Today marks the longstanding annual winter cycling tradition called the “Coldest Day of the Year” Ride. However, the Alex Pretti Solidarity Ride held on January 31 was more deserving of that title with today ended up being a balmy 5’C. Even so, over 60 cyclists took part while Helen and Mozzie came along as well. This year’s route started at Sugar Beach Park headed southeast to the Tommy Thompson Park entrance before returning to Sugar Beach.
A sizeable group had gathered at Sugar Beach by the time we arrived.
Cycle Toronto’s Michael Longfield gave opening remarks. He didn’t ride today because he broke his leg when riding last year.
Programs Manager Ben San Juan did the brief safety recap and provided the ride route to participants.
Mozzie looks ready to ride. Wished Loki could have joined us.
Jun took this group shot before starting the ride.
Queuing up after the group photo.
We started our ride right by Lake Ontario.
Jun recorded this video at the start of the ride.
Back along the Martin Goodman Trail at Queen’s Quay.
Crossing the Cherry Street North Bridge
I recorded a video of the ride at the Cherry Street North Bridge. Mozzie got anxious after Helen passed by.
Brian Tao was recording some footage during the ride which I will share when he puts it up. At that point, Jun turned back to do some other errands.
The Ship Channel Bridge was undergoing construction. There were also a lot of puddles along the way.
This was the first time I rode on the Martin Goodman Trail by Cherry Beach since that trail was resurfaced last summer. Something much needed given how rough that stretch used to be.
Hi Mozzie! 😊 🐩
Along Unwin before arriving at the Tommy Thompson Park entrance.
Getting ready to turn back towards Sugar Beach.
Matti brough his Shiba Inu Ebby in a backpack.
Crossing the Cherry Beach South Bridge.
Back at Sugar Beach, Cycle Toronto served some hot chocolate, granola bars, clementines, and bananas. CityNews interviewed Michael and a few others, while I noticed they focused their camera on Mozzie as we rolled back to Sugar Beach.
Ebby was pretty calm while Mozzie played some fetch. We then headed home.
Thanks Cycle Toronto for organizing this ride as always and to those of you who rode. These rides serve as a reminder that cycling can be done in the winter, though ensuring clear bike lanes – which the City struggled with this year – are a must to allow for this to happen.
Jun took this photo of Mozzie and me before leaving the ride.
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