Zan
01-01-08, 09:53 PM
Just wondering if anyone on BF is in Markham.
View Full Version : Anyone living in markham?
skiracing
01-02-08, 10:08 AM
I'm from Richmond Hill... close to Markham.
bbgobie
01-03-08, 08:21 AM
Me
skiracing
01-03-08, 08:28 AM
What do we do now!?
Zan
01-03-08, 09:57 AM
I was going to ask if you know of any decent mountain biking trails in the area, or which roads are the best for biking.
ghettocruiser
01-03-08, 11:57 AM
I was going to ask if you know of any decent mountain biking trails in the area, or which roads are the best for biking.
You mean you're not feeling that "Highway-7-January-rush-hour" love?
I don't have a whole lot of in-town suggestions.
You mean you're not feeling that "Highway-7-January-rush-hour" love?
I don't have a whole lot of in-town suggestions.
Zan
01-03-08, 12:36 PM
exactly.
A friend and I have been working on a trail 'round the milne conservation area. It'll be about 9.5 km long when we're done with it. Loops around the lake, under 48, and around the river. Maybe you've heard of it?
Still, I'm looking for more trails within a bikeable distance.
A friend and I have been working on a trail 'round the milne conservation area. It'll be about 9.5 km long when we're done with it. Loops around the lake, under 48, and around the river. Maybe you've heard of it?
Still, I'm looking for more trails within a bikeable distance.
skiracing
01-03-08, 07:52 PM
You got Durham Forest and York region forest fairly close by and decent places for MTB.
Road biking... in the summer just head North to get a little out of the city and then there are various options around Sttoufville and so on. I'm in Richmond Hill and I often like to head to Lake Wilcox if I dont feel like doing a long trip. Lake Wilcox is off Bayview north of Stoufville Rd. I'm still fairly new so I'm learning the area as well.
I actully saw some ppl road biking on HWY 7 for enjoyment and kinda wondered about it. The road is nice in some sections but it is quite high volume most of the day and has tons of wackos on it.
Road biking... in the summer just head North to get a little out of the city and then there are various options around Sttoufville and so on. I'm in Richmond Hill and I often like to head to Lake Wilcox if I dont feel like doing a long trip. Lake Wilcox is off Bayview north of Stoufville Rd. I'm still fairly new so I'm learning the area as well.
I actully saw some ppl road biking on HWY 7 for enjoyment and kinda wondered about it. The road is nice in some sections but it is quite high volume most of the day and has tons of wackos on it.
Zan
01-03-08, 08:38 PM
That's a little far for me. In the spring I plan to ride maybe two hours a day everyday. In the suburban setting I can average only 25 km/h, more if on a clear stretch (closer to 28 or so) on my road bike. On a mountain bike I'm usually 2 - 3 km/h slower.
That means I only have a range of 25 km from my house before I'm out of time (live near mccowan and 7). I could still make it to the pond, though - maybe I'll see ya around in the summer! Haha.
Where are these forests you're referring to?
That means I only have a range of 25 km from my house before I'm out of time (live near mccowan and 7). I could still make it to the pond, though - maybe I'll see ya around in the summer! Haha.
Where are these forests you're referring to?
bbgobie
01-04-08, 09:18 AM
23km/hr MTB is an amazingly fast rate.... We must be doing different trails.
If you wanna road ride and your at McCowan and 7, I would just head north up McCowan. I rode my MTB into the Milne Conservation area once last summer, didn't really see any suitable trails.
Or you can hitch a ride to Durham, I usually ride there most weekends, or at least somewhere else. I'm just at McCowan & 16th. Ain't gonna be doing 25km/hr with you at Durham though :eek:
If you wanna road ride and your at McCowan and 7, I would just head north up McCowan. I rode my MTB into the Milne Conservation area once last summer, didn't really see any suitable trails.
Or you can hitch a ride to Durham, I usually ride there most weekends, or at least somewhere else. I'm just at McCowan & 16th. Ain't gonna be doing 25km/hr with you at Durham though :eek:
Zan
01-04-08, 09:54 AM
22 - 23 km/h on the roads on my mountain bike - not on trails. On trails I don't keep track of average speed - it all depends on the trail.
As well, the trails are a bit hidden. You need to talk to someone (like me) who knows about the milne trails. For example, the one right next to the conservation area starts off of princess street (off 48) and ends in Camp Chimo (off mccowan). Trail is maybe 2.5 km long. Not worth a long ride to come out to, but if you live in the area, you might want to check it out.
As well, the trails are a bit hidden. You need to talk to someone (like me) who knows about the milne trails. For example, the one right next to the conservation area starts off of princess street (off 48) and ends in Camp Chimo (off mccowan). Trail is maybe 2.5 km long. Not worth a long ride to come out to, but if you live in the area, you might want to check it out.
clausen
01-04-08, 11:59 AM
I'm down from you in Scarborough and ride the roads north of you all the time. Ride up McCowan and pick a side road and go in either direction.
