cloudless morning, Saturday, May 10th. Organized by Paul Leppik, Sandy Nay, Dorothy Rideough, Judy Dragun and Ed Brunato, the day was the definition of a fun fest. 

We even had a birthday girl among us. During our pre-launch safety talk, it was announced that it was Dorothy’s birthday. After singing happy birthday, Paul said that none of us would be here if it wasn’t for the years of work that Dorothy did to establish a spot for kayakers in the Club. Thank you Dorothy! You are remarkably humble considering your achievements. 

Back to the opener, temperatures hovered around 22º C with just a light breeze so it was a perfect day to get the kayaks back on the water. Lake Niapenco, which stands for Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, is a long, narrow lake with a smattering of small islands that offered some pretty scenery.

We handrailed along the shoreline for around two hours, stopping a few times for water breaks. There were lots of “What are those?” comments when we came across what looked like yurts attached to various trees. They turned out to be part of the lake’s tree top trekking activity. Further down, someone spotted a culvert tucked into an inlet, prompting a few of us to try to limbo our way through it. Congrats to Ken Besser and his sleek Zegul for making it through.

After the paddle, there was the usual frenzy of activity as we loaded kayaks onto cars. Then we pulled out our camping chairs and carried a few wooden picnic tables into a circle where we chowed down on hot dogs grilled by Ed and Sandy. Others added to the menu with homemade salads and desserts, including butter tarts, Timbits and Dorothy’s delicious chocolate cake. 

It was a great day and the perfect way to kick off a season packed with more than five months of day paddles and weekend trips. Planned events include the always popular “Introduction to Backcountry Camping” at Massassauga Provincial Park, “Paddling Leadership Training courses” on Cunningham Islands, four days of kayaking in Algonquin Park, a hike and paddle in Killarney and a scouting trip to Lake Opeongo.  

See everyone on the water! And don’t forget to mark the season finale on your calendars - October 4th, also at Lake Niapenco. 

Please consider writing a short piece for your Club Newsletter 

Share your thoughts, experiences and photos with other members

Newsletter submissions are welcome at any time - share your experiences, photos or thoughts about the Club with your fellow members. And we like it short – no more than 500 words!! Preferably with some photos.

The Newsletter is published 4 times a year with submission deadlines of February 12, May 12, August 19 and late November (1-2 weeks after the AGM). 

Details, including where to send, can be found  at Guidelines For Newsletter Submissions 

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