Happy New Year, #BikeTO! Hope 2025 has gotten off to a good start for you. With today being 4’C with some light drizzle in the morning which tapered off later, I went to the 13th Annual New Year’s Day Ride hosted by Alex which started at Yonge & Queen’s Quay. It was my second New Year's Day ride after last year’s one.
On the way down Sherbourne, I noticed the Esplanade bikeway disappeared. It turned out the City of Toronto was doing watermain work and the bike lane markings and barriers will return this year.
Arrived at the Yonge & Queen’s Quay sculpture. Couldn’t capture everybody in this photo, but almost 40 people showed up for the ride including some familiar faces and some new ones.
Alex welcomed everyone to the ride which would be decided by a coin toss. Heads would mean Leslie Spit, tails would mean Humber Bay, and landing on its side would mean the Toronto Island to some laughter. The coin toss was heads, so Leslie Spit it is.
Another group shot before crossing Queen’s Quay to start the ride.
And we’re off! 😊
Here's Janet Joy and Chris.
Riding east along Queen’s Quay. There appeared to be even more buildings installed since I last went by here.
A quick regroup at Cherry Street with Michal looking back.
Crossing the first Port Lands bridge which opened last January and featured a Critical Mass ride.
A ship serving a reminder they don’t call the area the Port Lands for nothing.
Curving left through Cherry Beach. The trail from Cherry Beach to Unwin was very bumpy and could use some resurfacing.
Approaching Unwin Street. Shortly past this point, I dropped my phone and had to retrieve it.
At the entrance of Tommy Thompson Park for a short break.
Making our way through Tommy Thompson Park.
Here’s Brian going around one of many large puddles along the Tommy Thompson Trail.
Going up the hill to the lighthouse.
Gathering in front of the lighthouse before taking a group photo at the start of this post. Given the larger group, I couldn’t fit everyone in one photo.
On my way home, I used the bridge as a shortcut which also made for a less muddy ride.
Since I didn’t visit the Leslie Lookout yet, I swung by there on my way home.
The lookout shows a bunch of Muskoka chairs and the city skyline. I’m sure this will look better during the warmer months.
A small memorial heart for Claude Cormier was installed inside the lookout.
My bike underneath the heart.
One last look at the lookout before heading home.
Thanks Alex for organizing another well attended ride. If you weren’t able to make it, please mark Friday, January 31 in your calendars in case Critical Mass does get held on that date while Cycle Toronto will be hosting their annual “Coldest Day of the Year” Ride on Saturday, February 15. Details to follow as these dates get closer.
Brian Tao recorded this video during the ride.
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