VintageRaleigh
02-24-08, 09:27 AM
I lived in Unionville for a long time
There are light trails in around Toogood pond, and the ravine right North-west of there. In the ravine there are some paths trodden mostly by drugged out teens at night but they're pretty ok for more challenging trail biking. Then go to main street for Coffee etc.
I like riding my bike for more utility purposes (to do errands etc) so I keep a bike in Unionville so I can ride to the different shopping areas, save on gas. They've put in a bike lane behind the Embassy Suites hotel that you can ride over to the Chapters/Cineplex/Longos plazas over by Woodbine and 7. Then you can ride back to the 7 and Warden plaza, and from there are some short cuts by Sablewood park if you head directly east that will bring you right to Main Street Unionville.
People complain about biking in the suburbs as a means of real transportation, but you can get to all the necessary retail within the Unionville area by bike comfortably and safely. If you need to get to Markville mall from Unionville, you can go down main street, and down at the end Maple (I think it is...) at the end there is a shortcut that brings you to the trails by Walden pond which will pretty much bring you right to Markville.
The biking north of 16th is dangerous, I moved out to 'the country' couple years ago and last summer a biker was killed just down from my house. People drive way too quickly (100 km/h+) and the shoulders on the road are all broken up - it's not worth it, even if the volume of traffic isn't that huge and the scenery is nice.
There are light trails in around Toogood pond, and the ravine right North-west of there. In the ravine there are some paths trodden mostly by drugged out teens at night but they're pretty ok for more challenging trail biking. Then go to main street for Coffee etc.
I like riding my bike for more utility purposes (to do errands etc) so I keep a bike in Unionville so I can ride to the different shopping areas, save on gas. They've put in a bike lane behind the Embassy Suites hotel that you can ride over to the Chapters/Cineplex/Longos plazas over by Woodbine and 7. Then you can ride back to the 7 and Warden plaza, and from there are some short cuts by Sablewood park if you head directly east that will bring you right to Main Street Unionville.
People complain about biking in the suburbs as a means of real transportation, but you can get to all the necessary retail within the Unionville area by bike comfortably and safely. If you need to get to Markville mall from Unionville, you can go down main street, and down at the end Maple (I think it is...) at the end there is a shortcut that brings you to the trails by Walden pond which will pretty much bring you right to Markville.
The biking north of 16th is dangerous, I moved out to 'the country' couple years ago and last summer a biker was killed just down from my house. People drive way too quickly (100 km/h+) and the shoulders on the road are all broken up - it's not worth it, even if the volume of traffic isn't that huge and the scenery is nice.
Zan
02-24-08, 05:19 PM
I usually ride from 48 and 7 down to buttonville airport, so I know what you're talking about.
I was planning on riding up to New market and back for my "training" everyday - only 50 km or so. You wouldn't recommend that trip, eh? I guess I'll have to check at my LBS and find out what the pro groups do. I might be able to switch the plan and bike down to the zoo and back - what is that? 40 km? Sounds alright.
I was planning on riding up to New market and back for my "training" everyday - only 50 km or so. You wouldn't recommend that trip, eh? I guess I'll have to check at my LBS and find out what the pro groups do. I might be able to switch the plan and bike down to the zoo and back - what is that? 40 km? Sounds alright.
VintageRaleigh
02-25-08, 05:37 PM
I prefer biking south from Unionville only because even if the traffic is denser people are more alert and are driving slower. I know people would argue against that, but the sort of injuries that happen in town when bikers and motorists meet aren't what I have seen can happen when bikers and motorists meet at 100+ km/h.
Up until the summer before last (when the biker was killed) there were many, many groups of bikers. That was our first summer living out here and unfortunately because of some bikers with poor attitude and little respect the people who live out here got fed up and developed quite a negative feeling towards them. I don't mind the respectful odd biker (as a driver, and let's face it- I have to drive my car to survive out here) but at one point we were getting groups of 15 - 20 (on one night we had a pack of easily 30-40 bikers) that were forcing cars into oncoming traffic, which is really unfair because you can't really expect the people in the country to just put their lives on hold for the biking season.
In short, if you're going to ride out here I just recommend being highly visible, sticking to the shoulder and being aware of the risk you're putting yourself in. It can be quite nice.
Up until the summer before last (when the biker was killed) there were many, many groups of bikers. That was our first summer living out here and unfortunately because of some bikers with poor attitude and little respect the people who live out here got fed up and developed quite a negative feeling towards them. I don't mind the respectful odd biker (as a driver, and let's face it- I have to drive my car to survive out here) but at one point we were getting groups of 15 - 20 (on one night we had a pack of easily 30-40 bikers) that were forcing cars into oncoming traffic, which is really unfair because you can't really expect the people in the country to just put their lives on hold for the biking season.
In short, if you're going to ride out here I just recommend being highly visible, sticking to the shoulder and being aware of the risk you're putting yourself in. It can be quite nice.
VintageRaleigh
02-25-08, 05:39 PM
I've also heard McCowan has broader shoulders for biking if you prefer going north...
rousseau
02-26-08, 04:10 PM
I don't mind the respectful odd biker (as a driver, and let's face it- I have to drive my car to survive out here) but at one point we were getting groups of 15 - 20 (on one night we had a pack of easily 30-40 bikers) that were forcing cars into oncoming traffic, which is really unfair because you can't really expect the people in the country to just put their lives on hold for the biking season.
Whoa, hold on a minute.
1. The cyclists were most definitely and incontrovertibly not forcing anyone into oncoming traffic. They were riding their bikes.
2. Nobody ever wrote a rule that said that people in the country (or anywhere else) must be allowed to drive their vehicles with impunity at 100 km/h at all times and for always. There are more cyclists on the roads? There are packs of 30 and 40 bikers? Car drivers have to deal with it. It's that simple. If you get caught driving at 35 km/h for two minutes before oncoming traffic clears so that you can pass safely, well, guess what? That's just the way it is, and drivers who force the issue by not doing so are criminals and should have their licenses taken away from them.
3. This means reeducation. There are more cyclists on the roads, so drivers have to slow down.
4. Canadian roads this side of Manitoba are narrow. I guess we never had the money to pave the shoulders like American did. It's a shame, and has caused a lot of problems. Solutions?
Whoa, hold on a minute.
1. The cyclists were most definitely and incontrovertibly not forcing anyone into oncoming traffic. They were riding their bikes.
2. Nobody ever wrote a rule that said that people in the country (or anywhere else) must be allowed to drive their vehicles with impunity at 100 km/h at all times and for always. There are more cyclists on the roads? There are packs of 30 and 40 bikers? Car drivers have to deal with it. It's that simple. If you get caught driving at 35 km/h for two minutes before oncoming traffic clears so that you can pass safely, well, guess what? That's just the way it is, and drivers who force the issue by not doing so are criminals and should have their licenses taken away from them.
3. This means reeducation. There are more cyclists on the roads, so drivers have to slow down.
4. Canadian roads this side of Manitoba are narrow. I guess we never had the money to pave the shoulders like American did. It's a shame, and has caused a lot of problems. Solutions?
VintageRaleigh
03-03-08, 05:27 PM
"Nobody ever wrote a rule that said that people in the country (or anywhere else) must be allowed to drive their vehicles with impunity at 100 km/h at all times and for always.There are more cyclists on the roads? There are packs of 30 and 40 bikers? Car drivers have to deal with it. It's that simple. If you get caught driving at 35 km/h for two minutes before oncoming traffic clears so that you can pass safely, well, guess what? That's just the way it is..."
I can only speak for myself, and obviously I don't drive at those speeds on a two lane road- my car isn't even capable of that. But the fact of the matter is that people do, and bikers need to consider that as a danger when they're out on the road with as little protection as they may have.
I think this is the typical attitude with which many drivers get frustrated. 'Deal with it'. There are simply very few safe places to pass on many of the east-west roads given the hills and their effect on visibility. Furthermore, I don't have to 'deal' with any other people's chosen recreation. If I had to put a hold on my day for every ball game being played, jogger running his or her route, or boat being paddled I would simply go mental. With all due respect I don't think bikers are any more important than anybody else trying to get fresh air, some exercise.
If you want to make your point about driving too fast by putting yourself on a bike in the middle of the road while all the hard working farmers, tradesmen, or delivery people speed by with other things on their minds be my guest. Unfortunately I don't think you will be able to convince these people that your bike ride is more important than how they go about making their livings.
Again, I have no issues with the bikers who manage to bike single file, and wear visible clothing. But it's the 'deal with it' mentality where bikers feel they can ride two abreast, without making way for traffic as traffic makes way for them and so on... that's when I think I am entitled to some frustration.
In any case this doesn't relate to the Markham thread. All I want to say is that if you want to enjoy the countryside the Markham area has to offer be aware of the dangers, make yourself visible and above all- please be respectful.
I can only speak for myself, and obviously I don't drive at those speeds on a two lane road- my car isn't even capable of that. But the fact of the matter is that people do, and bikers need to consider that as a danger when they're out on the road with as little protection as they may have.
I think this is the typical attitude with which many drivers get frustrated. 'Deal with it'. There are simply very few safe places to pass on many of the east-west roads given the hills and their effect on visibility. Furthermore, I don't have to 'deal' with any other people's chosen recreation. If I had to put a hold on my day for every ball game being played, jogger running his or her route, or boat being paddled I would simply go mental. With all due respect I don't think bikers are any more important than anybody else trying to get fresh air, some exercise.
If you want to make your point about driving too fast by putting yourself on a bike in the middle of the road while all the hard working farmers, tradesmen, or delivery people speed by with other things on their minds be my guest. Unfortunately I don't think you will be able to convince these people that your bike ride is more important than how they go about making their livings.
Again, I have no issues with the bikers who manage to bike single file, and wear visible clothing. But it's the 'deal with it' mentality where bikers feel they can ride two abreast, without making way for traffic as traffic makes way for them and so on... that's when I think I am entitled to some frustration.
In any case this doesn't relate to the Markham thread. All I want to say is that if you want to enjoy the countryside the Markham area has to offer be aware of the dangers, make yourself visible and above all- please be respectful.
fuzzthebee
03-04-08, 03:31 AM
"Nobody ever wrote a rule that said that people in the country (or anywhere else) must be allowed to drive their vehicles with impunity at 100 km/h at all times and for always.There are more cyclists on the roads? There are packs of 30 and 40 bikers? Car drivers have to deal with it. It's that simple. If you get caught driving at 35 km/h for two minutes before oncoming traffic clears so that you can pass safely, well, guess what? That's just the way it is..."
I can only speak for myself, and obviously I don't drive at those speeds on a two lane road- my car isn't even capable of that. But the fact of the matter is that people do, and bikers need to consider that as a danger when they're out on the road with as little protection as they may have.
I think this is the typical attitude with which many drivers get frustrated. 'Deal with it'. There are simply very few safe places to pass on many of the east-west roads given the hills and their effect on visibility. Furthermore, I don't have to 'deal' with any other people's chosen recreation. If I had to put a hold on my day for every ball game being played, jogger running his or her route, or boat being paddled I would simply go mental. With all due respect I don't think bikers are any more important than anybody else trying to get fresh air, some exercise.
If you want to make your point about driving too fast by putting yourself on a bike in the middle of the road while all the hard working farmers, tradesmen, or delivery people speed by with other things on their minds be my guest. Unfortunately I don't think you will be able to convince these people that your bike ride is more important than how they go about making their livings.
Again, I have no issues with the bikers who "manage" to bike single file, and wear visible clothing. But it's the 'deal with it' mentality where bikers "feel" they can ride two abreast, without making way for traffic as traffic makes way for them and so on... that's when I think I am entitled to some frustration.
In any case this doesn't relate to the Markham thread. All I want to say is that if you want to enjoy the countryside the Markham area has to offer be aware of the dangers, make yourself visible and above all- please be respectful.
Remind me to attach a briefcase to the back of my bike so that I will be considered "hard working" and worthy of being on the road.
By the way:
http://www.magma.ca/~ocbc/2abreast.html
http://www.magma.ca/~ocbc/hta2.html
http://www.magma.ca/~ocbc/
I can only speak for myself, and obviously I don't drive at those speeds on a two lane road- my car isn't even capable of that. But the fact of the matter is that people do, and bikers need to consider that as a danger when they're out on the road with as little protection as they may have.
I think this is the typical attitude with which many drivers get frustrated. 'Deal with it'. There are simply very few safe places to pass on many of the east-west roads given the hills and their effect on visibility. Furthermore, I don't have to 'deal' with any other people's chosen recreation. If I had to put a hold on my day for every ball game being played, jogger running his or her route, or boat being paddled I would simply go mental. With all due respect I don't think bikers are any more important than anybody else trying to get fresh air, some exercise.
If you want to make your point about driving too fast by putting yourself on a bike in the middle of the road while all the hard working farmers, tradesmen, or delivery people speed by with other things on their minds be my guest. Unfortunately I don't think you will be able to convince these people that your bike ride is more important than how they go about making their livings.
Again, I have no issues with the bikers who "manage" to bike single file, and wear visible clothing. But it's the 'deal with it' mentality where bikers "feel" they can ride two abreast, without making way for traffic as traffic makes way for them and so on... that's when I think I am entitled to some frustration.
In any case this doesn't relate to the Markham thread. All I want to say is that if you want to enjoy the countryside the Markham area has to offer be aware of the dangers, make yourself visible and above all- please be respectful.
Remind me to attach a briefcase to the back of my bike so that I will be considered "hard working" and worthy of being on the road.
By the way:
http://www.magma.ca/~ocbc/2abreast.html
http://www.magma.ca/~ocbc/hta2.html
http://www.magma.ca/~ocbc/
vBulletin® v3.7.3, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.